The Best Souvenirs From Every State (Gift Ideas)

Best Souvenirs from the States

Every state in America has something unique to offer visitors in the form of a souvenir. There’s something for everyone, whether it’s a t-shirt from your favorite team, a keychain in the shape of the state, or a snow globe with the state’s landmarks inside.

Here are some of the best souvenirs from every state.

Alabama: A Roll Tide T-shirt

If you’re visiting Alabama, you must show your support for the Crimson Tide by picking up a t-shirt. You can find them practically anywhere, but you will surely be able to get one from the University of Alabama campus store.

Alaska: A Plush Moose Toy

Alaska is home to some of the most majestic animals in the world, so it’s no surprise that a plush moose toy is one of the best souvenirs you can take home. You can find them at most gift shops in the state.

Arizona: Cactus Keychain

Arizona is known for its desert landscape and, of course, its cacti. So what better way to remember your trip than with a cactus keychain? 

Keychains are also affordable, making great inexpensive gifts to give everyone back home.

Arkansas: Razorbacks T-shirt

You can’t escape Arkansas without picking up a Razorbacks t-shirt. The state is home to the University of Arkansas, and its sports teams are a big deal. Make sure you grab one before you leave.

California: Bottle of Wine

California is world-renowned for its wines, so it only makes sense that a bottle of wine would make the perfect souvenir. A trip to Napa Valley is a must for every wine lover, and you can find fantastic deals on bottles of wine if you keep your eyes open.

Colorado: Snow Globe

There’s nothing like a snow globe to remind you of a cold winter day in Colorado. Colorado is known for its ski resorts and winter activities, so a snow globe is a perfect souvenir to commemorate your trip.

Connecticut: Home of the Wiffleball

Did you know that Wiffleball was invented in Connecticut? If you’re a game fan, pick up a souvenir Wiffleball on your trip. You can tour the factory where they’re made and even pick up a few balls to take home.

Delaware: Blue Hen T-shirt

The University of Delaware’s Blue Hens are a big deal in the state, and their t-shirts make for great souvenirs. You might also want to pick up a ball cap to show your team’s support all year.

Florida: Key Lime Pie

Florida is known for its key lime pie, and there’s no better place to get one than from the Key Lime Pie Company in Key West. The pie is delicious, and the shop will ship it home for convenience.

Georgia: Bushel of Peaches

You can’t go to Georgia without picking up a bushel (or two) of peaches. The state is famous for its delicious fruit; you can find them at roadside stands all over the state. 

Hawaii: Kona Coffee

If you or someone you love is a coffee lover, pick up a bag of Kona coffee while in Hawaii. It’s some of the best coffee in the world, thus making it a great souvenir.

Idaho: Anything With a Potato on It

We’re not kidding! As you may know, Idaho is known for its potatoes, and you can find all sorts of souvenirs with potatoes on them. T-shirts, keychains, magnets – you name it, they’ve got it. 

Illinois: It’s All About the Deep-dish Pizza

While we won’t argue with you about which state has the best pizza, we’ll mention that Chicago is world-famous for its deep-dish pizza. It’s a must-have while you’re in town. 

Also, Malnati’s will ship a pie anywhere in the country. Therefore, instead of bringing a tangible souvenir home, spice things up and have a pizza delivered when you return so you can eat it while telling your friends about your trip. 

Indiana: Indianapolis 500 Memorabilia

The Indianapolis 500 is a huge event in Indiana, and there’s no better way to remember your trip than with some memorabilia from the race. You can find t-shirts, hats, and even miniature cars at the gift shop. 

Iowa: An Antique

If you’re a fan of the TV show American Pickers, you must stop by Antique Archaeology in Le Claire. It’s the store Mike from the show owns, full of unique antiques. Even if you’re not a fan of the show, it’s worth stopping by to see some of the incredible things they have for sale.

Kansas: Basket of Sunflowers

Kansas is known for its beautiful sunflowers, and you can find them all over the state. Many roadside stands sell them by the basketful, making them great souvenirs. Ensure you get them in water as soon as possible, so they don’t wilt.

Kentucky: Bottle of Bourbon

Kentucky is known for its bourbon, and plenty of distilleries offer tours. 

At the end of the tour, you can usually buy a bottle of the bourbon that you just learned about. It makes for a great souvenir – especially if you’re not from Kentucky and can’t get it at home.

Louisiana: Mardi Gras Beads

Mardi Gras is a major event in Louisiana, and you can find Mardi Gras beads all over the state no matter the time of year. They make great souvenirs, and you can use them if you happen to be in Louisiana during Mardi Gras.

Maine: Anything Lobster Related

Maine has a lot of beautiful wilderness and lobsters. So if you’re looking for a souvenir, anything lobster related will do. If there’s one thing that is certain, you won’t be able to find anything like it anywhere else in the country.

Maryland: Crab Cakes

Maryland is known for its crab cakes, making them great souvenirs. You can find them at any state seafood restaurant. Ensure you pack them properly, so they keep well on the drive or flight home. 

Massachusetts: Buy a Pair of Original Chuck Taylor

Did you know that the original Chuck Taylor All-Stars were made in Massachusetts? If you’re a fan of the shoes, make sure to buy a pair while you’re in the state. They’re not cheap, but they’re great souvenirs. 

Michigan: A Detroit Red Wings Jersey

If you’re a hockey fan, pick a Detroit Red Wings jersey in Michigan. They’re one of the most popular teams in the NHL and have a long history of success. It’s a great souvenir for any hockey fan.

Minnesota: Can of Spam

Yes, we’re serious. SPAM is big in Minnesota, and you can find it everywhere. It’s so popular that there’s even a SPAM Museum in Austin, Minnesota. So if you’re looking for a quirky souvenir, SPAM is the way to go.

Mississippi: Piece of Elvis Memorabilia

Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, and there are plenty of Elvis-themed souvenirs to choose from. Elvis fans will love anything with his likeness, and there’s no shortage of options.

Missouri: Gateway Arch Memorabilia

The Gateway Arch is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States, and it’s located in Missouri. It’s a must-see if you’re there, and there are plenty of Gateway Arch souvenirs to choose from.

Montana: A Huckleberry Pie

Huckleberries are a type of wild berry that grows in Montana and are delicious. Yes, huckleberry pie is a real thing, and it’s worth trying if you’re in Montana. You can find it at most cafes and restaurants in the state. 

Nebraska: A Copy of the Omaha World-herald

The Omaha World-Herald is the largest newspaper in Nebraska, and it’s a great souvenir. It’s available at most newsstands and is a great way to keep up with what’s happening in the state. Also, it’ll be a memento of your trip long after you’ve left. 

Nevada: A Casino Chip

Nevada is known for its casinos, a big part of the state’s culture. So if you’re looking for a souvenir, pick up a chip from your favorite casino. They will make for a great conversation piece and remind you of all the fun you had there.

New Hampshire: A Bottle of Maple Syrup

New Hampshire is known for its maple syrup, a tasty souvenir. You’ll remember your trip to this New England state every time you use it, and it’s a delicious way to sweeten your breakfast.

New Jersey: “Greetings From Asbury Park” Postcard

Asbury Park is a legendary Jersey Shore town known for its music scene. If you’re a Bruce Springsteen fan, pick up a “Greetings from Asbury Park” postcard – it’s his hometown. It’s a great way to remember your trip to New Jersey.

New Mexico: Navajo Rug

Navajo rugs are a type of traditional woven rug that the Navajo people handmake. Since the rugs are handmade, you know you’re getting a unique souvenir. They’re quite beautiful and make for a great home decor piece. Consequently, they’ll make a great gift for rich friends or people who have everything.

New York: “I ♥ NY” T-shirt

The “I ♥ NY” t-shirt is an iconic New York souvenir and a must-have for any New York trip. You can find them everywhere in the city, and they are relatively inexpensive. Make sure to get one for everyone you know.

North Carolina: Bottle of Cheerwine

Cheerwine is a type of soft drink that’s popular in North Carolina. It has a unique flavor that’s a mix of cherry and cola. Pick up a bottle of Cheerwine to bring home if you’re looking for a delicious and memorable souvenir.

North Dakota: Kuchen

Kuchen is a type of German cake that’s popular in North Dakota. It’s often made with fruit or cream filling and is delicious. You can find kuchen at most bakeries in the state.

Ohio: “Buckeye” Candy

The “Buckeye” candy is a type of chocolate-covered peanut butter candy that’s popular in Ohio. It’s named after the state tree and is a delicious way to represent Ohio. It’s similar to Reece’s peanut butter cup, just a little better.

Oklahoma: Overalls From Roundhouse

Roundhouse is a company that makes overalls and is headquartered in Oklahoma. Who doesn’t love the rugged look of a pair of overalls? They’re comfortable and make for a great souvenir. You can find them online or at their store in Oklahoma City. 

Oregon: A Bottle of Pinot Noir

Oregon is known for its delicious Pinot Noir wines. You might want to get two bottles to drink one with friends and enjoy the other later. Every sip is a taste of Oregon that will remind you of your trip.

Pennsylvania: A Pennsylvania Dutch Quilt

The Pennsylvania Dutch quilt is a type of quilt that’s popular in Pennsylvania. It’s known for its colorful and intricate designs. Quilts make for excellent home decor pieces, and they’re a reminder of your Pennsylvania trip.

Quilts make for excellent home decor pieces. Popular Pennsylvania Dutch quilts are known for their colorful and intricate designs. 

Rhode Island: A Newport Jazz Festival Poster

The Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island is world-renowned. If you’re a jazz fan, make sure to pick up a poster from the festival. Jazz lovers will treasure this souvenir.

South Carolina: Gullah Sweetgrass Baskets

Gullah sweetgrass baskets are a popular type of basket in South Carolina. They’re made with sweetgrass, and they’re often used for decoration. Sweetgrass baskets make for beautiful home decor pieces you’ll cherish for years.

South Dakota: Bison Pelt

Bison are a common sight in South Dakota and are an icon of the state. Visit a bison ranch during your trip if you’ve never seen one up close. 

You’ll see these massive animals, and you can buy a bison pelt. It’s a unique souvenir you’ll only be able to find in South Dakota.

Tennessee: Bottle of Jack Daniel’s Whiskey

Jack Daniel’s is a type of whiskey that’s popular in Tennessee. It’s a smooth and delicious liquor that’s perfect for sipping. So pick up a bottle of Jack Daniel’s if you want to bring home a taste of Tennessee.

Texas: Cowboy Hat

The cowboy hat is an iconic piece of Texas culture. You can’t go to Texas without getting one. They’re available in all shapes and sizes so that you can find the perfect hat for anyone. They make excellent gifts for the country boy in your life.

Utah: Utah Hiking Guidebook

Utah is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the country. If you love hiking, make sure to pick up a hiking guidebook. It’ll help you find the best hiking trails and is a great way to remember your vacation.

Vermont: A Bar of Vermont Cheddar Cheese

This state is known for its delicious cheddar cheese. If you’re a cheese fan, pick up a bar of Vermont cheddar cheese. You’ll notice that Vermont cheddar cheese tastes different, with a bold and sharp flavor.

Virginia: A Virginia Ham

Virginia is known for its delicious ham. How can you go to Virginia and not try the ham? It’s an essential part of Virginia cuisine. Pick one up if you like to dine on swine.

Washington: Anything From Pike’s Market

Pike’s Market is largely about seafood. If you’re driving to Seattle, where the famous market is located, seafood might be okay to bring home if you don’t have a long drive. However, there are plenty of other things to buy at Pike’s Market. 

You can find all kinds of the best souvenirs there. Everyone knows about Pike’s Market, and anything with that name on it will be a great conversation starter.

West Virginia: Artisan-blown Glass

This state is well known for its artisans. One of the things that West Virginia is most proud of is its blown glass. You can find all kinds of blown glass art in West Virginia. It makes for a beautiful and unique souvenir.

Wisconsin: Package of Wisconsin Cheese Curds

Cheese curds are a type of cheese that is popular in Wisconsin. They’re fresh and have a squeaky texture. They make for a delicious snack, and if you share them with people back home who have never been to Wisconsin, they’ll be in for a treat.

Wyoming: A Wyoming Elk Horn

Elk are a common sight in Wyoming and an iconic part of the state. Elk are massive animals, and their horns are a trophy many hunters seek. Most people have never seen Elkhorns, which is why they make great gifts.

These are the best souvenirs that you can buy from every state. Make sure to pick up something unique and memorable. You don’t want to leave without taking a few memories with you.

This post originally appeared on Savoteur.

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