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The best part of traveling is bringing home souvenirs of your trip for yourself and your loved ones. Here are the best souvenirs from Finland that everyone on your list can appreciate.
10 Best Souvenirs from Finland
1. Fazer Chocolates or Candies
One of the easiest (and most appreciated!) gifts you can bring back from Finland is Fazer chocolates or candies. If you’ve visited the Fazer Cafe, one of the best things to do in Helsinki, you’ll have an opportunity to choose from the most extensive selection.
Fazer chocolates and candies can be found and many other stores in town as well. And if you run out of time, you’ll find them in the shops at the Helsinki airport, though at a premium price.
2. Kuksa Drinking Cup
This wooden drinking cup is an excellent traditional souvenir. You’ll find many wooden products at various markets in town, all of excellent quality. But one of the most unique souvenirs you can buy is a kuksa cup, which is hand carved from a single piece of birch using the traditional Sami methods. They’re a conversation starter to share what you’ve learned about the indigenous population in Lapland.
3. Knits
There’s no denying that the temperatures in Finland can dip pretty low, and the Finns have figured out how to stay warm. Several patterns are distinctly Finnish – including those that reflect folk tales or poems. If you live in an area that isn’t cold enough for a sweater, consider buying a hand-knit pair of socks or mittens.
4. Moomin
Children in Finland grow up with these wonderful characters that resemble hippopotamuses. Since they’re ingrained in the local culture, you’ll find Moomin designs in all sorts of items, from clothing to school items, bookbags, and household products.
A Moomin World, an amusement park in southern Finland, is open during the summer. There’s a Moomin Ice Cave you can visit in winter. If you only want to taste the Moomin experience, try the Moomin Coffee Shop at the Helsinki Airport.
5. Finnish Vodka
While everyone knows about Russian vodka, Finnish vodka deserves accolades for its high quality. Many visitors will buy the Finlandia brand. Some prefer the Koskenkorva brand. No matter which you choose, you can enjoy a round with friends and family.
6. Trolls
Nordic tales of trolls and other mythological creatures are still popular in Finland. Trolls are loners that live in caves and can be pretty scary. Still, you’ll find cute little trolls in shops nationwide, and they’re easy to bring home.
7. Kantele
If you’re a fan of buying traditional musical instruments, then the Kantele is for you. This string instrument is plucked and resembles a harp that sits on the player’s lap. Most of the kantele will be too big for the typical tourist, but it’s undoubtedly a unique souvenir.
8. Arctic Berries Products
Did you know that various berries grow in the Arctic areas of the world? I didn’t! While lingonberries (a round, red berry) are better known, there are so many other varieties, like cloudberries (a peachy color berry) and the Arctic bramble (a small raspberry).
You’ll find these unusual flavors in many products, from alcohol to candies and jams. Marketplaces offer a great selection of these flavored products. Sample some ahead of time to find your favorite (mine was cloudberries!), and bring back a jar or tin of Arctic berry products.
9. Kalevala Jewelry
Readers of my website know that jewelry is one of my favorite things to buy! Jewelry takes up little room in your bags; they’re a talking piece when you wear them and will never go out of style. Finland’s Kalevala jewelry is no exception.
Kalevala is a national folk epic. The tales inspire jewelry designs and have a unique look. You can go right with a necklace, pendant, or earrings.
10. Catch all souvenirs
Of course, there are the usual catch-all souvenirs for those who collect the same thing on every trip. Whether you collect fridge magnets, shot glasses, key chains, or anything else, you’ll find merchandise with the words “Finland” almost everywhere.
My new favorite souvenir is to mail myself a postcard from my destination. That means nothing takes up room in my suitcase, and it is fun receiving a reminder a few weeks after I’m home!
Final Thoughts on Best Souvenirs from Finland
Bring back some fantastic souvenirs from Finland. Whether you choose something you can wear or give to someone else, you’ll find some amazing souvenirs from your trip to Finland!
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Happy travels,
Annick, The Common Traveler
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Raised as a third culture kid living in South America and Europe, Annick caught the travel bug early. As an empty-nester, Annick enjoys sharing her tips for traveling for those with champagne taste and beer budgets.