rheamarie

I would like to know of some of your favorite souvenirs to bring back. Usually you get home and wish you would have purchased more of one item or another. I know I read somewhere about the birch-maple syrup -- I have that on my list. I also plan to be in Anchorage on a Satuday and need to pass time before my evening flight out -- I understand that there is a local flea market downtown -- what should I look for there?

As I understand, made in Alaska carries a polar bear symbol and made by native --?

Any good local cheeses?

Visiting - Kennicot-Copper Valley; Denali; Talkeeta; Kenai & Seward. Thanks for your suggestions.

benj

A friend brought us back soap with alaskan gold flecks in it that was unique. Another thing was a wooden salad tosser thing that looks like a wooden hand. Haven't used it yet but it is a conversation piece.

peggi

I plan to bring back ulu knives, especially for my friends who like to cook. My teens are looking at the Ray Troll tee shirts. I'd love to hear more from folks who've already been, especially about the Saturday market in Anchorage. That's our very LAST day in Alaska and I'm afraid to wait until then to buy our souvenirs/gifts. Any advice??

makai1

Art !

tcapp

We also have an ULU knife that we brought back. There's an ULU knife store in Anchorage. I also brought back cute, cute magnets and a couple of thimbles.

Ai84

They also have a company that makes steins, vases and other items out of birch. They had a store in the Anchorage Mall, but this was 4 years ago so I don't know if they're still in the area. But I'm sure other sellers have similar items.

BudgetQueen

Be selective in Ulu purchases and buy quality. You MUST pack them in checked luggage. For co workers, school kids, I always buy plenty of Alaska Jack candy bars. Nice artwork on wrapper,and cheap from Walmart. Consider shopping there, very nice discounted selected Alaska souveniers. Bear claws are the salad tossers.

dfrostnh

The Saturday Market in Anchorage is a Public Market with crafts, fresh produce, music and food vendors. (In our area a flea market is used things.) We brought home frozen smoked salmon in an insulated case that I took as a carryon. I splurged on a really nice ulu knife with a handle made from antler for myself. You will also want the curved bowl cutting board. It's a wonderful kitchen tool. I got the factory ones for relatives. No cheeses that I know of, there is not much dairy in Alaska. There are some art galleries in Talkeetna. I got local soaps and local jewelry at a gift shop in Soldotna (next to Kenai), Malfunction Junction. Almost didn't stop because of the name but it was very nice with a lot of locally made items. Some of the earrings are made from a fish bone. I bought wonderful notecards in Seward one year made by a man who takes photos of the Auroras. There was a little story on each of how where he was and how he got that particular photo. Many Alaska artists have notecards made of their work. At the Public Market (there's a website with more information) we also got salmon treats for the cats. Local jellies were also available at the public market. You will find jellies made from fireweed honey, rosehips, cranberry, and some berries we don't have around here. Visit the Title Wave bookstore in Anchorage. You will also find a variety of cookbooks. I'm not sure how much cooking I will do out of them but there's some interesting local stories. I also stopped at a rubber stamp store in Homer where I was able to find some stamps of native symbols designed by a local artist. Since I love art and flowers, I also got a book by an artist I admired which told about her life as an artist in Alaska. Beautifully illustrated. You will also find locally made herbal teas. I even saved some paper cups which I think I got in Talkeetna at the health food store which have a beautiful illustration of the night sky.
Have fun. My souvenier ideas are from more than one trip but yes, I always worry about the weight of my luggage.

Gilbert

Go to the Alaska Native Medical Center Gift Ship and buy some authentic native made arts and crafts - baskets, dolls, ivory carvings, and wonderful sealskin beaded slippers.

Annabel

One thing I always bring back as a souvenir is a christmas decoration from every vacation. Even if it is not a so caled "christmas decoration", I make it into one. It fills our tree with fun memories.

rheamarie

Thanks for all of your suggestions -- especially the ULU knife -- that was news to me -- and that is what this forum is all about -- we learn so much from each other. Thankyou Fodorites!

letscruise

Hi There,
I have a gold charm bracelet and whenever we travel I buy a charm of something I've really enjoyed about the trip. Everytime I wear it the memories flood back.

Jayne1973

My favorite souvenirs are always earrings. Jewelers at open markets often work with native materials and you can usually find some one-of-a kind items. They are so easy to transport, too.

BelleReve

In Juneau, I bought a pretty pair of azurite earrings for a good friend, and would like to have earrings or a brooch made of this stone. It is a very unique semi-precious stone related to I believe malachite, and seems to be plentiful around Alaska.

I think the Alaska-themed Christmas ornaments make nice gifts as well.

BudgetQueen

If of interest, the enamel pins of William Spear on Franklin St. in Juneau are just one of a kind and also easy to transport.
http://www.wmspear.com/

guardian

Qiviut, ivory carvings, baleen, gold nugget jewelry, jade, soapstone carvings, paintings and charcoals, ulus, and, I think someone is still making stuff out of moose droppings if that suits your tastes.

There are many excellent items made in Alaska by Alaskans. I place qiviut highest on the list.

The polar bear = made in Alaska
The Hand = Native crafted

Raw ivory and baleen cannot be sold in Alaska. It has to have been worked....and that by a native only. It is the law.

starrsville

Something you will use after you get home.

Sometimes I bring back art.

From Alaska I brought back an ulu knife.

From the brocante markets in the south of France I brought back antique serving pieces.

One friend collects teacups from each trip.

If is wonderful to use a special memento of a trip.

klondike

I don't think anyone mentioned the teas...herbal teas made from local berries: cranberry, blueberry (my personal favorite), etc. There are great Alaskan cookbooks, many specializing in seafood, available in the bookstores/culinary stores. Bonus: they are light-weight.

You don't mention your budget, but you can find high end items like art, jewelry, hand-beaded shoes etc in the boutique-type stores and in the Walmart-type stores you can find tee-shirts, calendars, tea-towels etc.

I always make small talk and ask the shopkeeper about what they do in the wintertime...if they answer that they close down in the winter (usually to go work the Carribean circuit) I don't buy there. Nine times out of ten they work for the cruise lines, so aren't local. I prefer to use the locally owned businesses to support the local economy.

klondike

Please note: "Bonus: they are light" should follow my remark on TEAS, not cookbooks!

rheamarie

klondike : how very clever of you in gleaning info about the shopkeepers in regards to whether they are open/live year around! I agree, I would rather support the locals -- that is why were are here -- to meet, learn and take home reminders of our special time while visiting.

In regards to artwork -- I enjoy it but most of the time, I really can't place it in my decor -- and yes I like jewelery but I tend towards conservative attire because of my profession. Are there many photographers pitching their wares? Anyone have their favorites? I sometimes buy sketches or water colors of destinations to have framed up.

Thanks for all of the suggestions -- and keep them coming -- we all benefit from your thoughts.