What To Buy In Alaska, USA

1. Ulu knives

This versatile knife is one of the oldest tools among Alaskan people. It dates back to 2,500 BC. Its function covers a wide range, from hunting to household activities. The material used to make this unique knife also varies depending on the area, and the design is also diverse according to the tribe that owns it. There are four tribes that use ulu knives: Iñupiat, Canadian, East Greenlandic, and West Greenlandic. Another thing that makes ulu knife a favourite is the convenient use; even people with disabilities find it friendly for their usage.

2. Alaska native Art

The native culture of Alaska is very rich and also diverse. The technique to create Alaskan arts and handicrafts has been passed through generations, the design and materials used have also gone through the test of time. Each region in Alaska have their own distinctive design, and throughout the years the presence of Alaskan native art has blended well with modern styles. At the beginning of December, an event called Alaska Native Heritage Centre holiday Bazaar is usually held to promote native Alaskan art to a broader audience.

3. Birch syrup

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It’s probably one of the unique tastes from Alaska. Created by harvesting the birch tree’s sap, birch syrup is also considered a rare produce. Each year there are less than 5,000 gallons worldwide production of birch syrup, with most of them came from Alaska. To get one gallon of syrup, a harvest of 100 gallons of sap is needed in the process, and to have a good quality of Birch syrup the harvesting has to be done during a three week of spring. The first batch of birch spring harvest is the lightest and sweetest, perfect for a companion for dessert. The second run has a more tangy sweetness and have more minerals that are suitable for nutritional use or diets, but also versatile enough to be used on dessert and even cooking. The late run that’s harvested on the last week of the season is the least sweet. It’s robust, tangy, and have the highest amount of nutrients and minerals and also favourable for cleansing diets. Apart from that, the late run batch is usually shipped to restaurants and beer brewers around the world.

4. Glacial mud

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Alaskan glacial mud is famous for its benefits to the skin, and as the richest mineral mud in the world. It promotes anti-ageing, holds moisture in the skin, and helps form collagen. Most of the mud source come from an island in Alaska’s mainland called Cordova. This quaint island is the kind of place that you would want to go for a quiet and serene visit; it is surrounded by wilderness and nature, glaciers, mountains, wetlands, and ocean. People in this island live a sustainable lifestyle, and they rely mostly on the resources of the island, that includes glacial mud.

5. Alaskan jade

Although it shares the name and resemblance with Chinese jade, Alaskan jade is actually made from two different groups of minerals. Alaskan jade falls in the nephrite jade class, that is composed of minerals that are from the pyroxene group and usually come in a variety of green shades. The jade jewellery from Alaska tends to have a vibrant and dark green shade of colour. As a state that owns vast deposits of jade, that includes a whole mountain of it on the Seward Peninsula, it’s only suitable if Alaska makes jade as its state gemstone. It’s a symbol of energy and beauty. Also, it is said to trigger creativity which is perfect for people of Alaska and their strong heritage.

6. Local beer

What makes a state, that’s located considerably isolated from the others in USA, own a significant number of productive and popular breweries? The answer is pretty simple, community drive. People in Alaska are quite niched when it comes to their beers, and an ordinary pint of fizzy yellow liquid won’t impress them. A story and character behind it, on the other hand, will attract them to try and promote the brewery to everyone they know. Also, Alaska is blessed with the most essential resources to craft the quality of the beer, clean water. There are almost 40 breweries that spread all over Alaska, and you can make it your own personal mission to try them all during your time here.

7. Bear claw pasta or salad server

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If you’re looking for an interesting Alaskan item for your kitchen, then you should buy this adorable bear claw pasta or salad server. You can find this adorable utensil in every souvenir shop in Alaska, and you can even get them for presents for your loved ones. Worry not, since this item is made from wood, not the real bear claw, and you can use it safely for your food.

8. Mukluks

These soft furry boots are traditionally made and worn by the Arctic indigenous people, that includes Inuit, Yupik, and Iñupiat tribes. The boots are usually made from the skin of seal or reindeer, also known as caribou. The word “mukluk” is actually a term for soft boots that is designed to be worn in cold weather; nowadays the material used for mukluks can vary, be it traditional or modern ones.

9. Xtratuf

Another style of boots that is famous in Alaska is Xtratuf. Originally these rubber boots were worn by fishermen across the state. Its material is highly comfortable and able to resist the cold weather in Alaska. Moreover, when wearing them, it’s highly unlikely for the fishermen to slip on boat decks. If you take notice when wandering at the docks in Alaska, you’ll see almost every local wearing Xtratuf boots. Today, Xtratuf can be found in trendier and more fashionable styles that come in various colours.

10. Qiviut clothing

Made from muskox’s moulted fur, qiviut is famous as the softest and warmest wool. The muskox usually shed in spring, and then qiviut is handknitted into warm clothing, such as scarves, to be worn by people to fight the cold weather. What makes qiviut different than common wool is the fact that they’re not scratchy. Also, qiviut won’t shrink when you wash it in water, of any temperature, all you have to do is hand wash them using a mild detergent, and your qiviut will stay with you for years.

11. Wild Berry Products

For home cooks and amateur chefs, a great little treat to get when in Hawaii is Wild Berry products. They come in a variety of products, from jellies, jams, meats, and smoked salmon proving how versatile the products is for years. Alaskan wild berry products are best as chocolate candies where dried berries are coated by rich fine dark or milk chocolate. This is a great ingredient for those who like baking or simply, eating sweets.

12. Bambino's Frozen Baby Food

Frozen baby food may seem a little odd but for health geeks, Bambino’s Frozen Baby Food may be a great snack to load up on when traveling to Alaska. Not only is it organic and uses real fruits and vegetables, but it’s also locally sourced manufacturing their products in Anchorage, Alaska. Those who are staying in Alaska for a while can subscribe to a delivery service that sends you your weekly cravings of Bambino’s Frozen Baby Food. Simple and tasty frozen treats are great but imagine the health benefits to this amusing little snack!

Souvenirs from the icy state to warm your heart

As cold as the weather is in Alaska, it’s hard to deny a visit to this state will bring warmth to your heart. From the friendly people and their culture to useful items that you can bring home. Have you decided what to buy in Alaska for your holiday?