Utah

Souvenirs from Utah

Souvenirs from Utah are an interesting reflection of the customs and religions of the diverse population that calls this American state home. This mix draws millions of visitors every year to experience the contrasting cultures in an unparalleled natural setting of deserts, mountains and forests. Many choose to commemorate their visit by purchasing replicas of the state flag, found on postcards, spoons and stickers, or stuffed Rocky Mountain Elks, which are the state animal. Beehives are the state symbol of Utah, and honey is made into candy and cosmetics. A beeswax candle would be an excellent Utahan souvenir for gift giving, or perhaps one scented with the Sego Lily, Utah's state flower. These pretty flowers can be found painted on pottery or screened onto T-shirts. There are so many different options for the traveler who is searching for the best way to share their experiences with friends and family!

The Native American Connection

Many Native American tribes lived in Utah before the arrival of the European and American settlers, and still live in reservations within the state boundaries. These reservations belong to the tribes and are maintained and governed by them. To raise funds for their needs, the tribes will often sell traditional crafts, made using the same techniques their ancestors used. Embroidered clothing, woven beadwork, baskets, turquoise jewelry, arrowheads, and feathered headdresses are just a few of the things you can purchase. While you are visiting the reservations, also called nations, you can see exhibitions of dance, hunting and farming methods that have been successful for centuries. Children may be interested in owning a replica costume for play, or it would make a fantastic display framed on a wall.

Natural Bounty

Utah is a land rich with mineral resources, as seen in the deep colors of the landscapes. Calendars make great souvenirs for remembering your vacation all through the next year, as the photos of the mesas, mountains and the Great Salt Lake grace your walls. If you would like a slightly more solid memento, a mineral sample or agate paperweight is a great addition to a bookcase. You can also find fossils of various dinosaurs and plants from prehistoric times, which will delight the young and young at heart. The state gem is topaz, so you should certainly look into purchasing locally mined stones. Perhaps you would like to purchase a set in copper, which is Utah's state mineral. You might also consider a beaded bookmark, finished with a charm in the shape of the California Gull, which is the state bird.

Sweet and Savory Memories

Tasty treats are always fun to discover and even more so on vacation. Utah's state fruit is the cherry, and it's turned into jams and jellies for spreading on bread, muffins and cake. The essence of the fruit is also used to scent candles, lotions and other body products that are sold in farmer's markets and specialty stores. The Great Salt Flats are a sea of sodium that glistens like snow in the sunlight and provide vast quantities of the mineral. Enterprising crafters have added just enough water to the salt to make it moldable, turning it into intricate sculptures and Christmas tree ornaments. You will also find many beauty treatments that make use of the salt, from masks to scrubs and treatment pastes. Perhaps the best use for it is salt water taffy, a chewy sweet candy that is flavored with fruits, herbs, and spices.