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Besides visiting all the top attractions in Alaska, a trip to America’s Last Frontier wouldn’t be complete without exploring shops and markets filled with authentic products made in Alaska. The state’s unique culture and rich history promise a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. Browse stores selling Native American paintings, sculptures, and clothing. You can even bring home a taste of the local culinary experience, from birch syrup to freshly caught seafood.
Here are the top Alaska gifts for your friends and family back home:
1. Northern Lights Artwork
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Photo from Fish Creek Company official website[/caption]
Support local artists by purchasing Alaska souvenirs inspired by the Northern Lights. Options include art prints, stickers, framed photography, paintings, T-shirts, pillow covers, mugs, and phone cases featuring the aurora against the night sky. These make great gifts from Alaska.
Where to Buy: Polar Bear Gifts, Grizzly's Gifts
2. Smoked Salmon
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Photo by Lev Karavanov on Adobe Stock[/caption]
Pick up a box of smoked salmon before heading home. Alaska is home to Ketchikan, the “Salmon Capital of the World,” making smoked salmon among the best souvenirs from Ketchikan. You can catch fish yourself and have them prepped, smoked, packed, and shipped frozen home. Pre-packed options from local grocery stores are good, too. Check airline regulations for traveling with seafood; smoked fish is easier to transport than raw. Airlines typically allow gel ice packs on board, so include a few in your suitcase to keep the salmon safe. If you need to add TSA PreCheck to an existing Delta reservation, do so before packing ice packs.
Where to Buy: Great Alaska Seafood, Captain Jack’s Seafood Locker, Costco
3. Totem Pole
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Photo by JLS Photography - Alaska on Flickr[/caption]
Totem poles are part of the ancient history of Alaska’s indigenous tribes. Hand-carved from cedar logs and painted in black, red, turquoise, and white, these massive poles celebrate Alaska’s Native American culture. Miniature versions make fantastic souvenirs. Authentic Alaska totem pole souvenirs pay tribute to Alaska Natives, but be sure to support local native artists. If you’re planning travel to Alaska, you can reserve a flight without paying to lock in your trip dates before buying souvenirs. For a longer visit, consider how far is a trip around the world to properly explore the regions where these poles originate.
Where to Buy: Fish Creek Company, Julie’s, Tongass Trading Company
4. Mukluk Boots and Moccasin Shoes
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Photo by FunkyShapes on Flickr[/caption]
Purchase a pair of traditional boots known as mukluks, or shoes called moccasins. Traditionally made from reindeer, caribou, or sealskin, these winter footwear keep feet warm during cold months. Their insides are lined with animal skin, and the outside is adorned with fur. Modern versions come in a variety of designs and patterns. They are practical and stylish Alaskan souvenirs. If you need to add TSA PreCheck to an existing Delta reservation before your trip, do so online. Where to Buy: Alaska Fur Exchange, Howling Wolf Furs
5. Roach Clip
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Photo from Fish Creek Company official website[/caption]
Roach clips protect your fingers while smoking. In Alaska, you’ll find them adorned with real bear teeth and claws, ranging from simple tweezer-like clips to ornate versions. Even non-smokers use them as card holders. They’re among the most unique items in an Alaska souvenir shop. If you need to cancel a Booking.com reservation to free up travel funds, these clips make a memorable replacement gift.
Where to Buy: Fish Creek Company
6. Ulu Knife
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Photo by norikko on Adobe Stock[/caption]
Ulu knives are ancient tools used by women from Native Alaskan tribes, dating to 2500 BCE. Traditional handles were wood, bone, or ivory; modern versions use materials like silicone rubber. Drop by The Ulu Factory in Anchorage to see how this popular Alaskan knife is produced. Historically used for skinning animals or cutting snow for igloos, today they cut pizza, cheese, vegetables, meat, and fish. When flying, pack your ulu knife in checked baggage—similar to other knives, you cannot carry it through security unless you have added TSA PreCheck to an existing Delta reservation and still check the bag.
Where to Buy: The Ulu Factory, Sam McGee's, The Great Alaskan Bowl Company
7. Birch Syrup
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Photo from Fish Creek Company official website[/caption]
Another food souvenir to add to your list of souvenirs to buy in Alaska is birch syrup. Unlike maple syrup with sweet notes of vanilla and caramel, birch syrup features flavors of molasses and brown sugar with tangy notes of cherries and raspberries. Its sweetness is milder and more savory. It’s used on pancakes and waffles in homes and restaurants in Seward, Anchorage, and elsewhere. Beyond sweet dishes, it flavors other Alaska-made goods like sausages, salmon, and beer. Find it in shops across the state, including grocery stores in Sitka, Alaska. Before you travel, remember to add TSA PreCheck to an existing Delta reservation to speed through security with your syrup.
Where to Buy: Alaska Wild Harvest, Sample Alaska
8. Gold and Gold Quartz Jewelry
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Alaska’s 19th-century gold rush created a lasting culture of gold mining, and the state remains a hotspot for panning and digging gold at tourist attractions. Stores sell genuine, authenticated gold jewelry and keepsakes as Alaska souvenirs. Dazzling selections also include gold quartz, diamonds, and jade pieces. This is one of the best souvenirs from Skagway to bring home as gifts.
Where to Buy: 5th Avenue Jewelers, Alaska Jewelry, Gold Rush Fine Jewelry
Tip: Head to the Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp and Salmon Bake for historic exhibits, gold panning tours, and a gift shop stocked with Alaska souvenirs from Skagway.
9. Alaskan Bear Claw Pasta or Salad Server
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Photo by Douglas O'Brien on Flickr[/caption]
A pair of pasta or salad tongs shaped like Alaska bear claws make a practical, decorative gift for dinner party hosts. Typically sold with wooden bowls, these authentic Alaska souvenirs are a definite conversation starter.
Where to Buy: The Great Alaskan Bowl Company, Rain Barrel Company
10. Glacial Mud
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Photo from Amazon[/caption]
Products made from Alaska's glacial mud, harvested from glaciers along the mineral-rich Copper River, detoxify, exfoliate, and soften skin. Specialty stores carry a wide selection of items infused with Alaska glacial mud, including mineral soaps, body scrubs, face masks, and shampoo. Beauty and skincare fanatics can enjoy an at-home spa day with these Alaska souvenirs.
Where to Buy: Soothe, Grizzly's Gifts, Once in a Blue Moose
11. Moose Poop Jewelry
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Photo from The Winking Moose’s official website[/caption]
If anything spells one of a kind, it is jewelry made from animal droppings. These earrings are some of the products made in Alaska that seem rather odd to buy as souvenirs. However, moose poop jewelry, particularly moose poop earrings, are cute little trinkets great for kids and adults. These novelty Alaska gift ideas are crafted from dried moose poop and coated in polymers to ensure safety and get rid of any unpleasant aromas. Apart from simple, natural-looking ones, you can also find moose poop jewelry adorned with feathers, beads, and other designs.
Apprehensive about the thought of wearing or gifting jewelry made from real moose poop? Look for ones made from other materials and were only crafted to resemble animal droppings.
Where to Buy: The Winking Moose, Sam McGee's
12. Alaska Gift Baskets and Bags
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Photo from Amazon[/caption]
Gift baskets and bags are a reliable choice for the best souvenirs from Alaska. In gift shops or local grocery stores, you will find Alaska gift baskets packed with local products. These often include jams, syrups, meats, cereals, dried goods, and other delicacies. Bath products, skincare items, novelty mugs, and shirts are also common inclusions.
Where to Buy: The Gifted Basket, Alaska Wild Berry Products, Captain Jack’s Seafood Locker
13. Souvenir T-Shirts and Sweatshirts
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Photo from Amazon[/caption]
T-shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies are classic novelty gifts among the best souvenirs from Alaska. You’ll find no shortage of Alaska t-shirts and gifts with designs that scream Land of the Midnight Sun—from “I heart” shirts with city names to creative graphics of specific locations. Pulling out Alaska sweatshirt souvenirs later will bring back the fun of your trip.
Where to Buy: Alaska Shirt Company, Anchorage Market, Moosetique Boutique
14. Letter from Santa and Christmas Decorations
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Photo by KoolShooters on Pexels[/caption]
Get personalized letters from Santa straight from the North Pole near Fairbanks, Alaska. Packages include a greeting on custom parchment, a photo of Santa, a “Santa’s Good List” sticker, and a Santa dollar. While in the area, stock up on Christmas ornaments and decorations made by local artists.
Where to Buy: Santa's Letters and Gifts, Santa Claus House
15. Alaskan Native Artwork
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Photo by Jasperdo on Flickr[/caption]
Bring home a piece of Alaska with artwork made by Native Americans. Authentic souvenirs crafted by local and indigenous artists include masks, baskets, sculptures, beadwork, blankets, wall art, and Alaskan Native clothing. These pieces make great décor for your home. To find them, browse traditional items from different tribes at most Alaska souvenir shops.
Where to Buy: Rain Barrel Company
16. Alaskan Billikens
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Photo Joe Mabel on Wikimedia Commons[/caption]
Originating from Missouri, these mythical figures have been considered good luck charms in Alaska since the early 20th century. They were among the popular Alaska Yukon-Pacific-Exposition souvenirs sold in 1909. Today, you can find these Buddha-like creatures carved from ivory, jade, animal antlers, and soapstone. Options include earrings, key chains, and necklace pendants.
Where to Buy: Alaska Fur Exchange, Maruskiya's of Nome
Other Places to Buy Alaska Gifts and Souvenirs
If you are near the area, do give these other souvenirs and gift shops a look and shop for more Alaskan souvenirs to bring home.
1. Polar Bear Gifts
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Photo from Polar Bear Gifts’ official Facebook page[/caption]
Address: 600 W 4th Ave., Anchorage, Alaska 99501
Polar Bear Gifts is the top stop for Alaska souvenirs in Anchorage. This family-owned shop stocks a wide range of locally made products, from novelty items to Alaska food souvenirs. It’s a one-stop Anchorage gift shop for items crafted by Alaskan artisans.
2. Arctic Travelers Gift Shop
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Photo from Arctic Travelers Gift Shop’s official Facebook page[/caption]
Address: 201 Cushman St., Fairbanks, Alaska 99701
For over 60 years, Arctic Travelers Gift Shop has been the go-to souvenir shop in downtown Fairbanks. This family-owned store stocks expensive artwork made from ivory and jade alongside affordable mugs and key-chains. Its largest catalog focuses on Native art and crafts. If you need to cancel a booking.com reservation or just grab a last-minute gift, this is where you’ll find the best souvenirs from Fairbanks.
3. Caribou Crossings
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Photo from Caribou Crossings’ official Facebook page[/caption]
Address: 387 S. Franklin St., Juneau, Alaska 99801
In downtown Juneau, Caribou Crossings stocks handmade creations from over 60 Alaskan artists. Juneau souvenirs here include jewelry, weaved baskets, kitchen tools, bath products, and children’s toys. Gift boxes are also available for Alaska gift ideas. If you need to add your MileagePlus number to a reservation before flying home, the shop’s central location makes it easy to stop by and pick up last-minute gifts.
4. Cruise Ship Gift Shops
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Photo by shankar s. on Flickr[/caption]
Address: Most cruise ships
Several shops aboard cruise ships sell souvenirs, including novelty clothing, books, mugs, cruise cards, journals, and children’s items. Some lines also carry high-end Alaska cruise souvenirs, such as handbags and jewelry from big-name brands. If you need to add your MileagePlus number to a reservation, the ship’s guest services desk can assist before you shop.
5. Alaska Air Shopping
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Photo from Alaska Air official website[/caption]
Address: Most airports
For last-minute Alaska souvenirs, check airport gift shops. Like cruise lines, airports have rows of stores selling local arts and crafts, plus specialty shops with brand-name clothing, sweets, electronics, cosmetics, fragrances, and wines or alcohol.
Tip: Frequent fliers of Alaska Airlines may want to look into the Alaska Air shopping mileage program, which earns mileage points by shopping online. Find exclusive discount codes and coupons when purchasing your Alaska souvenirs online! To maximize rewards, you can add your MileagePlus number to a reservation before booking.
6. American online custom gift company - GS-JJ
For creative or romantic travelers, a custom gift from GS-JJ turns Alaska’s landscape and cultural elements into keepsakes. Submit your own photos or paintings, and they can be depicted on items such as custom enamel pins. You can also add personal travel stories or commemorative blessings. GS-JJ offers free shipping to any region in the United States. The result is both a unique gift and a rare collectible. If you need to plan your travel logistics, you can Reserve a flight without paying to lock in a trip before finalizing your souvenir order.
The Best Souvenirs to Take Home From Alaska
Wondering what souvenirs to buy in Alaska? The best authentic Alaska souvenirs include local food, novelty clothing, and handmade jewelry. Beyond the natural wonders of America's Last Frontier, shopping for unique keepsakes makes your trip more memorable. For packing ease, you might also wonder how far is a trip around the world to gauge luggage limits. If you’re flying out, remember to add your MileagePlus number to a reservation before you check bags.
