Where to shop for souvenirs?

[bluewater1298]

We will be on a southbound cruise this May and I was wondering which is the best port for buying souvenirs? First port is Skagway, then Juneau and last is Ketchikan. After our shore excursions we should have a couple of hours for shopping at each port. One item we will be looking for is the Ulu knife. Besides that item, does anyone have any suggestions for authentic Alaskan souvenirs?

[mapleleaves]

go to SEARCH THIS FORUM and do a search using the word souvenier and you'll find hundreds of useful suggestions.

[Putterdude]

Ulu knives are available at almost every shop in Alaska, most of which are made off shore, you will pay pretty good dollars for one made in Alaska but they do make wonderful pizza cutters. Probably the very best native souvenir shop I have ever seen anywhere is the Mt. Juneau Trading Post at 151 S. Franklin St . in Juneau. There are a number of shops in Ketchikan but one that stands out in my mind is Crazy Wolf Studio.

 

 

http://mtjuneautradingpost.com/

http://www.crazywolfstudio.com/

[donaldsc]

Just make sure that when you buy a souvenir of AK, you do not buy a "made in China" Alaskan souvenir. If you do, you have a China souvenir. The ones that are made in Alaska are clearly marked and generally more expensive. There is also a marking used for the crafts that are made by the indigenous peoples.

 

DON

[AKStafford]

Just be sure to look for the Made in Alaska logo:

https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/ded/DEV/MadeInAlaska.aspx

And for Alaska Native made items, look for the Silver Hand logo:

https://education.alaska.gov/aksca/native.html

 

Both marks are strictly regulated and assure that you don't buy something made somewhere else.

Edited April 27, 2016 by AKStafford

[bluewater1298]

Thanks for the suggestions and advice. I knew the knife would be expensive, but had plan on spending the extra for it. Our son is a chef and we wanted to bring him back something he would enjoy. As for the other items, we may have to count the cost. I definitely don't want to buy something made in China. Will look for the logo. I did want to make sure we don't pass up a good shop in one port, thinking the next port might have something better. I will do some searches. Thanks again for the suggestions!

[Putterdude]

You likely know this but you will want to be careful to purchase an Ulu knife that is constructed in a manner and has a handle that can be cleaned to the satisfaction of your local health board if you think your son is going to use the Ulu on the job.

[CowPrincess]

Thanks for the suggestions and advice. I knew the knife would be expensive, but had plan on spending the extra for it. Our son is a chef and we wanted to bring him back something he would enjoy. As for the other items, we may have to count the cost. I definitely don't want to buy something made in China. Will look for the logo. I did want to make sure we don't pass up a good shop in one port, thinking the next port might have something better. I will do some searches. Thanks again for the suggestions!

 

Don't pack it in your carry on for your flight back home. Voice of experience here :eek: Couldn't figure out how the TSA guy knew we'd been in Alaska... until he mentioned our souvenir in my carry on bag :eek: :)

[Glaciers]

Not on your list of ports although you will be flying into Anchorage. If you have the time here Anchorage is an excellent are for Native crafts. The Alaska Fur Exchange has a huge selection. At the Alaska Native Medical Center, Native Alaskans bring in crafts from all areas of the state for sale at the craft store.

http://www.alaskafurexchange.com/

http://anmc.org/patients-visitors/craft-shop/

[rockdoctor]

We always do our shopping in Ketchikan (Tongas Trading comes to mind). We are always too busy in Skagway and Juneau to shop. Having said that, there is a liquor store across from the Skagway museum and a nice tourist trap (how's that for an oxymoron) just south of the RR track downtown. There are a couple of small t-shirt shops in Juneau on the way back to the ship. The Diamonds International is conveniently located in all 3 towns. Just look for the salesmen standing on the sidewalk.

[donaldsc]

Not on your list of ports although you will be flying into Anchorage. If you have the time here Anchorage is an excellent are for Native crafts. The Alaska Fur Exchange has a huge selection. At the Alaska Native Medical Center, Native Alaskans bring in crafts from all areas of the state for sale at the craft store.

http://www.alaskafurexchange.com/

http://anmc.org/patients-visitors/craft-shop/

 

Second your suggestion on the Alaska Medical Center. The stuff will not be cheap but it is worth the money and you know that it is supporting native peoples. BTW - even you you do not buy anything, they have wonderful displays of native art in the hospital. Seems strange to recommend going to a hospital to see art work but that is what I am recommending.

 

DON

[whimbly]

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