9 Things to Bring to Alaska This is also something I recommend for anyone visiting Canada. / Last Modified: Oct 28, 2022 You must present all food, plants, and other agricultural items to the USDA inspector at the airport before you leave Hawaii. Find plenty of stores that sell genuine and authenticated gold jewelry and other keepsakes as Alaska souvenirs. Today, you can freely use these blades to cut pizza, cheese, vegetables, meat, and fish. A real camera. If you see one of the above logos, that means youre in the right ballpark for purchasing a great Alaskan souvenir. Today the blades are most commonly made from steel. I lived for 15 years in Alaska, as well as four years each in California and Washington. But the handle of a modern ulu knife is now made from materials like silicone rubber. T-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, and other clothing items are classic novelty gifts that you should include in your list of the best souvenirs from Alaska. While youre in the area, browse and stock up on different Christmas ornaments and decorations made by local artists. However, , are cute little trinkets great for kids and adults. Apprehensive about the thought of wearing or gifting jewelry made from real moose poop? Generally speaking a Billiken is a good luck token but its even better to receive one, so theyre an ideal gift for those who couldnt join you on your Alaska bucket list trip. During my 2021 and 2022 cruises in Southeast Alaska, I had the chance to visit Wrangell twice I love this small waterfront community and it was great to really get a sense of all it has to offer. Use code LINDSAY to save $25 off your first photoshoot! 01 of 11 Salmon Tegra Stone Nuess / Getty Images Freshly-caught salmon takes center stage on pretty much every menu in Alaska. They tell stories of the native people and are a proud symbol of their culture. Where to Buy: The Ulu Factory, Sam McGees, The Great Alaskan Bowl Company. Not only is it perfect for sweet dishes, but its also used to flavor other, like sausages, salmon, and even beer! When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Theres no better way to keep a piece of Alaska than bringing home with you some artworks made by Native Americans. The fishing season for king crab is short and dangerous, as television shows like Discovery Channels "The Deadliest Catch" can confirm. Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE The festival's menu is a microcosm of SF food culture Akutaq (also called Eskimo ice cream by some) is not like anything youve tried in the lower 48 states. Share this trip: When dining in the northernmost of the 50 states, it's safe to assume that all eating is local eating. Valley-grown vegetables, cuts of pork, honey, salsa, grass-fed beef and fermented foods are among the food products at the markets. Alaska is known for fresh salmon and smoked salmon is the perfect gift to pick up on your trip. Masks Made from driftwood and even animal bones, these native masks have a long history of being created for use in rituals and ceremonies. This knife is traditionally used by Inuit, Yupik, and Aleut women, which is what the word ulu means (womens knife). There are some great shops that sell furs in Anchorage, or if you visit during the winter you can time your trip for Fur Rendezvous. If one would like to unplug from the world and just immerse oneself in the dramatic beauty of Alaska, then don't bring a laptop. If you or someone you know likes to get creative in the kitchen, this is one of the best Alaska souvenirs you can buy on your trip! Gold is one of the most quintessential Alaska souvenirs because it helped drive interest in the 49th State and it comes in so many forms that youll find a great (albeit expensive) gift for everyone on your list. The best authentic Alaska souvenirs that money can buy include local food, novelty clothing, handmade jewelry, and many more! Gift of the Rasmuson Foundation. One of the best methods of preservation, it will be a welcomed memory to enjoy even after your trip is over. Theres no shortage of Alaska t-shirts and gifts with distinct designs and patterns that just screams Land of the Midnight Sun. Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. This can range from the classic I heart shirts with city names to ones featuring creative graphics of different locations in Alaska. Or, learn how to make Akutaq Ice Cream on your own through a recipe from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the Alaska Native Knowledge Network. If you get a chance to visit a grocery store in Alaska, pick up some birch syrup to add to your cooking back home! Why iPhones and Androids . Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Traditionally made from fur and animal skin, nothing will keep your toes toastier. Make sure to enjoy as much salmon as you can while you are in Alaska, you likely wont find it fresher anywhere else, except maybe Vancouver! What Can I Bring? Food | Transportation Security Administration The states unique culture and rich history promise a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. Bring it on home: Alaska - STLtoday.com Just make sure youre supporting local native artists who make authentic totem poles. A gift list that didn't include Alaska seafood would be as shocking as an early morning earthquake. If you are near the area, do give these other souvenirs and gift shops a look and shop for more, 387 S. Franklin St., Juneau, Alaska 99801, you can find here include jewelry, weaved baskets, kitchen tools, bath products, and childrens toys. It may not be San Francisco or Paris, but the Last Frontier offers unexpected delight to lovers of food and drink. From whales to glaciers, you'll want to see it all - but you have to have the gear to see them. Here are the top five touristy gift items to take back from Alaska: 1. Some cruise lines even have high-end items for. Totem Pole These carved towers of cedar have been standing proudly for hundreds of years. It is easy to transport home! Similar to cruise lines, airports feature rows of stores that sell local arts and crafts. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. I was born on the East Coast and currently live in the Midwest but my heart will always be out West. Handmade Qiviut Hat 2. Not to call it out, but I obviously also recommend skipping the gift shops on and operated by cruise ships. Some of these are made with real moose poop; others are made of chocolate or baked goods to look like moose poop. Besides historic exhibits, they have gold panning tours and gift shops on the property where you can find Alaska souvenirs from Skagway. Beat together the butter and sugar using a hand whisk or freestanding mixer, for 5 mins until pale and fluffy. Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana. Bear Claw Salad Servers 7. Polar Bear Gifts is the best place to visit if youre looking for Alaska souvenirs in Anchorage. 7. You can find jade jewelry in almost all of the jewelry stores and souvenir shops, but it can help to ask about the artist or jewelry-maker to ensure youre getting local stones from a local artist*. 2023 Anchorage Daily News. They also make fantastic souvenirs and gift ideas! 12 Best Things to Do in Anchorage, Alaska, Holland America Eurodam's Best Shore Excursions. I will have to try that! Apart from simple, natural-looking ones, you can also find. All words and images 2013-2023 The Kolibro Group LLC. But the handle of a modern. Note that Alaska Land Only vacations are not affected by this decision. Where to Buy: Alaska Fur Exchange, Maruskiyas of Nome. All rights reserved. Be sure to pick up a box of smoked salmon before heading home! Traditionally, the handle of these Alaskan knives is made from wood, bone, or ivory. Besides visiting all the top attractions in Alaska, a trip to Americas Last Frontier wouldnt be complete without exploring shops and markets filled with authentic products made in Alaska. Or just buy them in Alaska! Dont be surprised if you want to bring them all home! Totem poles are part of the ancient history of Alaskas indigenous tribes. And, of course, there are plenty of shops that offer salmon, halibut, scallops, crab and other . Lindsay Nieminen hails from Vancouver, Canada and shares her love of travel on this website. When I travel, I am usually looking for a small keepsake for myself, and something to bring home for friends. Freehold, NJ 07728. And if you are shipping gifts home, make sure to mail fish and other meat in cold packaging on dry ice. The Best Alaskan Souvenirs to Bring Back Home Customs Duty Information | U.S. Customs and Border Protection Alaska kelp pickles from Barnacle Foods, available at Summit Spice & Tea Co. (Steve Edwards). This little guy is called a Billiken, and it helps to explain who he is before saying why this is one of the best Alaskan souvenirs you can bring home. Im so glad you remember those too, Linda! Have you ever seen Alaskan bear claw salad servers? They also make fantastic souvenirs and gift ideas! What food items can I bring into the United States for personal use? It does not matter if you are arriving by cruise ship or are road tripping up to the Northern frontier, there are lots of Alaskan gift ideas as well as souvenirs you may want to buy for yourself! Alaskan Fudge - This is a delicious fudge with maple syrup, butter, and cream. Halibut fishing is a big business and travelers can catch their own fish (averaging 20 to 40 pounds) through tour companies like Crackerjack Sport Fishing in Seward, Alaska. Known for its vast natural beauty, incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, and rich Native traditions, from the vast whiteparks to the natural beauty of its Lakes, it's a place you'll never forget. After all, the state is home to Ketchikan, the Salmon Capital of the World. Drop by if youre in the area because smoked salmon is among the best souvenirs from Ketchikan, Alaska. Or at least, miniature versions of them. Start here. Not only is it perfect for sweet dishes, but its also used to flavor other goods made in Alaska like sausages, salmon, and even beer! You can check out other things to buy in Canada here. 10 Unique Alaskan Dishes Everyone Needs to Try Browse stores selling Native American paintings, sculptures, clothing, and many more. He writes the Market Fresh column weekly and can be reached akmarketfresh@gmail.com. However, you can also support local artists in the area by purchasing Alaska souvenirs and artwork inspired by these ethereal lights. The shop also has a number of gift boxes ideal for, Depending on the cruise line, you can find several shops aboard cruise ships where you can buy souvenirs. Click Here to find a local photographer. Glad to help! Pro-tip: The Ulu Factory in Anchorage is the place to browse ulu knives. Failure to declare food products can result in up to $10,000 in fines and penalties. Photo by Dylan Gillis on Unsplash. 4400 Route 9S, STE 1000 The journey that wild salmon take is remarkable. Typically sold with wooden bowls, this set of authentic Alaska souvenirs is practical, decorative, and a definite conversation starter. The purpose of Customs Duty is to protect each country's economy, residents, jobs, environment, etc., by controlling the flow of goods, especially restrictive and prohibited goods, into and out of the country. 9. Are you driving or flying, and if flying, does the airline have restrictions for containers and the refrigerant you might be using? Another idea: Sweet Caribou offers its Parisian macarons in seasonal flavors including gingerbread eggnog, peppermint bark, cranberry orange, salted caramel hot chocolate, hot buttered rum and tiramisu. Wendy Altschuler is a Chicago-based travel and lifestyle writer who covers adventures across the globe. 19 April 2018 Whether pulled from the waters in or around the state, harvested from the fields and forests, or assembled in kitchens, there is no shortage of tasty Alaskan ingredients. These types of packages were so popular that we started offering them as a prebuilt gift box to simplify their shopping experience. Most of our holiday shoppers are looking for something uniquely Alaskan to send to friends and relatives out of state, says DeeAnn Apgar, owner of Summit Spice & Tea Co. in Midtown Anchorage. You certainly cant go wrong with gift baskets and bags when buying the best souvenirs from Alaska. What is a Billiken? Here are some of the can't-miss dishes to try while in the 49th state. Some feature local food items such as jams, syrups, meats, cereals, dried good items, and other delicacies. Some feature local food items such as jams, syrups, meats, cereals, dried good items, and other delicacies. Long, dark winters; 586,000 miles of rugged wilderness; a sparse . (#4 is my personal favorite). Pulling out. Qiviut is famous for being much softer than sheep wool. For generally allowed food items please visit USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Restaurants The 15 Foods You Have To Try In New Orleans From beignets to barbecue shrimp, there's a lot of food that's iconic in the city. Besides gold, dazzling selections of jewelry made from materials such as gold quartz, diamonds, jades, and many more are other souvenirs from Alaska to consider. They are warm, keep your feet dry, and paired with jeans they are adorable! (Ritchies Rocks is the go-to for jewelry options, as they cut and mount some of their garnets; I have a pair of their earrings that I love.). Almost all, carry traditional pieces made by different tribes, such as masks, baskets, sculptures, beadwork, blankets, wall art, and. Alaska has a long history with gold. In fact, you can find boxes of chocolate-covered macadamia nuts for $5 or less in most stores! Year-over-year, headline inflation is . They offer several tours all over Alaska. Shipping Fish from Alaska recommendations | Fish Alaska Magazine Some questions I have how long will the fish stay frozen with dry ice? This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. You will find them in most souvenir shops. Rain Gear Ulu knives are ancient tools used by women from a number of Native Alaskan tribes, dating back to 2500 BCE. I have traveled with 2 dogs over the last 10 years, one was a 20 lb. I love animals as much as the next person, but I also recognize how pivotal animal furs and pelts have been to the indigenous people in Alaska. Its the gift-giving season. To be honest, you cant go wrong with any berry-filled treat that you indulge in while in Alaska. These novelty, are crafted from dried moose poop and coated in polymers to ensure safety and get rid of any unpleasant aromas. Alaskan Food - What to Know and Eat. Hopefully my posts on travel and my love for adventure as well as family travel tips will help make your next trip a great one! My blog posts likely contain affiliate links, including for the Amazon Associates program.If you click, book, or buy from one of these links, I may earn a commission. Yes, you can get personalized letters from Santa straight from the real North Pole! If you are flying home, make sure to pack delicate items in your carry-on bag. Bonus: Anything Made in Alaska or Alaska Grown, A post shared by Alaska Birch Syrup (@alaskabirchsyrup), A post shared by Maker+Stitch (@makerandstitch), A post shared by Rob StiglerMakerWoodworker (@octostudiocreations), A post shared by Newfangled North (@newfanglednorth), join me in my Alaska Travel Tips Facebook Community. USDA APHIS | Travelers Crossing a Land Border into the United States Just make sure to check on regulations about traveling with seafood if youre traveling by air. The Oomingmak Native Cooperative crafts hats and scarves, as well as endless scarves, called smokes from qiviut. Bringing home a tub of mud may sound odd, but products made from, . My personal favorite is the style of iconography used by the Haida people. Planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Alaska? This annual event commemorates the historic event where all the fur trappers brought their pelts in to trade and get supplies; today its a cultural event and marks the beginning of the Iditarod dog-sledding race. Salmon or Seafood 13. This post may contain affiliate links, please read my disclosure. Their traditional use was great for hunting as they allowed hunters to walk almost silently. These are by no means authentic, but a lot of fun! Alaskan Native clothing. Uncertain how to cook salmon? The rules for crossing the Canadian border into Alaska just got even If you forgot to snag a pair of bear claw tongs on your trip, you can buy the ones pictured above here online. Posted on Published: 2022-05-21- Last updated: 2023-03-07. Do It Right: How To Pack For An Alaskan Cruise In July - TheTravel If you are near the area, do give these other souvenirs and gift shops a look and shop for more Alaskan souvenirs to bring home. Looking for gifts of food from Alaska? We have ideas. Local-made dog treats from Drool Central. After all, the state is home to Ketchikan, the "Salmon Capital of the World." Drop by if you're in the area because smoked salmon is among the best souvenirs from Ketchikan, Alaska. Unlike maple syrup which has sweet notes of vanilla and caramel, birch syrup features flavors of molasses and brown sugar with tangy notes of cherries and raspberries. When I am asked that to buy in Alaska, you will probably get a suggestion of a Christmas ornament! One of the best methods of preservation, it will be a welcomed memory to enjoy even after your trip is over. While I dont have any of Steves work on my walls, I do have a tryptic of aurora photos taken by a photographer who sells his matted prints at the Anchorage Market. The reality is that this answer differs for every person. Im also a not-so-secret space nerd and speak fluent emoji! A gift list that didnt include Alaska seafood would be as shocking as an early morning earthquake. Many of the places that sell them can ship them directly home so you dont have to worry about packing it. Drop by The Ulu Factory in Anchorage to find out how this popular Alaskan knife is produced. These earrings are some of the. Directly to your inbox. It was our first cruise and you can read some of the mistakes I made along the way. These products use the fine, gently abrasive nature of glacial mud to exfoliate and rejuvenate your skin. Ulu Knives make the best souvenirs from Alaska. They used these knives for more than cooking. In this post, I promote travel to destinations that are the traditional lands of many Alaska Native groups, including the Aleut, Athabascan, Haida, Inupiat, Tlingit, and Yuit peoples. Touristsecrets.com uses cookies to improve your experience and to show you personalized ads. Many also use Alaskan herbs and other natural products to add a great scent. December 22, 2021. Steve Edwards lives and writes in Anchorage. There are even specialty shops that feature brand-name clothing, sweets, electronics, cosmetics, fragrances, and even wines and alcohol! Whale blubber and skin, cut into cubes, frozen together, and consumed raw might be the most unusual oily delicacy that you can try in the great state of Alaska. If not, then you need to see them out when you visit Alaska! 10. What a great suggestion! Bath Products You can imagine some incredible flowers and herbs are grown alongside those breathtaking mountains and valleys. Slate was used as the blade. If you get the chance, make sure to try panning for some gold! 18 Best Authentic Alaska Souvenirs to Bring Home (2023) - Travelness So forget about that dollar store shot glass or tacky ashtray. I like the Alaska Chicks brand. Smoked Salmon If you come to Alaska for any delectable treat, be sure to sample plenty of seafood. Alaskan Jewelry - There are many necklaces, earrings, and other jewelry available for purchase in local stores. If you are looking for one of the best Alaskan souvenirs or gifts, then I highly suggest you consider the salad servers! No more awkward spoons trying to make it to your plate at dinner. 1. I'm Lindsay and I am addicted to being a foreigner! Whether it is an emergency room visit for something as simple as strep throat, or an emergency appendix surgery, or an unfortunate moped incident things do go wrong when people travel every day. Similar to cruise lines, airports feature rows of stores that sell local arts and crafts. Have a great Alaska trip, Jan! If you are looking for Alaskan gifts to buy for kids, or maybe just something cool to have in your own pocket, look for these replica bear claws! Nevertheless, its a cool souvenir for chefs because its such a unique piece theyll want to use and display it. While youre in the area, browse and stock up on different Christmas ornaments and decorations made by local artists. This is the best signal that youre buying authentic, Native-made products while shopping for Alaska gifts and souvenirs. Totem poles are part of the ancient history of Alaskas indigenous tribes. Carry On Bags: Yes (Special Instructions) Checked Bags: Yes. Where to Buy: Soothe, Grizzlys Gifts, Once in a Blue Moose, Photo from The Winking Mooses official website. Photo from Arctic Travelers Gift Shops official Facebook page, Address: 201 Cushman St., Fairbanks, Alaska 99701. The Alaska Salmon Bake is one of the oldest restaurants in Fairbanks, offering a traditional salmon dinner to go along with some live entertainment. The shop also has a number of gift boxes ideal for Alaska gift ideas. Ulu Knife 8. These earrings are some of the products made in Alaska that seem rather odd to buy as souvenirs. However, people who enjoy throwing dinner parties might appreciate a set of wooden tongs shaped like, ! Alaska is such a unique destination in that it truly does have its own past and traditions. I was telling my kids about my memories of Moose poop souvenirs. A Totem Pole 9. How does a letter from Santa sound? But king crab is always the most popular during the holidays, so you will notice that most of our packs include either gold or red king crab.. I highly suggest travel insurance and a good policy. The most popular attraction is Mount McKinley - North America's tallest peak - but there are also many other less famous sites to explore like the Matanuska Glacier. They are a great way to remember your time in Alaska and not get shoved in a closet unused. Halibutthe largest of all the flatfishes weighing in at over 400 pounds in some casescan be found in most of Alaskas marine waters. Ultimate Guide To Planning A Trip To Komodo National Park For First-Timer, Best Time to Visit Egypt: A Season-by-Season Guide, 16 National Parks in Alaska: A Complete Guide. Then insert two 12-inch long sticks around the dome. Required fields are marked *. You can find specialty stores with a wide selection of items infused with, , including mineral soaps, body scrubs, face masks, and even shampoo. 6. Use three or four dozen of these guide sticks. What to expect from scaled-back Fair St. Louis. The best food experiences in Alaska. A pair of pasta or salad tongs may not seem like the best souvenirs from Alaska. Yes, you can get personalized letters from Santa straight from the real North Pole! Alaskan Food - What To Know & Eat In Alaska | Backroads Hand-Carved Wooden Bowl 6. Cooling inflation in Lower 48 relieving grocery prices, but when will You can also catch the fish yourself and have them prepped, smoked, and packed, then shipped frozen back home while you enjoy the rest of your vacation. They could cut hair or even shave blocks to make igloos. Earrings, for the woman who has everything else. Authentic Alaska totem pole souvenirs are a great way to pay tribute and show appreciation to the culture of Alaska Natives. Who wants another My Friend Went To Alaska And All I Got Was This Crummy T-Shirt souvenir? book yourself a professional photo shoot! Used in luxury spas all over the world, this mud is known to detoxify, exfoliate and aid in skin cell regeneration. In fact, panning and digging for gold is still popular statewide. The above photo, taken by photographer Steve Traudt, is a great example of the kind of stunning Alaskan photography you can bring home as one of the best Alaskan souvenirs. For last-minute Alaska souvenirs, consider checking out airport gift shops. Pair this Alaskan favorite with a cold brew from Alaskan Brewing Company, and youll be all set. What are the best souveniors to bring back from Alaska?