You won’t have any trouble finding New Orleans souvenirs for yourself, friends and family!
New Orleans is known for so much more than Mardi Gras. There’s jazz, an incredible art scene, and don’t forget about the myriad of tasty cuisines.
So here are my top 15 souvenirs from New Orleans to keep an eye out for while you’re there, and where to find them!
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!
Top 15 Souvenirs From New Orleans
1. Anything Purple, Green, & Gold
When visiting New Orleans, pick up anything that’s purple, green, and gold. These are the official colours of Mardi Gras, and have been since 1872.
I know I said that New Orleans isn’t all about Mardi Gras – and it isn’t!
But that doesn’t mean you can’t pick up a New Orleans souvenir that represents their biggest event of the year!
It can be anything, from a picture frame to a magnet… they even have full bedazzled jackets in these colours, if that fits your style!
Read more about the colours of Mardi Gras here.
2. Art From Your Favourite Artist Around Jackson Square!
Jackson Square is one of the main things to see in New Orleans. But, it’s what’s around Jackson Square that should interest you – for New Orleans souvenirs anyway!
Jackson Square has become somewhat of an art hub in the French Quarter. Along all four sides of the Square you’ll find artists set up. And typically they aren’t just selling their work either but actually working on new pieces.
So, if you’re able to, try to buy artwork that you saw being created by the artist!
P.S. Most vendors are cash only, but some accept Venmo or Paypal.
3. Custom Street Tiles – Iconic New Orleans Souvenirs
When walking around the French Quarter, take note of the street signs. And I’m not talking about the actual signs, but those embedded into the sidewalks.
These street signs are unique letter tiles that make up the street name on every corner.
You can actually buy replicas of these unique street tiles at Fleurty Girl (an iconic New Orleans shopping destination!).
You can buy your initials, write an entire word… the possibilities are endless!
Check Out My New Orleans Mini Travel Guide
Print it or use it on your phone!
Includes basic New Orleans travel information, tips & advice, and a checklist of all the top things to do and eat!
4. Jazz Sheet Music, Vinyl, Posters… etc.
Jazz came to life in the African-American community in New Orleans in the 19th and 20th centuries. So it’s a no brainer that you should bring back some Jazz-themed New Orleans souvenirs.
If you play an instrument, pick up some sheet music. If you have a record player, pick up a new vinyl. If your music is all digital, pick up a Jazz poster!
Some iconic New Orleans musicians are Louis Armstrong, Fats Domino, and Dave Bartholomew
The best place to shop for Jazz souvenirs from New Orleans is at the Jazz Museum. Or if you have tickets to Preservation Hall, they also sell some souvenirs inside.
5. A Voodoo Doll – Souvenirs From New Orleans
New Orleans also has a bit of a spooky, haunted side to it. I mean, have you seen their cemeteries? They’re unlike anything I’ve seen before!
So if you’re into witchcraft, or know someone who is, pick up voodoo themed souvenirs from New Orleans.
You can find actual voodoo dolls, or voodoo themed items around the city. A popular spot is Voodoo Authentic Inc for some truly spooky New Orleans souvenirs. Or you can check out The Historic New Orleans Collection Gift Shop for some more voodoo inspired souvenirs!
Whatever you do though, please voodoo responsibly!
6. A Unique Antique From New Orleans
I didn’t know that New Orleans was such an antique epicentre, but it is!
Not only is it a fun activity going into all the different antique shops, but you’ll (hopefully) end up with a one of a kind New Orleans souvenir!
Where’s The Best New Orleans Shopping For Antiques?
You’ll find many antique shops in the French Quarter, especially along Royal Street, and along Magazine Street in the Garden District.
P.S. Even if you can’t afford anything, check out M.S. Raus Antiques – they’re incredible!
You might also be interested in reading…
Explore The Best Of The Garden District New Orleans: Mansions, Magazine St & More!
7. New Orleans Souvenirs Sports Merchandise: Saints & Pelicans
You can’t leave New Orleans without some sports memorabilia from Louisiana. You’re in America after all!
New Orleans is the home field for both Louisiana professional teams. The Louisiana Saints football team, and the Louisiana Pelicans basketball team. You can find their merchandise in most souvenir shops around New Orleans.
If you’re more interested in College sports, Tulane University in New Orleans is home to the Tulane Green Wave football team.
8. Iron Gates Themed Art – Tracy Popken Souvenirs
The French Quarter in New Orleans has some of the most spectacular architecture in the world, and it’s mainly due to the integration of cast iron work.
All the balconies, and most fences are beautifully crafted cast iron. It’s really the star of the show, so why not bring back a souvenir to remember it by?
I found beautiful artwork by Tracy Popken that really brought the iron gates to life. She actually sets up in the Jackson Square alleys, but you can also find her work online here, and at different shops, like Zèle NOLA on Magazine Street.
Foodie Related New Orleans Souvenirs
Finally it’s time for some food souvenirs from New Orleans.
Typically, I’m not a huge fan of buying food as souvenirs, for the obvious reason that it’s not really a souvenir if you don’t end up with anything to show for it after you finish eating it…
But, New Orleans has such a unique food scene that you’ll end up buying at least some food to bring back.
I ended up buying the most food souvenirs I’ve ever bought while travelling. I think it was mainly because I wanted my family to taste it all, and boy did they enjoy it!
But don’t fret, I also have some tricks to keep the memory of New Orleans food alive even after the food is gone!
New Orleans Food Viator Tours
Food is such a big part of New Orleans culture so dive right in with a guided food tour in the city!
New Orleans food walking tour in the French Quarter →
New Orleans Demonstration Cooking Class and Meal →
Click here for more food tours in New Orleans on Viator.
9. Peychaud Bitters
Peychaud bitters are the star ingredient in the Sazerac, the official cocktail of New Orleans. It was created by – you’ll never guess it – a pharmacist in 1838.
Bitters were actually invented to be used as a medicine. But that’s before we knew better…
If you want to make a proper Sazerac back home, you’ll have to pick up some Peychaud bitters. You can read more about the Sazerac here.
The best place to find Peychaud bitters is at the Sazerac House on Canal Street. Keep in mind, it only comes in one size which is slightly too big to bring in a carryon luggage. You can order it online here instead.
The good thing about buying bitters as a souvenir is that they last a long time. In every Sazerac, only about 4 splashes of bitters are used.
10. Louisiana’s Pure Crystal Hot Sauce
Crystal hot sauce is New Orleans. You’ll find the packets next to the regular ketchup packets anywhere they serve food!
Add it to everything and anything, that’s the New Orleans way. Buy some to bring the taste of New Orleans spice back with you! It also makes a great gift for any spice lover!
You can find Crystal for sale at any grocery store in New Orleans.
Printable New Orleans Things To Do Checklist
Don’t miss a top thing to do in New Orlenas!
Print out or check off on your phone as you travel through New Orleans!
11. Beignet (Or King Cake) Mix
Beignets are THE food of New Orleans. French for ‘doughnut’, these pillows of fried dough are topped with as much icing sugar as possible!
The place to try them is Cafe du Monde, but you can find them at most cafes in New Orleans.
Most cafes will also sell their signature Beignet Mix… to make them yourself at home! We bought the mix from Cafe Beignet, as these were the Beignets we liked the best, but you can also find them at Cafe du Monde.
You might also be interested in reading…
Things To Do In New Orleans: The Dos, Don’ts, & Alternatives
Despite the VERY vague instructions, they weren’t too hard to make and were surprisingly really good! They are quite a bit smaller than the ones served in New Orleans, but they have the same great taste! (And that’s just an excuse to eat more of them, IMO)
If the Beignets weren’t your favourite, you can also buy King Cake mix.
King Cake is the dessert of Mardi Gras. It’s supposed to be baked with a small baby in the centre, whoever finds it is the king of Mardi Gras (and then has to bake next year’s cake!).
12. Chicory Root Coffee
Another New Orleans classic, to pair with your Beignet, is chicory root coffee. Chicory has been roasted and added to coffee in New Orleans for the last 200 years!
This was originally done to preserve the coffee, but it’s still their classic blend today and is what’s used to mix in their cafe au laits. But honestly, it even tastes pretty good without any milk at all!
Buy your New Orleans chicory root coffee at your favourite cafe. Cafe du Monde sells their blend, as well as Cafe Beignet.
13. Pralines – Best New Orleans Gifts!
A praline is a confectionery containing a nut and sugar. You might have had pralines before even, but I assure you, you haven’t had a New Orleans praline before!
A New Orleans praline is more like a fudge filled with crushed nuts (usually pecans).
We bought our pralines from Leah’s Pralines in the heart of the French Quarter. They make them fresh everyday (so it smells AMAZING inside!).
My favourites were actually the chocolate praline and the spicy pecan brittle. But they had a small box selling the broken pralines, or “ugly” ones for half the price. This way you can buy even more to try!
14. Spice Mixes: Creole, Cajun, or Both!
The New Orleans food scene is mainly a mix of two cuisines: creole and cajun.
Although both are somewhat melting pots of cooking styles influenced by French, African, Spanish, and Portuguese there are some key differences.
Cajun cooking tends to be spicier, and serves blackened foods. Creole is seen as being a tad more sophisticated cooking.
Try both cuisines while you’re in New Orleans and then bring back your favourite spice blend!
15. A New Orleans Cookbook
Make the most of all your new spices and cake mixes by bringing back a New Orleans cookbook to guide your cooking!
This way you not only have the ingredients, but the recipes too! There’s no shortage of cookbooks in New Orleans, trust me!
If you don’t want to lug a big book back with you, you can also find one on Amazon here.
New Orleans Food Viator Tours
Food is such a big part of New Orleans culture so dive right in with a guided food tour in the city!
New Orleans food walking tour in the French Quarter →
New Orleans Demonstration Cooking Class and Meal →
Click here for more food tours in New Orleans on Viator.
How To Keep Food Souvenirs From New Orleans After They’re Finished!
It’s always sad when you finish a treat that you brought back as a souvenir, so I actually found a way to preserve their memory forever!
New Orleans is all about art, and it shows, even in their food packaging. Seriously, the packaging was so beautiful that I framed some of it. I chose the boxes and bags that I loved the most for each food.
I kept and framed the Cafe Beignet bag and Leah’s Pralines box.
Don’t worry, I took an extra cafe beignet bag to frame that hadn’t been used for any beignets
It’s just an easy way to remember the food even after it’s gone!
Best New Orleans Shopping For Souvenirs
There are a few places to shop for souvenirs in New Orleans.
The French Quarter – New Orleans Shopping
For starters, the French Quarter is the art and antique hub. As I mentioned, you’ll want to keep an eye out for any antique shops, Jackson Square artists, and the Fleurty Girl store.
You can head to Royal Street and even to the French Market.
The Historic New Orleans Collection Museum had an amazing gift shop as well that’s worth checking out!
The Garden District Souvenir Shopping
If you’re wandering around the Garden District (as you should do… read about it in my post here), the best place to go is none other than Magazine Street.
You’ll find another Fleurty Girl, more antique shops, and Zèle Nola with a collection of local artists’ work.
The Riverwalk Outlets
If you want quick and indoor shopping, head to the Riverwalk Outlets. There are several generic souvenir shops here – perfect for quick New Orleans gifts for friends and family.
You’ll also find some big name brand stores if you’re looking for some more practical items.
Need A Place To Stay In New Orleans?
I stayed at the Hampton Inn Conference Center in New Orleans, although it was a great hotel, it’s a bit far from all the main attractions. See it on Booking.com here.
I would recommend instead staying on Canal Street instead. It’s a large lively street with a lot of hotel options. Plus you’re within walking distance to the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, and all the streetcars (even the St. Charles Streetcar!) to take you wherever you want to go!
A good option is the New Orleans Marriott on Canal Street (see it on Booking.com).
Or if you’re looking for a more budget friendly option, just slightly off Canal Street is the Double Tree Hotel by Hilton, see it on Booking.com.
Click here for more hotels in New Orleans on Booking.com.
Check Out My New Orleans Mini Travel Guide
Print it or use it on your phone!
Includes basic New Orleans travel information, tips & advice, and a checklist of all the top things to do and eat!
Read More Related Posts
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- Things To Do In New Orleans: The Dos, Don’ts, & Alternatives
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- Explore The Best Of The Garden District New Orleans: Mansions, Magazine St
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