What To Buy in Helsinki? Best Things, Unique Souvenirs & More

Looking for what to buy in Helsinki? Our guide offers quick tips on the selected local souvenirs and gifts.

From traditional Finnish design to tasty local treats, we’ve got you covered with top picks that capture the essence of Helsinki for both tourists and locals.

Let’s find out what to bring back from your Helsinki visit.

What to Buy in Helsinki

1. Design Products

Finland is renowned for its design products, offering a variety of items that blend functionality with artistic aesthetics. 

Pohjois-Esplanadi, the major shopping street in Helsinki, is an excellent place to start looking for these items.

Popular among these are small design items, such as:

• Moomin Mugs: Moomin mugs have become collectibles, with some rare pieces fetching thousands of euros. And there are many other Moomin goodies to choose from. These imaginative Moomin creatures have become iconic in Finland.

• Aalto Vases: The glass vase was designed by internationally acknowledged architect Alvar Aalto and his wife, Aino Aalto, in 1936. It has a unique asymmetrical wave-like shape.

• Iittala Glass Products: Known for their practicality and elegant forms. You can find Iittala candleholders in almost every Finnish home, including ours.

• Arabia: Arabia combines beauty, quality, and practicality in its products. Its dishes are a staple in many Finnish homes, holding sentimental value and memories. With a history spanning over 150 years, Arabia has garnered a global fanbase.
• Finlayson and Pentik are also nice houseware brands from Finland.

2. Jewelry

The inspiration for Kalevala Jewelry comes from Finland’s national epic, The Kalevala. Some of its designs are replicas of ancient Iron Age jewelry.

These pieces, crafted in gold, silver, and bronze, are excellent gifts for anniversaries and birthdays. 

Kalevala Jewelry gained worldwide fame in 1997 when it was featured in the first Star Wars movie worn by Princess Leia.

3. Fashion

Finnish fashion is often described as functional, minimalist, yet distinctive. 

Marimekko is one of Finland’s most famous clothing brands, known for its inventive and vibrant patterns.

Other Finnish Brands:

• Papu: Recognized for its quality, sustainably produced women’s and children’s clothing, often featuring unique twists.
• Nomen Nescio: Known for its gender-neutral, minimalist black attire.
• Nanso: A traditional Finnish brand celebrated for its quality materials and comfortable wear.
• Makia: Strives to combine quality, stylish design, and responsible production in creating timeless clothing.
• Globe Hope: Notable for using recycled materials in its clothing and accessories.
• Uhana: A Finnish brand known for its inspiring and original designs, characterized by quality, comfort, and practicality.

You may also find these traditional Finnish brands by browsing through the many second-hand shops in Helsinki.

4. Accessories

LUMI is a Finnish leather bag and accessory brand established in 2000.

LUMI has received numerous industrial and design awards, becoming one of Finland’s leading leather product brands. Its products are sold in over 25 countries.

5. Cosmetics

Lumene differentiates from traditional beauty brands by utilizing hand-picked Nordic ingredients such as cloudberry, lingonberry, heather, and sea buckthorn.

6. Local Favorites – Special Souvenirs from Finland

• Fazer Chocolates and Candies: The iconic Karl Fazer blue chocolate bar is a classic Finnish treat.
• Salty licorice (salmiakki): A unique Finnish candy beloved by locals but often seen as peculiar by foreigners.

• To taste these flavors, you can start with a salty licorice chocolate bar, a blend of favorite Finnish savor and chocolate.

• You can also get this taste in alcohol, of course, as we have salty licorice liqueurs (Koskenkorva Salmiakki). It is a liqueur where the taste of salty licorice almost completely covers the taste of alcohol.

Rye bread (ruisleipä): a Finnish staple with a distinct, earthy flavor and a denser texture than typical rye bread. It’s a vital part of Finland’s culinary tradition.

7. Traditional Souvenirs

You can head to Market Square (Kauppatori) for traditional souvenirs.

• Here, you can find a kuksa, an iconic Finnish wooden cup, handcrafted from curly birch wood.

• Sauna items like towels and bathrobes, essential to Finnish culture, are also popular.
• Additionally, “Sisu” themed products, representing Finnish resilience and determination, often feature the word in their design, making for meaningful keepsakes.

Shop Opening Hours in Finland

Shops in Helsinki set their hours freely. Department stores and chain stores typically open from 9 am to 9 pm on weekdays and from 9 am to 6 pm on Saturdays, with shorter hours on Sundays.

Some grocery stores are open 24/7.

Hours may vary on public holidays, with different schedules for shops and restaurants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Most Famous Finnish Clothing Brand? 

Established in 1951, Marimekko is known for its colorful and bold patterns.

What Are Small Finnish Clothing Brands?

Brands like Ivana Helsinki, Samuji, Uhana Design, and Gugguu offer a range of styles, from clean Scandinavian aesthetics to playful designs for children and adults.

Are Electronics Expensive in Finland?

Like other Nordic countries, Finland is generally more expensive than the European average. However, the prices for consumer electronics in Finland are average in Europe. If you are interested in electronics, here is our list of the best places to buy electronics in Helsinki.