Alaska Souvenirs To Take Home With You

There are certain places in the world that fall under the "once in a lifetime" category, and Alaska is one. While you're visiting The Last Frontier, you can experience so many great adventures — from watching glaciers calve and whales breach to riding with sled dogs to admiring salmon as they travel upstream from the unique viewpoint of a kayak.

With so many unique, artisanal crafts in the remote destination, you'll want to plan ahead to know what Alaska souvenirs to consider. Even if you're not usually a shopper, you'll want to bring something special home to remember the trip, so read on for 10 of the best Alaska souvenirs.

1. Birch Syrup

What it Is: What maple syrup is to Canada, birch syrup is to Alaska. This super sweet topping is made from the sap of birch trees and is delicious drizzled over everything from pancakes to ice cream.

Where to Get It: You can find it in grocery stores and places that sell Alaska souvenirs all over the state, but Kahiltna Birchworks in Talkeetna makes it fresh from the local sap harvest, which takes place from mid-May through mid-September, making it a unique Alaska gift.

2. Ivory Billiken

What it Is: While these little carved figures originated in St. Louis, Missouri, today, the Billiken is one of the best Alaska souvenirs. It found its place in Alaskan artwork in the mid-20th century and is thought to be good luck. The ivory comes from walrus tusks, which are legal in Alaska.

Where to Get It: You can get these good luck charms at Corrington Alaska Ivory in Skagway.

3. Bear Claws

What it Is: These wooden salad servers are functional, beautifully crafted and often sold with a matching salad bowl.

Where to Get It: Bear Claws can be found all over the state, but The Bear's Lair in Juneau sells gorgeous handmade ones crafted from sustainable kiln-dried birchwood and hand-rubbed with walnut oil.

4. Gold

What it Is: History buffs will know that the discovery of gold in Alaska was one of the moments that drew people to the area. During your trip, you can try your hand at gold panning and keep your findings for undoubtedly one of the best souvenirs from Alaska. Just consider yourself warned — it is harder than it looks!

Where to Get It: Crow Creek Gold Mine is 35 miles from Anchorage in Girdwood. Here, you can take a history-focused mining tour and then try prospecting for the precious metal with pans, shovels and buckets.

5. Alaskan Salmon

What it Is: While on your Alaskan vacation, you'll come across a lot of local salmon. From King to Sockeye, this wild fresh fish packs a flavorful punch and puts the farm-raised stuff from your hometown grocer to shame.

Where to Get It: After watching them swim upstream in Ketchikan, "the salmon capital of the world," walk over to Salmon Etc. (a shop on Mission Street) and have a crate of fresh wild King salmon — or locally smoked salmon — shipped home.

6. Local Artwork

What it Is: As you travel along the coast of Alaska, you'll see so many stunning pieces of artwork in local galleries, including sculptures, carvings, masks and even pottery. Art and crafts by indigenous people are some of the most interesting Alaska gifts you can find on your trip.

Where to Get It: Head to Fish Creek Co. in Ketchikan, where you will find hand-painted totems that were crafted from yellow cedar, signed by the artist and sold with story cards that describe the animals depicted.

7. Burl Bowls

What it Is: These bowls are crafted by wood sculptors from oddly shaped growths found on trees, making them one-of-a-kind creations. Most burl bowl vendors are happy to ship them to your home, so you don't have to worry about damaging them en route.

Where to Get It: At The Great Alaskan Bowl Company in Fairbanks, you can watch local artisans turn birch logs into one-of-a-kind bowls and bring one home.

8. Glacier Mud Spa Products

What it Is: Visiting a glacier is one of those bucket-list moments you don't want to miss. But did you know you can bring a bit of glacier home? Glacial mud masks are mainly sourced from the mineral-rich banks of Copper River, where the mud has detoxifying properties that are great for your skin.

Where to Get It: You can buy Alaska Glacial Essentials' detoxifying mud mask — sourced from Copper River mud mixed with wild Alaska botanicals — at Buckshot & Bobby Pins in Skagway, Alaska.

9. Ulu Knife

What it Is: You'll see vintage knives in museums across the state as you explore Alaska because this knife is steeped in history and was traditionally used by Yupik, Aleut and Inuit women. It's a handled knife with a beveled blade that is a practical and unique Alaska gift to give a home cook or to keep for yourself.

Where to Get It: You can buy them in many stores, but the best place to shop for one is the Ulu Factory in Anchorage, where they are made on-site. Make sure to ship home as knifes may not be allowed onboard your cruise.

10. Mukluks

What it Is: Once worn by the Native American tribes, mukluks are cozy boots that were originally made out of reindeer skin and designed to keep feet warm during the cold Alaska winters. A good pair of mukluks are some of the most useful souvenirs from Alaska, perfect for bundling up during the cold winter months.

Where to Get It: Alaska Fur Exchange in Anchorage sells mukluks handmade around the state from a variety of materials. Among less expensive and more modern options, you'll see boots crafted by Yupik Eskimo men and women.