So, there you are again, on your last day (like most of us at least) wondering what to bring home from the spectacular country you are about to leave. The sad truth is that you’re about to head out of Iceland and you don’t know exactly what to get to remind you of where you had one of the most fantastic adventures of your life! Plus of course, a little gift for loved ones, and/or the ones who are always asking for a fridge magnet or alcohol. Hey, don’t be offended if you are one of them, I’m just saying! Note that this list will not only focus on the most traditional items, we will also take a look at rare goodies that are hard to find elsewhere. So what are you waiting for? Let’s dig in and find out the best souvenirs you can bring home from Iceland.

Volcanic lava jewelry is a popular souvenir from Iceland

Souvenirs and Gifts from Iceland For Her

Icelandic Volcanic Jewelry

Iceland is basically 90% basalt (volcanic rock, formed by the solidification of magma). So whether it’s a pair of earrings, a bracelet or a necklace with a pendant, I’m sure that whoever you bring a piece of volcanic gem or lava to, they will love it as much as you enjoyed seeing all those mighty volcanoes.

Skincare Products from Iceland

You are going to love this one! Iceland has the best hot springs you can find, these geothermal pools are full of minerals like silica and help you relax and soothe your skin naturally. Luckily for our visitors, Icelanders found the perfect way for you to bring home a part of the magical properties of bathing in thermal waters.

If you want healthier skin, if stress has penetrated your pores, or if you just want your skin to look younger, then the best thing that you can do is grab some of the many products that you can easily get at the geothermal pools or even in many stores in Reykjavik. I would avoid getting this product at the airport as you would be splurging).

These products contain glacial waters, purifying moss, argan seeds, algae directly from natural pools. These all natural ingredients will nourish your skin and improve its appearance. Bring any of these to your mom, wife or girlfriend and they will be thrilled!

Souvenirs and Gifts from Iceland For Him

Alcohol

We all love to try new things, and when it comes to alcohol from a remote part of the world, you can’t go wrong with this gift.

Brennivin

I’ll start by recommending the most famous alcohol from Iceland. We call it Svarti Dauði which means “black death”. This is because the government forced the creators of this popular liquor to put a big skull on a completely black background on their bottles. This spirit is made from fermented potato and flavored with caraway (a biennial plant). Yummy! Your friends and family will love it! Make sure they drink it at home though. It is very, very strong!

Brennivin is a popular liquor in Iceland and makes a great souvenir

Tópas – Ópal

Ok, so I am not much of a drinker. In fact, I feel tipsy with just a little glass of beer! But these ones are my personal favorite, they are fun and taste just like the candy we are used to chew on as kids. Grown-ups eat them too.

This drink is made by melting those candies and mixing them with vodka. Doesn’t that sound amazing? I would definitely get at least one of each. Trust me, you will be the king/queen of the party.

Above I mentioned that buying at the airport would be a splurge, nevertheless, buying alcohol at the airport is actually the best option, as it is not overpriced (like most things there), so feel free to look around for these before you catch your flight! Duty-free is a traveler’s best friend.

Souvenirs and Gifts from Iceland For the Little Ones

Icelandic Candy

It is undeniable that we all love candy, whether it is chocolate, hard candy, or gummies. Candy is without a doubt the best souvenir you can buy for children of all ages (in my opinion).

So here are my top three of the best Icelandic candy to bring home as a souvenir. I hope they become your favorites as well.

Þristur

These smooth little chocolate pieces will melt in your mouth. Just when you think you’ve finished, you will reach the smooth licorice. Yes, most of our candies have licorice in them! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you. These are so addictive that you can’t have just one. In fact, it’s quite easy to eat the whole bag.

Hraun

I simply love these mini lava bites! They really honor its name (lava), give you an eruption in your mouth whenever you bite them. Crunchy but soft, they’re the perfect treat to have wherever you are. Be aware though, you will not stop until that box is empty! We’ve got lots of different foods in Iceland, and this is a favorite snack. 

Djúpur

These addictive little licorice balls covered with chocolate and a delicate powdered sugar coating. They are the perfect companion to your movie nights or a family gathering. Everyone will really love nibbling on them!

I highly recommend bringing at least two bags or boxes of each. Believe me, everyone will be glad you did.

Souvenirs and Gifts from Iceland For Mom

Clothing Made from Wool

This noble and natural product is one of the best things you can get in Iceland. There are three times as many sheep as people here. They are the real owners of this land and we are proud of that! For years they’ve been responsible for keeping us warm and cozy during cold weather. Also, if you didn’t know, wool is waterproof and it‘s so thick that it will keep you heated no matter how low temperatures are. Wool is also excellent because it does not need to be washed a lot (unless it gets a stain). It is antibacterial, so it doesn’t need to be washed as frequently as other materials.

Lopapeysa wool sweaters are the perfect Iceland souvenir

So what are you waiting for? Go get your mom, sister, or aunt a beautiful Icelandic sweater (lopapeysa) and a few beanies for everyone!

Souvenirs and Gifts from Iceland For Dad (or anyone really)

Icelandic Poems

Literature and poetry are very important in Iceland, in fact, one in 10 Icelanders will publish a book in their lives. Therefore, bringing home some poetry will be very unique and much appreciated. In downtown Reykjavik, you’ll find many elderly poets selling their work to the visitors on the streets. In fact, you can ask them to write a poem just for you and they’ll do it! Isn’t that beautiful? So even if you do not understand Icelandic, it is something unforgettable and pleasant to admire when you are back home.

What are the Best Souvenirs to Bring Home from Iceland?

From wool sweater to Brennivin to poetry, I hope you’ve gotten some gift inspiration. There’s more to bring back from Iceland than just a colorful coffee mug or cute plastic puffin. Let us know about your favorites of the list and what you end up purchasing for your friends and family.

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