If you’re like me, you take souvenir shopping very seriously. Whether I’m traveling overseas or domestically, I plan my trips around authentic experiences and, well, souvenirs. Some variations of “things you can only do X” or “souvenirs you can only buy in X.” When I went to Norway, Denmark, and Sweden in 2018, I did this, looking for the best Scandinavian souvenirs.
I came home with countless memories (and things) that I still rely on for happiness. Here are 8 of my favorite souvenirs from a few of my favorite countries in the world.
Related: Why Are Scandinavians So Happy?
The Best Scandinavian Souvenirs
1. Kay Bojesen’s Monkey
Kay Bojesen’s monkey, born in 1951 thanks to the creative mind of Kay Bojesen, is without question my favorite Scandinavian souvenir. When I walked into my cozy Airbnb in Copenhagen, it was the first thing I saw; it’s the perfect souvenir if you’re looking for something truly authentic to Danish culture.
2. Hoptimist
Kay Bojesen’s Monkey is the perfect segue to my second favorite Scandinavian souvenir: the Hoptimist Bimble. Created by Gustav Ehrenreich in the 1960s, there’s a Hoptimist for nearly every occasion. I like the wooden one, but regardless of the one you choose, they’re all geared to do the same thing: spread joy and bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Looking for Hoptimist in Copenhagen? Visit Nordic Nesting on Vesterbrogade 52, 1620 København, Denmark
3. Lego
I promise this list isn’t only about toys, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t include Lego. Founded in 1949 by Danish carpenter Ole Kirk Christiansen, Legos has become one of the world’s most popular toys. While I’m not one to build or collect them, I find happiness in this little guy in my living room.
4. The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking
If you’ve read some of my other posts, you’d know I’m all-in on Hygge. While there is a seemingly endless list of books diving into the lifestyle to various degrees, my favorite, and arguably the most well-known, is The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking.
5. Glerups
I first came across Glerups in 2018 when I strolled into Simply Scandinavian in Portland, Maine. Founded in 1993 in Denmark by husband and wife, Ove and Nanny, Glerups produces, in my opinion, the most comfortable slippers out there. They’re wool. They’re warm. And honestly, one of the best investments you can make for your feet. Yes, they’re a bit expensive, but I promise you that you’ll get what you pay for. Don’t believe me? Glerups made the cut Buzzfeed and The New York Times’ list for the best slippers available.
6. Royal Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen has largely alluded me, primarily due to its price. That said, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention one of the world’s premier porcelain makers. I mean, Royal Copenhagen is synonymous with Danish life. Unfortunately, I can’t say I own many pieces, but the handful of mugs I do have is just enough to fulfill my fix for one of the world’s oldest companies.
7. Dala Horse
The Dala horse—a traditional carved and painted wooden statue of a horse—originated in the Swedish province of Dalarna (Dalecarlia). Today, Nusnäs—a locality situated in Mora Municipality, Dalarna County, Sweden—is the Dala horse production center. The most famous are the Nils Olsson and Grannas Olsson workshops. Thought to originate in four villages in Sweden, e.g., Bergkarlås, Risa, Vattnäs, and Nusnäs, Dala Horses made their way to North America by way of the 1939 World’s Fair in New York.
8. Georg Jensen Silverware
Anything Georg Jensen will be a splurge, but if you’re willing to dive into your wallet, you can’t go wrong. Offering the highest level of craftsmanship and design, the company has been producing lifestyle products ranging from hollowware to watches, jewelry, and home products for more than one hundred years. Of course, I’d recommend heading to its flagship store in Copenhagen, but there are locations across the world (albeit none in the United States). Ordering online is an option as well.