Although Finland is not a renowned tourist destination like many other European countries, travelers that have visited it always have the urge to return. From urban glory to natural landscapes and beautiful wooded areas, this place has it all. It has heartwarming views of the Northern Lights and winter sports here are a staple. This country is also a famous grounds for independent artists, artisan designers, different foods and drinks, and more, making it impossible to walk through it and not see something fascinating. This is one place you don’t want to travel to and return without a souvenir. So, check out our curated list of what to buy in Finland.
1. Salmiakki
This confectionery is most popular among the Finns, although you can find it in all the Nordic nations, including Germany and the Netherlands. Unlike in many countries where more children consume salted confectionaries like the caramel, salmiakki is enjoyed by both the old and young in Finland. You will find it in almost every bag of sweets sold in supermarkets around the country. In fact, it’s hard to find any candy that doesn’t contain the salted licorice, and it will make a great gift, especially if you have a Finnish friend or colleague back home.
2. Finnish knitwear
The long and cold winter periods in Finland don’t stop the locals from being fashionable, thanks to the old tradition of locally made knitwear, made with the finest Finnish wool and featuring a variety of bold colors and eye-catching patterns. You will find them in a variety of cardigan designs and shapes, including v-necks, pull-overs, and those with buttons or hoods. Nowadays, there are even summer apparel knits, including shawls, scarves, jerseys, and much more. Appear gorgeous at all times in these beautiful pieces, regardless of the season.
3. Marimekko bag/apron
Since the establishment of the Marimekko company in 1951, it has been in the business of shaping the art of textile printing throughout the globe with its unique Scandinavian designs. It applies the use of bold colors and quality prints to make aprons, purses, and bags. You will love the heavyweight cotton fabric and the beautiful light-blue, off-white, and beige floral pattern of their Pieni Unikko apron - a design that extends to all their creations.
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4. Finnish vodka
The Russians may be famous for their high vodka consumptions, but their neighbors, the Finns, also show great love for this alcoholic beverage. Their vodkas come in different brands with an average of 40-percent alcohol volume. While some flavorless brands like Koskenkorva Vodka contain no sugar, others such as Finlandia Vodka usually are sweetened. Also, you will find a broad range of vodka products with flavors, ranging from lime, grapefruit, mangos, and much more. Some have such beautiful bottles that you might be tempted to use them for decorative purposes.
Finland Tour Guide
Ann Travel Finland (Anna Siukola)
Hi, my name is Ann, and I offer author’s Helsinki and Southern Finland tours in English to individual travelers, families, friend groups, and large groups. My style is educative and entertaining, so you will have a lot of facts presented in an easy, fun, and friendly manner. I am knowledgeable in various fields, but my tours are not boring history lessons. Instead, we will have a lively narrative and discussion, and I promise you will WANT to know more! I conduct all sorts of tours: sightseeing-, thematic-, tailored-for-your-interests, customized tours; walking and biking tours, and tours with the use of public and private transport. You name it! Whatever you select, I can assure you that you will have great memories when you are back home!18 years ago, I moved from one beautiful city to another – from St. Petersburg to Helsinki. Back in St. Petersburg, I worked as a tourist guide, and following my passion for this profession, I studied for and received the authorized tourist guiding diploma in Helsinki as well. Through these years, my knowledge of modern life in Finland, the language, people’s mentality, traditions, culture, etc. has naturally deepened. All curiosities which make up Finnish culture, have become part of me, and Finland has become my dear, beloved home. As an international person living in Finland myself and having an international family (at home, we speak English, Finnish, and Russian), I would like to offer you a tour where I am going to tell you about Helsinki, its history and traditions, its modern vibe and the international diversity of it before and today. What is the place of Finland in this fast-changing world? Let’s talk about it, and compare it to your home country if you will.My customers love the way I connect historical facts about Finland and the neighboring country - Russia. Having been an authorized St. Petersburg guide as well, I always find it fascinating to bring up some historical connections. Well, well… Finland was part of Tsarist Russia for a century, so there are loads of connections here. Now, due to the current situation, people don’t travel to St. Petersburg, but many, from my experience, are interested to know about the current state of affairs out there. Through my tours, you can get a touch of it too. Just IF you want.My other occupation is a multidisciplinary artist, which is why on my tours I love to point out architectural details and all the man-made beauty of Helsinki. As a person who is very passionate about history, art, architecture, and overall – beauty around us and a person who loves to share her knowledge and inspiration, I also love to meet other cultures and exchange our knowledge about this beautiful and diverse world. So, come to have fun with me on my tour and get a touch of the old and modern sides of the atmospheric Helsinki city!Contact me and let's plan your visit to Helsinki together!
5. Iittala glassware
Iittala Glassware is one of the most recognized homeware brands in Scandinavia, which has a long history of making beautifully crafted and quality products. Aside from their dinning purposes, you can use them to add elegance to your living room or kitchen. They have a broad range of items under their name, including pots, pans, bowls, casserole dishes, mugs, and more. You can get their adorable jewelry boxes, candle holders, and vases anywhere from 20 to 25 USD.
6. Cloudberry jam
Cloudberry is a rare fruit that thrives in northern climates and it’s typically harvested during the summer period in this country. They are not commercially grown as they require a lot of wetness, and are, therefore, well-valued by the locals. The prices of the products made from this fruit, including jam are a tad high, but you can expect them to be very flavorful. Other popular cloudberry products you can get as gifts include moisture lotions, shower gels, fruit syrups, and even liquors.
7. Tom of Finland coffee
The artist known as Tom of Finland became very popular in many parts of the globe for his over 3,000 homoerotic drawings. His work was very influential across gay culture in the 20th century, but perhaps the most recognized product today is Tom of Finland Coffee. The brand is a staple in supermarkets around Finland and it is made with roasted Arabica beans and Mexican, Colombian, and Brazilian flavors.
8. Moomin tableware
The history of the Moomin tableware dates back to the 1950s in the Arabia factory. The fun designs based on Tova Jansson’s beloved characters on the mugs and plates were first designed by Richard Lindh in the 1980s and were later refined by Kaj Franck in the 1990s. Today, they are popular in many breakfast tables around the globe, and they are suitable for use in ovens, microwaves, freezers, and dishwashers. If you have kids around, they will love the beautiful characters on every set. You can also use them as decorations.
9. Sauna essential oils
In other parts of the world, saunas are popular in body treatment houses, but in Finland, they can be found in almost every home. You will discover sauna items, including essential oils, cloths, spoons, and buckets, at many shops across the country. There are also different sauna essential oils meant for various purposes. From lavender essential oil explicitly used to unwind and relax, to the rosemary, tea tree, and eucalyptus oils used to clear and relieve the mind and body. Treat yourself or your family the Finnish way with these nourishing substances.
10. Reindeer skin gloves
Lapland in Finland produces many reindeer yearly due to their valuable meat and by-products, including the skin. The skin leather is heavily used in the fashion world to make a variety of products, including gloves, shoes, and in the interior designs of yachts, planes, and cars. The gloves usually are lightweight and are luxurious winter wears. You will find distinctive varieties for men and women, ornamented with cloths of different colors. They are impressive pieces you can’t resist on your journey to Finland.
Preserve the memories of your Finland visit
With all the exciting activities and experiences that abound in this place, you will want to preserve the memories of your stay. While scrolling through the supermarkets for what to buy in Finland, look out for these native items, and you will be glad you did for ages to come.
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