You're going to Iceland and you want to bring back something special to remember your trip and let loved ones know you thought of them while on vacation. There are a host of things to buy in Iceland from art, wood carvings, food, knitwear, books, and cheeky things too.
The main shopping area in Reykjavik is Laugavegur shopping street. Here you will see everything from boutique and vintage clothing to beauty stores, cafes, housewares, and souvenirs. It's a hip and trendy place to spend lots of money or just walk and enjoy the area. The other shopping must-see areas for souvenirs are the Kringlan shopping mall and Kolaportid flea market,
Pro tip: When shopping for Iceland souvenirs make sure you check the tags. Like everywhere, some things are not made in Iceland, so if you are looking for authentic souvenirs, be sure to check the tag.
Beauty
Icelandic women are known for their natural beauty. If you want to bring back something special try a few of these brands and products.
The best known would be products from The Blue Lagoon. Products contain herbs, algae, and silica mud from the lagoon itself. You can also arrange for spa services or a day pass at the Retreat at the Blue Lagoon Spa and Hotel for a special treat. Other well-known beauty products and skincare brands to consider are Skyn Iceland and Sóley Organics. Iceland has many brands as you would imagine so try a few and see what you like.
Pro tip: Buy these at the duty-free shops at the airport and save some money. Yes, you can buy some of these here in the US and online like most things, but to buy it where it comes from has a special sentimental value.
Chocolate
Chocolate bars are always a great gift and a great snack while on vacation. There are many bakeries and sweet shops to choose from while there, and one you might want to try is the Omnom Chocolate and Ice Cream Shop. As of the article, the factory tour is on hold but check into it before you go. Bars can be purchased at grocery stores and souvenir shops all over.
The Omnom Chocolate is one of the favorites among Icelanders. With a focus on sustainability, the ingredients are sourced from sustainable farmers. Made from cocoa beans, sugar, Icelandic salt, and Icelandic Milk, it is mixed with unique ingredients. The beans are sourced from Nicaragua, Brazil, Tanzania, and Madagascar providing optimum flavor. The chocolate, licorice, and sea salt bar is a favorite among Icelanders but they offer many others including raspberry, caramel, sea salt, and unique flavors and blends like burnt barley.
Another Icelandic brand to consider is Noi Sirius, which was established in 1920 and specializes in semi-sweet, bitter, and milk chocolate varieties and of course the ever-popular licorice. Icelanders love their sweets so you will find chocolate everywhere from the flea market, to stores, to duty free shops at the airport.
Adult Beverages or Beverages
Beer was not legal in Iceland until 1989. You read that right 1989. Thank goodness it is legal now and they are racing forward with craft brews too! You can buy alcohol in only two places besides bars in Iceland; the airport and a government alcohol store.
Since 1989 beer has been a growing industry and Icelanders love their beer. There are more than 26 breweries that exist across the country now as craft beer continues to grow and win awards. Popular Icelandic beers to try include Lava, Gædingur Stout, Leifur Einstok, Skuli, Borg, and Kaldi to name only a few. Beer connoisseurs all have their own favorites so try a few and let me know yours!
One alcohol product, however, has been around for some time and it's called Brennivin. It is a spirit flavored with caraway seed and packs a very strong taste. It is said to taste like everything from aquavit to gin to vodka. I say moonshine but was voted down by the travel group. It was originally used to quell the taste of a fermented shark, called Hakari, also a must-try when in Iceland....if you dare.
Pro tip: if you plan to drink in your hotel room, you may want to purchase your alcohol at the duty-free shop at the airport upon arrival. Pricing is better and you will get it out of the way.
Pro tip 2: You can buy alcohol at the duty-free shop and have them seal it in a bag to bring home however, they must be able to see in the container so do not attempt to bring home cans of beer.
Clothing
Winter options such as hats, scarves, and gloves are a great choice but there is one item that is a must-have from Iceland; Lopapeysa or Lopi Sweaters
These Iconic sweaters use wool from Icelandic sheep which have 2 coats. The top coat is coarse like most wool, and the undercoat is softer wool. That said if you find wool itchy, and even if you don't, these are best worn with something underneath. Since you will layer most of the time in Iceland go for it. Traditionally these sweaters were black, white, grey, or brown taking on the color of the undyed wool. They are recognized by the yoke pattern.
These sweaters will set you back about $150-$200 so if you are thinking about saving and love to knit, buy some yarn and knit your own.
Two stores to try for warm clothing are Icewear or 66 Degrees North. For Lopapeysa try the flea market or the Hand Knitting Association of Iceland. in Reykjavik for authentic hand-made sweaters.
Music
It's always fun to bring back music. The country that brought us Björk has much to offer in terms of music beyond alternative music. They have great music festivals in the summer or stop by one of the music stores to see what is to your liking. Ask for advice and they'll be happy to help you decide.
Cheeky
If you love cheeky souvenirs try one of these. Icelanders have a unique sense of humor and are free spirits with respect to their sexuality and their bodies. With that in mind, one of the most asked-for and unique gifts would be Nature Condoms.
The brand offers designs such as Lava formations, Northern Lights, Hot Springs, An Erupting Volcano, and an Erupting Geyser, representing both the open nature around sexuality and the beautiful landscape and nature of Iceland.
Not as much cheeky, as corny-but-fun, is a Mink Viking Portrait. Schedule a session with the photographer that will dress you, and your family as a Viking and go through a full 45-minute to 2-hour photo shoot. This is a professional shoot and they will make you look like a Viking so don't think of amusement park saloon shots.
The owner is well known for a career in photography and film and is known for working on "Game of Thrones". He will share his knowledge of Old Norse Life and the clothing is authentic to the period. Prices at this time run approx $85 per person. Not bad for a great souvenir!
Check out a few photos on their website here: https://mink.is/
Salt
You are on an Island with an unlimited resource for salt. Much of it comes from the northern part of Iceland and you will see it everywhere. It is packaged in many ways and sizes as well as many flavors the most popular being Lava Salt. Personally, I like Rhubarb but there are all kinds from fruit to herbs to chilis. These make great gifts and work well in gift baskets.
Christmas Traditions
Iceland has 13 pranksters called Yule Lads as part of their Christmas traditions. They are holiday trolls that take turns visiting the children on the 13 nights before Christmas. Children will place one of their shoes on the windowsill and the lads will fill them with candy. For any children that were not good, instead of coal, they will get rotten potatoes. You can find these mischievous lads in various forms from carvings to puzzles. Check out the Christmas shops in Reykjavik, all year long to find the Yule Lads and some beautiful ornaments too.
Fun and Free Things to Bring Back
You don't have to spend to find unique gifts but it sure is fun! Why not try these ideas?
When visiting the black sand beach, bring a small bag and collect some sand. Look for a shop with tiny bottles and a cork or cap and fill them with the sand you collected! Iceland is known for the best water so why not do the same with water? Bring some back from one of the waterfalls, a glacier, or fresh from the tap. Don't forget liquid limitations at the airport. This next one is actually sold to tourists and feels a bit like giving nothing but you can do this on your own; bring back a jar of fresh Iceland air.
With so many unique souvenirs to choose from, you should be able to find something fun for yourself and those unable to come! If you've already decided to go to Iceland, check out the blog on travel tips for Iceland.
If you are interested in going to Iceland we would love to have you on our next group trip.
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