Discover unforgettable local souvenirs from New Orleans, including authentic foodie treats and unique crafts. Bring home a piece of the city’s vibrant culture.
Introduction
New Orleans is a city that pulses with culture, music, history, and creativity. Whether you’re strolling through the French Quarter, exploring the beautiful Garden District, or indulging in the lively atmosphere of Bourbon Street, this iconic city offers a variety of authentic and unique souvenirs. From food and beverages that capture the region’s unique culinary style to hand-crafted souvenirs that highlight the city’s rich artistry, New Orleans offers countless opportunities to bring home something truly special. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the unforgettable souvenirs you can only find in this vibrant city. Whether you’re savoring the flavors or embracing local craftsmanship, you’ll be sure to take a piece of New Orleans’ spirit with you wherever your travels lead!
Foodie Souvenirs: A Taste of New Orleans
New Orleans is renowned for its cuisine—soul food, Creole delicacies, spicy dishes, and classic cocktails. As a foodie haven, it’s the perfect place to bring home some edible souvenirs. These authentic culinary souvenirs will not only help you recreate the flavors of New Orleans at home but also remind you of your journey through the city’s vibrant food scene. Here’s a list of must-buy foodie souvenirs that bring the taste of the Big Easy into your kitchen.
1. Beignet Mix
Beignets are perhaps the most iconic food from New Orleans. These delicious pastries, crispy on the outside and pillowy soft on the inside, are a must-try treat when visiting. You can’t leave New Orleans without having experienced a plate of warm, sugary beignets from Café du Monde. Luckily, you can take the experience home by purchasing a beignet mix. This easy-to-make kit ensures you can recreate the beloved dessert for breakfast, brunch, or whenever you’re craving a sweet taste of New Orleans. The mix typically includes everything you need, from the flour blend to instructions that will give you a taste of the Crescent City in your own kitchen.
- Where to Buy: Café du Monde is the classic destination for beignets, but you can also find this mix at various local gift shops and souvenir stores around the city.
- Contact Info: Café du Monde – 800 Decatur Street, New Orleans, LA 70116. Website: cafedumonde.com
2. Tabasco Sauce
Made on Avery Island in Louisiana since 1868, Tabasco sauce is a beloved local product that adds a spicy kick to nearly any dish. This hot sauce is made from peppers grown in the region and offers an authentic taste of Louisiana’s flavor-packed cuisine. While you may not be able to bring home the bottle from your dinner at a local restaurant, the Tabasco factory on Avery Island offers a range of collectible and specialty Tabasco products, from different hot sauce varieties to themed gift sets. It’s a perfect gift for anyone who loves spice and is eager to bring a little Louisiana heat to their own cooking.
- Where to Buy: Visit the Tabasco Factory for exclusive products, or find it in the French Market or local gift shops throughout the city.
- Contact Info: Tabasco Factory – 2010 N. Lane, Avery Island, LA 70513. Website: tabasco.com
3. Pralines
Another staple of New Orleans cuisine is the praline—a rich, creamy candy made with sugar, butter, cream, and pecans. These sweet treats are a Southern tradition, and in New Orleans, they are perfected. Local praline shops offer a variety of flavors and textures, with some even incorporating chocolate or other local ingredients into the classic recipe. Whether you opt for a traditional version or a more inventive twist, pralines are a sweet and indulgent gift that truly captures the essence of New Orleans’ culinary legacy. A box of pralines is a perfect souvenir for anyone with a sweet tooth, or simply as a gift to share with friends and family.
- Where to Buy: Visit Leah’s Pralines or Southern Candymakers for the finest selection of locally made pralines.
- Contact Info: Leah’s Pralines – 933 Decatur Street, New Orleans, LA 70116. Website: leahspralines.com
4. Zatarain’s Seasoning
New Orleans is famous for its bold and flavorful dishes, and no kitchen here is complete without a selection of seasonings. One brand that has stood the test of time is Zatarain’s, which has been a staple in Creole and Cajun cooking for over 130 years.Whether you’re preparing jambalaya, gumbo, or crawfish étouffée, Zatarain’s products will undoubtedly enhance your dishes with their authentic flavors. Additionally, their seasoning blends, rice mixes, and ready-to-use products make the perfect souvenirs for anyone wanting to bring a true taste of New Orleans home. Fortunately, Zatarain’s products are available in many local shops, so you can easily pick up a few packets to infuse your meals with a bit of Creole flair.
- Where to Buy: Zatarain’s products can be found at most local grocery stores, markets, and souvenir shops throughout the city.
- Contact Info: Zatarain’s – 1380 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70112. Website: zatarains.com
5. Coffee and Café Au Lait Mix
New Orleans has a distinct coffee culture, especially when it comes to the café au lait. Made by mixing strong, dark-roasted coffee with chicory, the café au lait is a beloved morning ritual for many locals.While you may not be able to sip your café au lait at a bustling café every morning, you can recreate the experience at home by purchasing a locally-made coffee blend or a café au lait mix. Many coffee shops and markets in New Orleans sell pre-ground coffee, beans, and convenient mixes for preparing your own delicious cup of New Orleans coffee at home.
- Where to Buy: Café du Monde and Community Coffee are the go-to places to purchase local coffee blends and café au lait mixes.
- Contact Info: Community Coffee – 1001 West Thomas Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802. Website: communitycoffee.com
Non-Food Souvenirs: Handmade Crafts and Local Art
New Orleans’ cultural richness goes well beyond its food scene. In fact, the city is home to a diverse group of artists and craftspeople who create beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect the city’s unique history and aesthetic.From intricate Mardi Gras masks to vibrant paintings and folk art, the possibilities for non-food souvenirs are truly endless. As you explore, you’ll discover some of the most memorable and authentic keepsakes that perfectly capture the spirit of New Orleans.Here are a few standout options to consider when looking for that special piece to take home.
1. Mardi Gras Masks
Mardi Gras is undoubtedly one of New Orleans’ most famous celebrations. The festival is renowned for its vibrant parades, costumed revelers, and, of course, the stunningly beautiful masks worn by participants.These colorful, often intricately decorated masks are iconic symbols of the Mardi Gras tradition and serve as beautiful keepsakes that capture the city’s wild and festive spirit. Available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and styles, these masks can feature feathers, sequins, beads, and painted designs. Whether you choose one as a striking decoration or a memorable gift, these hand-crafted masks will transport you back to New Orleans’ grand celebrations, offering a lasting reminder of the vibrant atmosphere and rich cultural heritage of the city.
- Where to Buy: Mardi Gras World offers a range of high-quality masks, but you can also find them at various local art galleries and gift shops.
- Contact Info: Mardi Gras World – 1380 Port of New Orleans Place, New Orleans, LA 70130. Website: mardigrasworld.com
2. New Orleans Art Prints
The unique landscape and architecture of New Orleans have long inspired artists. From the historical buildings in the French Quarter to the vibrant street art of the Marigny neighborhood, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to bring home a piece of the city’s creative spirit. Art prints, whether they’re depictions of jazz musicians, colorful houses, or the riverfront, allow you to capture the essence of New Orleans’ culture in your home.Many local artists sell prints of their work at open-air markets, galleries, and from their own shops, making it easy to find the perfect piece that speaks to you.
- Where to Buy: Jackson Square, Royal Street, and Frenchmen Street are all great places to find local art.
- Contact Info: Artists at Frenchmen Street (open evenings).
3. Local Jewelry
New Orleans is a city that celebrates unique, handmade jewelry, reflecting the vibrant culture and rich history of the region. Local jewelers craft everything from intricate beaded necklaces to one-of-a-kind metal designs, often incorporating symbols like the fleur-de-lis or other distinctive local motifs.These carefully crafted pieces not only serve as beautiful accessories but also as meaningful souvenirs, capturing the very essence of New Orleans. Whether a delicate charm or a bold statement piece, these treasures offer a tangible connection to the city’s artistic heritage. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece or a delicate souvenir, local jewelry shops offer a wide range of styles that reflect the artistic flair of the city.
- Where to Buy: French Market, Royal Street, and local boutiques are great places to find handmade jewelry from New Orleans artisans.
- Contact Info: French Market – 1008 N Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70116. Website: frenchmarket.org
4. Bayou Handicrafts and Folk Art
New Orleans has a deep connection to the bayou and its surrounding natural environment, a bond that is beautifully reflected in the city’s folk art and handicrafts. Local artisans often use materials like wood, glass, and metal to create pieces that capture the beauty and mystique of the bayou, as well as New Orleans’ rich, storied past. From intricately hand-carved voodoo dolls to vibrant paintings depicting swamp landscapes, these unique pieces of folk art provide a fascinating glimpse into the culture and traditions of the region.Each item offers a tangible connection to the area’s natural wonders and historical influences.Whether you choose a sculpture, a painting, or another hand-crafted item, these gifts make for one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
- Where to Buy: The Shops at Canal Place and local art galleries in the French Quarter are good places to find folk art and bayou handicrafts.
- Contact Info: Shops at Canal Place – 333 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130. Website: canalplace.com
5. New Orleans Music Memorabilia
As the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans has a rich musical heritage that can be captured in various memorabilia, such as vinyl records, musical instruments, vintage posters, and more. Music lovers will delight in the city’s music scene and the opportunity to take home a piece of that legacy. Whether you’re picking up a classic jazz album, a collector’s item, or even a souvenir from one of the city’s legendary music festivals, these musical treasures are an ideal reminder of New Orleans’ influence on the world of music.
- Where to Buy: Local music shops on Frenchmen Street, Louisiana Music Factory, and the shops around the French Quarter.
- Contact Info: Louisiana Music Factory – 421 Frenchmen Street, New Orleans, LA 70116. Website: louisianamusicfactory.com
Conclusion
New Orleans is a treasure chest of unique and authentic souvenirs that capture the essence of this vibrant city. Whether you’re bringing home a box of pralines, a Mardi Gras mask, or a bottle of Tabasco, each item tells the story of the city’s rich cultural heritage.These unforgettable souvenirs will serve as lasting reminders of your unforgettable journey through New Orleans. So, whether you’re a foodie, art lover, or history enthusiast, make sure to take home a piece of the Big Easy that you’ll treasure forever.
Additional Tips for Souvenir Shopping in New Orleans
- Don’t hesitate to ask local vendors for recommendations—many have hidden gems that you won’t find in the typical tourist shops.
- Make sure to visit local markets like the French Market, where you can often discover one-of-a-kind items directly from the talented artists and craftspeople themselves.
- Also, keep an eye out for seasonal festivals or events where local artists showcase and sell their unique creations!
Let New Orleans continue to live on in your home, through its delicious culinary treats and beautiful, hand-crafted treasures that reflect the true soul of this unforgettable city. Happy shopping, and enjoy bringing a piece of New Orleans with you!