Top 15 Unique Amsterdam Souvenir Ideas
When you arrive in Amsterdam, what hits you first is often not what you see, but what you hear. The old church bells, the ringing of bicycle bells, the birds calling overhead, and the water flowing in the canals all make the city feel special.
Your trip will eventually end, but the feeling can last. The best souvenirs from Amsterdam are not just to prove you visited. Instead, they are meant to hold the memories of your journey.
So, what are the best things to buy in Amsterdam?
To help you keep this unique memory of Amsterdam, we avoided the typical souvenir shops. Based on local recommendations, we carefully chose 15 unique Amsterdam souvenir ideas. By the end of this guide, you will be able to find the perfect souvenir to take home.
Van Gogh Museum Souvenir
Van Gogh lived and worked in the Netherlands. His famous Sunflowers painting remains one of the most beloved artworks in the world.
So when you come to Amsterdam, you must not forget to visit the Van Gogh Museum. Here you can discover the life and work of Vincent van Gogh.
This is also the best place to buy a high-quality Amsterdam souvenir. You can find a wide variety of unique souvenirs inspired by his sunflowers, including canvas bags, mugs, and posters.
Where to buy: Van Gogh Museum (Museumplein 6)
Image: Van Gogh Museum
Genever
While many associate the Netherlands with Heineken beer, Genever is actually the country's national spirit.
After you finish exploring the Van Gogh Museum, you can head to the nearby House of Bols to taste some authentic genever.
When you look at the bottles, you will generally find two main styles. If you prefer a crisp and neutral taste similar to vodka, look for the clear "Jonge" or young variety. However, if you enjoy whiskey, you should definitely try the "Oude" or old version. It is aged in wooden barrels to create a warm golden color and a smooth, malty flavor.
Genever is one of the best presents from Amsterdam for spirits lovers. You should look for the Oude gin packed in iconic clay jugs called kruiken. These vintage-style bottles are an authentic souvenir and look beautiful on a shelf.
Where to buy: The House of Bols (Paulus Potterstraat 14) is an excellent place to buy, as they have the most complete range of clay bottle packaging. You can also find Delft Blue mini bottles shaped like Amsterdam canal houses, which make for a top-tier gift.
Image: diffordsguide
Miffy
Miffy is a small white rabbit created by Dutch artist Dick Bruna. In her home country of the Netherlands, she is known as Nijntje. She first appeared in a children's book in 1955. Since then, Miffy has become a beloved character around the world.
In Amsterdam, you can find Miffy everywhere. Plush toys, books, clothing, and stationery mean there is something for everyone. The simple design and cute face, especially that unique X-shaped mouth, make Miffy a perfect Amsterdam souvenir for children and adults alike.
You can easily buy Miffy online, but buying one in Amsterdam always carries a special meaning. If you want something to treasure, the art collaboration editions are highly collectible souvenirs. Look for the Milkmaid version from the Rijksmuseum or the special editions from the Van Gogh Museum.
If you have extra time, you might want to visit Utrecht, the hometown of Miffy. There you can find the Miffy Museum and even a Miffy traffic light. For true fans, this journey is an essential part of understanding the cultural background of this character.
Where to buy: As a pilgrimage site for global fans, De Winkel van Nijntje (Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 61) offers the most immersive shopping experience.
Image: Hoyoun Lee
Wooden Clogs
You might wonder if wooden clogs are really a good souvenir. In fact, clogs are one of the oldest symbols of the Netherlands and are deeply integrated into the local culture.
The earliest clogs in the Netherlands were found in Amsterdam and date back 800 years. Today in rural areas, most people still wear clogs for work.
Wandering the streets of Amsterdam, you will find that most souvenir shops sell items related to clogs.
If you want to learn more about them, you can travel to Zaanse Schans. It is known as the windmill village and is just a 20-minute drive from Amsterdam. You can visit the clog museum there to watch the traditional craft up close and pick out a pair as a traditional souvenir.
Where to buy: You can buy clogs at Knuffels Toyshop & Wooden Shoe Factory (Sint Antoniesbreestraat 51A). You can even buy custom models here. This shop also sells toys, so you can pick up some Miffy gifts at the same time.
Image: Sheila C
Canal Cityscape Art
Amsterdam's canals are UNESCO World Heritage sites. The narrow houses, the reflections in the water, and the bridges crossing every few meters all feel like a painting come to life.
Local artists often set up easels by the canals to carefully depict the beautiful scenery of Amsterdam. Some artists sell their paintings, and these artistic works are perfect for you to take home as a decorative souvenir.
You can also find prints and postcards in many shops. While not as unique as an original, they still bring the beauty of Amsterdam into your home.
With the development of technology, you can even create your own cool souvenirs from Amsterdam. Using a small UV printer, you can turn your own photos of the canal landscape into a unique Amsterdam souvenir like mugs or keychains.
Where to buy: The Art Market Spui (Spui 20HS) is held every Sunday and features a large number of artists selling their work. Alternatively, you can buy items related to canal cityscape art on the first floor of Scheltema (Rokin 9).
Image: InkNPrintz
Bicycle Fridge Magnet
Bicycles are everywhere in Amsterdam. It is no exaggeration to say that there are more bicycles than people in this city. Cycling is the most important way to get around.
A bicycle fridge magnet is likely the most sold Amsterdam souvenir because it is cheap, small, and easy to carry. Once you are home, you will see it basically every day. It will remind you of the beautiful memories from your trip to Amsterdam. It is also suitable as a small gift to share that joy with friends.
In addition to fridge magnets, shops also offer keychains, prints, and even miniature bicycle models that you can take home as a souvenir.
Where to buy: You can buy these at the stalls specializing in fridge magnets at the Albert Cuyp Market (Albert Cuypstraat). If you are looking for metal or wooden magnets with better design and workmanship, you can buy them at the I amsterdam Store (De Ruijterkade 28 B-D).
Image: FGEmagnet
Dutch Cheese
Dutch cheese is famous worldwide and is quite different from French cheese. Its world-class quality was recently confirmed when a Dutch Gouda won a Gold Award at the 2026 Winter Fancy Food Show. Gouda, Edam, and Maasdam are just a few of the varieties you will find in Amsterdam.
Cheese shops in the city center offer tastings. You can try different ages and flavors before you buy. Older Gouda has a sharp and nutty taste. Young cheese is milder and creamier.
Vacuum-sealed cheese travels well and stays fresh for weeks, making it a delicious edible souvenir. Just make sure to declare it at customs if you are flying internationally. Hard cheeses like Gouda are generally allowed in most countries when properly packaged.
Where to buy: Specialty shops like De Kaaskamer (Runstraat 7), fresh stalls at Albert Cuyp Market, or tasting rooms like Reypenaer (Singel 182).
Image: jhenning
Cheese Slicer
After you buy cheese, you must get a cheese slicer to go with it.
The Dutch cheese slicer is a simple but brilliant souvenir from Amsterdam. It was created in Norway, but the Dutch perfected it. Now, it is a standard tool in kitchens across the Netherlands.
Some cheese slicers have wooden handles. Others are made entirely of stainless steel. Either way, they are built to last.
The cheese slicer is a vivid embodiment of Dutch cheese culture. It serves as a practical gift that pairs perfectly with the cheese you bring home.
Where to buy: Dutch families usually buy these at HEMA (Nieuwendijk 174-190). You can buy more unique cheese slicers at Henri Willig or Cheese & More, which are located throughout the city center.
Image: stevepb
Stroopwafel
Gouda is famous for its cheese, but it also gave us a famous treat that is perfect for you to take home called the stroopwafel. You can find this delicacy on streets and alleys everywhere.
A stroopwafel consists of two thin, crispy waffle cookies with a layer of caramel syrup sandwiched in between. The texture is extremely rich. Stroopwafels are one of the most famous foods in the Netherlands and are popular worldwide. They were even featured as a technical challenge on the Great British Bake Off.
When you are in Amsterdam, you must eat a freshly made stroopwafel. After that, go buy a few boxes of packaged stroopwafels as souvenirs to take home.
Where to buy: You can buy high-value stroopwafels in tin packaging at HEMA or AH, which are great for travel. If you want a taste closer to the freshly made version, you can go to Markus Stroopwafels (Staringlaan 17C).
Image: de40plusvrouw
Tulip Bulbs
Tulips are synonymous with the Netherlands. Every spring, fields across the country burst into color. The flower markets in Amsterdam sell fresh bulbs year-round.
You can buy some tulip bulbs as souvenirs to take home. You plant the bulbs, and when they bloom, you have a beautiful reminder of your trip. It lets you grow a piece of Amsterdam in your own home.
However, you need to be aware that autumn is the best season to buy tulip bulbs. Also, some countries have strict restrictions on carrying fresh tulip bulbs. If you arrive in Amsterdam in the spring, most of the tulip bulbs will not bloom properly if planted later.
You can also buy some tulip-related gifts. The gift shop at the Amsterdam Tulip Museum in the city center offers a rich selection of floral gifts.
Where to buy: Unlike tourist traps, you can buy high-quality tulip bulbs in the Amsterdam Tulip Museum (Prinsengracht 116).
Image: Lina
Delftware
You cannot leave Amsterdam without noticing the famous blue and white pottery.
Delftware is a classic Amsterdam souvenir with a history dating back to the 17th century. While the historic and hand-painted pieces are expensive, you do not need to spend too much to enjoy them. You can look for modern Delft-style items like Christmas ornaments, small vases, or coasters.
They capture that iconic Dutch look with windmill and floral designs but are affordable and sturdy enough to pack in your suitcase as a safe souvenir.
Where to buy: Heinen Delfts Blauw shops (Muntplein 12), the Rijksmuseum gift shop (Museumstraat 1), or souvenir stalls at the Bloemenmarkt (Singel).
Image: Ellen26
Miniature Windmills
If you are considering what to bring home from Amsterdam, a miniature windmill is definitely a wise choice for a souvenir.
When people mention the Netherlands, a beautiful landscape always comes to mind with several windmills sitting among tulips. But in fact, windmills are not just scenery. They are the saviors of the Dutch people because they created the land. There is a famous saying that God created the world, but the Dutch created the Netherlands.
Bringing a miniature windmill home brings not only a unique Dutch style to your house but also a sense of history. It is an iconic Amsterdam souvenir.
Where to buy: You can buy a Delft Blue windmill at Heinen Delfts Blauw (Muntplein 12), which perfectly blends two iconic Dutch elements.
Image: mana5280
Licorice Candy
After you taste a stroopwafel, you can also try this uniquely flavored candy. It is a favorite daily snack for people in Amsterdam. The Netherlands has one of the highest licorice consumption rates in the world. Dutch licorice is different from what you might find elsewhere. It is often salty, strong, and intense.
If you are new to Dutch licorice, try a few types before buying a large bag. Some are sweet. Others are very salty. Some are soft, while others are hard and chewy.
Dutch licorice is bold, distinctive, and unforgettable. It is not for everyone, but those who love it really love it. It makes for a very adventurous souvenir.
Where to buy: For a classic experience, visit Het Oud-Hollandsch Snoepwinkeltje (Tweede Egelantiersdwarsstraat 2). You can also find licorice in most supermarkets like Albert Heijn.
Image: Hanna Stolt
Chocolate Kruidnoten
In addition to licorice candy, you can also buy chocolate kruidnoten while you are in the store.
Kruidnoten are small spiced cookies. They are traditionally eaten during Sinterklaas, a Dutch holiday in early December. But you can find them in stores year-round.
Chocolate-covered kruidnoten are even better. The spiced cookie inside has flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. The chocolate coating adds sweetness and richness.
Chocolate kruidnoten are a taste of Dutch tradition. They are small, flavorful, and fun to share. They are a fun souvenir that fits in any bag.
Where to buy: You can buy them at Het Oud-Hollandsch Snoepwinkeltje (Tweede Egelantiersdwarsstraat 2) or at any large supermarket.
Image: inekehuizing
Anne Frank House Books
The Anne Frank House is one of the most important historical sites in Amsterdam. It tells the story of Anne Frank and her family during World War II.
The museum gift shop sells books, posters, and educational materials. They are meaningful gifts that carry a powerful message.
Visiting the Anne Frank House is a moving experience. Bringing home a book or poster helps keep that memory alive. It is a deeply meaningful souvenir to remind you of history.
Where to buy: You can buy these in the Anne Frank House museum shop (Prinsengracht 263-267). Remember that advance tickets are required for museum entry.
Image: Kelly Sikkema
Closing Thoughts
Amsterdam is a city full of stories, craftsmanship, and charm. The souvenirs you bring home should reflect that. From hand-painted Delftware to fresh stroopwafels, each item on this list tells a piece of the Amsterdam story.
Deciding what to buy in Amsterdam is about what you want to remember. Is it the taste of Dutch cheese? The sight of canal houses at sunset? The feeling of cycling through the city streets?
Whatever you choose, make sure it is something you will actually love. That is what makes a souvenir truly special.
FAQs
What's a good souvenir from Amsterdam?
A good Amsterdam souvenir includes classic blue Delftware and exclusive gifts from the Van Gogh Museum. These items allow you to bring a piece of Dutch history and culture back home with you. You can also look for iconic items like wooden clogs or fresh tulip bulbs.
What things is Amsterdam known for?
Amsterdam is known for its UNESCO-listed canal ring and the overwhelming number of bicycles that dominate the city streets. It is also famous globally for its rich artistic heritage at the Van Gogh Museum and its delicious Gouda cheese.
What is the best gift from Amsterdam?
Stroopwafels are the best gift from Amsterdam because they are delicious and easy to share with friends. If you want something more unique, a custom UV-printed souvenir featuring the canal houses makes for a memorable and personal present.
Where is the best place to buy Amsterdam souvenirs?
To find the best souvenirs from Amsterdam, you should explore the Albert Cuyp Market, the floating flower market on the Singel, and the museum gift shops. These locations offer a diverse selection of authentic Dutch souvenirs and allow you to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the historic canals while you shop.
