Alaska isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a place to remember. Its souvenirs reflect the state's natural beauty, rich Indigenous heritage, and quirky charm. From handcrafted animal plushies to jewelry inspired by the northern lights, Alaskan keepsakes are often cute, meaningful, and locally made.
Whether you’re shopping in a cozy coastal town or at a native craft market, you’ll find items that go beyond typical tourist fare. This guide highlights the cutest things to buy in Alaska—authentic, creative finds that capture the spirit of the Last Frontier.
Handmade & Local Crafts: Authentic Alaskan Keepsakes with Meaning
Alaska’s handcrafted items reflect generations of Native artistry and a deep connection to the land. These unique crafts make for thoughtful souvenirs that carry cultural significance and natural beauty. When shopping for handmade goods, you’re supporting local communities and preserving traditions—making these gifts truly special.
Mini Totem Poles
Mini totem poles are scaled-down versions of the large wooden sculptures carved by Indigenous artists, primarily from the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples. Each pole tells a story—representing family lineage, animals, or spiritual beliefs—and carries symbolic meaning you won’t find in mass-produced souvenirs.
These small poles, often hand-carved from cedar wood and hand-painted, make meaningful decorative pieces or gifts. Expect prices typically between $50 and $150, depending on size and detail. When buying, look for authenticity and ask about the artist’s background to ensure you’re getting a genuine piece.
Ulu Knives (Miniature Versions)
The ulu is a traditional all-purpose knife used by Alaska Native women for centuries. Miniature versions of these knives are crafted both as collectibles and functional art, often decorated with engraved handles or etched blades that showcase Alaskan wildlife or cultural motifs.
These mini ulus make excellent display items or small gifts and are usually priced around $30 to $75, depending on craftsmanship and materials. While some are purely decorative, many are fully sharpened and functional. Buying from local artisans ensures you get an authentic piece with a story.
Alaskan Birch Bowls & Spoons
Handcrafted from sustainably harvested Alaskan birch, these rustic bowls and spoons are eco-friendly, durable, and showcase the natural beauty of the wood grain. Many are carved by local woodworkers, making each piece unique with slight variations in color and texture.
Perfect for everyday use or as decorative kitchenware, prices generally range from $25 to $80 for bowls and $10 to $30 for spoons. These items combine practicality with a touch of Alaskan wilderness, ideal for those who appreciate both craftsmanship and nature.
Pro Tip: When shopping for handmade Alaskan crafts, always ask about the artist and materials. Supporting local creators not only ensures authenticity but also helps sustain traditional art forms that might otherwise fade away.
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Animal-Themed Souvenirs: Celebrating Alaska’s Wildlife with Charm
Alaska’s wilderness is one of its most defining features—and local souvenirs often reflect that deep connection to nature. Animal-themed gifts are not only cute but also iconic, capturing the essence of the state’s diverse wildlife. These keepsakes range from playful plush toys to artisan-made sculptures, appealing to travelers of all ages.
Moose & Bear Plush Toys
Moose and bears are some of Alaska’s most beloved animal icons, and you’ll find them in the form of soft, cuddly plush toys in nearly every gift shop. These stuffed animals are especially popular with children and make great gifts for families back home.
Many are dressed in fun Alaska-branded hoodies, hats, or park ranger outfits, adding to their charm. You can usually find these plushies priced between $10 and $30, depending on size and detailing. They’re lightweight, packable, and a fun way to remember your trip.
Walrus Ivory or Carved Bone Miniatures
These intricate carvings, often made from fossilized walrus ivory, caribou antler, or ethically sourced bone, are rooted in Indigenous Alaskan art traditions. Artisans typically craft miniatures of animals like walruses, seals, whales, or birds—each piece telling a silent story through form and texture.
Look for certified ethical or fossilized ivory options to ensure your purchase supports sustainable and respectful practices. Prices for authentic pieces range from $75 to $300+, depending on size, material, and artist reputation. These make exceptional heirloom-style gifts or collectibles for serious art lovers.
Salmon & Puffin Figurines
Salmon represent life and sustenance in Alaska, while puffins—those colorful, wide-eyed seabirds—have become unofficial mascots of the coastline. Figurines featuring these animals come in a variety of materials, including ceramic, carved wood, soapstone, or hand-blown glass.
They’re perfect for home décor or as unique desk ornaments. Many are handmade and painted by local artists. Expect pricing to range from $15 to $60, depending on material and craftsmanship. They’re lightweight and easy to transport, making them great gifts for wildlife enthusiasts.
Travel Tip: If you’re flying with fragile figurines or carvings, ask if the shop offers protective packaging or shipping. Supporting artists directly at local galleries or native-owned gift shops often ensures better quality and authenticity.
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Nature-Inspired Jewelry & Accessories: Wear a Piece of Alaska’s Beauty
If you want a wearable reminder of your Alaskan adventure, look no further than nature-inspired jewelry. These accessories are more than just beautiful—they reflect the state’s landscapes, wildlife, and Indigenous artistry. Whether you’re into delicate florals or bold, aurora-inspired colors, these treasures make meaningful, personal souvenirs.
Forget-Me-Not Jewelry (Alaska’s State Flower)
The forget-me-not, Alaska’s state flower, is a symbol of remembrance and lasting connection. Local artisans often incorporate this tiny blue blossom into necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, using real dried flowers encased in resin or delicately shaped enamel designs.
These make thoughtful gifts for loved ones—or a sentimental token for yourself. Pricing ranges from $20 to $70, depending on the craftsmanship and material (silver, gold-plated, or resin). Look for handmade pieces at artisan markets or museum gift shops for quality and authenticity.
Aurora Borealis Glass Jewelry
Inspired by the mesmerizing colors of the Northern Lights, Aurora Borealis jewelry captures shifting greens, purples, and blues in glass or crystal. Local glassblowers and jewelers create earrings, pendants, and rings that shimmer like the night sky over Denali.
These vibrant accessories are eye-catching conversation starters, and many are made with dichroic glass that changes hue with movement. You’ll find items priced between $25 and $100, with higher-end pieces featuring sterling silver or hand-forged details.
Scrimshaw Pendants or Charms
Scrimshaw is a traditional form of engraving or carving, historically done on ivory or bone by sailors and Native artisans. Today, ethical alternatives like fossilized mammoth ivory, antler, or resin are used to create charms, pendants, and earrings etched with wildlife scenes, native patterns, or coastal landscapes.
Each piece is unique and rich in detail, making them excellent keepsakes for collectors. Depending on the material and intricacy, prices typically range from $40 to $250. When buying, look for artist-signed pieces and ask about the material’s origin to ensure authenticity.
Shopping Tip: Nature-inspired jewelry is often found at local art cooperatives, Indigenous-run stores, or specialty boutiques in towns like Anchorage, Juneau, or Sitka. Supporting these outlets not only gets you a high-quality piece but also contributes to Alaska’s cultural economy.
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Cozy & Cute Apparel: Wearable Memories with Alaskan Charm
Alaska’s chilly climate inspires a range of adorable and practical apparel that makes perfect souvenirs. These cozy items aren't just for warmth—they’re a fun way to show off your Alaskan adventure, support local makers, and bring a piece of the Last Frontier into your everyday wardrobe.
Alaska-Themed Socks & Mittens
Soft, warm, and full of personality, these are perfect for all ages. Designs often feature moose, grizzly bears, northern lights, or snow-capped mountains, all knitted into thick wool or fleece-lined fabric. Some even include "Alaska" stitched into the cuff for an extra souvenir feel.
- Great for gifts or stocking stuffers
- Found in gift shops, airport stores, or holiday markets
- Price range: $8 to $25 depending on materials (wool, fleece, or synthetic blends)
Graphic Tees & Baby Onesies
T-shirts with humorous Alaskan quotes like "I moose be dreaming" or "Bearly awake before coffee" are a hit with tourists. They’re often locally screen-printed and come in a variety of styles—from vintage prints to bold wildlife graphics.
Don’t skip the baby section: Alaska-themed onesies feature animals in winter gear or funny slogans like “Born to Be Wild (in Alaska)”, making them perfect baby shower gifts.
- Price range: $15 to $35 for adult sizes; $10 to $20 for baby items
- Many shops offer size-inclusive and eco-friendly cotton options
Knitted Beanies or Headbands
Hand-knitted beanies, ear warmers, and headbands are practical and cute, especially when made by local crafters using natural fibers like yak wool, alpaca, or merino blends. Look for items that feature native patterns, snowflakes, or wildlife silhouettes.
These cozy pieces are ideal for layering during outdoor excursions or cold-weather travel and are often available in souvenir stores or at farmers’ markets.
- Price range: $18 to $45 depending on fiber quality and artisan craftsmanship
- Some come with artisan tags or descriptions about the knitter or region
Shopping Tip: To get the most authentic finds, skip the big box stores and check out local co-ops, First Friday markets, or handmade-only boutiques in cities like Talkeetna, Fairbanks, and Seward.
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Whimsical & Quirky Finds: Fun, Lighthearted Souvenirs That Capture Alaska’s Spirit
If you want souvenirs that spark smiles and capture Alaska’s playful side, quirky gifts are the way to go. These fun items reflect the state’s unique character and offer lighthearted ways to remember your trip or surprise friends with something unexpected.
Moose Poop Candy and Gag Gifts
“Moose Poop” candy is a classic Alaskan novelty that’s both silly and surprisingly tasty. Typically made from chocolate-covered nuts or berries, it’s packaged with humorous labels that make it a popular gag gift. Alongside this, you’ll find other playful items like “Bear Breath Mints” or mosquito-themed magnets poking fun at Alaska’s infamous bugs. These novelty gifts usually cost between $5 and $12, making them affordable tokens for a laugh or stocking stuffers.
“Alaskan Grown” Stickers and Magnets
For something colorful and practical, “Alaskan Grown” stickers and magnets celebrate local pride with fun designs of wildlife, landscapes, and iconic state symbols. Lightweight and easy to pack, they’re perfect for decorating water bottles, laptops, or refrigerators back home. Prices typically range from $2 to $8, and you can find them at farmers markets, visitor centers, and local shops showcasing regional art.
Alaska-Themed Christmas Ornaments
Alaska-themed Christmas ornaments make charming keepsakes that double as annual reminders of your adventure. From puffins in winter scarves to intricate Northern Lights scenes crafted in glass or wood, these ornaments are often handmade by local artisans. They range in price from $8 to $25 and are especially popular during the holidays, but many shops carry them year-round. Choosing ornaments from local craft fairs or museum stores also supports Alaska’s creative community.
Shopping Tip: When buying whimsical souvenirs, explore local markets, small boutiques, and museum gift shops for authentic, artist-made items that stand out from generic tourist fare. These playful keepsakes carry the spirit of Alaska’s humor and wild charm, perfect for lightening up your collection or gifting a smile.
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Where to Shop for Cute Alaskan Items: Your Go-To Places for Authentic Souvenirs
When shopping for charming Alaskan keepsakes, it’s important to choose stores that offer quality, unique items—so you don’t end up with generic souvenirs that fade or break quickly. Here are some of the best spots where you can find meaningful, well-crafted Alaska-themed gifts without overspending.
Polar Bear Gifts
Located conveniently on 4th Avenue in downtown Anchorage, Polar Bear Gifts stands out as one of the largest and most reliable souvenir shops in the area. Their wide selection covers everything from cozy t-shirts and sweatshirts to shot glasses, magnets, housewares, and decorative figurines. What makes this store a favorite is the balance of quality and price—three decent-quality t-shirts for $37 is a deal that’s hard to beat. If you want a one-stop shop that combines variety and reasonable prices, Polar Bear Gifts is a solid choice for travelers looking to bring home authentic Alaska memories.
Grizzly’s Gifts
If you’re after souvenirs that will last and feel truly special, Grizzly’s Gifts in Anchorage is the place to go. Unlike many outlets offering mass-produced, cheap products, Grizzly’s focuses on quality and unique items that truly reflect Alaska’s spirit. Their curated selection includes durable apparel, handcrafted goods, and gifts that stand the test of time. The store layout is welcoming and easy to navigate, with helpful staff ready to guide your choices. Bonus: If you’re staying at the Anchorage Historic Hotel, you can enjoy a discount here. It’s definitely worth skipping the typical tourist traps to shop here.
Arctic Travelers Gift Shop
Nestled in a lively building with restaurants, cafés, and boutiques, Arctic Travelers Gift Shop in Fairbanks offers a diverse and charming shopping experience. Beyond souvenirs, the space itself is memorable—with an old piano and taxidermy displays adding character. Their collection of Alaskan gifts is extensive and priced fairly, perfect for those wanting quality without paying a premium. Whether you’re looking for a special keepsake, gifts for kids or pets, or just browsing, the friendly staff—especially at the jewelry section—make this shop a welcoming stop. If you’re visiting Fairbanks, this is the place to find authentic Alaskan souvenirs without venturing far or paying too much.
Pro Tip: To find the best deals and unique pieces, visit these stores early in your trip. This gives you time to compare options and avoid last-minute impulse buys at airport shops, which tend to be pricier and less authentic. Supporting local shops also helps sustain Alaska’s small business community and preserves its rich cultural heritage.
FAQs: Shopping for Cute Alaskan Souvenirs
Shopping for unique Alaskan gifts can be exciting, but it often comes with a few common questions. Here are answers to some important queries to help you shop smarter and bring home meaningful souvenirs with confidence.
1. Are Alaskan souvenirs generally safe to bring back home?
Yes! Most souvenirs like handcrafted jewelry, apparel, and decorative items are safe and easy to bring back in your luggage. However, some natural items such as certain animal products or plants might have restrictions depending on your home country’s customs regulations. Always check with customs officials before packing items like ivory carvings or animal bones to avoid any legal issues.
2. How can I be sure the souvenirs I buy are authentic and support local artisans?
Look for shops that specifically mention supporting Indigenous artists or local craftsmen. Many genuine pieces come with certificates or tags explaining the origin and materials used. Buying from cooperative stores, museum gift shops, or Indigenous-run outlets is a good way to ensure your purchase benefits the community and is truly authentic.
3. What is the best time of year to shop for unique Alaskan gifts?
Summer (June to August) is the peak tourist season, with many artisan markets, festivals, and pop-up shops operating, offering the widest variety of unique and handmade items. Winter holidays also feature special markets and seasonal goods, but some stores may have limited hours during the off-season. Planning your shopping trip around these times can maximize your chances of finding exclusive treasures.