Arizona is a magical place to behold in every sense – culturally, historically, geographically, and beyond!
It’s no wonder how many travelers decide to return to its gorgeous Southwestern desert landscapes year after year.
Speaking of which, have you thought about what to bring back from your trip yet? Well, you’re in luck, because this quick guide is going to deal with just that: ideas and tips for the best Arizona souvenirs, far away from the kitsch and the overpriced!
Read on below for the whole list!
Table of Contents
1. Arizonan wine
It might come as a surprise, but the flat expanse of Arizona’s mostly dry landscape contains more than a few patches that feature just the perfect conditions for vineyards.
Willcox, just east of Tucson, is one of the state’s most prominent winemaking locations, as is the Verde Valley near Sedona. All in all, there are hundreds of different kinds of wines cultivated in Arizona today.
Plenty are varietals from Europe you’ll recognize, with names like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chianti. Others, though, are totally unique – and in my opinion, those are the ones worth seeking out!
2. Arizonan…sake?
Yes, turns out Arizonan ingenuity in distillation and fermentation doesn’t stop at viticulture. Made by the world-renowned artisan Atsuo Sakurai, the simply-named Arizona Sake is one of a kind.
Noted as the only sake made outside of Japan to be awarded top honors from expert critics, it’s a major object of admiration from connoisseurs. If you have even the slightest appreciation or taste for the one and only fermented rice beverage, you need to try this one.
3. Route 66 memorabilia
Not many people know that we have Arizonans to thank for the nationwide commemoration of the world’s most famous highway!
After Route 66 was decommissioned in the 1970s, the effects were felt particularly strongly by the many ‘Highway towns’ throughout the Grand Canyon State, which led to a big drive on behalf of locals to immortalize and practice remembrance for the historical symbols and lifestyles lost to time.
Today, this means that some of the most authentic Arizona gifts are the ones that connect to one of the most important epochs of modern American history. I’d start with Angel & Vilma’s, the one and only “First Route 66 Gift Shop” worldwide, located in Seligman.
4. Authentic desert fragrances
Arizona is famous for its dry, desert climate, and it turns out that there are plenty of people who get quite attached to the smells – that’s right, the smells – of this one-of-a-kind environment!
Whether it’s the smell of the monsoon-soaked fresh soil that you crave or the dry, high-altitude whiff of mountain air around Flagstaff, there are tons of boutique fragrance brands that offer unique tailor-made examples of these kinds of scents.
5. Handmade Hopi art
The Hopi people are, next to the Navajo, one of the most well-represented and important Native tribes in Arizonan society and history. Today, a handful of master artisans like Iva Honyestewa specialize in sharing the traditional weaving art techniques native to her culture.
These kinds of genuine artworks are only produced in single-digit yearly numbers nowadays, and the vast majority of them are never sold outside of their native Arizona. If you’re looking for some seriously unique Arizona gifts, this would be a terrific choice!
6. Ben’s Bells and Cosanti Bells
If you’ve ever spent much time in or around the Tucson area, you know of the legendary reputation of Ben’s Bells.
Meant as a community project showcasing selflessness and mutual kindness, Ben’s Bells are beautiful handmade ornamental decorations that have in just over 20 years become a signature item in this region of Arizona.
As a rule, genuine Ben’s Bells are never sold, only gifted. However, the official homepage of the Ben’s Bells project does feature a store full of Ben’s Bells souvenirs, including scaled-down “Mini Bells” that are a perfectly luggage-friendly alternative should you not be lucky enough to be offered an original!
Meanwhile, Cosanti in Scottsdale features a stunning gallery and store showcasing the work made and inspired by local architect Paolo Soleri. Among the many examples of his repertoire, you will find his equally famous “Cosanti-style” bells that rival Ben’s Bells in reputation, rarity, and unique style.
7. Cactus Candy
If you have sweet tooth, these Arizona souvenirs are a no-brainer.
Cactus Candy is one of the all-time classics among Arizonan desserts, and you can still find them in nearly every convenience or grocery store in the State, over 80 years after they were originally introduced!
While you might assume that the “Cactus” flavor is merely a gimmick, the sweet taste of Cactus Candy is actually made from the juice of the prickly pear, one of the many types of cacti that are endemic to the Arizonan desert!
8. Jacob Bromwell cookware
An American staple, Jacob Bromwell has been making kitchenware of all kinds since the year 1819. Based in Tempe, their all-Arizona-made, mostly silver designs are legendary, and they do carry a price tag to match.
But for instantly recognizable, lifelong, and high-quality Arizona gifts, there is hardly a more straightforward choice!
9. Genuine cactus cups
If you want to take a piece of Arizona back home with you a bit more literally than most, consider a genuine Arizona cactus cup!
These pint-sized cacti are variations of the same species that make the state so famous and recognizable. They’re specially bred and grown to maintain their cute form factor throughout their life span without the need for a strict care regimen.
10. Arizona Highways Magazine
For almost a century, Arizona Highways Magazine has won praise time and time again for its true-to-life coverage of Midwestern culture, its travelogues, and of course its unforgettable landscape photography.
If you’ve already got a sizable heap of National Geographics lying around, adding an issue of Arizona Highways would be the perfect tribute to one of the nation’s most picturesque states.
11. Sphinx dates
Arizona is the second-largest producer of dates in the nation after California, and it’s garnered quite a reputation as a result.
For a literal taste of that recipe, head on over to one of Arizona’s most decorated date growers, the Sphinx Date Company. Active in the Scottsdale area since the 50s, Sphinx doesn’t just grow some of the freshest, juiciest dates this side of Morocco. They also offer plenty of in-house specials, such as date milkshakes, date-based hot sauce, and more!
12. State Forty Eight apparel
If there’s one thing worth knowing about Arizonans, it’s that they’re proud of their home state and not afraid to say it.
This kind of mentality is what State Forty Eight, Arizona’s one and only apparel brand, sprang out of. Its playful designs use contemporary motifs to take pride in Arizona’s beauty and culture.
13. Decorative and functional artwork
At the Madaras Gallery in Tucson, one of Arizona’s most decorated artists has been offering to the public a selection of her work for decades. That artist is Diana Madaras, who together with her team of other featured artists works with paintings, pottery, kitchenware, and more, all the way down to lovingly-crafted keychains.
Every piece’s design evokes some aspect of the nature or geography of Arizona, making it a perfect keepsake to remember State 48 by.
14. Authentic Mexican-style mole
Arizona’s cuisine is famous for its huge Mexican influences, and you will find many staples of Latin cuisine well-represented in its fantastic restaurants. What if you want to take some of that spice home with you, though?
Unfortunately, availability is a lot more limited here, as most common stores don’t carry all the ingredients required for many important recipes. Mano y Metate aims to fix part of that problem with their homemade, ready-to-use mole ground.
The mole is prepared in advance from an authentic mix of peppers, seeds, and various spices and only needs sauteeing under a few drops of oil to achieve its classic paste-like consistency. Consider the gift pack option for a lovingly-packaged sampler of all the various flavors!
15. Buffalo leather apparel and furniture
The making of buffalo leather goods is probably among the most ancient traditions in the Southwest. Particularly in Arizona, plenty of groups remain today with a mission statement to keep this art alive – among them, Scottsdale-based Buffalo Collection.
From recliners and ottomans to bedding sets and all sorts of coverings, bags, flooring, and more, Buffalo Collection aims to not only represent the traditional buffalo leathermaking methods for a newer generation but also to offer as much variety as possible.
Beyond pure leather goods, they also offer sculptures and wood crafts that channel the spirit of Native traditions and life on the prairie.
Where to buy Arizona souvenirs
Beyond the top picks mentioned in this list, finding the perfect Arizona gifts can be tricky if you don’t know where to look. Of course, there is no one-size-fits-all strategy, and depending on what you have in mind, you might need to look in different places.
For most smaller items, particularly foods including homemade honey, condiments, and snacks, I recommend you first head to any of the bigger stores like Sprouts or Trader Joe’s.
Shops that carry vintage goods among specialized gift sections, such as Bookmans or the nearest Antique Mall, are also a good option.
If you don’t find what you need there right away, it probably pays off to think smaller. For instance, Old Town Artisans in Tucson specializes in handmade trinkets and jewelry by Native artists.
Often, it’s museums that offer some of the most impressive and distinctive souvenirs. Your options range from the Musical Instrument Museum and the Museum for the Performing Arts (both in Scottsdale) to the Desert Museum in Tucson, The Musem Store in Phoenix, and beyond.
For antiques and heirlooms, check out The Lost Barrio in Tucson or the huge East Valley Antiques in Lindsay. Get your finest, locally-made honey from Arizona Honey Bee Co or Absolutely Delightful (it’s in the name!).
Chocolate lovers should also make sure to stop by Zak’s for their fix.
What Arizona gifts charmed you during your visit to the 48th state? Let us know in the comments below!
Thanks for this list! I’ve lived in Arizona for years and a couple of these are new to me. You didn’t just list the same old items (scorpion candy anyone?) but items someone might actually appreciate.