10 Great Local Souvenirs (and Where to Buy Them)

Forget tchotchkes and key chains—bring home something truly unique and emblematic of the destination

Written by Allison Young August 3, 2018
1 of 10 Courtesy of Moon Juice

Healing Vibes from L.A.

In the land of avocado toast, juice cleansing, and every fitness fad under the California sun (did someone say hip-hop meditation?), you may arrive stressed, but you’ll leave serene. Keep those namaste-ing ways flowing with these Full Moon Sachets, on-the-go blends of adaptogenic superherbs and mushrooms—mixable powders with healing powers! Find it at outposts in Venice, Melrose, or Silver Lake.
2 of 10 Courtesy of Maak Lab

Coffee-Scented Memories from Portland

No question, Portland is a coffee town. Rainy days call for it. But this brew isn’t for sipping, it’s for sudsing. Double Bar Coffee Soap, a poured-by-hand-in-Portland bar charged with ground espresso beans to exfoliate, wakes up your shower with the scent of fresh-roasted beans. It doesn’t hurt that Maak Lab’s bright, airy store, just around the corner from Stumptown Coffee Roasters, looks and smells divine.
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3 of 10 Courtesy of General Store

Redwood Essence from San Francisco

It’s not just the sight of the redwoods that give you all the feels—so does the ancient trees’ scent. Stop by General Store in the Sunset District and take those aromas to go. Juniper Ridge Wildcrafted Incense is made of foraged plants, tree sap, and wood so you can stop and smell the roses redwoods anytime, plus the beloved store is stocked with locally-made artisanal items and funky vintage finds you won’t find anywhere else.
4 of 10 Courtesy of MADE Art Boutique

Cactus Art from Phoenix

Prickly pear, giant saguaros, golden barrels, and barbed chollas dot the Phoenix landscape. The real things make for spiny souvenirs that don’t travel well (don’t even try); instead hit up MADE Art Boutique, a kitschy art gallery and shop along trendy Roosevelt Row that showcases one-of-a-kind jewelry, ceramics, art, and gifts by local makers, including cute cactus embroidery by store owner Cindy Dach.
5 of 10 Courtesy of Destination PSP

Mid-Century Modern Style from Palm Spring

Palm Springs is the epicenter of mid-century cool. Whether you’re hitting up the sun-drenched desert oasis for Modernism Week or just coming to sip cocktails poolside, take home a reminder of the good life with this swanky Midcentury Modern House Coaster Set from Destination PSP. The hip housewares store also serves up retro-style glassware, ice buckets, and serving trays so and you’ll always imbibe in style.
6 of 10 Courtesy of Vocabulary Boutique

Sweet Shades from San Diego

Eyewear India sunglasses from Vocabulary Boutique; $89 San Diego boasts miles of gorgeous beaches populated with sunbathers and surfer dudes. The common denominator here is sun, and these designed-in-San Diego India sunglasses from Vocabulary Boutique are the perfect take-home. Made with repurposed bamboo and an acetate frame, proceeds from each sale help restore vision for people in need.
7 of 10 Courtesy of Topo Designs

Bike Culture from Denver

With 85 miles of paved trails, hundreds of miles of mountain biking paths, and 300 days of sunshine, the Mile High City is made for biking. Hit up Topo Designs’ flagship store in the hip RiNo district, a hotspot for colorful made-in-Colorado bags and backpacks, for the Topo Designs x All-City Cycles Bike Bag—because your bike needs a fanny pack too.
8 of 10 Courtesy of Shiprock Santa Fe

Navajo Textiles from Santa Fe

Sante Fe is a visual city. From the adobe style architecture to the modern art installation that is Meow Wolf, the aesthetic is alive and layered. See it for yourself at Shiprock Sante Fe, a museum-like shop in the historic plaza. Owner Jed Foutz, a fifth-generation Navajo trader, stocks it with standout baskets, turquoise jewelry, pottery, and a stellar collection of original Navajo rugs and blankets.
9 of 10 Courtesy of Aloha Beach Club

Tropical Threads from Hawaii

Go to Hawaii for the Aloha Spirit; come home with a made-in-Hawaii Aloha Shirt from Aloha Beach Club, a personification of that loving feeling. Not that this is your typical loud flowery motif. Designed by co-owner and homegrown Oahuan Kahana Kalama, its print is tamer and its cut more tailored, but it still hollers Hawaii.
10 of 10 Courtesy of Made in Washington

Pacific Delicacies from Seattle

No doubt you’ll be slurping oysters in Seattle. Stroll through Pike Place Market and you’ll find your fair share of the slippery suckers. Departing doesn’t mean you have to give up your oyster habit. Nab cans of SeaBear Canned Smoked Oysters at Made In Washington, a chain of retail specialty stores specializing in local artisan and food gifts located right in Pike Place.
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