If you’re visiting Finland, there are plenty of unique souvenirs you can bring back that will remind you of your visit. From classic Finnish design to local food and traditional crafts, a lot of the best items are simple, practical, and something you’ll actually use long after your trip.
Some of the most popular souvenirs from Finland include things like Moomin products, Finnish chocolate, and handmade wooden items, as well as drinks such as blueberry juice and Finnish gin.
Here are some of the best souvenirs to look out for when you’re in Finland.
Best Finland Souvenirs
Marimekko
Marimekko is one of Finland’s most well-known design brands, famous for its bold prints and bright colors. You’ll see it everywhere, from clothing and bags to home items like tablecloths and cushions.
This is a good souvenir if you want something that actually feels very “Finnish” and something you’ll get use out of. Even something small, like a tote bag or kitchen item, is an easy way to bring a bit of that design style home.
Wool Socks
Finnish wool socks are a great souvenir, especially if you’re visiting in the colder months. They’re warm, durable, and made for proper winter weather.
You’ll often find handmade pairs with traditional patterns, and they’re easy to pack if you don’t have much space in your suitcase and just want something small to bring back with you.
Iittala
Iittala is another well-known Finnish design brand, best known for its glassware and home items. The pieces are simple but well made, and you’ll see a lot of them in shops across Finland.
Some of the most popular items include the Alvar Aalto vase and Taika tableware. They’re more of an investment than a typical souvenir, but if you’re looking for something classic, these will add a touch of Nordic design to your home decor.
Salmiakki Koskenkorva
Salmiakki Koskenkorva, often called Salmari, is a popular Finnish liqueur made by mixing vodka with salty licorice. The flavor is strong and definitely not for everyone, but it’s very typical in Finland.
A bottle of Salmiakki makes a great gift to bring back for friends, or just to enjoy at home after your trip. Just be aware that salmiakki is one of those tastes people either love or hate.
Fazer Chocolate
Fazer chocolate is one of the most popular things to bring back from Finland, and you’ll see it in pretty much every supermarket. The classic Fazer Blue bar is the one most people go for.
It’s smooth, simple, and easy to pick up before you leave, which makes it a reliable souvenir if you want something quick but still very Finnish.
Puukko
The puukko is a traditional Finnish knife with a simple, practical design and a very sharp blade. It’s been used for everything from woodworking to fishing for generations, so it’s a well-known part of Finnish culture.
You’ll find both handmade and more modern versions in shops, depending on what you’re looking for. If you do buy one, just make sure to pack it in your checked luggage rather than your carry-on.
Kuksa Wooden Mug
A kuksa is a traditional Finnish wooden cup, usually carved from birch. It’s simple, sturdy, and often associated with outdoor life in Finland.
You’ll see them sold in markets and souvenir shops, and each one has its own natural wood grain, so no two look exactly the same. These make great cups for camping, or when enjoying a drink outdoors.
Marttiini Knife
Marttiini is a well-known Finnish knife brand that’s been around since the 1920s. Their knives are known for being durable, sharp, and designed with a clean, simple style.
They’re popular for outdoor use like fishing and camping, but you’ll also find versions made for the kitchen. These are a step up in quality compared to more basic options. Just remember that knives aren’t allowed in carry on, so make sure to pack it in your checked luggage if you’re flying.
Blueberry Juice
Blueberry juice is a popular drink in Finland, made from the wild berries that grow across the country. It has a slightly tart, fresh taste and is something you’ll often come across in shops and cafés.
It’s easy to pick up in shops and can elevate your breakfast routine, especially since berries are such a big part of Finnish culture. Just remember to pack it carefully so it doesn’t leak in your bag.
Jaloviina
Jaloviina, or Jallu as it’s usually called, is a traditional Finnish spirit made from a blend of cognac and grain alcohol. Jallu is what’s known as a “cut brandy”, which makes it a more affordable alternative to cognac. It has a fairly strong, slightly sweet taste and has been around since the 1930s.
You’ll notice the different versions by the number of stars on the label, which nicknames based on Finnish military ranks. For example, a brandy with no stars is called vääpeli (non-commissioned officer), one-star cut brandy is called vänrikki, two-star cut brandy is called luutnantti (lieutenant) and three-star cut brandy is called kapteeni (captain).
Cloudberry Jam
Cloudberry jam is one of the more unique things you can try in Finland. Cloudberries grow in northern, colder regions, and aren’t something you see everywhere, which makes them a bit more special.
The jam has a mix of sweet and slightly tart flavors and is often served with desserts or even alongside cheese. Cloudberries are quite rare, so this isn’t something you’ll easily find elsewhere outside of Finland.
Salmiakki
Salmiakki, or salty licorice, is a classic Finnish candy with a very distinct taste. It’s made using ammonium chloride, which gives it that strong salty edge alongside the sweetness.
People either love it or hate it, but it’s a big part of Finnish food culture. Plus the candy travels well since it’s a dry food.
Arabia Ceramics
Arabia is another well-known Finnish design brand, known for its ceramics and tableware. You’ll find everything from mugs to plates, often with simple designs or distinctive patterns.
The pieces are made to last and are something you’ll see used in homes across Finland. It’s the kind of chinaware you can use daily at home and be reminded of your time in Finland.
Kalevala Jewelry
Kalevala Jewelry is a Finnish brand that’s been around since the 1930s and takes its name from the national epic, the Kalevala. The designs are inspired by older Finnish and Nordic styles, so they feel different from more modern pieces.
Everything is made in Finland, and you’ll find a range of rings, necklaces, and bracelets in shops. The designs are a bit more meaningful and stand out from typical jewelry.
Terva Candy
Terva candy is one of the more unusual things you’ll come across in Finland. It’s made using wood tar from pine trees, which gives it a smoky, slightly bitter taste that’s very different from typical sweets.
This candy is definitely an acquired taste but it’s not something you’ll find in many other places.
Finnish Gin
Finnish gin has become more popular in recent years, with brands like Kyrö Distillery and Helsinki Distilling Company leading the way. Many of them use local ingredients like wild berries, birch leaves, and other botanicals, which gives them a slightly different flavor compared to more traditional gins.
A good one to add to your collection if you enjoy trying different gins, especially since a lot of the flavors are tied to the local landscape.
Vodka from Finland
Finnish vodka is known for being clean, smooth, and high quality. Brands like Finlandia are made using glacial spring water and locally grown barley, which gives it that crisp finish.
Koskenkorva is another well-known name, often associated with a more traditional, straightforward style, while Laplandia is a newer option that’s also recognized for its smoothness. Vodka is easy to find across Finland, so you won’t have to go out of your way to pick up a bottle.
Moomin Merch
Moomin is one of the most recognisable parts of Finnish culture, created by author Tove Jansson. The characters appear on everything from mugs and books to clothing and toys, and you’ll see them in shops all over the country.
Brands like Arabia and Iittala make popular Moomin tableware, while Martinex focuses more on clothing and accessories. It’s one of those souvenirs that feels very tied to Finland and shows up in a lot of homes here.
Fiskars Scissors
Fiskars scissors are one of those everyday items that actually come from Finland. First introduced in 1967, they’re known for their bright orange handles and simple, practical design.
They’re sharp, durable, and easy to find in shops across the country. It might seem like an unusual souvenir, but it’s something you’ll probably end up using for years.
Kantele
The kantele is Finland’s traditional string instrument and has a long history tied to Finnish folklore and the Kalevala. It looks a bit like a small harp or zither and has a soft, distinctive sound.
You’ll sometimes find smaller versions sold as souvenirs, often handmade from wood. It’s not something everyone will buy, but it’s a more unusual item if you’re interested in Finnish culture and music.
Spa Accessories
Sauna culture is a big part of life in Finland, and there are plenty of related items you’ll see in shops. Common things include brushes, oils, and textiles like towels and robes.
One of the most traditional items is the vihta or vasta, a bundle of birch twigs used in the sauna. You’ll also see wooden buckets and ladles, which are used to throw water onto the hot stones. These are the kind of items you can buy to create your own relaxing sauna experience back home.
A Final Word
Finland has a mix of souvenirs that are a bit different from what you’ll find in other countries, from design pieces and traditional items to food and drinks that reflect local culture.
Some are more practical, others are more unusual, but a lot of them feel connected to everyday life in Finland rather than just being made for tourists.
If you’re visiting, it’s worth picking up something small that you’ll actually remember the trip by, whether that’s a simple food item, a piece of design, or something tied to Finnish traditions.
