Crisp air scented with pine and birch, the hush of snow underfoot or the flicker of the northern lights over a glassy lake — Finland feels like a slow, beautiful exhale. From Helsinki’s design-lined streets to the remote reindeer-grazed fells of Lapland, the country offers tactile, well-made things that echo its landscape and ways of life.

Whether you’re hunting handcrafted keepsakes, iconic design pieces, or edible tastes of the north, these Finnish souvenirs will help you bring a little of Finland home.

1. Marimekko textiles

Why pick this up: Marimekko’s bold prints — the iconic Unikko poppy among them — are instantly recognizable and capture Finnish modernism: joyful, practical, and graphic. A Marimekko tea towel or dress brightens any home or wardrobe with Helsinki’s design spirit.
What to look for: Original prints, well-finished seams, and seasonal collaborations. Smaller items like pouches and scarves are easy to pack; dresses and home textiles are worth a splurge if you love the pattern.
Price bracket (2025): €20–€250 (from kitchen textiles and small accessories up to dresses and larger home pieces).
Where to find it: Marimekko flagship stores in Helsinki (Design District and near Stockmann), the Marimekko outlet at the airport, and select department stores across Finland.

2. Iittala glassware (Aalto vase)

Why pick this up: Iittala glass channels Scandinavian light and minimal curves — the Aalto vase is a design classic that captures the country’s relationship with water and form.
What to look for: Signed pieces or limited editions if you want something collectable; smaller bowls and tumblers are practical mementos.
Price bracket (2025): €35–€250 (€35 for small bowls, €80–€250 for signature vases).
Where to find it: Iittala and Arabia design shops in Helsinki’s Design District, Iittala outlets, and design stores like Artek.

3. Moomin merchandise

Why pick this up: Tove Jansson’s Moomins are a Finnish cultural export beloved by all ages — whimsical mugs, books, and homewares feel like a storybook slice of Finland.
What to look for: Officially licensed goods (look for the Moomin trademark) and specially illustrated editions or ceramics made by local Finnish makers.
Price bracket (2025): €5–€120 (from postcards and small toys up to limited-edition ceramics).
Where to find it: Moomin Shops (Helsinki and other cities), design stores, museum shops, and airport boutiques.

4. Fazer chocolate (and Fazer Blue)

Why pick this up: A national favorite since 1891, Fazer chocolate — especially the milky “Fazer Blue” — tastes like Finnish comfort: creamy, nostalgic, and perfect as a gift.
What to look for: Gift boxes, salt or licorice-infused varieties, and local seasonal releases sold in Fazer Cafés.
Price bracket (2025): €3–€20 (single bars to curated chocolate boxes).
Where to find it: Fazer Cafés in Helsinki, supermarket chains, and souveneir shops at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport.

5. Salmiakki and Finnish candy

Why pick this up: Salmiakki (salty licorice) is an acquired but iconic Finnish flavor — intensely briny, dark, and surprisingly addictive. Great for adventurous eaters and as a conversation-starting souvenir.
What to look for: Salmiakki candies, salmiakki-flavored chocolates, and regional varieties (try “salmiakki koskenkorva” liqueurs if you’re exploring spirits).
Price bracket (2025): €2–€12.
Where to find it: Supermarkets (K‑market, S‑market), candy shops like Karkkitalo, and airport kiosks.

6. Cloudberry (hilla) jam and liqueur

Why pick this up: Cloudberries — golden, tart, and rare — taste like Lapland’s short, luminous summers. A jar of hilla jam or a bottle of cloudberry liqueur is pure northern flavor.
What to look for: Glass jars from small Lapland producers or artisan bottles labeled “lakka” (cloudberry) for sipping or drizzling on desserts.
Price bracket (2025): €8–€40 (jams €8–€20, liqueurs €20–€40).
Where to find it: Market Square (Kauppatori) in Helsinki, farmer’s markets, specialty food shops, and Lapland producers in Rovaniemi and Inari.

7. Puukko knife

Why pick this up: The traditional Finnish puukko is a small, elegant utility knife — practical for outdoors life and a piece of Finland’s craft heritage.
What to look for: High-quality steel, a well-fitted wooden or birch handle, and a leather sheath. Handmade puukkos often carry maker’s marks.
Price bracket (2025): €35–€250 (basic models to handcrafted artisan pieces).
Where to find it: Knife makers and craft shops in central Finland and Lapland, specialist outdoors stores, and markets in towns like Rovaniemi or Kuopio.

8. Sámi handicrafts and reindeer leather goods

Why pick this up: Sámi duodji (traditional handicraft) reflects Arctic materials and centuries-old techniques — silver filigree jewelry, woven bands, and supple reindeer leather are meaningful, region-specific keepsakes.
What to look for: Items made by Sámi artisans (ask for provenance), traditional patterns, and sustainably sourced reindeer leather.
Price bracket (2025): €30–€500 (small jewelry and gloves to larger rugs or ceremonial pieces).
Where to find it: Craft shops and markets in northern Lapland (Inari, Ivalo, and Rovaniemi), Sámi cultural centers, and certified duodji sellers.

9. Kantele (small/mini kantele)

Why pick this up: The kantele, Finland’s traditional plucked string instrument, carries the sound of Finnish folklore. Small travel or toy kanteles make evocative musical souvenirs.
What to look for: Miniature or student kanteles for portability, or handcrafted models from luthiers if you want a playable instrument.
Price bracket (2025): €40–€350 (toy/mini models to handcrafted instruments).
Where to find it: Folk instrument makers, music shops in Helsinki and Savonlinna (home of the opera festival), and craft fairs.

10. Sauna whisk (vasta/vihta) and sauna accessories

Why pick this up: Sauna culture is quintessentially Finnish. A fresh birch vihta (vasta) or a handcrafted sauna bucket and ladle bring the scent of steam, birch, and ritual into your home sauna.
What to look for: Fresh vihta in summer markets (they should be supple and fragrant), or dried birch whisks and Finnish-made sauna buckets and scents for year-round use.
Price bracket (2025): €5–€120 (vihta €5–€15 fresh; dried or designer accessories €12–€120).
Where to find it: Kauppatori and local markets in summer, garden centers, craft shops, and specialty sauna retailers around Helsinki and in Lapland.

Tip: Pack fragile design pieces carefully and check customs rules for food and animal products — these Finnish souvenirs are worth a little extra care. ✈️

Let me know in the comments if you have any other top ‘what to buy’ ideas!

About the Author 

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!