If you are looking for the best souvenirs from Alaska you are in the right place! There are quite a few unique Alaska souvenirs to buy and if you have an idea of what you want before you arrive, when you see it you can pick it up, instead of having to think about it and not have a chance to get it later!
It does not matter if you are arriving by cruise ship or are road tripping up to the Northern frontier, there are lots of Alaskan gift ideas as well as souvenirs you may want to buy for yourself!
When I travel, I am usually looking for a small keepsake for myself, and something to bring home for friends. With the unique souvenirs from Alaska, you will have no problem picking out something they will love! (#4 is my personal favorite). Keep reading below for a list of souvenirs from Alaska that you can buy on your trip!
Top Alaska Souvenirs
Ulu Knives make the best souvenirs from Alaska
Ulu Knives are all-purpose knives traditionally used by Inuit women. They used these knives for more than cooking. They could cut hair or even shave blocks to make igloos.
Traditionally the handle was made from ivory or bone and sometimes wood. Slate was used as the blade. Today the blades are most commonly made from steel. If you or someone you know likes to get creative in the kitchen, this is one of the best Alaska souvenirs you can buy on your trip!
A recent reader comment suggested that the Ulu knives make excellent pizza cutters! I love having multi-purpose kitchen items to cut down on the number of things in my drawers!
Gifts from Alaska: Replica Bear Claw
These are by no means authentic, but a lot of fun! If you are looking for Alaskan gifts to buy for kids, or maybe just something cool to have in your own pocket, look for these replica bear claws!
Alaska Souvenirs Mukluks
Whether for fashion or function, the traditional footwear of those who inhabit the north make great souvenirs from Alaska! They were traditionally made from caribou skin or sealskin and worn by Inuit people.
The term mukluk typically describes any soft boot, whether using traditional or more modern materials. They are warm, keep your feet dry, and paired with jeans they are adorable!
Their traditional use was great for hunting as they allowed hunters to walk almost silently.
If you have not been to this part of the world before, make sure you book a Whale Watching Tour! They are absolutely amazing!
Native Artwork
Native artwork is a popular Alaska souvenir for any visitor.
Paintings and carvings made by native artists can be found all over the north and look beautiful whether framed and hung at home or on a mantle to tell a story of your trip.
This is also something I recommend for anyone visiting Canada. You can check out other things to buy in Canada here
Christmas Ornaments for your own tree or as great Alaska gifts
One of the popular things to buy when traveling is a Christmas ornament as a keepsake from your travels. When I am asked that to buy in Alaska, you will probably get a suggestion of a Christmas ornament! There are so many unique styles and sizes to suit your tastes!
This is something you can easily collect anywhere you go! You will find these in popular tourist hotspots like Hawaii that have entire stores dedicated to Christmas ornaments! When visiting Alaska, a Christmas ornament makes a great souvenir or Chirstmas gift for someone back home! You will find them in most souvenir shops.
Birch Syrup
It is not maple syrup, it’s birch syrup, but it is collected in a similar manner as maple syrup.
Its use, however, is most commonly used in glazes and sauces in dishes such as salmon or port.
It is something you will also find as an ingredient in local beers and even ice cream! If you get a chance to visit a grocery store in Alaska, pick up some birch syrup to add to your cooking back home!
Bear Claw Salad Servers Alaskan Souvenirs
Have you ever seen Alaskan bear claw salad servers?
If not, then you need to see them out when you visit Alaska!
No more awkward spoons trying to make it to your plate at dinner. These bear claw salad servers make grabbing salad so much easier! And a bonus is that kids love them too! If you are looking for one of the best Alaskan souvenirs or gifts, then I highly suggest you consider the salad servers! Try them with pasta the next time you make it too!
Jade Alaska Souvenirs
Alaskan jade can be sparkling in gift shops all over Alaska. Its smooth surface and luminescent colors are part of what makes it so appealing.
Alaskan jade most commonly comes from Dall, Shungnak, and Kobuk river. They have been used to make tools, weapons, and jewelry.
You can find jade carvings of all types of animals and statues. It also makes beautiful earrings, necklaces, and rings. Pick up one of these souvenirs of Alaska while you visit this diverse and beautiful state.
Photo Memories
If you are like me and believe that photo memories are one of the best parts of a trip, then book yourself a professional photo shoot! These are one of my favorite things to do when I travel and they make not only perminant souvenirs, but awesome gifts from Alaska to send to family and friends! Make sure you book this in advance, as you want to make sure your chosen photographer is available!
Smoked Salmon
Alaska is known for fresh salmon and smoked salmon is the perfect gift to pick up on your trip. It is easy to transport home! Make sure to enjoy as much salmon as you can while you are in Alaska, you likely wont find it fresher anywhere else, except maybe Vancouver!
If you are new to smoked salmon then you are in for a treat. Add it to crackers or a bagel that are topped with cream cheese. Top with a few capers and you will not find a better snack out there!
Gold
Alaska has a long history with gold. If you get the chance, make sure to try panning for some gold! If you are lucky enough to find a small nugget, bring it home! If not, you can always pick some up in the many Alaska gift shops all over. We did a gold tour when my family cruised from Vancouver to Alaska. It was our first cruise and you can read some of the mistakes I made along the way.
Glacial Mud
Everyone has heard of mud from the Dead Sea, it is one of the most popular things to buy in Jordan. But now you have heard of glacial mud! Glacial mud is sourced from the mineral-rich Copper River. It has several healing and detoxifying properties that can soften and transform skin. You can find it in specialty stores in products such as facial masks and mineral soap bars.
ALASKA TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR 2023
There are a few other things to think about when it comes to travel. The first thing is travel insurance. Whether it is an emergency room visit for something as simple as strep throat, or an emergency appendix surgery, or an unfortunate moped incident things do go wrong when people travel every day.
I highly suggest travel insurance and a good policy. I personally never travel without it, and I even checked into my policy about care for my children if I am ever in an accident or hospitalized. There are just too many things to think about.
Looking for the perfect city tour, day tour, bus tour, & skip-the-line tickets? Start with Get Your Guide and Viator Tours. They offer several tours all over Alaska.
Find the best hotel selection on booking.com
Want a local authentic meal? Browse eatwith.com to find food tours, cooking classes and unique local foodie experiences!
Find information and cruise reviews on cruisecritic.com
Ensure you have proper insurance coverage, consider World Nomads.
Capture those memories! Book a romantic or family photoshoot while on holiday! Click Here to find a local photographer. Use code LINDSAY to save $25 off your first photoshoot!
Lindsay Nieminen hails from Vancouver, Canada and shares her love of travel on this website. She is passionate about showing others that they should not put off traveling the world just because they have young children or are single parents. She aims to encourage them to seek out adventure, whether it is at home or abroad by providing information on how just about everywhere can be a destination to explore as a family.
Tamara
Saturday 6th of April 2019
Ulu knives and bear claws are very practical souvenirs. They are a great way to remember your time in Alaska and not get shoved in a closet unused. Ulu knives are fantastic for cutting up pizza.
Lindsay Nieminen
Tuesday 9th of April 2019
OHHHH Pizza knife! What a great suggestion! I will have to try that!