What to Buy in Alaska on a Cruise? Your Ultimate Guide.
What to Buy in Alaska on a Cruise is a mystery for some Cruisers. Heading ashore in any Alaskan port is a treat, you will find an array of handmade Christmas ornaments, Candles, Fudge, and handmade jewellery. Beautiful Alaskan-made sculptures, totem poles, and spectacular Christmas scenic photography are beautifully framed. Ulu knives, wild Alaskan treats such as Birch syrup, tea, tinned, and vacuum-packed salmon. Soaps, gorgeous Alaskan handmade knives, baleen basketry, fused glass art, Russian dolls, and quilting.
I have been cruising to Alaska for over 25 years.
Alaska has so much to offer any visitor; knowing what to buy in Alaska on a cruise is linked to the rich history of The Klondike Gold Rush, often called the Yukon Gold Rush, after gold was discovered there in 1896. Starting in the 1870s, prospectors trickled into the Yukon in search of gold. By 1896, around 1,500 prospectors panned for gold along the Yukon River basin.
The most popular is Gold Quartz jewellery; it’s synonymous with Alaska’s history and culture. So what is Gold Quartz? It is gold-bearing quartz with beautiful veins of gold flowing through white quartz making each piece a one-of-a-kind. It was formed millions of years ago by hydro-thermal pressure and is found today underground by hard rock miners.
The same goes for Gold Nuggets, very popular in Alaska. Gold nuggets occur when they break out of quartz deposits during erosion and lodge into the rivers and streams of Alaska and the Yukon territory. They rub against the rocks in the currents, which causes these beautiful smooth, perfectly formed natural pieces of jewellery. Each nugget is a one-of-a-kind.
Gold n Quartz and Gold Nuggets are definitely something you won’t find at home and are perfect for Christmas. Take a look at these pieces; prime examples of what you should look for when buying authentic Gold Quartz and Gold Nugget jewellery. Each piece of Gold Quartz comes with a certificate of authenticity. For more information on Gold and Quartz check out this Blog.
What to Buy in Juneau, Alaska
You will find the top things to buy in Alaska in Juneau is Caribou Crossings with over 60 Alaskan Artists. This locally owned store showcases unique handmade crafts from all over the state! With a solid reputation for outstanding customer service and 25 years of nurturing artists’ talents, Caribou Crossings prides itself on providing the opportunity to shop locally and buy Alaskan.
Another great location is Annie Kaills, a premier art and crafts gallery. Since 1975, Annie Kaill’s has been a favourite destination for visitors and Juneau locals alike. With Alaskan artwork, handmade pottery and stoneware, beautiful glassware and art glass, stunning local Jewelry, and so much more. Whether it’s a painting from one of the finest artists from Alaska or the Northwest or a whimsical gift for a friend… Annie Kaill’s has been the place to go for over 40 years!
What to Buy in Ketchikan, Alaska
Local Alaska jewellers are Milano Diamond Gallery. They sell gorgeous Dancing Diamonds, Gold and Quartz, and Blue diamonds. The boutique is situated right in the heart of Ketchikan. Milano Diamond Gallery has a fabulous selection of Gold nugget pendants. Each one is unique and different forged by Mother Nature.
Also, don’t miss Scanlon Art Gallery, a gorgeous selection of South East Alaskan art. Located right next door is the Arctic Gallery with a huge selection of Northwest Coast art, Northern Alaska art, Scrimshaw, Qiviut, and Jewelry.
What to Buy in Skagway, Alaska
Great shopping, walk off the ship and head into town, everything is very close. I recommend making your way up one side then crossing over and walking down the other, so you don’t miss out on a thing. Or there is a bus that has several key stops along the street; if your legs aren’t up the walking, click here for more information on the Skagway bus.
One of my favourite places in Skagway is Broadway Jewelers; ask for Kathy; she has a fabulous store; you may need more than an hour, though. Look for an Alaskan treasure called Linda Chase; she is a very talented Glass Artist; I have witnessed her Glass Art Journey over the last 10 years; her Alaskan-themed works of art are gorgeous; you won’t be disappointed. Linda Chase’s glass art is also available in Annie Kaills in Juneau, Alaska.