Discover unique Wisconsin souvenirs to bring home.
The first few times I traveled outside of my home country, there was a subtle hint of guilt knowing I wouldn’t be able to share my adventures with my friends and family.
However, that all changed when I realized I could still bring home memories of my travels in the form of souvenirs.
Since then, I always bring back a gift or two for everyone close to my heart whenever I travel Wisconsin.
If you also want to make the same kind gesture, let me share the best Wisconsin souvenirs you can bring home.
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Table of Contents
Overview: Top Wisconsin Souvenirs
- Wisconsin maple syrup
- Door County cherry products
- Wisconsin craft beer box
1. Cheesehead Hats
Let’s start this list with one of the most unique gifts from Wisconsin: cheesehead hats.
These foam hats, shaped like a wedge of cheese, add a touch of humor to Wisconsin’s reputation as America’s Dairyland.
It’s incredibly funny that even the state’s iconic Green Bay Packers absolutely love this playful tribute to Wisconsin’s cheese culture.
This souvenir is perfect for friends or family who enjoy a good laugh or a quirky souvenir.
Apart from wearing or gifting cheesehead hats to someone, you can also display one at home as a playful home addition backed by the stories of your Wisconsin adventure!
Cheesehead hats are definitely among the most humorous Wisconsin gift ideas. So, if you love quirky souvenirs, don’t miss out on taking one home!
2. Wisconsin Maple Syrup
If you want to buy Wisconsin souvenirs or gifts that your recipients will find useful, you can’t really go wrong with buying Wisconsin maple syrups.
This souvenir is perfect for home cooks or food lovers alike, as Wisconsin’s artisan maple syrup is simply way more flavorful and natural than commercial brands.
Not to mention, these syrups are usually produced by local businesses that operate on a smaller scale.
So, not only will you be impressing friends and family back home with authentically-from-Wisconsin gifts, but you’ll also be supporting local economies!
I love pairing Wisconsin maple syrups with cheese or cookbooks (also part of this list) for a truly Wisconsin-themed souvenir.
If I want a more budget-friendly gift box, though, I would pair these special maple syrups with local pastries or pancake mix instead.
3. Green Bay Packers Merchandise
Know someone who’s a die-hard football fanatic?
Grab some Green Bay Packers merchandise while you’re in Wisconsin, and you’re sure to bring a huge smile to their face (unless they root for a different team, of course).
Green Bay Packers gear makes for an excellent gift or souvenir for many reasons.
First, it’s available year-round, so you can easily find something no matter when you visit.
Plus, the variety of options can’t get any better.
Whether it’s a mug, jersey, snapback, or even a cozy blanket, there’s a Green Bay Packers merchandise for every fan.
4. Door County Cherry Products
Door County, home to some of the most charming lake towns in Wisconsin, is widely renowned for its cherries.
Whenever I visit this tourism hotspot during cherry season, I always indulge in the cherry-picking experience and savor the fresh fruit right from the orchard.
But I can’t be the only one enjoying Door County’s cherry craze, can I?
So, immediately after wrapping up our fresh cherry harvest, I always pack up some preserved cherry products to bring home for my loved ones or to keep as Wisconsin souvenirs.
You’ll have plenty of options to choose from, including jams, sauces, dried cherries, wines, and other beverages. Shout out to the county’s cherry-scented candles as well!
Cherry products are usually very easy to pack, making them the best made in Wisconsin products you can purchase as gifts or souvenirs if you’re flying home by plane.
5. Kringle from Racine
For food lovers like me, Wisconsin souvenirs like Kringles from Racine are always some of the best gifts from Wisconsin.
It’s really hard not to crave this Danish pastry’s flaky, buttery layers and sweetness once you’ve had a taste.
And since there are pretty much dozens of kringle flavors to choose from, almost everyone will inevitably fall in love with this gift!
Can you only buy Wisconsin’s kringles from Racine? Nope!
Many bakeries that specialize in this pastry, such as the O&H Danish Bakery, also have locations in other parts of Wisconsin, such as Oak Creek, Mt. Pleasant, and Sturtevant.
Even better, you can also find and buy Kringles online!
6. Artisan Cheeses
Earlier, we talked about buying cheesehead hats.
This time, it’s all about the artisan cheeses Wisconsin is highly renowned for!
I personally think that among Wisconsin souvenirs, this gift represents Wisconsin the most.
The state has about 600 locally made cheese varieties, so feel free to explore and find your (or your loved ones’) favorites!
Now, just giving or taking home cheeses on their own can be a bit plain or underwhelming (for some people, at least).
So, if you want to make your cheesy Wisconsin souvenirs extra special, present them in a gift box or basket!
Choose several cheese varieties per basket if you’re gifting someone who really loves cheese.
Or, combine Wisconsin’s cheese with items that pair well with cheese, such as local artisan bread, crackers, or even wine.
7. Wisconsin Craft Beer
Every time I finish hiking trails in Wisconsin, I can’t help but crave Wisconsin craft beer.
See, the state has a rich and long-standing brewing heritage.
Hence, its breweries produce some of the best craft beers, whether you’re in the mood for classic styles or bold, innovative creations.
It’s sad to say that it’s not really easy to purchase Wisconsin’s craft beers back home.
So, whenever I find myself in this beer state, I make sure to take at least several liters of beer for keepsakes or special drinking occasions.
If I’m planning to gift Wisconsin’s craft beer to someone, I usually place several cans in a basket or wooden beer box along with beer-perfect snacks.
8. Local Pottery and Crafts
Pottery and crafts are my favorite made in Wisconsin gifts to give and receive.
This is especially true if we’re talking about customized pieces that you ask artisans to make or, even better, make from scratch yourself!
Gifting pottery and crafts combines Wisconsin’s rich artistic tradition with your personal thoughtfulness for your friends.
The best part is you can easily find incredible pottery pieces anywhere in the state.
Just visit art studios, galleries, or fairs, and you’ll likely meet local artisans who can create your ideal arts, crafts, or pottery gifts for you.
No need to stress about where to buy Wisconsin souvenirs, even if you only have a day or two left before you leave the state.
9. Wisconsin-Themed Apparel
Want souvenirs that explicitly shout they’re from Wisconsin?
It doesn’t get any more straightforward than purchasing Wisconsin-themed apparel such as hats, hoodies, shirts, and accessories.
There are two potential outcomes when you purchase this type of souvenir: it’ll either appear really stylish or get a few laughs from people around you!
For me, it’s a win-win scenario either way. Hence, I always bring home at least one or two pieces of Wisconsin-themed apparel.
Classic designs that celebrate the state include the map of Wisconsin, cheese, or beer logos.
10. Gourmet Sausages and Brats
Wisconsin’s gourmet sausages and bratwurst may not be as popular as the artisan cheeses it offers.
But trust me, sausages and brats from the state are some of the best Wisconsin souvenirs you can purchase for home cooks, food lovers, and grilling enthusiasts.
They’re usually staples in classic Wisconsin dishes like BBQ brats & peppers, German potato salad, and the iconic Wisconsin beer brats.
So, pair sausages and brats with a Wisconsin cookbook (more on this later), gourmet mustards, or local craft beers, and you’re sure to impress your friends and family and even leave them full with a meal.
I usually purchase my brats from Usinger’s in Milwaukee. But if you’re too far from this iconic shop, simply ask locals near you for brats’ recommendations or buy online!
11. Wisconsin Cookbooks
Speaking of food—one of the most affordable yet incredibly thoughtful Wisconsin souvenirs you can buy for your loved ones or yourself is a Wisconsin cookbook.
I bought one for myself last year and found it very handy in whipping up the Wisconsin dishes I miss every now and then.
Sure, online recipes exist, and they’re usually free.
But there’s just something nostalgic and satisfying about cooking a dish by following an authentic recipe on a piece of paper, right?
Of course, though, this gift is more of an “add-on” for gift baskets that already have some food and delicacies from Wisconsin.
12. Local Art and Prints
To conclude this list of Wisconsin souvenirs, let’s discuss the most classic gifting options for travellers: local art and prints.
I personally prefer buying unique art pieces from Wisconsin’s local artists.
Lucky for me, there are dozens of art studios and galleries anywhere you go in the state.
So, even if you’re just on your way to state parks in Wisconsin, you’re bound to find local art to take home! I love hunting for paintings, pottery works, jewelry, and handcrafted items from local artists.
Pressed for time to find gifts for your friends or family back home?
Then, you can simply purchase framed prints of Wisconsin landmarks, such as beaches in Wisconsin, or even posters of classic movies set in Wisconsin.
This option is much more convenient and usually cheaper.
My final thoughts on cool Wisconsin souvenirs
Wisconsin is simply way too beautiful and enchanting to enjoy and remember alone.
So, I highly recommend that you bring home a piece of this beautiful and scenic state to the people closest to your hearts.
They may not be able to experience the culture, nature, and lakes in Wisconsin in person.
However, they’ll still get a taste of the fun and adventure you’ve had in the state.
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀
