Once at the edge of the American frontier and now a riverside metropolis in the heartland, Cincinnati has long sat at the crossroads of a nation. A visit to the Queen City, known for its patchwork of neighborhoods and hyperlocal gastronomy, reveals that the city has much more to it than some might expect.
After exploring all that lies between Cincinnati’s hills and rivers, you’ll surely want a keepsake or two. Let’s go through some of the best Cincinnati souvenirs and gifts to take home with you.
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1. French pot ice cream
If you want ice cream creamier, denser, and more packed with chocolate chips than any you’ve tried before, look no further than Graeter’s Ice Cream. Hand-mixed through the trailblazing “French pot process,” Graeter’s Ice Cream is a local treasure and a perfect, though fleeting, Cincinnati souvenir.
The ice cream can be bought in supermarkets across the country, but everything tastes better bought locally! Head to the parlor nearest your accommodations and buy some pints packaged in dry ice to take home with you.
2. Ohio and Cincinnati T-Shirts
Ever seen someone sporting a T-shirt reading ‘HOME’ with the first ‘O’ replaced with the outline of the state? I have many times, including once at the Trevi Fountain in Rome.
That’s just one example of the many curious and clever T-shirt designs you can wear to show your love for Cincinnati and its state. Many local designers put creative spins on common T-shirt tropes or otherwise honor Cincinnati’s unique heritage, all made with high-quality fabric.
3. Locally-made beauty products
Browse some boutique stores for the perfect Cincinnati gift — locally-made beauty products. Soaps, candles, bath bombs, and more can be found at places like AndSundries and the Drenched Soap Company. Stay beautiful, clean, and pristine, and boost the local economy in one fell swoop!
4. Buckeyes
Nothing says Ohio like some buckeyes. A box of craft buckeye confectionaries is an excellent Ohio-themed gift to take home with you.
The buckeye tree is the state tree of Ohio. Its nuts, long used by indigenous peoples for medicine, fishing, and crafting, are the inspiration for the iconic peanut butter-chocolate fudge candy.
5. Anything flying pig
Although Cincinnati was once mocked for its pork production, the flying pig has become a cultural symbol of the city. The name came from butchers driving hogs through the streets. Now, thousands of participants race through the city during the Flying Pig Marathon. Statues of the fantastic animal can be found across town.
Keep an eye out for all things emblazoned with the flying pig, from throw pillows and piggy banks to T-shirts and artwork.
6. Sports merchandise
With three major league franchises, a minor league hockey team, and two universities, Cincinnati has a plethora of sports teams to cheer on and merchandise to brandish.
Try to catch a game during your visit, whether at the Reds’ ballpark on a summer night or an autumn morning watching a Bengals’ game, and rep your new favorite team with some official swag.
7 . Cincinnati chili
If you go to Cincinnati and don’t try the famous chili, you’re doing it wrong. When you inevitably love the chili, it’s only natural to want to take some home with you. Popular franchises like Skyline and Gold Star sell the chili in cans, which can be used for recreating the menu or trying innovative recipes, like the Cincinnati chili dip.
8. Fiona the Hippo
When Fiona was prematurely born at the Cincinnati Zoo, she had the odds stacked against her. But with the help of expert staff, this gregarious, sociable hippo overcame the struggles and today is the city’s most beloved star.
So beloved that her likeness can be found across town in murals, T-shirts, trinkets, children’s books, and even as an ice cream flavor. You can’t go wrong with a Cincinnati gift featuring Fiona’s adorable face.
9. Cincinnati sauces
In true Midwestern style, Cincinnatians love us some sauces — hot sauces, barbecue sauces, pizza sauces, you name it. My recommendation is to bring a box and stuff it full of the tastes of Cincinnati.
Check out this pantry stuffer box for inspiration, but don’t forget to add Frank’s Red Hot, originally created in the Queen City, and the selection at Moonbeam Hot Sauce for some heat.
10. Cincinnati and/or Ohio flag
Impressed by Cincinnati and the great state of Ohio? In need of some new wall decor for your bedroom? Then you can’t go wrong with taking home a Cincinnati and/or Ohio flag. Both are unique in their own right and utterly representative of the two places.
11. Craft beer
In recent years, Cincinnati has seen an explosion of craft breweries. With the city’s rich German heritage, it only makes sense. If you’re of age, grab a six-pack or two from your favorite breweries, such as Rhinegeist or MadTree, to savor once you’ve returned home.
12. Goetta
“Another food souvenir?” you’re probably saying. I’m sorry — we can’t help having such a varied food scene! The last one, I promise, and then you can for-goetta ‘bout it.
Goetta, a versatile meat-and-grain dish, is a Cincinnati culinary staple. There’s even Goettafest, a festival dedicated to honoring the food. To ensure the highest quality, you can purchase goetta online for delivery straight to your home. There’s also no shortage of goetta-themed curios to express your love and good taste.
13. Books
When I travel, I tend to browse for books above all else, preferably one written by a local or about the place I’m visiting. Whether it’s a local history book, a cookbook focusing on Ohioan cuisine, or a biography of a famous Cincinnatian, there are so many options for literary Ohio-themed gifts.
14. A souvenir from the American Sign Museum
Cincinnati is home to the American Sign Museum, an impressive, flashy collection of signs from motels, restaurants, and more, whose styles span the eras and come from across the nation.
After visiting, you can browse for some Americana in the museum’s gift shop to remember your visit to Cincinnati.
15. Hand-crafted hats
Batsakes Hats Shop has been around for over 100 years, where the founder’s nephew carries on the hand-crafted ‘hattery’. The hat-maker has outfitted celebrities, politicians, and everyday Cincinnatians since the early 1900s and offers a spectacular collection perfect for your Cincinnati souvenir.
16. Something musical
When Cincinnati hosted the World Choir Games in 2012, organizers employed the slogan “Cincinnati, the city that sings!” That’s no exaggeration, as the city has a rich history of music and an endless stream of events from music festivals to orchestra concerts.
The Queen City has spawned many popular artists, including old-school singers like Doris Day and the Isley Brothers and modern performers like Walk the Moon and Sudan Archives. Explore the musical culture by visiting the many music stores in Cincinnati.
Best places to buy souvenirs in Cincinnati
Stores of any kind can be found all over town, but a great place to start your search for Cincinnati gift shops in Over-The-Rhine, a historic district of red-brick avenues, eateries, and some of the city’s most iconic locations.
For sports merch
Cincinnati has several professional and university sports franchises. Hunt for Bengals gear, Reds merchandise, and FC Cincinnati swag at the teams’ pro shops. For university gear, both Xavier University and the University of Cincinnati have bookstores on campus where they sell their team spirit.
Outside of official team stores, Cincinnati sports-related stores can be found at Rally House locations across the city.
For food souvenirs
Most of the Cincinnati staples that I mentioned can be bought at their respective restaurants, breweries, or stores. But if you want a local shopping experience, look no further than Findlay Market in Over-the-Rhine.
This historic market features many local food vendors and is a sure spot to find many of the local products you’re after. For some craft beer, check out Market Wine in Over-the-Rhine or Cappy’s in Norwood.
For Ohio-themed shirts
The name says it all — Cincy Shirts is the go-to stop for a wide variety of T-shirt designs relating to Cincinnati. Cincy Shirts has three locations across the metropolitan city. Many of its T-shirts also flaunt locally-designed sports pride.
But it’s not the only spot for T-shirts. Mica 12/V is a charming corner store on Vine Street in OTR in local crafts, decor, and more with no shortage of souvenir shirts. If you want to show your love to Skyline Chili or Graeter’s Ice Cream, most locations sell merchandise as well.
For all local Cincinnati gifts
On the third Saturday of eight months a year, local vendors set up stalls and tents across Washington Park. The event, called City Flea, brings local businesses, artists, and creatives together to showcase their goods. Check out if your trip coincides with City Flea and go shop some authentic Cincinnati.
No City Flea when you’re there? No problem. Not far from Washington Park, you can check out local vendors with more consistent hours at Findlay Market.
Bookstores abound in Cincinnati. The five-story Ohio Bookstore downtown has a seemingly endless, varied collection of bestsellers, rare finds, and local books. In Over-the-Rhine, shop local at Smith & Hannon Bookstore, run by a friendly former educator
If looking for some musical paraphernalia, check out some of the music stores in Cincinnati, like Vine Street Vinyl and Shake it Records in Northside.
