10 Top Alaska Souvenirs to Remember Your Cruise

There are certain places in the world that fall under the "once in a lifetime" category, and Alaska is one of them. While you're visiting “The Last Frontier,” you can experience so many great adventures. Watch glaciers calve and whales breach or ride with sled dogs and admire the salmon from a kayak. There are many unique, artisanal crafts in this remote destination, so you'll want to plan ahead to know what Alaska souvenirs are worthy. We’ve got 10 of the best Alaska souvenirs for you to consider.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Alaskan Souvenir and Gifting Guide

What souvenirs to buy in Alaska, you wonder? Here’s your quick summary for the perfect gifts from Alaska to purchase just before you cruise back home:

● Best souvenir to get from Alaska: It’s widely agreed that ulu knives, birch syrup, smoked salmon and mukluks are among the best souvenirs to purchase when in Alaska.

● Best souvenir from Ketchikan in Alaska: The best Ketchikan souvenirs include a range of local artwork and Alaskan salmon.

● Best souvenirs from Skagway in Alaska: For a piece of Skagway, take home billiken figures or specialty glacier mud beauty, bath and spa products.

● Best souvenirs from Juneau in Alaska: Juneau is most famous for its bear claws, which make unique gifts for friends and family after an Alaskan cruise holiday.

● Best Alaska jewelry souvenirs: For something from Alaska that shines, shimmers and sparkles, opt for jade and ivory jewelry.

● Other unique Alaska souvenir ideas: Other out-of-the-box and super cool souvenirs from Alaska include reindeer sausage (for shipping), wild berry syrups and jams, Alaskan chaga tea, kelp pickles, Alaska sea salt and luxury qiviut wool items.

● Start your unforgettable Alaskan adventure from cruise ports in Skagway, Juneau or Ketchikan.

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. Kahiltna Birchworks in Talkeetna makes it fresh from the local sap harvest, which takes place from mid-May through mid-September.

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’s Alaskan 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. The Bear's Lair in Juneau sells gorgeous handmade originals 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 major 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’s 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 SalmonETC (a shop on Mission Street) and order a crate of fresh wild King salmon — or locally smoked salmon — to be 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 Company 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 burl bowls to buy and take 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, and, in fact, you can take a bit of glacier home with you. 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 Essential Skincare’s 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. Among them is a special knife steeped in history that 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 — the best place to shop for one is the Ulu Factory in Anchorage, where they are made on-site. Make sure to ship home instead of attempting to pack your new souvenir in your luggage, since knives may not be allowed onboard your Alaska 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 is one of the most popular souvenirs from Alaska, perfect for bundling up during the cold winter months.

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

Get a Gift To Remind You of Alaska for Years To Come

The beauty of a cruise trip and vacation in Alaska is that you get to experience a myriad of authentic Alaskan heritage and local artisans. What’s the best way to capture all that Alaskan spirit and take it home with you? Purchasing special gifts, of course! Luckily, there are plenty of Alaska souvenir shops to scour — whether you’re in Ketchikan, Skagway or Juneau. Choose from local and sustainable products to a growing consumer trend of modern-inspired trinkets, jewels, gems and travel-friendly artifacts.

So, one last time, what are the best souvenirs from Alaska? The ones that help recall the joy and wonder of your Alaskan vacation. Look for unique finds on a cruise to Alaska this year!