Unique Souvenirs to Bring Home from the Smokies

A Mountain Magic in Every Souvenir—Straight From the Best Gatlinburg Shops

Aren’t we all bored with key chains, fridge magnets, and stickers? Exploring the majestic Smoky Mountains means that your souvenirs should match that grandiosity, and trust us, the souvenirs here do not disappoint. From wooden sculptures, bear figurines, to glassblowing and jewelry pieces, the options are limitless. Whether you are looking for decorative pieces for your house or a nice gift for a friend, our guide will help you escape tourist scams and low-quality products so you can get your hands on the best souvenirs from Gatlinburg, TN. So, without wasting any time, let's get started!

Although there are many good yet cheap souvenir options to buy in the Smoky Mountains, we recommend visiting local artisans who sell authentic pieces. Visitors can explore glass art, local jams, sculptures, hand-painted mugs, and more so they can take home a small piece of the Smoky Mountain experience—minus the climb, of course.

Gatlinburg is known to have great pottery artists, which means grabbing a piece or two is a must. This includes beautiful vases, decorative sculptures, and kitchenware utensils, which reflect the culture and art of the area. Many of these artists allow visitors to enter their galleries and try the pottery-making process themselves, creating their own pieces to take back home.

Another trendy option includes woodworking souvenirs, which range from carved bowls, statues, and furniture pieces to decorative signs. The artists or woodworkers put a lot of effort into completing such pieces, which beautifully feature the uniqueness of natural wood. Many artists also take custom orders, where people can ask them to write a special message or even carve a personalized image.

If you are tired of similar souvenir options, go for quilting souvenirs, which are traditional art pieces in the South and are known for their detail and artistry. Whether you are looking for a pretty wall-hanging piece to decorate your room or a handmade blanket to snuggle in, these quilt souvenirs are a perfect choice to take back home from Gatlinburg.

Consider purchasing a hand-blown glass souvenir from one of Gatlinburg's best glassblowers if you like collecting different and unique items. The glass artists design and create many pieces—from tiny decorative charms and vases to beautiful sculptures and jewelry—using the same methods that were used hundreds of years ago. Visitors can also enjoy the live glassblowing process in many different studios in Gatlinburg and get a personal look at how these souvenirs are made.

If you are looking for souvenir shops that scream, “I have the best Smokies items,” then you are at the right place! Gatlinburg is full of small and big shops offering all kinds of souvenir items, but since we are looking for the best, we need to focus on quality, prices, and detail. That’s why we have shortlisted the top Gatlinburg souvenir shops, so you don’t have to worry about cheap products and low-quality items.

Located in the heart of Gatlinburg, Smoky Mountain Angler offers more than just fishing gear. It's a charming shop with rustic décor and shelves of regionally themed souvenirs like fishing-themed mugs, wood-carved bear signs, and Appalachian-style gifts. This is a unique stop where nature lovers can grab something practical or decorative to remember their trip.

Representing Smoky Mountain culture, the black bear is used as an iconic symbol for the region. At Jonathan’s Bear Necessities, visitors can purchase multiple bear-themed souvenirs to take back home as a memory of their trip. The shop sells bear-themed garments, plush toys, shoes, hats, and much more. It’s located downtown within walking distance of major hotels, making it an ideal place to stop before leaving the city.

Although the path to this shop is a bit bumpy (we’ll be honest, it's on a mountain), The Mercantile at Anakeesta is an interesting gift shop that everybody should check out before leaving Gatlinburg! To reach it, visitors take the chair lift or Ridge Rambler vehicle to the summit of Anakeesta Mountain, where the store stands tall. Apart from souvenirs, this shop also sells a variety of kitchen and home accessories, while other shelves are fully stocked with everything from vintage pieces to locally produced jams and jewelry!

Saving the best for last! The Honey Pot, located in The Village Shops, is a must-visit shop in Gatlinburg featuring cute pottery, chimes, flags, and mushrooms, which are essentially used for decoration in gardens. The gift items for interiors include vintage clocks, plushies, pillows, wine holders, and many other collectibles. If you couldn't find “that one” souvenir item, don’t worry—there are many other souvenir shops at The Village Shops that are worth checking out.