Travel is about experiences, not souvenirs.

But if you do want to buy something, why not spend your money on a souvenir you’ll want to keep?

Unfortunately, many of the most readily available souvenir shops in Stockholm don’t exactly make the hunt easy. “Funny” t-shirts, badly-made trinkets, weird little statues manufactured on another continent… Yes, I am sure you can find something nice at most places if you look hard enough. But why not start in a shop where most things are well-made, and then look for what suits your style and budget? That creates a much more enjoyable, peaceful experience when shopping for souvenirs.

So, by now you’ve probably figured out that I am a souvenir snob. I tend to go for food or objects that I can appreciate as they are. The citrus zester from Dean & Deluca in New York and the pasta machine I dragged home from Florence might be far from typical souvenirs, but I remember the trips every time I use them. And I’ll keep them for a lifetime—mine or theirs. After all, souvenirs are also part of our environmental impact. By choosing something we’ll keep, we make a small but more sustainable choice.

Okay—if you really want to get a plastic Viking helmet, no worries! Västerlånggatan in Old Town is all yours and you won’t have any trouble finding what you look fore. Who knows, it might hit that sweet spot of kitsch or irony. But if you’d rather buy a souvenir that is nice in itself, then read on for my shopping tips.

Click here to skip straight to the free downloadable souvenir guide with addresses and opening hours to 50+ places in Stockholm for handicraft, art, design, clothes, and more.

Handicrafts and traditional art

Are you interested in a keepsake that supports traditional Swedish handicraft? If you have the budget and interest, you can spend a couple of thousand Swedish crowns on an antique Dala horse. But, luckily for us all, that kind of budget isn’t necessary to get something well-made and unique. Skansen’s museum shop, Iris Hantverk and Svensk Hemslöjd have a similar assortment of things, so you’ll probably only need to visit one of them unless you’re really into it. Sól Handkraft is a rare Gamla Stan gem.

Skansen’s museum shop

Chances are you’ll enjoy Djurgården in Stockholm at some point, for Skansen, the beautiful walks, amusement park Gröna Lund or the Vasa Museum. And then you happen to be close to one of the best museum shops in town. At Skansen, you’ll find items such as a mug with a traditional pattern from Dalecarlia (159 SEK), a cookie tray of birch bark (398 SEK), and the classic butter knives of alder wood (25-45 SEK). There’s also a food selection, such as lingonberry jam and mustard (about 79 SEK). Fond of the Nordic animals? Then there are plenty of opportunities for luggage tags, mugs, trays, and match cases with foxes, moose or wolves (from circa 40 SEK). And yes, you’ll find the king of Swedish souvenirs, the Dala horse, in long lines, too.

Good for: patterned textiles, photo prints of Nordic animals, household goods

Location: Skansen (Djurgården), with one shop outside the main entrance and two inside the park.

Svensk Hemslöjd

Svensk Hemslöjd doesn’t just offer a wealth of handmade, unique items by small-scale artists and craftsmen. This is also where you’ll find the supplies to do your own thing. How about yarn, embroidery threads and even knitting kits that let you create your own version of Swedish handicraft. I am tempted to buy a handmade paddle loom (285 SEK and up) and learn to weave traditional ribbons. Don’t forget to admire the traditional svepask (bentwood box) for bread or cookies. Svensk Hemslöjd is a good place to find a well-made Dala horse (from 315 SEK and up), although they don’t offer as many varities as Skansen above. Other great options include tablecloths of patterned linen from Växbo lin (from 470 SEK and up).

Good for: Dala horses, knitting and embroidery materials and kits, hand-crafted woodwork

Location: Norrlandsgatan 20 (City)

Iris Hantverk

Iris offers a selection of sustainable kitchenware and home accessories. This even includes cleaning products like classic Swedish pine soap. Most of the things are for the kitchen, bathroom and living room. I especially appreciate the wooden brushes, which have been handmade in Stockholm by visually impaired craftsman people ever since the late 19th century. A favorite at home is their bread brush (circa 90 SEK). Iris also stocks a stunning collection of wool blankets from Klippan (from 720 SEK and up).

Good for: handmade wooden brushes, sustainable kitchenware, home accessories

Locations: Kungsgatan 55 (close to the café Vete-Katten) and Västerlånggatan 24 (Old Town)

Sól Handkraft

You won’t have any trouble finding souvenir shops in Gamla Stan—but shops that sell tasteful, high-quality pieces at fair prices? That’s more tricky. Sól Handkraft is probably the best I’ve seen so far. Expect a variety of handmade Swedish crafts and souvenirs, such as Dala horses (both new and antique), leather-lined woollen mittens (ca 179 SEK), and irresistible soaps from Klockaregården (lavendel is a hit). This is the only shop I’ve seen in Stockholm that stocks the beautiful tea towels from LångLyckan (ca 179 SEK) that are printed with patterns from old decorated farms—a personal favorite and a perfect gift.

Good for: Stockholm souvenirs, unique crafts, Dala horses, gifts

Locations: Köpmangatan 18 (Old Town)

Swedish design souvenirs

While Scandinavian minimalism is everywhere, the design doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Let’s see where you can find well-made pieces that will stand the test of time.

Designtorget

In the last couple of years, Designtorget has had a complete style overhaul and now it is difficult to go inside without drooling. If Scandinavian minimalism is your thing, you’ll love this place. The best thing? There are many affordable things and a wide range of prices. Expect a mix of local designers, classic Swedish design icons, and books related to Stockholm and Sweden. How about a birch cutting board (175 SEK and up), a silk bracelet by designer Kumvana Gomani Holmberg (295 SEK), or the small glass greenhouse Grow (from 295 SEK). And yes, you’ll also find the classic Swedish wooden butter knife here, for about 25 SEK.

Good for: Scandinavian minimalism, design objects, wide price range

Locations: several, for example, one on Kungsgatan 52 (City) and one on Götgatan 31 (Södermalm).

Svenskt Tenn

The pioneering designer Estrid Ericson started Svenskt Tenn in 1924. Since then, the shop mostly offers its own timeless designs. One of the main pillars are the prints by Josef Frank. Maybe you even spotted a few of the designs in the movie Mamma Mia!? If you crave bold patterns, this will be paradise. You’ll find the signature designs on anything from fabric and trays to cushions and sofas. A lot of the items come with high price tags. For example, a sofa for 54 000 SEK is not unusual. Still, you can find a selection of cards, mugs and some jewelry for around 300-1000 SEK.

I’d go for one of the iconic Josef Frank prints, such as tulips, New York or elephants, for example on a tray (from 300 SEK and up). The clear acorn vase from the 1930s (130 SEK) is a bit more discreet. For the bigger budget, there’s always the printed bags (from 1 200 SEK and up). Brass candle holder the Friendship knot for 2 400 SEK is a popular gift for weddings and big birthdays.

Good for: bold prints, timeless high-quality accessories for you or the house.

Location: Strandvägen 5, close to The Royal Dramatic Theatre.

Norrgavel

Norrgavel focuses on sustainable objects that can last a lifetime, both for its durability and timeless design. Apart from furniture, the shop offers accessories, tableware and decorative items for the house. The style often finds the sweet spot between old craftsmanship techniques and modern design. While it is on the high-price side, you’ll still find items that are both affordable and beautiful. The pale wooden horse (from 295 SEK) is a minimalist version of the Dala horse. Other options are a handmade ceramic mug by designer Calle Forsberg (350 SEK) or candle holders from Klong (from 700 SEK).

Good for: sustainable, minimalist design and accessories

Location: Birger Jarlsgatan 27 (City)

Målerås Glasbruk

Målerås Glasbruk offers crystal art, from vases, bowls, and plates to art objects, all in a range of different styles. Some of the pieces are one-of-a-kind sculptures (with corresponding price tags). As long as you pack it well, this is a great place to find a beautiful souvenir gift. Maybe a visit to the shop will inspire you to visit the glassworks in the Southern county of Småland where the objects are produced?

Good for: glassworks of all kinds, especially patterned glass sculptures

Location: flagship store on Drottninggatan 10, but can also be found in other places such as department store NK

Clothing and accessories

Clothing and accessories might not be the first thing you think of when souvenir hunting. But if you’re willing to spend a bit more on a souvenir, why not buy something you can enjoy every day?

COS and Other Stories

These two clothing stores constitute the high-end branches of the H&M empire. And for your convenience, the stores are but a stone’s throw away from each other on Biblioteksgatan. COS has a women’s department downstairs and a men’s department upstairs. Here you find anything you need for an oversized, androgynous or minimalist look. You’ll look like a Scandi graphic designer in no time with a loose-fitting shirt (from 590 SEK and up). For colder climates, turn to the woolen sweaters (from 790 SEK and up).

Other stories consists of two floors aimed at women, with more feminine, patterned and fitted clothing.  You’ll also find a lot of fun and affordable accessories, shoes, and jewelry. Other stories also has its own line of makeup and skin products – I’m fond of their Fig Fiction eau de toilette (300 SEK). You might enjoy the long-sleeved everyday dresses (from 790 SEK) or a pair of geometrical earrings (from 150 SEK).

Good for: Sweaters, jackets (COS), accessories, flirty skirts (Other stories)

Locations: COS, Biblioteksgatan 3. Other stories, Biblioteksgatan 11.

Swedish Hasbeens

Clogs—either you love them or you hate them. Swedish Hasbeens has won over even reluctant anti-cloggers by making clogs beautiful and fashionable. The shoe is based on an old Swedish clog from the 70s. Nude, lipstick red, or forest green? With a great range of colours, heights and styles, the brand has attracted fans like Sarah Jessica Parker, Maggie Gyllenhaal and First Aid Kit. Hasbeens has also expanded to produce boots that would make any winter blues go away. The shoes are hand-crafted and of high-quality materials which shows on the price, but they are bound to last you a long time. Clogs like super high Fredrica (1 795 SEK) or high Braided (1 595 SEK) are on my wishlist.

Good for: clogs in all colors and designs

Location: Nytorgsgatan 36A (Södermalm). Check out the outlet store on Västerlånggatan 65 (Old Town) for reduced prices.

Naturkompaniet

Naturkompaniet stocks many things needed for the outdoors, but the most iconic is Fjällräven’s backpack Kånken from 1978. In the last few years, the backpack has had a revival. Whether you go for a bright or more muted color, it can handle anything from the commute and city dwelling to a day in the forest. Kånken is sturdy and comes in a wealth of colors and different sizes, costing from 799 SEK and up. I swear by my 15’ laptop version (1 090 SEK) for anything from working in cafés to packing for a weekend away.

Good for: Kånken backpacks in all colors, outdoors clothing that lasts a lifetime.

Locations: Several, Kungsgatan 26 is one of the best-stocked with Kånken.

Happy Socks

Socks don’t have to be boring—why not go for cherries, neon dots or flamingos? Apart froms ocks for men and women, the brand also offers a selection of underwear. You’ll find Happy Socks in department stores such as Åhléns, or in their own shop. For an extra Swedish touch, you might enjoy the Dala horse pattern or the traditional kurbits pattern in the Swedish edition box (ca 279 SEK), or 99 SEK for one pair of sox. This souvenir is bound to make you (or the receiver) smile!

Good for: colorful socks

Locations: Drottninggatan 70 (Norrmalm), Mäster Samuelsgatan (Norrmalm) and Västerlånggatan 65 (Gamla Stan)

Swedish food souvenirs

Now, before you buy enough mysterious jars and packages to stock a small delicatessen… Make sure that you know the customs regulations are for the country you are traveling to next. (Within the EU is fine.) You don’t want to leave all your precious goods in the customs. Also, don’t forget a large jar of lingonberry jam in your carry-on luggage or you’ll lose it in the security control.

Systembolaget

If you drink alcohol, bringing a unique bottle home could be fun. You might have heard already that the Swedes go to a dedicated government-regulated store to buy all drinks stronger than 3,5%. But Swedish alcohol is more than Absolute Vodka. How about a bottle of Swedish punsch? The sweet arrack liqueur has a rich tone of toffee and is usually served with or after a meal (often with pea soup). My favorite Ruderts punsch (265 SEK) has to be ordered in advance, but you’ll be sure to find some other great brands in any store. Other options would be a bottle of schnapps (try classic O.P Anderson, about 149 SEK), or Mackmyra whisky (starting at 315 SEK).

Good for: arrack liqueur, Swedish schnapps, and much more. Well, alcohol…

Locations: many, for example at PK-huset (next to NK) on Norrlandsgatan 3, or Drottninggatan 22 and 45.

Gamla Stans Polkagriskokeri

The traditional red-and-white-striped peppermint candy cane from town Gränna is the focus of this candy-maker in Old Town. Production takes place in the shop, so you might catch the process of turning the sugar mass into candies of all shapes, flavors, and colors. Expect to pay around 25 SEK for the classic cane, or get five for 100 SEK.

Good for: striped hard candy

Location: Stora Nygatan 44 (Old Town)

Pärlans Konfektyr

This retro-style toffee shop is worth a small detour (or even a long one, if you’re crazy about sweets). Unfortunately, souvenirs from here won’t last long—they are just too delicious. If you’re lucky, you can admire the production next door through a window. Toffee flavors vary with the season, with almond and sea salt or chocolate being part of the favorites. One toffee costs ca 9 SEK, or get a pretty box of 10 for 120 SEK. For an extra luxurious dessert, Pärlans also sells jars of toffee sauce (ca 105). The shop is often full, but on a quiet day, this is a nice place to enjoy a cup of coffee and a small cookie.

Good for: retro toffees

Location: Nytorgsgatan 38 (Södermalm)

Get the free guide to 50+ shops for genuine Swedish souvenirs

Hopefully, these suggestions should help you find something you can treasure for a long time ahead.

To make it easier for you, I’ve put together a printable guide with all the addresses, opening hours, and contact details to the stores. I wanted to make it comprehensive for you, so in the end, there were over 50 shops included. No, I am not suggesting you go for all of them—just check which ones look interesting to you and happily skip the rest.

In the guide, you’ll find many of my Stockholm shopping favorites and several of my hidden gems—you know, the kind I don’t want to share with just anybody. Our secret, okay? 😉

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