Alaska is one of those places that seems to be on everyone's bucket list. A true dream destination. A place to have once-in-a-lifetime adventures like whale watching, dog sledding, and glacier hiking.
We definitely had some amazing experiences on our recent cruise to Alaska and just had to bring home the most perfect souvenirs! Even though I couldn't bring home one of those gorgeous sled dogs, we managed to find some other fantastic keepsakes.
Read on to see what you should leave room for in your suitcase when venturing to Alaska!
Gold
The thirst for gold sent many to the wilds of Alaska during the gold rush, some striking it rich! Today, you can continue this tradition, and we did just that by panning for our own gold at the Klondike Gold Fields in Skagway.
We found a combined $28.90 in gold that we had encased in a locket for safe-keeping.
How would you like to say that you found the very gold you're wearing? It definitely makes for a cool story.
Vials of gold flakes can be purchased at most souvenir shops at reasonable prices if you'd like to take some home to friends and family as well.
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Salmon
The number one food to try and buy in Alaska has to be the salmon. Caught straight from Alaska's waters, this is some of the freshest fish we've ever had!
On our cruise, many of the excursions offered also included a salmon bake, but our cruise ship treated us to a salmon bake right onboard!
Salmon is available for purchase at most souvenir shops in boxes, bags and cans of all sizes (all sealed and ready to be packed into suitcases or shipped home).
Bear Salad/Pasta Claws
These salad "claws" may be the cutest souvenir available from Alaska! Alaska is very much known for its beautiful wildlife, including black and brown bears, so bringing home a useful set of kitchen utensils that will remind you of Alaska and its furry inhabitants is so perfect!
These also make great gifts to bring home to friends and family as they are sure to get a smile! Who WOULDN'T appreciate a set of these?!
Railroad Souvenirs
A train ride through the Alaskan countryside is a must-do when visiting the 49th state. The landscape and wildlife are picture-perfect, but what should you take home besides those hundreds of photos you're sure to take?
We picked up a souvenir booklet and Blu-Ray that we can refer back to at any time for not just the amazing images, but for the story and history of the area as well. I also came home with a White Pass & Yukon Route hat, available exclusively aboard our train, as well as a small wooden train whistle.
Ulu Knife
When researching Alaska before our trip, I knew we would come home with an Ulu Knife. It seems as though this is the number one souvenir that people talk about and really do use when they get home in the kitchen.
Originally used by Inuit women as a sort of all-purpose knife for skinning, cutting, chopping, etc., these knives are loved by Alaskan visitors today. The handles were traditionally made from antlers or walrus ivory.
The ulu knives can be found at all price points, but note that not all may be made in Alaska. The ulu we purchased has a wooden handle, was made in Alaska and came with stand and cookbook. Ulu knives can be found in most souvenir shops with specialty shops carrying more elaborate versions.
Handmade Totem Pole
Totem poles are tall sculptures created by the natives of the Washington, Alaska and British Columbia area and have become synonymous with the Pacific Northwest.
The figures carved into the posts could represent a family, traditional stories, legends, or other important information and were usually carved into red cedar.
Today, original totem poles can be seen at various museums and parks around the Pacific Northwest including Saxman Village and Whale Park near Creek Street in Ketchikan.
Miniature totem poles make great souvenirs of this area and can be found in all sizes and at all price points with locally handmade pieces starting at around $40.
BONUS: Signed Postcard from the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
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The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show is some serious kitschy fun! Celebrating the history of the logging industry in the area, lumberjacks compete on teams in various logging sports including log rolling, tree climbing, and axe throwing.
The best part? These guys are seriously talented! Each competitor at our show holds a world title of some sort in one of the featured sports.
The winner of each sport would run an autographed postcard out into the audience, and, of course, with my enthusiasm, I scored one of these bad boys.
The lumberjacks (and jills) are available after the show for photos and autographs as well. An autographed keepsake will be a great reminder of this fun show for years to come!
What are your favorite souvenirs from Alaska? Do you own any of these items? What did we miss? Let us know in the comments below!
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