Want to hit the mark right when passing through duty free? The 5 most popular souvenirs to slip into your suitcase from the United States are:
• 🍫 Iconic candies (M&M’s, Reese’s, Ghirardelli)
• 👖 Levi’s jeans and Nike sneakers
• 🏍️ Harley-Davidson goodies
• ☕ Starbucks or Coca-Cola collector mugs
• 📱 Apple tech and Coach accessories
Top 5 must-have souvenirs to bring back from the USA 🇺🇸
1️⃣ Delicious treats that hit the spot
The “candy” aisles in American supermarkets are an endless playground: Ghirardelli bars from San Francisco, XXL jars of peanut butter, boxes of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, or even collector bottles of Coca-Cola. Slip them into a Playmate cooler bag so they arrive intact. 😉
- 🍬 Limited edition M&M’s (Pretzel, Brownie flavors…)
- 🍫 Ghirardelli maple squares
- 🥜 Reese’s Big Cup “king size”
- 🥤 Mini cans of Coca-Cola Vanilla
| Product | Where to buy | Average price | 💡 Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personalized M&M’s 😊 | M&M’s Store, 1600 Broadway, New York | $25 / lb | Choose your own colors |
| Ghirardelli chocolate 🍫 | Ghirardelli Square, 900 North Point St, San Francisco | $8 per bar | Free tasting on site |
| Decorated Coca-Cola 🥤 | World of Coca-Cola, 121 Baker St, Atlanta | $4 per bottle | Unlimited refills during the visit |
2️⃣ Fashion & accessories made in USA
Between the Nike outlets and the Levi’s corner at the legendary Woodbury Common, it’s hard to resist. Add a Coach belt for a premium touch without breaking the bank.
- 👖 Levi’s 501 at –40% at Premium Outlets
- 👟 Exclusive Nike Air Force 1 “USA Pack”
- 👜 Coach tabby bag at JFK airport
- 🧢 Harley-Davidson cap in Daytona Beach
3️⃣ Pop culture and garage decor items
From Arizona license plates 🚗 to Funko figurines, every state has its icons. Mechanical fans will find vintage Mac Tools thermometers or US pennants for under $2 at Walmart.
| Decor item | State / City | Budget 💵 |
|---|---|---|
| California 1970 plate | Los Angeles Flea Market | $15 |
| Harley-Davidson flag 🏍️ | Milwaukee Museum Shop | $25 |
| Mac Tools thermometer 🌡️ | NHRA Pomona | $10 |
4️⃣ Tech & gadgets
Take advantage of favorable exchange rates for an iPhone 15 or an Apple Watch, but check international warranty. For smaller budgets, AirTags in a pack of 4 drop below $85 at Best Buy.
- 📱 Unlocked iPhone (to declare at customs)
- ⌚ Apple Watch Series 9, exclusive USA-only band
- 🎧 Beats Studio Buds at Times Square
- 🔌 Essential 110 V → 220 V adapter
5️⃣ Handcrafted & regional souvenirs
Dreamcatchers in Arizona, Mexican blankets in Texas, and Starbucks “You Are Here” mugs: each region has its signature.
- 🪶 Navajo dreamcatcher – buy in the reserve
- 🧣 Multicolored Mexican blanket in El Paso
- ☕ Starbucks mug “Chicago Architecture”
- 📖 Comic Book San Diego Comic-Con variant edition
Where to buy souvenirs in the USA: addresses and practical tips 🛍️
Shops, outlets and markets not to be missed
To optimize your shopping route, alternate malls, local markets and major retailers.
| Place | Specialty | Address | ⏰ Opening hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sawgrass Mills | Fashion & tech | 12801 W Sunrise Blvd, Sunrise FL | 10 am–9 pm |
| M&M’s Store NY | Candies | 1600 Broadway, New York | 9 am–12 am |
| Walmart Supercenter | Coolers, snacks | 701 E Jefferson Blvd, Dallas | Open 24/7 |
| Flea Market San Jose | Vintage plates | 1590 Berryessa Rd, CA | Wed-Sun |
- 📲 Compare prices online via Amazon US before buying
- 🎁 Consider pre-packed gift kits to save time
- 👜 Use Walmart reusable bags ($0.50) for your shopping
Comparison: buying in the city or at the airport?
Airports offer exclusives (Starbucks “Been There” mugs), but prices remain 10-30% higher than in shopping malls.
| Category | City | Airport | Difference 💲 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Levi’s jeans | $45 | $60 | +33% |
| Starbucks mug | $14 | $18 | +29% |
| iPhone | $999 | $1,049 | +5% |
Customs & baggage tips for a stress-free return ✈️
2025 allowances and formalities
The customs allowance for a European traveler remains €430; beyond that, a declaration is required. Keep your receipts in a folder and file tech items – Apple, Beats – with their invoice.
- 📝 Declare your iPhone or MacBook
- 📦 Pack food items separately (FDA checks possible)
- 🎒 Place liquids (maple syrup) in checked luggage
- 🔋 External batteries allowed in cabin only
Optimize weight and space
A Playmate cooler serves as a hard carry-on bag and protects your M&M’s. Roll your Levi’s jeans to gain 30% more space and slip your license plates between two sweatshirts.
| Item | Average weight | Packing technique 💡 |
|---|---|---|
| Harley-Davidson flag | 200 g | Fold into the suitcase lining |
| Peanut butter | 500 g | Put in a sock to cushion |
| Apple Watch | 30 g | Wear on your wrist |
Need inspiration for other countries? Browse the guides for Portugal, Mexico, or Thailand to compare allowances.
FAQ: Souvenirs from the United States in 2025
- What is the safest edible souvenir to transport? 🤔
Ghirardelli bars and Reese’s hold up well in heat; avoid fresh unpasteurized products. - Can I bring a baseball bat in the cabin? 🛫
No, it must travel in checked luggage and be declared as sports equipment. - Where to find Starbucks “You Are Here” mugs? ☕
In every major city; New York, Chicago and Seattle offer the widest collections. - Are Levi’s jeans really cheaper? 👖
Yes, up to –50% in outlets compared to French prices, especially during Memorial Day Sales. - How to personalize M&M’s? 🍬
Go to the M&M’s Store, choose colors, text or photo, then collect your bag within 10 minutes.
