My Boston Souvenir Hunt
Boston has always been more than a history lesson to me — it’s a living, breathing city with an old soul and a modern pulse. I’ve visited countless times, but on my most recent trip, I set myself a mission: find the most unique, authentic souvenirs that tell Boston’s story. No “Made in China” magnets this time — I wanted items that could only come from this city.
Over a week, I visited four major modern shopping centers and two traditional-style markets. I walked until my sneakers protested, drank more iced coffee than I’d like to admit, and spoke with shop owners who’ve been part of Boston’s retail fabric for decades. Here’s my ultimate guide — where to go, what to buy, and the little tips I picked up along the way.
Part 1 — The Modern Shopping Centers I Explored
1. Prudential Center
- Location: 800 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199
- Nearest Subway: Green Line E — Prudential Station (direct underground access)
- My Visit Date: Early June, weekday afternoon (less crowded than weekends)
The Prudential Center — or “The Pru” as locals call it — is Boston’s premium indoor shopping destination. It’s a mix of upscale brands, Boston-centric specialty shops, and food stops.
Favorite souvenir shops I found:
- Boston Sportswear Co. — High-quality Red Sox and Celtics apparel. I picked up a limited-edition Fenway Park hoodie (\$85) that’s only sold in Boston stores.
- Shreve, Crump & Low — America’s oldest jeweler (established 1796). I didn’t buy diamond cufflinks, but I did get a sterling silver Boston skyline keychain (\$45) — beautifully crafted and timeless.
- Eataly Boston — Yes, it’s Italian food, but they sell Boston-made specialty chocolates and maple syrups from local New England farms.
Pros:
- Indoor and climate-controlled — perfect for Boston’s unpredictable weather.
- Wide selection of Boston-themed luxury items you won’t find in small souvenir stalls.
- Many shops offer gift wrapping for free.
Cons:
- Parking is expensive (around \$20 for 2 hours).
- Some stores lean toward luxury pricing — not for budget shoppers.
Pro tip:
Sign up for the Prudential Center’s VIP Shopper Club online before visiting — I got a 10% discount at several participating stores.
2. Copley Place
- Location: 100 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02116
- Nearest Subway: Green Line — Copley Station
Copley Place is connected to the Prudential Center via a glass skybridge, but it has its own identity — think designer boutiques and a quieter, more refined shopping atmosphere.
Where I bought souvenirs:
- Boston Handcrafted — Small boutique selling locally made leather goods. I bought a hand-stitched leather passport holder embossed with “Boston, MA” for \$60.
- TUMI — Not Boston-exclusive, but they offered limited-edition “Boston Red Line” travel bags in collaboration with MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority).
- Paper Source — Custom Boston skyline journals and greeting cards — great for light, packable gifts.
Pros:
- Fewer tourists than Prudential Center — peaceful shopping experience.
- Indoor connection to both Prudential Center and Back Bay Station.
Cons:
- Less variety in budget souvenir options.
- Some shops close early on Sundays (by 6 PM).
Pro tip:
If you’re shopping both here and Prudential, park at Prudential Center — you can walk between the malls without moving your car.
3. Faneuil Hall Marketplace
- Location: 4 South Market Building, Boston, MA 02109
- Nearest Subway: Blue Line — Aquarium Station or Orange Line — Haymarket
This is tourist central but for good reason — it’s historic, it’s lively, and it’s packed with quirky souvenir shops alongside Boston street food vendors.
My best finds:
- Cheers Gift Shop — Based on the famous TV show “Cheers” (set in Boston). Picked up a Cheers pint glass (\$15) for my kitchen collection.
- Best of Boston — Classic Boston tees, tote bags, and mugs. I grabbed a Boston lobster graphic tote for \$12 — cheap and fun.
- Quincy Market Artisan Stalls — Found a stall selling hand-painted Boston skyline ornaments (\$25 each) made by a local artist.
Pros:
- Souvenirs at all price points — from \$5 magnets to \$200 art pieces.
- Tons of local food options (clam chowder, lobster rolls, cannoli).
Cons:
- Crowded in peak season — weekends in summer are almost shoulder-to-shoulder.
- Quality varies — some mass-produced items mixed with genuine local crafts.
Pro tip:
Go early in the morning if you want to browse artisan stalls before the tourist rush.
4. CambridgeSide
- Location: 100 CambridgeSide Place, Cambridge, MA 02141
- Nearest Subway: Green Line E — Lechmere Station
Across the Charles River in Cambridge, CambridgeSide offers a mix of chain stores, local brands, and seasonal pop-ups.
Souvenir highlights:
- New England Living Store — Regional artisanal goods: cranberry jams, maple syrup sets, and Boston Harbor sea salt.
- Boston Sports Collectibles — Official memorabilia for the Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins, and Celtics.
- Seasonal Holiday Market (Nov–Dec) — I scored hand-knit Boston beanies for \$35 each.
Pros:
- Free shuttle service from Kendall Square and North Station.
- Often less busy than Boston malls.
Cons:
- Smaller than Prudential or Copley Place — fewer luxury options.
Pro tip:
Check their website for seasonal events — they sometimes have artisan fairs with one-of-a-kind Boston-made products.
Part 2 — Traditional Markets I Recommend
1. Boston Public Market
- Location: 100 Hanover Street, Boston, MA 02108
- Nearest Subway: Green/Orange Line — Haymarket Station
Boston Public Market is 100% New England vendors, indoors, and open year-round. This is my top pick for authentic, edible souvenirs.
My favorite stalls:
- Q’s Nuts — Boston-based gourmet nut roaster. Their maple bourbon pecans (\$8 per bag) are addictive.
- Red Apple Farm — Handmade apple cider donuts — yes, they’ll pack them to-go for your flight.
- American Stonecraft — Coasters and cutting boards made from real New England fieldstone.
Pros:
- Every vendor is local to New England — no imported knock-offs.
- Indoor, so weather-proof shopping.
Cons:
- No big-brand souvenirs — everything is artisanal (which can mean pricier).
2. Haymarket (Open-Air)
- Location: Blackstone Street, Boston, MA 02109
- Open: Fridays & Saturdays, year-round
- Nearest Subway: Green/Orange Line — Haymarket Station
Haymarket is Boston’s centuries-old outdoor market, known mainly for cheap produce, but there are also small stands with handmade crafts, soaps, and occasional vintage Boston memorabilia.
Pros:
- Cheapest prices in the city for certain items.
- A piece of Boston history — operating since the early 1800s.
Cons:
- Open only two days a week.
- Quality varies — especially for perishable goods.
Pro tip:
Go late in the day on Saturday — prices drop dramatically as vendors try to clear stock.
Part 3 — How to Pack and Transport Boston Souvenirs Safely
I’ve learned the hard way that not all souvenirs travel well. The lobster-shaped ceramic mug I bought on my first Boston trip? Shattered somewhere between Logan Airport and JFK. The maple syrup bottle from a Quincy Market stall? It leaked in my carry-on and turned my socks into breakfast.
Here’s how I now pack Boston-specific souvenirs to avoid heartbreak:
- For fragile items (like Boston skyline glassware from Faneuil Hall)
- Wrap each item in at least two layers of bubble wrap.
- Place inside a hard-sided suitcase, surrounded by soft clothes.
- If buying multiple fragile pieces, pack each in a separate layer to prevent clinking.
- For food souvenirs (like Boston Public Market’s maple bourbon pecans or cranberry jam)
- Keep them sealed in their original packaging to avoid customs issues if flying internationally.
- For liquids (maple syrup, sauces), place in a ziplock bag first — in case of leaks.
- If the jar/bottle is heavy glass, roll it in a sweater for extra padding.
- For textiles (like hand-knit Boston beanies from CambridgeSide)
- Pack in a compression bag to save space.
- If they’re gifts, keep the tag on for authenticity.
Pro tip:
If you’re buying more than you can carry, use the UPS Store at Prudential Center or the USPS at 207 Massachusetts Ave. They’re used to handling tourist packages and will pack items for you professionally (for a fee).
Part 4 — Budget Planning for Souvenir Shopping in Boston
Before I started tracking my souvenir spending, I’d often end a trip with a suitcase full of great items but an empty wallet. In Boston, the variety is huge — from $5 lobster magnets at Haymarket to $500 designer leather bags in Copley Place.
My Boston souvenir budget formula:
- Artisan crafts or designer items: $50–$150
- Food souvenirs: $20–$40
- Sports merchandise: $50–$100
- Fun, low-cost items (magnets, mugs, keychains): $5–$20
For a week in Boston, I usually set aside $200–$300 just for souvenirs.
Ways I saved money this trip:
- Coupons: Prudential Center VIP Club and CambridgeSide seasonal promotions saved me around $25 total.
- Tax-free shopping: Massachusetts has no sales tax on clothing under $175 — so buying T-shirts, hats, and scarves felt like a bargain.
- End-of-day deals at Haymarket: Got 3 packs of locally made honey sticks for $5 (half the morning price).
Part 5 — Timing Tips — When to Shop for the Best Deals
1. Weekdays before lunch — Shops are less crowded, and staff are more relaxed, giving you time to ask about product stories (often the best part of a souvenir).
2. Seasonal sales:
- After Christmas (Dec 26–Jan 10) — Deep discounts at malls like Prudential Center and Copley Place.
- End of summer (late August) — Stores clear summer stock before fall tourists arrive.
3. Farmer’s market and artisan fair schedules:
- Boston Public Market has seasonal pop-ups where vendors test new products — sometimes at lower “trial” prices.
- CambridgeSide hosts holiday craft fairs in November–December — ideal for unique gifts.
Part 6 — My 1-Day Souvenir Shopping Itinerary in Boston
If you’re short on time, here’s how I’d do a full day of Boston souvenir hunting:
9:00 AM — Start at Boston Public Market
Grab an apple cider donut from Red Apple Farm and browse Q’s Nuts for edible gifts.
10:30 AM — Walk to Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Pick up a Boston lobster tote and some skyline ornaments. Snack on a clam chowder bread bowl at Quincy Market.
12:30 PM — Take the T to Prudential Center
Buy high-quality Boston sportswear, check out Shreve, Crump & Low for a timeless keepsake.
2:00 PM — Walk to Copley Place via the indoor skybridge
Pick up a leather passport holder from Boston Handcrafted.
3:00 PM — Coffee break at Eataly Boston
Sample local chocolate, maybe buy a pack for the trip home.
4:00 PM — Cross the river to CambridgeSide
Browse New England Living Store for regional gourmet gifts.
6:00 PM — Dinner in Cambridge
Celebrate your finds at a local restaurant before heading back to your hotel.
