18 Amsterdam Souvenirs to Buy on Your Trip

Are you visiting Amsterdam soon and wondering which Dutch souvenirs you might want to bring back home? Not to worry. This comprehensive guide to notable Amsterdam souvenirs will help you decide what to buy during your visit.

Should it be the Dutch tiles, tulips, or cheese? You may be tempted to stop with these famous Dutch items.

But there are plenty more souvenirs from Amsterdam to take home as mementos of your visit. Go for something more unique, like quality bags from Dutch brands, locally drafted Dutch beer, or some Dutch art to decorate your home with.

The following list will go through some of the best souvenirs from Amsterdam, why they are so important, where you can get them, and, if possible, their average prices. If you’re traveling to Amsterdam soon, or you’re already there, take note of the items that most take your fancy to look out for during your stay!

Best Souvenirs from Amsterdam

These are the most excellent Amsterdam souvenirs available to remember any visit fondly. Some are obvious, while others might not already be on your radar.

1. Wooden Clogs from Zaanse Schans Workshop

The locals call them Klompen. Simple clogs won’t cost you much, but if you want high-quality items, dig deep into your pockets, as these can reach a pretty penny. While cheaper ones are made more exclusively for tourists, they can’t be compared to the beautiful craftsmanship of the higher quality, hand-made items.

One of the best places to get your hands on the famous Dutch wooden shoes is the Zaanse Schans workshop. What started as a small family business is now a global brand run by the third generation of this Dutch family.

The Zaanse Schans workshop hand makes each of their wooden clogs locally at a workshop near the famous Windmills. So, combining a visit to the workshop and nearby Windmills makes for a great day trip from Amsterdam. Moreover, there’s also the Catharina Hoeve Cheese Farm in the area to pop in for some locally made Dutch cheese!

2. Hat from Barts

Nothing brings back fond memories from Amsterdam like a hat from Barts. A local brand, Barts was established in 1992 in Amsterdam, and since its beginnings, it’s become a leading winter accessory brand in Europe.

Barts is sensitive to the issue of sustainability and pays special attention to all stakeholders involved in the development, production, and distribution process. When you buy something from Barts, you know that the unique designs are made to a high quality with extra care to the materials used in production.

Today, multiple shops are located at de Bijenkorf, with numerous Bart shops in central Amsterdam. The hats are between 20-50 Euros a piece. The shop does not only make hats but also other winter wear, like gloves and scarves – which you may need if you didn’t pack appropriately for your trip.

3. Dutch Cheese

Talk about cheese, and you will describe the Netherlands in detail. Dip into the city’s many cheese shops for one of the best souvenirs from Amsterdam to take home. As well as specialty shops, you can just go to a local supermarket to find famous cheeses to impress the folks at home.

But the million-dollar question is, which of the most famous cheeses in Amsterdam will you buy as a souvenir in Amsterdam?

Edam cheese is a classic, but Gouda cheese is the most popular among the locals. Then there’s Boerenkass, which is the most affordable. If you have space in your suitcase, I say just get all three, but maybe sample some local cheeses when you visit Amsterdam to help make a final decision if there’s only room for one.

Stop by the shops and make that decision by tasting all the varieties of cheese for free. The Old Amsterdam Cheese Store is one of the most popular places to stop by. If you’re eager to take a day trip from Amsterdam, check out the Dutch cheese market in Alkmaar.

See Related: Amsterdam vs. Copenhagen

4. Tulip Bulbs

The Netherlands is famous for its tulips and is the home of the largest tulips farm in the world. It is why the plant is the state symbol of the Netherlands. There is no doubt that Dutch people have a special place for Tulips in their hearts.

The Bloemenmarkt is the only floating flower market in the world. It’s the most common place to buy tulip bulbs in Amsterdam. It’s a bit touristy but can be fun to see if you’ve never been. Ask the store if your country allows the entry of these plants.

While many stores sell tulip bulbs, the best place to get them is at Schiphol Airport, believe it or not. You’ll surely find a verified package of tulip bulbs that customs won’t confiscate.

Just be aware some countries do not allow the entry of Dutch tulip bulbs through customs. For instance, the USA only allows a few types of Dutch tulips. Rare types are illegal, and you might find some legal difficulties if you try to take the wrong bulbs across the border.

See Related: Best Museums in The Hague

5. Dutch Art

The weekends, more so Sundays from March to October in Amsterdam, are hyped with all kinds of art. The meeting point is in the numerous art markets in Rembrandtplein, which is central to Amsterdam.

You will find numerous art products from talented artists all over the Netherlands. Modern art, traditional canvas paintings, art-inspired eyeglasses, or luggage tags. These are both recent-made arts and those created years ago. Buying them online is cheaper but won’t be as authentic as purchasing from a local artist.

As well as scouring the art markets, you could pop by the Van Gogh Museum Shop. The Van Gogh Museum is one of the best museums in Amsterdam to pop on your itinerary, and the souvenirs available are a brilliant bonus to get your hands on books, memorabilia, and clothing about Vincent Van Gogh.

See Related: Best Museums in Amsterdam to Visit

6. Dutch Licorice

If you didn’t know, the Netherlands has the highest consumption of licorice in the world. So, if you have a sweet tooth, you’ll have no trouble finding a large selection in Amsterdam to take home with you.

Believed to have anti-inflammatory medicinal properties, Dutch author Jacob va Maerlant once wrote about the use of licorice as a remedy for respiratory conditions in the 13th Century. In modern times, it is still a popular go-to to help soothe the sore throats of locals.

Nowadays, they come in various flavors to try out that can range between sweet and salty flavors. Moreover, there are, of course, sugar-free sweets to choose from for a slightly healthier option!

Amsterdam is not thin on the ground when it comes to candy shops supplying this popular treat. But if you want the crème de la crème of Dutch sweets available, head to Het Oud-Hollandsch Snoepwinkeltje. It’s a locally popular store that brings the ancient tradition of licorice alive.

See Related: Tips to Plan an Amazing Girls’ Trip to Amsterdam

7. Hand-made Wallets

In 2004, a Dutch couple, Erik and Indy, found themselves on a path they never thought they would follow. They started a company called Mesimu that creates hand-made bags and wallets.

Their first products were t-shirts and handcrafted handbags sold in the markets around Amsterdam. Soon after the business picked up, they opened a bigger shop on Haarlemmerstraat.

What they started in Holland has become a booming business for the few people who mastered their craft of creating hand-made wallets.

These wallets are made of Japanese cotton fabric and come in multiple colors and designs. These wallets are charming and unique and provide the perfect gift for someone longing for one-of-a-kind souvenirs from Amsterdam.

See Related: Best Weekend Trips from Amsterdam

8. Cowboysbelt

Cowboy belt in the Netherlands? Yes, you heard that right. Cowboysbelt is a Dutch company that emerged in the 80s in an old hospital building. They began with belts but have continued manufacturing leather goods like handbags and jackets.

They create rugged, high-quality items that will take years to show the first signs of wear or tear. Many styles are adopted to create unique items, with some made of pure leather agitated in a concrete mixer and others having grommets and metal studs decorations.

Cowboybelts aims to convey everyone’s unique personality with a universal product. These belts would be an excellent gift for a friend or a loved one. If you’re around Amsterdam and are dying to get one of these, visit the trendy home décor stores in the clothing boutiques.

See Related: Best Coffeeshops in Amsterdam

9. Stroopwafels

If you love tasting foods from different cultures, you must buy stroopwafels during a trip to Amsterdam. Take a packet or more home to share with your family; they will love them, too.

Stroopwafels have been the signature Dutch cookie for years. They consist of two buttered wafers sandwiched by caramel syrup. They make a great addition to your morning brew back home to keep your visit to Amsterdam alive even after you get home.

This tasty treat can be found in Amsterdam’s many stroopwafel and coffee shops. Otherwise, grab a few packets of these delicious Amsterdam souvenirs on your way home at the airport. Or, head to the Albert Cuyp Market, well-known for selling delicious fresh produce and local delicacies.

See Related: Best Amsterdam Food to Try

10. Dutch Gin, Beer, or Wine

There are a ton of great breweries in Amsterdam producing both craft beer and traditional lagers. Have you heard of Heineken? It’s not that you can’t get Heineken at home; it’s just that Dutch beer tastes different directly from the source.

Not a beer drinker? Dutch gin is some of the best in the world and isn’t always easy to find outside of the Netherlands. An example of a great Dutch gin is Jenever, a juniper-flavored gin.

Chateau Amsterdam, in the northern part of the city, produces highly rated wines. You can take a quick day trip from Amsterdam to enjoy wine tasting there.

For craft beers, stop by Brouwerij t’IJ and Oedipus Brewery. You must try the Heineken Experience for a more touristy Dutch beer tour. When you have decided to carry a few bottles of your favorite drinks back home, buy a bottle protector so the bottles don’t open in the suitcases.

See Related: Brussels vs. Amsterdam

11. Delft Pottery

Delft Blue is a trademark of white and blue Dutch ceramics. As an alternative to the expensive blue and white Chinese ceramic alternatives, Delft Blue first emerged in the late 16th Century. It then had its heyday between 1640 and 1740, and it remains a popular, genuinely Dutch craft.

Items range from Dutch pottery to classic tiles and are available in almost every shop in Amsterdam. Although the originals will cost you thousands of Euros, you can get cheap and cheerful versions made with less expensive materials.

A popular tourist item is the Delft kissing couple or ceramic clog. But there are many other items in this style worth looking for in Amsterdam. These include vases, plates, animal figurines, and housing tiles.

Check out this Delft Blue tile from 1650 we purchased in Amsterdam.

The best place to buy Delft pottery when visiting Amsterdam is Galleria D’Arte Rinascimento, which stocks new and old products at reasonable prices.

12. Small White Canal House

When souvenir shopping for the kids, note that these white canal house models can easily be used as fun small toy houses. The white canal house is made of ceramic with a beautiful blue finish, either in Delft Blue or Polychrome pottery styles.

They tend to replicate the canal houses in the country originally constructed during the 17th-century peak of the Dutch Republic. A life-size version will cost you only $7,000 to $12,000 per meter. Thankfully, their mini-me’s serve as much more affordable Amsterdam souvenirs.

And guess what? The little canal house models can double up as your tea light holder. Your kid can play with it, and you can still use it to benefit the home.

Few stores are expressly set aside to sell these iconic Dutch souvenirs. Check them out before you leave for the airport.

13. Upcycled Products

If you like the idea of re-vamped old items given a new lease of life, Amsterdam is the city to visit. The locals here love to innovate unique products from items that are no longer important.

This is their way of reducing waste, which is very eco-friendly. If you practice sustainability, there is no doubt that you’ll find something you will fall in love with at one of the many street markets and thrift shops.

The most common products you will likely encounter are belts made from old bicycle tires. Instead of burning tires that emit carbon dioxide, which causes the greenhouse effect, they are turned into fashionable products with aesthetic value. The craftsmen say they have enough bikes to make belts for the Netherlands population.

See Related: Best Things to Do in Amsterdam

14. Jewelry

There are numerous shops in Amsterdam where you can find necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings. Some artists make pendants with special materials locally sourced, while others design their jewelry to represent something in the city specifically.

One of the best places in Amsterdam to look for jewelry souvenirs is the Nine Streets of Amsterdam. The Nine Streets is a collection of nine picturesque streets with connective canals filled with lovely little boutique stores. Here, you’re more likely to find less mass-produced and more unique items to purchase.

Finding a piece of locally made jewelry is one way to ensure you earn your reputation as a good gift-giver. Moreover, it makes for a great Amsterdam souvenir to wear daily as a reminder of your visit.

See Related: Best Tours in Amsterdam

15. Windmill Souvenirs

Windmill-themed items make for some of the best Dutch souvenirs from Amsterdam. Windmills first entered the scene in the Netherlands in the 11th Century. While about 10,000 windmills used to scatter themselves across the country, over 1,000 remain, and most still work!

You can get them as full-scale mini landscapes, wooden replicas, musical ornaments, or Christmas decorations. Moreover, you could combine a little more Dutch culture into one souvenir by buying a Delft pottery design windmill model.

Famous worldwide, windmills are iconic to Dutch history and culture, so taking a small-scale model home from any local tourist shop is a great shout. It’s easy to find souvenir shops with windmill-themed souvenirs, but you could try visiting a few windmills in person and nab something a little more memorable from the gift shop!

See Related: Visiting Kinderdijk Windmills: What You NEED to Know

16. Bike-Related Memorabilia

The Netherlands is often considered one of the most popular spots in the world for cycling. So, it’s only natural that some of the best Amsterdam souvenirs would have some connection to riding bikes!

With it being such a popular form of local transportation, it will be easy to find many bike shops in Amsterdam to grab your souvenir. You can buy items with an Amsterdam-theme design or something more subtle and ‘every day.’

A great and cheap option would be to buy a suitcase-friendly bicycle bell. The design options of bicycle bells are seemingly endless, so you will no doubt find something you like, and most times for under $10. Other great options include bike covers, seat covers, and miniature models.

See Related: Best Bike Tours In Amsterdam

17. Miffy Merchandise

One of the best souvenirs on this list for your kids would be something to do with the beloved little rabbit, Miffy. A creation from the mind of Dutch artist Dick Bruna, Miffy (or ‘Nijntje,’ in Dutch) started life in the 50s as a basic sketch Dick scribbled to entertain his young son. This bunny is world-famous but has yet to forget its Dutch roots.

Nijntje derives from the Dutch word ‘konijntje’ meaning ‘little bunny,’ and you’ll find a local store in Amsterdam called De Winkel van Nijntje as your Miffy merchandise haven. From the first Miffy Book, Miffy at the Zoo, to cute merchandise like soft toys, clothing, and blankets for kids.

However, while children are the main demographic targeted by the Miffy brand, you’ll also find many products for adults who admire this little bunny. Homeware, stationary, clothing, and limited edition collections make great Amsterdam souvenirs for all ages.

18. Dutch Oliebollen

Usually eaten during the winter holidays, Dutch Olibollen is a deep-fried pastry, typically filled with raisins and then coated in powdered sugar. This fried Dutch treat is an absolute ‘must-try’ when visiting Amsterdam, especially if scouring the stalls at a Christmas market!

However, you obviously can’t take home a freshly fried, piping hot Oliebollen home as a souvenir in your suitcase. But what you can do to enjoy this tasty treat at home is to buy a package mix at any local supermarket in Amsterdam to re-create the fresh tastiness back home.

If you find yourself visiting Amsterdam during the Christmas season, treat yourself to a Christmas-themed food tour, either self-paced or with an organized tour. Make sure to stop off at one of the many vendors selling freshly fried Oliebollen, and only then will you truly realize how good an idea it is to take a package mix home with you!

Conclusion

There is no doubt that Amsterdam is one of Europe’s best cities to visit. Storied culture, lovely food, impressive architecture, and friendly, welcoming people – what’s not to love?

You will enjoy your stay in the city so much that you’ll want to take a piece home with you. Bringing home some Amsterdam souvenirs will remind you of your experience in the Netherlands, and having these reminders around at home will have you daydreaming about your return.

When booking your next trip, take a peek at the top sites for booking tours, and you’ll soon find yourself back amongst the windmills and canals.

FAQ

Related Product Guides

• Best Travel Purses
• Family Travel Hacks
• Minimalist Travel Backpacks
• Best Gifts for Backpackers
• What Souvenirs to Buy in Japan

Related Resources

• Pulitzer Hotel Amsterdam Review
• Cheap Places to Travel [Ultimate Guide]
• How Many Days Do You Need in Amsterdam?
• Things to Do in Texel Island, Netherlands