25 BEST Souvenirs from Sweden (From an Expert)
Looking for authentic and unique souvenirs from Sweden? Having grown up in Canada with a Swedish mom and grandparents, I was surrounded by some treasured Swedish items that were proudly displayed and used in our home.
It wasn’t until I got older that I realized how unique some of these items are to Sweden, and how hard they can be to find elsewhere.
Swedish souvenirs can add a nice Scandinavian touch to your home, whether its foods, spices, Swedish-made products and decorations. I have visited Sweden during many summers and have come back with many of my own Swedish products that remind me of Sweden.
So, here it is – what to buy in Sweden, so you know what to look for!
Best Souvenirs from Sweden
1. A Dala horse
You will see the ‘dala horse’ in many shops in Stockholm, and around Sweden. The dala horse is an iconic image of Sweden. It originated in the province of Dalarna, and in the old days was a toy for children. Nowadays, it isn’t used as a toy anymore – but a symbol of Sweden.
The original horse is red and that is the most ‘classic’ design, but there are also some softer colours, like whites and light blues, like above!
Dala horses can be very pricy if they’re the authentic handicraft kind, but much cheaper if they’re a knockoff. Another option is to buy objects and souvenirs decorated with the dala horse – they are very common, since the dala horse has become so associated with Sweden.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a creative gift for kids from Sweden, look for a blank wooden horse that hasn’t been painted yet. You can find them in many souvenir or craft stores.
2. Fika souvenirs
One thing you may notice about Sweden is it’s coffee culture, which is called “fika”. Fika refers to the act of sitting down, enjoying coffee with baked goods with family or friends.
Swedes believe in taking pleasure in the simple things in life; one of which is taking the time to sit down and relish in a good coffee, cinnamon bun and cookies.
I should mention Swedes don’t usually buy stuff that says ‘fika’ right on it, (you don’t need it to say fika on it in order to have a fika.) But, stuff that says fika is geared at tourists, and – I think – a really nice souvenir from Sweden and a reminder of the ‘take it easy’ culture.
You can buy:
- Souvenirs that say ‘fika’ on them, serving boards, mugs, T-shirts, signs to hang in your home – you’ll see lots of them in swedish souvenir stores
- Items to have a fika at your home – Swedish coffee brands like Gevalia or Arvid Nordquist, cinnamon buns or cookies, or a mug that is unique to Sweden in some way, with Swedish writing on it, or handcrafted in Sweden
3. Swedish candy
The Swedes love their candy – it is said that they consume more of it than any other country in the world. And in my (and my husband’s) opinion, Swedish candy is the best. It has a perfect flavour that isn’t overly sweet, but stil very tasty.
My favourite Swedish candy (by far) is called bilar, which means ‘cars’. It’s hard to describe the taste – but it is a type of marshmallow candy. I find it addictive, but it may not be for everybody.
Bu there are countless types of Swedish candies. Some popular types are:
- Haribo Nappar (comes in many flavours)
- Sockerbitar (which are even more marshmallow-like than bilar)
- Lakridsfiskar which is Swedish fish.
Swedish candy can be found in souvenir stores, but you can buy them cheaper if you go into a supermarket.
4. Pippi Longstocking souvenirs
Pippi Longstocking books were written by Swedish author Astrid Lindgren, so as you can imagine she is a very popular Swedish character.
You can find many Pippi souvenirs in Sweden, mostly aimed at kids. Pippi dolls, backpacks, clothing, lunchboxes, toys, books and so many other things.
You can buy books about Pippi; usually in Swedish, but many bookstores (especially in larger cities like Stockholm) have English language books too – so keep your eye out for Pippi!
You can also find specialty Pippi souvenirs and gifts on the Astrid Lindgren website here
5. ‘Sweden’ clothing
Part of what is unique about Sweden-decorated clothing is the blue and yellow colour scheme. Very few countries have blue and yellow as their flag colours (Ukraine is the only other European country) so its a nice, bright colour scheme to remind you of Sweden.
Another thing you may see on some clothing is the three crowns (as seen in the picture above,) which symbolizes the monarchy. Some of the Sweden clothing will say Sweden, or it may say Sverige, which means Sweden in Swedish.
You can find clothing for kids or adults; mainly in Stockholm but in other major cities too.
6. Swedish candles, or candle holders
Candles are popular in Sweden, because the Swedish winters are are so long and dark. Candles add a hint of hygge – which is common in Scandinavia for making your house cosy.
Usually, Swedish or Scandinavian candles and candle holders would be simple and minimalistic and if scented at all, they’d be naturally scented.
Look for local handicraft candle holders or candles in boutique and souvenir stores.
7. Trolls
Trolls originated in Norse mythology, and they have deep roots in Swedish and Scandinavian culture. This is why you’ll see a lot of troll souvenirs in souvenir shops.
Trolls are also connected to nature in Sweden, with the tales about living in mountain caves, or moss-covered forests. This ties into Swede’s love of the outdoors and the mysteries of nature. We saw lots of trolls on display in Stockholm, and also in Copenhagen, as they
8. Lucia souvenirs
When you’re in Sweden, you may see a lot of Lucia crafts, gifts and souvenirs. Lucia was a saint from Italy, but she is worshipped in Sweden. She is said to bring light into the darkest day of the year, with her iconic crown of candles.
Lucia is a symbol of Sweden, and a big part of Swedish Christmas traditions. You can find Lucia dolls, but also Christmas decorations on serviettes, tablecloths of Lucia. These are sold year round, not just at Christmas.
9. Lignonberry jam
Lingonberries are staple in Swedish cuisine. Similar to how cranberries are used at Thanksgiving and Christmas in North America, lingonberries are the equivalent in Sweden. They’re abundant in Sweden, growing in the summer months in the forests in low shrubs.
There are many jams made out of ligonberries, which are easy to buy anywhere and bring home. Similar to cranberries, lingonberries have somewhat of a tangy taste – but they are very good. You can eat them on top of pancakes, desserts, smoothies or even porridge.
Jam is ‘sylt’ in Swedish, so this is what it may say on the jars when you’re looking for a jar to bring home. You can find some in souvenir shops, but often pay a lower price in supermarkets.
Sometimes there are rules about bringing home seeds, or fresh fruit home with you from another country. But in jam form, you should be safe to bring a few jars home in your checked luggage.
In addition to tasty and common in Sweden, ligonberries are also healthy – high in antioxidants and promote heart health. Read about health benefits of lingonberries here.
10. Fjällräven clothing
Fjällräven originated in Sweden, and its a popular, premium outdoor clothing and gear brand worldwide. In stores and outlets that sell Fjällraven in Sweden, you can find some items that they don’t tend to export.
You can shop Fjällraven at their Naturkompaniet department stores, or at the Fjällräven specific brand stores. There’s one in downtown Stockholm on Kungsgaten.
11. Glögg or a glögg drink set
Glögg is Swedish for mulled wine. Mulled wine has become very popular in recent years all over the world, but its been popular in Sweden for hundreds of years. Glögg is not drank from large mugs – but rather in very small glass cups. They come with little spoons so you can stir the raisins and sliced almonds which are often added to it.
So, a good souvenir from Sweden would be to bring back a glöggsät (glogg set with culps and little spoons.) It can be hard to find mulled wine sets like this in other parts of the world, that haven’t traditionally drank it from small cups like this.
Pro Tip: Although its not a typical Swedish thing to do, I usually add sliced oranges to my glögg, which is something I learned in Vilnius, Lithuania at Christmastime
12. Saffron
Saffron is known as the world’s most expensive spice, and is easier to find in Sweden than elsewhere.
The world’s largest exporter of saffron is Iran, but it arrived in Sweden in the 1300s during trade with Asia. It is to this day very commonly used in Swedish baking and cooking, especially at Christmas time when we make lucikatter.
Saffron can be almost impossible to find abroad. I see Swedish people living in Toronto are pretty hard-pressed to locate any of it.
It can be tricky to buy, even in Sweden. It can come in ground (powder) form, or as strips of saffron. You may have to ask the shop keeper, as sometimes it is not sold over the counter.
13. A Swedish hockey jersey
Hockey is the most popular winter sport in Sweden. You can get jerseys from the SHL (Swedish Hockey League), the Olympic team Sweden, or there are smaller regional team jerseys that may be unique to the one you’re visiting – such as the one below.
MODO Hockey is based in the high coast of Sweden, near where my grandparents are from, so we have lots of their hockey jerseys. You will able to find Swedish hockey team jerseys regardless of where in Sweden you travel to.
14. Swedish santas (tomtens)
The Swedish Santa is called “Tomte” and he is a small elf, with a big nose, long beard and long hat – it ressembles the Christmas gnomes that have become popular. There are entire Swedish Christmas songs about “tomte.”
Little Christmas gnomes have become very popular at Christmastime in North America in recent years, but in Sweden, gnome-type figures are the standard santa.
You can find some tomte in Sweden that have the pointy hat pulled over his eyes, with a big nose and long beard – but there are also many little crafts (pictured above) with non-bearded tomte-like figures which are very popular Christmas decorations in Sweden.
You can find these tomten type souvenirs year-round
15. Swedish chocolate
In addition to candy, Swedes also break records with regards to how much chocolate they consume! When buying chocolate in Sweden – there are two ‘types ‘big names’ that you should look for – Daime and Maribou.
Maribou is a favourite in Sweden, which you can’t buy it in North America. It has several flavours – mint, orange, black liquorice, and Daim.
Daim is another specific kind of chocolate, and you can find chocolate bars everywhere. I’ve noticed that the IKEA in Toronto has started stocking Daim, but only the a bag of mini bars – as seen below.
In Sweden, you can get large Daim chocolate bars. You can find Swedish chocolate bars in check out aisles at grocery stores, candy stores, and even some souvenir shops will carry them.
16. Swedish skincare products
When you live this far north, you need to look after your skin – especially in summer, when the sun never sets.
Sweden has several different skincare lines that are much easier to get ahold of in Sweden rather than having them shipped from abroad. Here’s what to look out for:
Verso is a premium brand, with great anti-ageing properties. It uses simple, minimalist white bottles. The products are not cheap – they range from $40 to $150 per bottle depending on what the product is. But they are very popular worldwide.
One of my favourites is Estelle & Thild, which use all organic ingredients, and make a range of products, including baby skincare.
There are several others, such as Kerstin Florian (luxury spa brand), ACO, True Organic of Sweden – read more about all your Swedish skincare options here.
17. Swedish signs
In shops around Sweden, you will find signs with some Swedish sayings printed on them. Sometimes they are hand-painted on wood, and its also very common to see them crocheted.
Here are a few of my personal favourites, which I’ve seen in many Swedish homes:
- Välkommen- Welcome
- God Vän Är Altid Välkommen – Good Friends are Always Welcome.
- I Jesu namn till bords vi går. Välsigna, Gud, den mat vi får.. – The Swedish version of “grace”. Common to hang in a kitchen
18. Swedish textiles
Textile making has a long-standing heritage in Sweden. The capital of textiles is in Borås, in west Sweden where there is a textile museum. But you can find unique and quality textiles all over.
You can get some gorgeous Swedish-made textiles – it can be linens and cloths, table runners, handbags and other items.
19. A bread holder
Swedish dinner tables often have a wooden bread basket in the centre of the table for bread. Sometimes there are a few different breads – tunnbröd, as mentioned above – hard bread, and dinner rolls.
This would be a compliment to any dinner table where you’re entertaining. And don’t worry – it doesn’t have to say ‘bullar’ on it like ours was (bullar means buns in Swedish.) You can get some that are wood-carved, and others that are more of a woven basket. Both add a cute, minimalistic touch to a dinner table.
20. A Swedish cookbook
Swedish cuisine involves meat – often fish or red meat – root vegetables, and lots and lots of baking.
My mom has more Swedish cookbooks than we can count, and I’ve grown up with Swedish traditional recipes, such as janssons, cabbage rolls, and stewed spinach egg.
Of course, most cookbooks will be printed in Swedish, but you’ll find English-versions of Swedish cookbooks in bookstores (in the English section) or in souvenir shops. The Nordic Cookbook is a popular Swedish cookbook in English, that we own.
Personally, although I have Swedish heritage, I have to admit that Swedish food isn’t my favourite because I’m a vegetarian. However, vegetarian diets have become very popular in Sweden in the last 10-15 years, and there are increasingly more Swedish cookbooks with all recipes made vegan or vegetarian. I recently bought a Vegan Swedish cookbook called The Nordic Baker. It has all the classics that my Swedish grandmother used to bake – but vegan.
21. Dolls or figurines wearing traditional Swedish outfits
The Swedish national dress is called folkdräkt, and it is the blue and yellow colours of the Swedish flag. Each province has their own regional dress too but typically, you will see the yellow and blue dress on dolls, or designs on Swedish souvenirs.
Similar to with the Dala Horse, you don’t have to buy the Swedish costume on a doll – often you can find many things decorated with it; fridge magnets, serviettes, etc.
22. Stuffed animals of Swedish wildlife
There are lots of cute stuffed animals of Swedish wildlife, mainly moose, foxes and other woodland animals.
Stuffed animals from Swedish wildlife that you find in shops will have the Swedish flag, or maybe a scarf or hat with Swedish colours.
23. Midsummer souvenirs
After Christmas, Midsummer is probably the biggest holiday in Sweden. It’s an age-old tradition that dates back to at least the 1500s. (Also, it is nowhere near as creepy as the recent movie makes it look.)
I’ve been lucky enough to spend Midsummer in Sweden a few times – there is typically a Midsommar Stång (the may pole) that we dance around, singing songs. The biggest Midsummer festival is held at Skansn, a large park outside Stockholm.
Similar to Lucia, you can find Midsummer decorations and supplies in Sweden year-round. Even if you don’t celebrate Midsummer back home, these kinds of souvenirs are unique to Sweden and look ‘summery.’
24. Swedish ceramics
Sweden has a tradition of pottery and glassware going back hundreds of years. My mom’s home is filled with pottery from Sweden. Some of it may have Sweden-specific designs, while others are more subtle.
“Less is more” is the philosophy behind most Swedish designs on pottery, glassware and ceramics – so you can find a lot of nice minimalistic designs that look modern in your home.
Some Swedish ceramic and glassware designers to look out for are:
- Ingegard Råmen
- Anna Elzar Oscarson
- Monica Förster
25. Swedish club game
I was first introduced to klubspel (club game) in during a trip to Sweden. It’s popular among Swedes and its such a simple and fun outdoor game to play in the backyard.
You line up the rectangular pieces of wood, and then you have to aim by throwing the cylinder blocks of wood at them to knock them over.
I brought a game of it home as a souvenir – and I will warn you – it’s heavy, so it would add a lot of weight to your luggage. But its a unique souvenir from Sweden, and something fun to do at home. You can also buy klubspel online here.
26. Snus (Chewing tobacco)
Chewing tobacco is called snus in Sweden, and it even has its own special verb in Swedish – snusar. It’s very common, particularly among men- several of my family members in Sweden enjoy snus.
I’ve never tried snus and I don’t use tobacco at all. A few interesting facts about snus:
- It is regulated as a food product under the Swedish Food Act
- The history of snus in Sweden dates back to the 1600s
- You can read about health implications of snus here
If you do want to try snus, it’s not hard to find at all. It can be found in most common grocery stores and convenience stores. Of course, since it’s a tobacco product – be sure to check how much (if any) you’re allowed to bring home.
Cheap Souvenirs from Sweden
Many of the items suggested above (except maybe the food products) can be pretty expensive in Sweden. Here are some ideas of souvenirs you can get in Sweden that will cost less than $10
- Swedish flags and banner It’s pretty common in Sweden to decorate desserts, birthday cakes, and even the Christmas tree with Swedish flag. They are also often used for Midsummer. Best of all, you don’t need to buy them in Sweden – they can be found on Amazon.
- Fridge magnets – fridge magets can have typical designs and symbols of Sweden – I like this one here that shows the whole county, plus main cities
What to Buy in Sweden FAQ
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about choosing which Swedish souvenirs to bring home
What is a traditional Swedish gift?
Some traditional gifts in Sweden are wood-carved utensils such as a butter knife, a dala horse, Swedish glassware, crystal or ceramics.
What is Sweden famous for making?
Sweden is famous for producing its candies, it’s wooden products (which are used for furniture, home decor and even games like klubspel), and other minimalistic home decor items such as cande holders, glassware, ceramics and textiles.
Final Thoughts on Swedish souvenirs
By now you know some of the best souvenirs from Sweden to bring home from your trip. I am certain that any of the ideas above will not only serve as a momento for your trip, but enhance your life by bringing some of the Swedish mindset of taking it easy and enjoying the small simple things.