29 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.
As I’ve grown up, I’ve gained an appreciation for these Swedish goods and products. I have visited Sweden during many summers and have come back with many of my own Swedish products that remind me of Sweden and that are special in my home.
Swedish souvenirs can add a nice Scandinavian touch to your home, whether its foods, spices, Swedish made products and decorations, and more.
I’m going to share with you what to buy in Sweden, so you know what to look for.
Souvenirs from Sweden
1. A Dala horse
A Dala horse is one of the most iconic images of Sweden. It originated in the province of Dalarna, and in the old days was a toy for children. Nowadays, it isn’t commonly used as a toy anymore – but its a symbol of Dalarna and of Sweden in general.
You can buy Dalarna horses, but the price of authentic handicraft ones may surprise you. Depending on size, they can range from $20 to $100, depending on size.
Keep in mind, they aren’t always red in colour. The original horse is red and that is the most ‘classic’ design, but there are also some softer colours, like whites and light blues. See options and prices on the Swedish Wooden Horse company website.
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.
These Dala horse salt and pepper shakers are made of ceramic, and super cute.
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 supplies
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 grew up with fika, but realize now as an adult how special and important it is. My reletives in Sweden typically have seven different types of cookies. Cinnamon buns are also very common.
So, I recommend bringing something from Sweden to recreate the idea of fika back home. It could be:
- Swedish coffee
- Cookies or cinnamon buns
- A Swedish style coffee mug or serving tray
- A cute wooden Fika sign to hang in your kitchen
3. 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.
4. Sweden-sported clothing
I often look for T-shirts, hats, and other clothing items when I visit new countries. 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 and unusual colour scheme that will instantly remind you of Sweden.
Another thing you may see on clothing is the three crowns. (As seen in the picture above.) 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 in other major cities too.
5. Glögg or a glögg drink set
Glögg is Swedish for mulled wine. Mulled wine has become very popular in recent years, but my family has been drinking it at Christmas for as long as I can remember. It’s an important Swedish Christmas tradition.
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) or the glögg itself if you don’t mind bringing home a liquid.
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
6. 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.
7. Swedish candy
The Swedes love their candy – 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.
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.
But if you don’t like bilar, no worries – 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) and Lakridsfiskar which is Swedish fish.
There are also Swedish chocolate bars which I’ll get into below.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. Tomtens
Gnomes have become very popular at Christmastime in North America in recent years, but in Sweden, gnome type figures are the standard santa.
The Swedish Santa is called “Tomte” and he is a small elf, with a big nose, long beard and long hat. There are entire Swedish Christmas songs about “tomte.”
When I was younger, I had to explain to my friends why we had tiny elf-like santas in the home at Christmas. Scandinavian style Christmas has increased in popularity and now I see them quite often.
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.
It would be easier to find them during Christmas markets, but you may still find them in local handicraft stores and souvenir shops.
12. Lignonberry jam
Lingonberries are abundant in Sweden, growing in the summer months in the forests in low shrubs.
Lingonberries are a staple in Swedish cuisine. Similar to how cranberries are used at Thanksgiving and Christmas in North America, lingonberries are the equivilent in Sweden.
Similar to cranberries, lingnonberries have somewhat of a tangy taste – but they are good. You can eat them on top of pancakes, desserts, smoothies or even porridges.
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.
13. 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
14. Pippi Longstocking souvenirs
Pippi Longstocking books were written by Astrid Lindgren in, 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 Pipp!
You can see many examples on the Astrid Lindgren website here
15. 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.
16. Tunnbröd (thin bread)
Tunnbröd, meaning “thin bread” is one of my favourite things to bring home, (or buy imported) from Sweden. It’s basically a Swedish flatbread.
My mormor used to make it growing up; as a child I ate it constantly. While flat breads, pitas and things similar to it are common, the Swedish tunnbröd is hard to find, and uncommon outside Sweden.
You can easily find tunnbröd in most grocery stores, often tied in a plastic bag, similar to how wonderbread is packaged.
It comes in slightly different variations of size, level of thickness and shape. It’s also pretty common to make it at home from scratch. (I miss my mormor’s tunnbröd very much.) See a typical Swedish tunnbröd recipe here.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. Candle holders
Swedish winters are long, and candles add a hint of hygge – which is common in Scandinavia for making your house cosy.
My Swedish grandparents had candles all over their house. To this day, I include candles at all of my family celebrations, because it doesn’t feel the same without them.
Look for local handicraft candle holders in boutique and souvenir stores. Styles can vary. Generally, Scandinavian styles of decor are minimalistic, which is one thing I personally love about them.
20. 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.
21. Trolls
Trolls are common in Norse mythology – in fact, they originated in Norse mythology. Trolls are also connected to nature in Sweden, living in mountain caves, or moss-covered forests.
So, this is why trolls are a common Swedish souvenir that you will see in shops. You can see some examples of collectible trolls here.
22. Swedish krona
Although Sweden joined the EU in 1995, they haven’t yet adopted the Euro as their currency. Sweden is one of only six EU countries that still use their own currency.
As I do a Google search, it seems that there are no concrete plans for Sweden to adopt the Euro, but it doesn’t seem like its completely off the table.
For this reason – a Swedish kronor bank note makes a good souvenir. I have a couple of them in scrapbooks and photo albums.
If they do decide to change over to the Euro some day- you’ll have a momento of your time in Sweden when they still used the kronor.
23. A box of blueberry porridge
When I was a kid, my mom used to make blåbärsgröt (blueberry porridge) which came from a box that we usually bought at Swedish fairs in Toronto.
Swedish blueberries are slightly different from blueberries found elsewhere.
Blåbärsgröt is usually eaten for breakfast or dessert, although I often had it for lunch as a child!
So, as a unique souvenir from Sweden, I recommend looking for a box of blåbärsgröt at the grocery store. If you can’t find it, there are many recipes online that teach you how to make it yourself.
24. Moose stuffed animal
Moose are a common animal in Sweden; there are said to be between 300,000–400,000 of them in the wild every summer.
Funnily enough, moose are a common Canadian souvenir too. Moose stuffed animals from Sweden though, will have the Swedish flag, or maybe a scarf or hat with Swedish colours.
25. Lucia souvenirs
When you’re in Sweden, especially if you visit anytime during the winter, 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.
You can watch a video of a Lucia procession in Sweden and here more about its significance here.
Lucia is a symbol of Sweden, mostly associated with Christmas. You can find Lucia dolls, but also Christmas decorations on serviettes, tablecloths of Lucia.
26. 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 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.
Similar to Lucia, you can find Midsummer decorations and supplies in Sweden. Even if you don’t celebrate Midsummer back home, these kinds of souvenirs are unique to Sweden and look ‘summery.’
27. 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
28. Swedish jewelry
Jewelry specific to the country you’re visiting usually makes a nice souvenir.
One of my favourites jewelry brands from Sweden Jonna Jinton jewelry, which has designs that are based on Swedish nature such as reindeer antlers, northern lights, and forest- based designs.
Check out other Swedish jewelry brands here.
29. 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.