Prince Edward Island might be the smallest province in Canada but it’s known for quite a lot of things.
From Anne of Green Gables goodies, to lighthouses, and red sand beaches. And we can’t forget about all the food to bring back for friends and family to try (raspberry cordial and chocolate covered potato chips I’m looking at you!).
So, to help you maneuver PEI gift shops, here’s my guide to buying the best souvenirs in Prince Edward Island.
P.S. If you don’t have space to bring back all the best souvenirs from PEI, you can actually buy most of these PEI souvenirs online.
Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!
Where To Shop For PEI Souvenirs?
Souvenirs in Prince Edward Island are all about supporting local businesses and artists. Thankfully, the Island doesn’t make this hard to achieve you can find a locally made souvenir everywhere!
What’s great about PEI shopping is that even PEI gift shops have locally made products. Unlike most tourists shops that have over produced souvenirs made in China, for the most part PEI souvenirs are actually made in PEI and are even one of a kind.
Below is a more in depth guide on where to shop for the best souvenirs in Charlottetown and Summerside.
PEI Shopping For Souvenirs In Charlottetown
In Charlottetown, there are no shortage of souvenir shops. The main shopping streets will be Queen street and Victoria Row, but you also want to go down to the waterfront for even more PEI gift shops. And just passed the docks is the Founders’ Food Hall & Market.
On Sundays there’s a farmers market on Queen St. between 11:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. that you’ll definitely want to check out. Local potters, artists, and more come out to sell their one of a kind products.
A bit outside the city, there’s the Cow Ice Cream factory that you can check out. They don’t just sell delicious ice cream but they’re also in the pun clothing market. You can pick up a Moocci or a CowCow Chanel T-shirt!
Charlottetown Organized Tours With Viator
Charlottetown City Highlights Double Bus Tour →
Charlottetown Walking Tour with a local guide →
See more Prince Edward Island organized tours with Viator.
PEI Shopping For Souvenirs In Summerside
Summerside is the second largest city in PEI so it’s another main stop for PEI shopping. Spinmakers Landing is a popular shopping destination but it’s only open during high season.
But while in Summerside you’ll want to check out the Eptek Art and Cultural Centre. There’s a beautiful PEI gift shop filled with locally made art. Walk along Water St. for some local stores (P.S. you have to go to Seaside Bookshop if you’re looking to pick up an Anne of Green Gables book!).
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting on a Saturday there’s no better place for souvenir shopping than the Summerside Farmers Market. There’s mostly fresh produce sold there, but you can also pick a truly one of a kind find here.
Top 11 Best Souvenirs From PEI
Now that you know where to shop for the best souvenirs from PEI, its time to dive in to see what you should actually be keeping an eye out for.
1. Anne of Green Gables Goods
The author of Anne of Green Gables (Lucy Maud Montgomery) was from Prince Edward Island. The book takes place there, and she drew a lot of inspiration from her surroundings (I mean, can you blame her? PEI is beautiful!).
Needless to say, you can’t leave PEI without buying something Anne of Green Gables related.
You can buy the book, a doll, christmas ornament… you name it!
If you’re looking for a child friendly Anne of Green Gables book, I LOVE the adapted novel by by Kallie George. The first book is separated into three short stories: Anne Arrives, Anne’s Kindred Spirit, and Anne’s School Days. P.S. The fourth one is set to release in March 2022 – The Tragical Tea Party!
Buy PEI Souvenirs Online Tip
I didn’t like any of the Anne of Green Gables book covers I saw in Prince Edward Island so I actually ordered this PEI souvenir online. I found two really adorable hard cover books on Amazon. Check out the Wordsworth Edition and the Puffin In Bloom Edition.
In Canada? Shop Amazon.ca Wordsworth Edition and Puffin in Bloom Edition or looking for the adaption by Kallie George?
2. Raspberry Cordial
So I guess this PEI souvenir is connected to Anne of Green Gables, but it’s also so much more. If you’ve already read the novel, you’ll know all about Raspberry Cordial. But it’s actually based on a real drink, and locals still make their own raspberry cordial today!
This is a PEI souvenir that you won’t be able to find ANYWHERE else! Although, if you live in Canada you can order it online for a shipping fee. You also might be able to make it at home following a recipe.
There’s only one company that makes Raspberry Cordial in PEI, so this is also what the locals drink. This is sweet delicious goodness!
Anne of Green Gables Organized Tours With Viator
This Viator half day tour takes you on a drive through along North Rustico along Cavendish beach, before stopping to tour the inspirational farmhouse for Anne of Green Gables.
See more Prince Edward Island organized tours with Viator.
3. Red Dirt Road – Fun Souvenirs in Prince Edward Island
After Anne of Green Gables, maybe the second most memorable aspect about PEI is the red sand beaches and red dirt roads. The red stands out so you’ll definitely want to bring that memory home with you.
To remember the red sand of PEI, buy a Red Dirt Shirt. These shirts are made locally and actually died with the red dirt from PEI. How cool is that!? They have a few shops around PEI but you can also order your own Red Dirt Shirt online.
PEI Souvenir DIY: Why Not Make Your Own PEI Dirt Shirt?
You can actually make your own PEI dirt shirt! All you need is a white shirt, some water, and PEI’s natural red dirt of course! Head to the beach, soak your shirt in some dirt and let it sit for a few hours.
Watch how you can make a tie dye PEI shirt.
4. A Copy of The True Meaning of Crumbfest
Anne of Green Gables isn’t the only popular book to come out of PEI. If you’re travelling with kids, or have any to buy gifts for back home, you’ll want to pick up a copy of The True Meaning of Crumbfest.
The story follows Eckhart, a curious mouse, that sets off on an adventure the day before Christmas. It’s written by PEI author David Weale.
Related
The Breathtaking Prince Edward Island National Park: Everything You Need To Know
5. Local Island Pottery
I didn’t realize that pottery in PEI was so popular but it’s EVERYWHERE! So you have to bring back something that is made out of pottery by a local.
There are some truly beautiful pieces. This is something that if you can find at a market to speak to the artists themselves is always great!
6. Local Art
Art is always one of the best souvenirs to bring back from vacation, and Prince Edward Island is no exception. The Island is such incredible inspiration for so much beautiful artists to showcase what they can do.
Honestly, the only problem might be limited yourself to just one print.
Local Art PEI Souvenir Tip
If you’re in Summerside, check out The Lefurgey Cultural Centre and ask if the artist Maurice Bernard is there. He has a studio upstairs where you can meet him (ask for local recommendations) and buy some of his phenomenal artwork.
7. Cows Merchandise & Chocolate Covered Chips
You may have heard of Cows Ice cream (which you should try by the way!). It’s a local ice cream parlour that started in the 80s and grew into a huge hit!
The company expanded beyond ice cream, making hilarious merch! Buy a cozy Cows sweatshirt or PJs or a punny shirt. They’ve turned everything cow themed it’s hilarious!
They’ve also gone into the cheese making business. But what really sets them a part is their chocolate covered potato chips. You have to make a point to buy some and bring back for friends and family to try!
Organized Tours With Viator From Charlottetown
Half day Island drive & Anne of Green Gables Farmhouse tour →
Private driving tour of Prince Edward Island (4 Passengers) →
See more Prince Edward Island organized tours with Viator.
8. Delicious Potato Fudge
Now that it seems we’ve moved onto food (and potatoes), you need to bring back some Potato fudge. And yes you read that correctly – potato fudge. It’s fudge, but made from potatoes.
There are TONS of flavours you can try, and trust me, you’ll want to. It doesn’t taste like potatoes at all, I swear!
If you’re in Charlottetown, you can pick some up at the Founders’ Food Hall & Market. You can also try it at The Canadian Potato Museum (which is a necessary visit when you’re in PEI!).
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9. Tea & Jam From The Preserve Company
The Preserve Tea Company is worth a trip to wherever you are in PEI. This is where you’ll find THE BEST souvenirs in Prince Edward Island.
Their main attraction are the local jams and teas they sell (but you can also find pottery and ceramics here too). As it turns out, blueberries are the second largest export of Prince Edward Island, so pick up some local blueberry jam to try.
They also have some Prince Edward Island tea blends that I just love. Of course I had to pick up PEI Breakfast, but also bought a Cavendish Sunset black tea blend – which is delicious!
10. A Lighthouse
Obviously you can’t bring back a full sized lighthouse, but you are visiting the province with the most lighthouses per capita so you need (at least one) lighthouse souvenir from PEI.
This can be anything from art, a magnet, even a miniature lighthouse for in front of your house. Yes, a lot of homes had a mini lighthouse decor in front of their house in PEI. They have them at many local PEI gift shops for sale.
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P.S. Need A Place To Stay In Prince Edward Island?
We stayed at the Great George in Charlottetown in Prince Edward Island. It’s centrally located boutique hotel that offers a unique luxury experience. I mean the bathroom has heated floors – it doesn’t get better than that! Plus, a delicious healthy breakfast was included every morning with your stay. See room rates & availability on Booking.com.
If you aren’t staying in Charlottetown, here are some other hotel recommendations in Prince Edward Island…
We also stayed in Summerside at the Summerside Inn Bed & Breakfast. It’s in a beautiful victorian home and walking distance to the city centre. Plus the host is very nice and helpful, making a delicious breakfast for you! See room rates & availability on Booking.com.
Or, if you’re visiting Prince Edward Island with the family and staying in Cavendish, book the Cavendish Lodge & Cottages. Rent your own private little cottage in a small cottage village. See room rates & availability on Booking.com.
See more accommodations in Prince Edward Island on Booking.com.
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Send Yourself A Copy Of Anne of Green Gables To Read!
Read More Guides
- Top Anne of Green Gables Destinations To Visit On Prince Edward Island
- Why Book The Great George Hotel In Charlottetown Prince Edward Island
- The 10 Best Prince Edward Island Lighthouses You Won’t Want To Miss
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Last update on 2024-05-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API