If you’re in town visiting Seattle, you’re probably focusing on everything to check off your itinerary to make sure you see it all. No matter how long you’re here, you’ll want to check out some of the souvenirs from Seattle to take home before you leave.
While you can get a Seattle t-shirt anywhere, there are some Seattle souvenirs that are unique to the area. Whether you’re in Seattle for a day or here for a bit on a Pacific Northwest road trip, make sure to pick up a few of these items before you head home.
In this article, I’ll list some of the top unique Seattle gifts as well as what Seattle gift shops you can buy them at.
Where to Buy Gifts From Seattle
In the list below, I list some specific stores you can buy Seattle gifts from, but I also wanted to include some of the most common Seattle souvenir shops to go to if you’re looking for multiple gifts at the same time.
- Simply Seattle – You can visit their stores at Pike Place Market or at Pier 54 by the waterfront to stock up on sports team apparel, Pacific Northwest clothing, and other unique Seattle gifts.
- Ye Old Curiosity Shop – Also by the waterfront at Pier 54 is this Seattle gift shop, which has been a staple in the city for years. You won’t find any typical Seattle-themed gifts here, as they’re known for oddities like “shrunken heads,” creepily-themed flasks, and more. Even if you don’t buy anything, stop by here to see what all they have.
- Essentially Seattle – This Seattle souvenir shop is right by the Space Needle, so it’s convenient for those in the Seattle Center area. You can get a variety of Seattle clothing, postcards, keychains, and more.
15 Souvenirs From Seattle – Things You Can Only Get in Seattle
The Emerald City, with its rich heritage and unique culture, is home to an array of authentic products and keepsakes. There is so much on offer in this beautiful city that it can become overwhelming deciding what to buy in Seattle.
Before you grab a dozen items at your nearest gift shop, check out these 15 best souvenirs from Seattle.
While you’re in Seattle, take a look at these unique things to do in the Pacific Northwest.
Looking for the ultimate Seattle travel guide written by a local that tells you all the best places to go and what to see? My new ebook is now live, so click here to buy your copy!
1. Glass-Blown Souvenirs in Seattle
Where to Buy: Chihuly Museum, Garden and Glass, or Seattle Glassblowing Studio
A popular Seattle gift idea is the city’s authentic hand-blown glass art. Home to the world-renowned glassmaker Dale Chihuly, Seattle has become an epicenter for glass blowing. Today, the artist’s work is showcased in the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum (a perfect place to spend a rainy day in Seattle).
While authentic Chihuly pieces will cost you thousands of dollars, the famous artist’s original style still shines through the glass art found throughout the city. Affordable pieces, like ornaments, figurines, and small globes are made by other local artists and can be purchased for as little as $20.
For glassblowing enthusiasts – enroll in the Seattle Glassblowing Studios glass blowing classes and bring back a truly authentic Seattle souvenir idea that you made with your own two hands!
If you’re interested in a guided tour of the Chihuly Garden and Glass and the rest of Seattle, check out this private half-day tour.
Make sure to buy a CityPass if you’re visiting Chihuly Garden and Glass, as you’ll save money visiting these and other popular attractions in the city!
2. Pacific Northwest Salmon
Where to buy: Alaska Smokehouse or at Pike Place Market
Wild-caught Pacific Northwest salmon is a classic and affordable Seattle gift idea that dates back centuries. While you can purchase salmon almost anywhere in the world, Seattle’s is most certainly among the best. Soft, rich, and tasty, you cannot go wrong with one of the most popular Seattle gift ideas.
Smoked salmon is a popular option as it does not need to be refrigerated and has a shelf-life of up to 5 years. Sold both fresh (packed in airline-approved coolers) and in shelf-stable boxes, salmon products can be easily delivered throughout the country.
For the perfect Washington State souvenir, the Alaska Smokehouse offers lovely wooden gift boxes. Each box contains a treasure of mouth-watering salmon – sustainably caught off the coast of Alaska, hand-filleted, marinated, and slow-smoked over proper alder wood fires. The classic, uniquely designed cedar boxes also make for lovely keepsakes, so make sure to pick this up when spending a weekend in Seattle.
If you’re visiting during summer in Seattle, make sure to check out fresh salmon at the local seafood restaurants as well!
You can buy online from companies like SeaBear or Goldbelly, or on Amazon.
3. Starbucks Pike Place Market Coffee Mug
Where to buy: Original Starbucks store at Pike Place Market
This is not just any Seattle coffee mug, but one from the city’s very first Starbucks store. Established in 1971 at the ever-popular Pike Place Market, the original store has managed to uphold its classic and authentic appearance. For any Starbucks lover, there is no better Seattle souvenir than this, especially if you have already collected these mugs.
While Starbucks branded mugs can be found at pretty much any regional store, you can only buy this mug at this one location. The classic Pike Place Market mug is as authentic as it gets (and it’s just fun to drink coffee out of). Just be aware that there will be a long line to get in, as it’s a popular tourist attraction.
You can also buy this online if you can’t make it to the store in person.
4. Local Coffee Beans
Where to buy: Any local coffee shop that’s not Starbucks
Seattle and coffee are said to go hand-in-hand. With its deep, rich coffee culture, there is no shortage of small, independent coffee roasters and shops in this city. Most coffee shops and cafés offer their own gift items and special Seattle coffee blends, so pick your favorite one and bring home some freshly roasted beans.
For an authentic Seattle coffee gift, Fonté Café is among the best. Committed to producing the highest quality coffee, their local roasters earned the reputation as the “best micro-roasters in the Northwest” by Northwest Palate Magazine. At this lovely café, you’ll find a rich selection of single-origin, signature blends, hand-roasted and freshly roasted coffee beans. You can purchase bags of these high-quality, sustainably produced beans for as little as $14.
However, it’s hard to pick just one coffee roaster with how many amazing ones we have in Seattle, so you can’t go wrong with most local shops (just don’t pick up beans from Starbucks, as there’s nothing original about them!).
Here is a list of some of my favorite local coffee shops:
- Herkimer Coffee
- Zoka Coffee Roaster
- Caffe Ladro
- Fulcrum Cafe
- Victrola Cafe
If you can’t visit in person, you can order from a variety of local roasters online at Seattle Coffee Gear.
5. Theo’s Organic & Fair Trade Chocolate
Where to buy: Theo Chocolate Factory at 3400 Phinney Avenue North
Of all the things to buy in Seattle, chocolate is among the best. Theo’s Chocolate is one of the city’s chocolate darlings and is the first organic, fair-trade chocolatier in America. Their sustainably produced chocolates boast a deep, rich flavor and are a local favorite.
Beautifully packaged, with its hip and creative logo on the front, Theo’s Chocolates has become a trendy souvenir from Seattle. You can purchase Theo’s wide range of light, dark, and flavored chocolates for as low as $2 a bar or $8 and up for a gift pack (and they’re available online as well).
While these delicious, award-winning chocolates can be purchased at most local stores, it is best to get them from the source – Theo’s Chocolate Factory. Book a one-hour tour as a cheap activity in Seattle and get an up-close look at how the tasty chocolate treats are produced (no Golden Ticket required!).
6. Fran’s Caramel Sauce
Where to buy: Fran’s Chocolate Outlet or any Whole Foods
Another one of Seattle’s chocolate darlings is Fran’s, who are well-known for their chocolate’s decadent, creamy taste. Their most outstanding offering, however, is a rich caramel sauce. Slow-cooked caramelized sugar and cream create a topping that will have your taste buds dancing.
Warm it up and use it as a dressing for pancakes, waffles, and other desserts or dip for various snacks. Spoon it straight from the jar or add it to your coffee. No matter how you choose to use it, it is sure to be delicious!
7. Marionberry Jam
Where to buy: Costco, Trader Joe’s, or via the Seattle Gourmet Foods website
Another lovely souvenir that boasts an authentic Pacific Northwestern flavor is marionberry jam. Made from a locally grown blackberry and often referred to as the “Cabernet of blackberries,” these gourmet jams offer a unique taste that very few will get to experience.
While many jams are stuffed with sugar, these lovely jams get their deliciousness from the fruit itself. One of the top producers of this jam is Seattle Gourmet Foods who acquired the Maury Island brand. These flavor-packed jars of marionberry jam are available in many retail stores nationwide and through the Seattle Gourmet Foods website.
8. Pike Place Market Apron & Towels
Where to buy: Pike Place Market
The ever-popular Pike Place Market is most commonly known for its fresh fish, fruit, vegetables, and flowers. While some of these items may not keep long enough to be bought as a souvenir, the market has some lovely alternatives.
Colorful, hand-silk-screened towels and matching aprons are popular Seattle souvenirs. Showcasing Pacific Northwest artist Christine Vaughan’s designs, these lovely flour sack kitchen accessories have become a Seattle kitchen staple.
Embroidered on the towels and aprons are stunning images of fruits, vegetables, fish, and some indigenous Northwest animals. Other colorful accessories and kitchenware are sold throughout the market, but these vintage towels and aprons are genuinely authentic and are the perfect Seattle souvenirs. You can buy them online if you’re not able to make the trip in person.
While you’re at Pike Place Market, make sure to check out this list of the famous food in Seattle that you should try!
9. Raw Honey
Where to buy: Gourmet boutiques or farmers’ markets
There are many places you can buy raw honey from thanks to the many beekeepers in the area. You’ll often see this sold at the many farmers’ markets in the area throughout the week.
One particular company to get honey from is Ballard Bee Company. Through responsible urban beekeeping, the owner – Corky Luster – and the award-winning beekeepers at Ballard Bee Company have produced a blend of honey that is simply one-of-a-kind.
Honey sourced from lovingly-tended hives, blended with native Ballard, Washington plants gives this sought-after product its unique flavor. While many big-name distributors have tried to stock this honey, Ballard Bee Company limits supply solely to specialty gourmet boutiques and restaurants.
This authentic, locally produced honey, aesthetically packaged in minimalist black and white, makes for a truly unique Seattle gift. You can purchase bottles of Ballard Bee Company’s golden honey through several partner establishments around Seattle.
10. Seattle Space Needle
Where to buy: Bronze Space Needle or Simply Seattle online
A fun fact about Seattle is an observation tower known as the Space Needle was built in Seattle Center for the 1962 World’s Fair and now serves as an icon for the city. The detailed design of the tower was inspired by the Stuttgart Tower in Germany and La Ronde revolving tower restaurant in Hawaii.
Housing its own revolving restaurant – Sky City, as well as the annual New Year’s Eve fireworks show, the tower has become a must-see Seattle attraction among tourists. As one of the city’s most famous landmarks, you can find Space Needle souvenirs in several nearby gift shops. Whether you purchase a detailed etched model, fridge magnet, or key chain, all make for a fun Seattle souvenir. You can also find buy Space Needle gifts online if you’re in a pinch.
11. Seattle Handmade Cheese
Where to buy: Beecher’s Handmade Cheese
Across from Pike Place Market is Seattle’s well-renowned specialty cheese factory – Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, an amazing place for gifts from Seattle. At the factory, watch how some of the best cheese in the Pacific Northwest is made.
You can also sample the cheese, purchase recipe books and learn about cheese in-depth. There is also a fantastic café where you can enjoy a tasty, affordable lunch, especially during winter in Seattle where you can get grilled cheese and tomato soup.
Still practicing the centuries-old craft open-vat cheese making, the factory produces some of the best cheese products imaginable. A local favorite is an award-winning meal kit known as the “World’s Best Mac & Cheese Kit.” The notorious Mac & Cheese, which even featured on Oprah’s favorite things, makes for a hearty gift and can be purchased for about $55. You can also order Pacific Northwest cheese over the factory’s cheese counter.
12. Hand-Carved Totem Poles
Where to buy: Ye Olde Curiosity Shop
Another fun idea for souvenirs from Seattle are these locally-made totem poles. Originally made by natives of the Pacific Northwest and often passed down through families, these authentic pieces are a beautiful symbol of the region’s rich history. Today, the original totems are found in museums throughout the city, and talented artists continue to carve their own.
While you may not want to purchase a full-size totem as a gift, a smaller hand-size one will do just the trick and can be found in many Seattle souvenir shops. For a hand-carved and locally-made totem pole, visit the Ye Olde Curiosity Shop located on the Central Waterfront of Seattle. You’ll also find some along the waterfront for Instagram spots in Seattle.
13. Northwest Designer Jewelry
Where to buy: Steinbrueck Gallery
Another one of the best Seattle souvenirs that is unique to the Pacific Northwest is handcrafted designer jewelry. A prime example of the exquisite designer jewelry found in Seattle is renowned artist Erich Glendale of the Kwakwaka’wakw Nation.
Erich Glendale and other local artists like Lorene Hanlon have designed a range of handcrafted, one-of-a-kind pieces. Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, broaches, and talismans are some of the beautiful pieces sold and are some of the best gifts from Seattle.
14. Craft Beer from Seattle’s Microbreweries
Where to buy: Pike’s Brewing Company
For the beer enthusiasts, get a taste of some of the area’s finest craft beers at one of the best breweries in Seattle. The city’s booming craft beer culture came about due to pioneer craft breweries that experimented with unconventional flavors and new fermentation methods.
Today, you will find a wide variety of Seattle microbreweries and nano breweries throughout the city, each offering a truly authentic taste.
To sample or purchase from a broad selection of year-round and seasonal craft beers, head to the famous Pike Brewing Company. In addition to tasting and buying, the brewery also offers daily tours, where you can enjoy a first-hand look at the processes behind Seattle’s world-class beverage.
Check out this Old Ballard brewery tour and visit some of Seattle’s best breweries.
15. Nirvana or Rock-n-Roll Shirt
Where to buy: Seattle Shirt Company or Sub Pop Records
The city of Seattle boasts a vibrant music scene and is considered by some to be a rock mecca. Home to many iconic and upcoming bands, including the legendary Nirvana, Seattle offers a wide selection of rock apparel for both men and women. For fans of the late Kurt Cobain and the band Nirvana, a t-shirt from their home city is significant.
One of the best stores to buy rock apparel and other Seattle souvenirs is Seattle Shirt Company. Whether or not you’re a lover of rock music, you’re sure to find something special here. You can also shop at Sub Pop Records at the airport (by Concourse C) for a last-minute gift.
Let me know in the comments which souvenirs from Seattle you decided to buy!
