What is a good souvenir from Seattle?
Seattle is a culture-heavy, history-filled, and naturally breathtaking city that serves as a cornucopia of one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or looking to bring a piece of the Emerald City back home, finding a good souvenir from Seattle means choosing something that captures the spirit and character of this vibrant city. From iconic landmarks and local flavors to handcrafted art and eco-friendly gifts, Seattle offers a wide array of memorable keepsakes. This blog discusses some of the best souvenirs that best capture Seattle and are ideal gifts for friends, family, or yourself.
Iconic Seattle Memorabilia
Space Needle Figurines and Collectibles
The Space Needle is Seattle’s most famous landmark, and souvenirs featuring its distinctive silhouette are perennial favorites. From miniature figurines and keychains to magnets and paperweights, these items are widely available at tourist shops around the city and near the Space Needle itself. They serve as a classic reminder of your visit to Seattle’s skyline.
Original Starbucks Mugs
Seattle is the home of Starbucks, and the original Pike Place Market store has special mugs with the vintage Starbucks logo. These mugs are extremely popular among coffee enthusiasts and collectors due to their uniqueness, representing Seattle's international coffee culture.
Culinary Delights and Local Flavors
Smoked Salmon and Seafood Treats
Seattle's location on Puget Sound has made it renowned for fresh seafood, particularly smoked salmon. Smoked salmon vacuum-packed in gift-like packages is great to give away and is sold at Pike Place Market and specialty shops. Fish jerky as a seafood-themed snack is also well liked.
Marionberry Jam and Local Honey
Marionberry jam is a sweet memento that embodies the Pacific Northwest's fruit pickings. Likewise, locally produced honey, including raw blackberry honey from urban bees in Seattle, provides a flavor of the city's natural abundance.
Seattle Chocolates and Fran's Caramels
Seattle's handcrafted chocolate makers, such as Seattle Chocolates and Fran's, create sumptuous, handmade sweets which are perfect gift items. Fran's caramels, to name one example, are prize-winning and local favorites among both residents and visitors[2][5].
Handmade and Artistic Souvenirs
Hand-Blown Glass Art
Seattle is the home of world-famous glass artists such as Dale Chihuly, and though original Chihuly works are scarce and costly, hand-blown glass artwork locally created is found in galleries and shops like the Seattle Glassblowing Studio. These one-of-a-kind objects make beautiful and memorable souvenirs.
Northwest Native Jewelry and Crafts
Crafts and jewelry created in honor of the Northwest Coast indigenous peoples are unique Seattle mementos. Galleries such as Steinbrueck Native Gallery provide genuine pieces that pay tribute to the area's cultural richness.
Handmade Plushies and Pastry Pets
For a fun and cute present, look into the handmade "Pastry Pets" available at Pike Place Market. These stuffed toys in the form of pastries blend regional creativity with cuteness and make great mementos.
Practical and Fashionable Souvenirs
Seattle-Themed Tote Bags and Clothes
Locally made tote bags, T-shirts, and hoodies with Seattle's landmarks or humorous designs are functional souvenirs that also help promote local artists and businesses. Potluck Press sells chic canvas totes that are both useful and fashionable.
Coffee Mugs and Soy Candles
Seattle's coffee culture elicits a range of mugs from coffee, including insulated stainless steel mugs ideal for on-the-go consumption. Soy candles handcrafted by local artisans such as Seattle Candle Company evoke the city's warm atmosphere with fragrances such as fig jasmine cedarwood or grapefruit citrus.
Uniquely and Quirky Souvenirs
Gum Wall Magnets and Stickers
The popular Gum Wall next to Pike Place Market has inspired playful souvenirs such as stickers and magnets that embody this offbeat landmark without the mess. They can be easily packed and offer a part of Seattle's lighthearted side.
Craft Beers and Local Spirits
Seattle's local craft beer community is flourishing with many breweries putting out a wide variety of well-flavored brews. Any six-pack produced by local brews or any Rainier Gin bottle is the perfect gift to those who will enjoy local flavor.
Local Business Support and Sustainable Living
Seattle's sustainability extends beyond souvenirs to the services its residents consume every day. Homes and businesses alike draw on environmentally responsible companies like Seattle Green Maids, which offers green cleaning products that keep facilities clean and healthy without harming the environment. Its commitment to sustainability reflects the values of the city and improves the quality of life for Seattleites.
For new settlers moving into the city, a reliable moving agency can make it easier, promising a seamless move into Seattle's lively neighborhoods. Seattle Green Maids also plays a role in supporting the community by keeping it clean and environmentally friendly, contributing to the green philosophy of the city.
Seattle's Influence Beyond Its Borders
Seattle's stringent quality and sustainability standards are encouraging other companies across the country to follow suit. For instance, Sparkly Maid NYC exemplifies the same focus on environmentally friendly and dependable cleaning services, illustrating how Seattle values resonate well beyond the Pacific Northwest.
Choosing the Perfect Seattle Souvenir
A great Seattle souvenir is not just a memento; it's a lasting reminder of the city's culture, imagination, and beauty. From iconic symbols such as Space Needle models, tasty local foods like smoked salmon and marion berry jam, to one-of-a-kind handmade art and jewelry, Seattle has gifts with a story.
Complementing these mementos with the city's green way of living, underpinned by services such as Seattle Green Maids and efficient moving company alternatives, provides a balanced experience reflecting the essence of the Emerald City.
