Top 10 Authentic Boston Souvenirs: Best Local Finds

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Your foodie plans Team

image featuring a collage of authentic Boston souvenirs, including local food, sports gear, handmade pottery, and iconic landmarks
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Discover the best authentic Boston souvenirs! Explore unique foodie and non-foodie gifts that reflect Boston’s culture.

Boston, one of the most iconic cities in the United States, is a place where history, culture, and modern life collide in the most beautiful way. From its cobblestone streets to its waterfront views, every corner of the city tells a unique story. Whether you’re exploring the Freedom Trail, visiting Fenway Park, or enjoying the stunning scenery along the Charles River, there are countless ways to experience Boston’s charm.

But no visit to Boston would be complete without taking home a memento that captures the essence of this city. In this guide, we’ll explore the Top 10 Authentic Boston Souvenirs you won’t want to miss, including both foodie and non-foodie options.

Foodie Souvenirs: A Taste of Boston

Boston’s culinary scene is a wonderful mix of New England classics and modern takes on comfort food. From rich, hearty dishes to sweet indulgences, the city offers a wide range of Authentic Boston souvenirs that are perfect for taking home and sharing with family and friends.These edible treasures will not only remind you of your time in Boston but also give you a taste of the city long after you’ve returned home.

1. Boston Baked Beans

When you think of Boston, one of the first things that may come to mind is the famous Boston Baked Beans. This dish has a long history in the city, dating back to colonial times. What makes these beans special is the way they’re slow-cooked in a molasses sauce, often accompanied by bits of salt pork or bacon. This sweet and savory dish has become a Boston staple, and it’s the perfect souvenir for any foodie who wants to take a piece of New England home.

While you might be familiar with the canned version, homemade Boston Baked Beans have a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat.Luckily, you don’t have to be a culinary expert to enjoy them at home. Many local shops sell pre-made Boston Baked Beans that you can bring home, ready to eat or heat up with minimal effort.

  • Where to Find: You can easily find packages of Boston Baked Beans at local specialty stores like Sullivan’s on Castle Island or Eataly in the Seaport District. Boston Public Market also offers a variety of baked beans, perfect for tourists looking for an authentic taste of Boston to take home.

2. New England Clam Chowder Mix

One of Boston’s most beloved dishes is its iconic New England Clam Chowder. A creamy, comforting soup made from tender clams, potatoes, onions, celery, and rich cream, this dish is perfect for a chilly day in Boston. While you can enjoy a bowl of clam chowder at virtually any restaurant in the city, the great thing about this dish is that it’s easy to bring home as a souvenir.

You can find pre-packaged New England Clam Chowder Mixes that include everything you need to recreate the dish at home.Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a taste of Boston, this chowder mix is a great way to share a piece of the city’s culinary culture with loved ones back home.

  • Where to Find: For an authentic clam chowder experience, visit The New England Soup Factory located in the South End, where they offer their own chowder mixes. You can also find them at Boston Public Market, where local food vendors sell a range of regional mixes.

3. Boston Cream Pie

Known as Boston’s official dessert, Boston Cream Pie is a sweet and indulgent treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Despite the name, Boston Cream Pie is actually a cake, made with layers of sponge cake filled with custard and topped with a rich chocolate glaze. This dessert was first created in 1856 at the Omni Parker House Hotel, and it’s been a Boston favorite ever since.

While nothing beats enjoying a fresh slice of Boston Cream Pie at one of the city’s iconic bakeries, you can take a piece of Boston home with you in the form of cake mixes or pre-packaged Boston Cream Pie. These products allow you to recreate the iconic dessert at home and share the flavors of Boston with friends and family.

  • Where to Find: The Omni Parker House offers Boston Cream Pie cake mixes at their gift shop. You can also find pre-made versions at local bakeries like Flour Bakery, known for their take on this traditional dessert.

4. Local Craft Beer

Boston is home to a vibrant craft beer scene, with a number of local breweries offering unique brews that reflect the city’s creativity and craft. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, Boston’s craft breweries produce a wide range of beers, each with its own distinct flavor. If you’re a beer enthusiast or know someone who is, bringing home a bottle or two of local craft beer is an excellent way to remember your time in the city.

Many of Boston’s breweries offer their signature beers in bottles, cans, and even growlers, which make for great Authentic Boston souvenirs. Whether you prefer a light lager, a fruity wheat beer, or a dark porter, you’ll find something that reflects Boston’s love for local craftsmanship.

  • Where to Find: Harpoon Brewery and Trillium Brewing Company are two of the most famous craft breweries in Boston, and both offer tours and the opportunity to purchase bottles or cans of their latest brews. You can also find local craft beers at liquor stores throughout the city, such as The Boston Wine Exchange.

5. Maple Syrup

While Vermont is famous for its maple syrup, Massachusetts also produces high-quality pure maple syrup.You can bring home a bottle of locally produced syrup as a sweet souvenir.

  • Where to Find: You can find locally sourced maple syrup at Boston Public Market or at local farmers’ markets, where Massachusetts producers sell their syrup directly to consumers. You can also check out Maple Grove Farms, which sells a variety of maple-based products, including syrup.

Non-Foodie Authentic Boston Souvenirs: Unique Local Finds

While Boston’s culinary scene is certainly something to celebrate, the city is also home to a vibrant arts and crafts scene. Whether you’re seeking a hand-crafted memento of your visit or something unique to wear, the city offers plenty of non-foodie Authentic Boston souvenirs that capture its spirit .

6. Handmade Pottery

Boston is home to a thriving artisan community, and, as a result, handmade pottery stands out as one of the most popular types of Authentic Boston souvenirs.From mugs and bowls to vases and serving plates, local potters in Boston craft beautiful, functional works of art that capture the city’s charm and creativity. Not only do these handmade pieces make unique and thoughtful gifts, but they also serve as a lasting reminder of your time in the city. Whether you choose to gift them or keep them for yourself, these pottery items offer a perfect way to remember your visit to Boston.

  • Where to Find: The SOWA Artists Guild in the South End features a collection of local artists and potters who create beautiful, handmade pottery. You can also visit Boston Arts District galleries, where pottery is often featured alongside other local art forms.

7. Boston Sports Apparel

For sports fans, Boston is truly a dream destination. As the home of iconic teams like the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, and New England Patriots, the city offers an extensive selection of sports apparel, allowing you to proudly display your support for these legendary teams. Whether it’s a Red Sox jersey or a Celtics T-shirt, you’ll find no shortage of gear to commemorate your trip. In fact, Boston’s vibrant sports culture ensures that fans can take home a piece of the action, making it easy to show your love for the city’s teams.

  • Where to Find: Head to Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, where you can visit the official team store to pick up memorabilia. Newbury Street also offers a variety of shops that sell Boston sports apparel, including Lids.

8. Boston Harbor-themed Jewelry

Boston’s maritime history and beautiful harbor provide inspiration for many local jewelers. Boston Harbor-themed jewelry features ocean-inspired designs, such as necklaces with pendants of the Boston skyline or bracelets adorned with nautical elements.These pieces capture the essence of the city’s waterfront culture and make for meaningful, elegant and authentic Boston souvenirs.

  • Where to Find: Local jewelers like Mend & Make Jewelry and Boston Harbor Cruises offer unique jewelry pieces that reflect the city’s maritime heritage.

9. Local Art Prints

For art lovers, Boston offers a wide range of local art prints that feature the city’s landmarks and landscapes. From watercolor paintings of the Boston skyline to prints of historic buildings like the State House or the Old North Church, these artworks capture the beauty of the city in a way that’s both nostalgic and artistic. They make for a perfect gift or keepsake to remind you of your visit.

  • Where to Find: The Museum of Fine Arts is an excellent place to pick up Boston-inspired art prints. You can also visit The Boston Arts District, where local artists and galleries showcase their work.

10. Handmade Candles and Soaps

For a simple yet thoughtful souvenir, consider purchasing handmade candles or soaps. These locally made products often feature scents inspired by the city’s natural beauty, such as ocean breezes, fresh flowers, or warm vanilla.Handmade candles and soaps are perfect for creating a relaxing atmosphere in your home or giving as a gift to someone special.

  • Where to Find: Check out local vendors at Boston Public Market or visit SOWA Open Market, where you’ll find a variety of handmade candles and soaps created by local artisans.

Conclusion

Boston is a city rich in history, culture, and creativity, and its souvenir offerings reflect this uniqueness. From delicious local food items to one-of-a-kind handmade crafts, there’s something for everyone to take home as a memento of their time in the city. Whether you’re a foodie seeking a taste of Boston or an art lover looking for something to cherish, these authentic Boston souvenirs will provide lasting memories of your visit.Don’t forget to check out the local shops and markets for the best local finds!

Contact Information

For more information on where to buy the best souvenirs in Boston, check out the following local shops and markets:

Happy shopping, and enjoy taking home a piece of Boston!