What to Bring Home from Lapland: 9 Authentic Finnish Souvenirs

There's something about Lapland that makes you want to take a piece of it home. Maybe it's the silent snowy forests, your first husky safari, or the moment the northern lights finally appeared above you.

You can't pack the Arctic atmosphere into your suitcase, but you can bring back a few things to remind you of it. Rovaniemi has no shortage of Santa magnets and snow globes, but Finland also offers souvenirs that are genuinely useful, delicious or beautifully crafted. Here are our favourites – along with tips on where to buy them and what to watch out for at the airport.

1Outdoor Crafts: Kuksa and Puukko

1. Kuksa, the Traditional Wooden Cup

If any souvenir captures the feeling of Lapland, it's the kuksa. This wooden cup is closely tied to outdoor life in northern Finland: picture yourself sitting by a campfire after a long walk through a snowy forest, warm coffee in your hands.

Traditional kuksas are often carved from a birch burl, though you'll also see cups made from other woods. A well-made kuksa is a lovely gift for anyone who enjoys hiking, camping or simply good coffee.

Not every kuksa in a souvenir shop is handmade in Finland. If you want something special, ask where it was made and by whom.

2. The Puukko and the Story of Marttiini

The puukko, a traditional Finnish knife, has been part of outdoor life for generations – used for woodcarving, fishing, camping and everyday tasks in the wild. Many have a wooden handle and a leather sheath.

The name to remember in Rovaniemi is Marttiini. Janne Marttiini founded a knife factory here in 1928, and almost a century later the brand is still known for combining traditional craftsmanship with practical outdoor design. The range runs from everyday outdoor knives to collector's pieces with curly birch handles and decorated leather sheaths.

You can buy them where the whole story began: at the Marttiini Brand Store in Santa Claus Village or at the shop in the Rinteenkulma shopping centre (Koskikatu 25) in the city centre. The stores have offered free blade engraving with purchases, so check whether this offer still applies.

If you want something truly special, look for a traditional puukko with a curly birch handle. A good knife will last for generations. Flying home? Pack it safely in your checked luggage, never in your carry-on.

2Arctic Flavours

3. Cloudberry Jam

Cloudberries are small golden-orange berries that grow in northern bogs, and their flavour is hard to compare to anything familiar. In Finnish they're called lakka or hilla, and the jam is lakkahillo.

Try it the Finnish way with leipäjuusto, the traditional "squeaky" cheese. A small jar is usually a far more interesting gift for family and friends than yet another magnet. Do check the fruit content on the label, though: a quality berry jam and a cheap, overly sweet product can differ a lot.

4. Fazer Chocolate and Salmiakki

Fazer's classic blue milk chocolate is a Finnish staple, and there are plenty of other flavours to try too. Then there's salmiakki, strong salty liquorice sweets. Some people love them; others can't understand why anyone would eat them voluntarily. Either way, they make a fun gift.

Buy sweets, coffee and jams at a regular Finnish supermarket, not a tourist shop. You'll usually find a bigger selection at normal prices.

5. Finnish Liqueurs and Spirits

For adult travellers, a bottle can make a great souvenir. Lakka is a sweet golden cloudberry liqueur, Koskenkorva Salmiakki is a liquorice drink for salmiakki fans, and Arctic Blue Gin draws on Nordic nature and botanicals. You'll find Finnish spirits at Alko, the specialised state-run alcohol store.

3Leather, Sámi Crafts and Wool

6. Reindeer Leather and Handmade Goods

Reindeer are central to life and culture in northern Finland, and their hides have long been used for practical items. Look for wallets, small bags, pouches and keyrings – some are beautifully handcrafted.

Just because something is sold in Lapland doesn't mean it was made here. For authentic Sámi handicrafts, look for the Sámi Duodji certification mark; the Sámi Made label identifies products by Sámi people or Sámi-owned businesses. Buying the real thing supports the people and traditions behind it, so don't hesitate to ask about the maker, materials and origin.

7. Finnish Wool Socks

Admittedly, it's not the most exciting souvenir, but good wool socks will keep you warm long after your holiday. Hand-knitted ones bought directly from a local maker make a thoughtful gift. Nordic patterns alone don't guarantee local production, so check where they were made.

4Postcards, Art and Design

8. Postcards from Santa Claus Main Post Office

In Santa Claus Village you can send a postcard from the Arctic Circle via Santa Claus Main Post Office and browse stamps and small Christmas gifts. A real postcard from Lapland feels a little more special than yet another WhatsApp photo. Our tip: send one to yourself too, so a small reminder is waiting for you at home.

9. Local Art, Jewellery and Design

If you prefer something that doesn't scream "tourist souvenir", look for locally made jewellery, ceramics, art prints or small handmade decorations. Rovaniemi's craft shops and museum stores offer pieces inspired by northern nature and culture. If you like a maker's work, ask about their story – that's often the best part of buying handmade.

5Where to Shop in Rovaniemi

Santa Claus Village is good for Christmas gifts, postcards and traditional goods, especially if you're visiting anyway. The city centre is better for Finnish design, craft shops and clothing, while supermarkets win for edible gifts. A few places worth visiting:

• LAURI Handicrafts Shop – traditional crafts and handmade goods
• Marttiini Brand Store, Santa Claus Village – Finnish knives and gifts
• Marttiini Brand Store, Rinteenkulma (Koskikatu 25) – knives in the city centre
• Arktikum Shop – Arctic-themed gifts, design and books
• Korundi Shop – art, design and locally inspired products
• Santa Claus Main Post Office – postcards, stamps and Christmas souvenirs

Opening hours and product ranges change, so check before you visit.

6Practical Information

• Knives: always in checked luggage, safely packed. Check the rules of your destination country.
• Jam and other liquids: larger jars belong in checked luggage due to airport liquid restrictions.
• Alcohol: check airline rules, age restrictions and customs limits before buying.
• Food: some countries restrict imports of animal products and certain foods, especially outside the EU. Check before you fly.
• Prices: chocolate, salmiakki, coffee and jam tend to be cheaper in supermarkets than in souvenir shops.
• Authenticity: ask about the maker and origin; for Sámi handicrafts, look for the Sámi Duodji or Sámi Made labels.
• Winter shopping: if you're walking between shops in the cold, dress in layers – see our guide What to Wear at −30 °C.
• Suitcase space: leave a little room free. You'll probably find something you didn't plan to buy!