Port shopping in Alaska

[rmurray847]

We'll be in Juneau, Skagway & Ketchikan on our upcoming cruise on the Bliss.  First time in Alaska.  We're all set with excursions, and feel we're pretty well prepared.  But in each port, we have a couple hours free (for eating, beer & shopping).  Whenever we cruise, we like to find "Local, handmade" crafts.  I know these ports will be crawling with mass-produced stuff and items important from China.  We fully expect that.  But usually, somewhere in the craziness, there are local items to keep an eye out for.  Wood-carvings, jewelry, baskets, etc. etc.  Those of you who've been before...what kinds of "unique to Alaska BY Alaskans" stuff should we be keeping an eye out for?  (And if it matters, which port?)  I appreciate the help in advance.

[skrufy]

You will find Alaskain made items in all the ports, from totem poles, hand carved wildlife/sea life to jewelry. Look for the made in Alaska tag. If not sure ask. We bought some beautiful wildlife reprints from a local artist the last time in Ketchikan. If your going to Sitka you will find lots of Russian made items also. You will definitely find something you like.

[Littlesnowflake]

We're going on our first trip to Alaska too in May and trying to find something good in Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point.  What are you doing in Ketchikan?  Appreciate some suggestions.

[rmurray847]

23 minutes ago, Littlesnowflake said:

We're going on our first trip to Alaska too in May and trying to find something good in Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point.  What are you doing in Ketchikan?  Appreciate some suggestions.

We have booked an excursion to Misty Fjords (sea plane and boat).  It's about a 3.5 hour tour.

Edited March 24, 2019 by rmurray847
typos

[AKStafford]

As others mentioned, look for the official "Made In Alaska" logo, but expect to pay more for authentic items. And if an item is made by a Native Alaskan, you can look for the "Silver Hand" logo.

[Littlesnowflake]

16 hours ago, rmurray847 said:

We have booked an excursion to Misty Fjords (sea plane and boat).  It's about a 3.5 hour tour.

Thanks!  Not sure if can talk hubby into small plane ride...but it sounds awesome!  Have fun!

[Sunny AZ Girl]

I love the wooden salad servers I bought in Ketchikan in 2010.  I still use them.  They make great gifts, too.  

[capriccio]

We bought Ulu knives and cutting boards for ourselves and two grown kids.  I use mine multiple times a week.  When I came back on board with 3 of them (obviously in their original boxes) I had to promise security to lock them in my empty suitcase.  They are very sharp but I guess they didn't want to be hassled with confiscating and then returning them to lots of passengers.

[quack2]

I prefer to limit any shopping to Icy Strait where I can have some confidence that Native Alaskans, rather than the cruise ships, will be the beneficiaries.

[rmurray847]

Thanks to everyone for the info.  Lots of wood!  (And we never shop where the cruise ships tell us...almost the opposite.)  Cheap souvenirs have their place (thank you gift to someone for watering our lawn, for example).  But my wife and I like to have some authentic mementos.

[SuperCrewBear]

Something I've bought several times that make great gifts for my buddies are pocket ulu knives.  You can find the really cheap Chinese versions for about $5 at most of the big gift shops.  But I've found some that I keep going back to - I've seen and bought them in a few different better shops in Ketchikan, Anchorage and Juneau.  They are Alaska made Bob Merry pocket ulus.  They are all alike in size and design but have various types of handle material and plain or Damascus blades.  They are unusual looking and they are good for skinning.  The least expensive have "Dymond Wood" (a synthetic but looks nice) for about $50 or more exotic like moose antler, walrus jawbone or mammoth ivory that can get on up to a couple hundred dollars.  If you're doing any flying they will need to go in your check bag - I've never had an issue bringing them back on board the ship.  They are very cool knives.

Edited March 25, 2019 by SuperCrewBear

[Cairns Cruisers]

They are very nice knives. What length are fully opened up?

[SuperCrewBear]

5 hours ago, Cairns Cruisers said:

They are very nice knives. What length are fully opened up?

Closed, about 3", open about 5"

[Cairns Cruisers]

9 hours ago, SuperCrewBear said:

Closed, about 3", open about 5"

Thanks for that.

[ClaireyBear]

If you walk inland a couple blocks in Ketchikan, you’ll find a little bookstore with unique Alaskan items, and there’s also a gift shop we found off the main drag (key word is “off”) that sold items made in Alaska. We bought some, and they’re displayed in our house still! 

[blondie59]

ClaireyBear, do you or anyone else know the names of these shops? Sounds just like what I'm looking for (and husband is not big on wandering around while shopping).  Thanks!

[ClaireyBear]

52 minutes ago, blondie59 said:

ClaireyBear, do you or anyone else know the names of these shops? Sounds just like what I'm looking for (and husband is not big on wandering around while shopping).  Thanks!

The bookstore is called Parnassus Books, I’ll keep looking for the name of the other shop. 

[wolfie11]

Soho Coho gallery on Creek Street in Ketchikan!

[nw gardener]

Mt Juneau Trading Post,  they have a great website too if you want to get a look at what they sell. Quite a few nice little shops on Creek street in Ketchikan , another vote for Soho, and also Scanlon art gallery.  Over the years,  have splurged for Boyd Porter knives sold at Alaska Galleries in Ketchikan.