Fort Lauderdale, known for its gorgeous beaches, lively nightlife, and vibrant culture, is a popular destination for travelers looking for a relaxing getaway. While many visitors flock to the beach for a sun-soaked vacation, the city offers much more than just sand and surf. Fort Lauderdale is home to unique shops, local artisans, and one-of-a-kind finds that make for unforgettable souvenirs. If you’re looking for something unusual and distinctive to take home, Fort Lauderdale has plenty of quirky and unique items that will remind you of your time in this sunny paradise. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most unusual souvenirs to buy in Fort Lauderdale.
Fort Lauderdale’s beaches are a treasure trove of sea glass, the beautiful, frosted glass pieces shaped by the waves and sand over time. Local artisans often collect this sea glass to create stunning jewelry that makes a perfect and meaningful souvenir. Many shops along the beaches and in the city center sell handcrafted sea glass necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings, all made from pieces of glass collected from the ocean.
What makes these items special is their connection to the local environment. Each piece of sea glass is unique, with its own shape, color, and texture, making every piece of jewelry one of a kind. By purchasing a piece of sea glass jewelry, you are not only supporting local artists but also taking home a piece of Fort Lauderdale's natural beauty.
Why it’s important: Handcrafted sea glass jewelry is a memorable and eco-friendly souvenir that captures the essence of Fort Lauderdale’s coastal charm.
For those who appreciate nostalgia and vintage finds, Fort Lauderdale’s antique shops and specialty stores offer a collection of old postcards, photographs, and travel ephemera from the city’s past. These vintage items often feature images of the city’s iconic landmarks, beaches, and famous attractions from decades ago, providing a glimpse into Fort Lauderdale’s history.
Many of these postcards and travel materials date back to the early to mid-20th century, when Fort Lauderdale was becoming a popular vacation destination. Collectors and history enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to bring home a small piece of the city’s past, preserved in these quirky and retro souvenirs.
Why it’s important: Vintage postcards and travel ephemera offer a nostalgic look at Fort Lauderdale’s history, making them perfect for collectors or anyone interested in the city’s past.
Fort Lauderdale is located in close proximity to the Everglades, one of the most famous habitats for American alligators. As a result, alligator-themed merchandise is a popular (and unusual) souvenir that can be found throughout the city. From alligator-shaped figurines and plush toys to keychains and T-shirts with humorous gator references, there are many unique alligator-themed items to choose from.
For those looking for something truly unusual, you can even find alligator leather goods such as wallets, belts, and handbags. These high-end products are made from ethically sourced alligator hides and are a luxurious, distinctive souvenir that reflects the local wildlife.
Why it’s important: Alligator-themed merchandise is a fun and quirky reminder of Fort Lauderdale’s natural surroundings, especially its proximity to the Everglades.
Conch shells are iconic to coastal Florida, and Fort Lauderdale is no exception. Along the beach and in local markets, you’ll find a range of hand-painted conch shells, which serve as beautiful and unusual souvenirs. These shells are often decorated with tropical scenes, sea creatures, or Florida’s famous landmarks, making each one a unique work of art.
The process of hand-painting conch shells is a skill passed down through generations of local artists, and many of these shells are carefully designed to reflect the beauty and vibrancy of Florida’s coastal life. Whether you choose a simple, nature-inspired design or a more intricate piece with bold colors, a hand-painted conch shell is a truly memorable keepsake.
Why it’s important: Hand-painted conch shells are a unique, artistic way to bring home a piece of Florida’s coastal charm while supporting local craftsmanship.
Surfing is an integral part of Fort Lauderdale’s beach culture, and what better way to commemorate your time in the city than with a surfboard-themed souvenir? While you can certainly buy actual surfboards, many stores offer smaller, decorative versions of surfboards, often painted with local designs, such as sunset scenes, palm trees, or the iconic Fort Lauderdale skyline.
These surfboard decorations make for an unusual and eye-catching souvenir that evokes the laid-back, adventurous spirit of Fort Lauderdale’s beach lifestyle. Whether you’re an avid surfer or simply love the beach, a Fort Lauderdale-themed surfboard is a fun way to bring home a piece of the local surf culture.
Why it’s important: A Fort Lauderdale-themed surfboard captures the essence of the city’s beach culture and is an ideal souvenir for beach lovers and surf enthusiasts alike.
Fort Lauderdale is known for its tropical climate, lush vegetation, and coastal breezes. Local candle makers often capture the essence of the city by creating tropical-scented candles that bring the fragrant aroma of Fort Lauderdale’s beaches and gardens into your home. Common scents include coconut, citrus, sea breeze, and jasmine, which evoke the warm and relaxing atmosphere of the city.
Many shops in the area sell these locally made candles in various shapes and sizes, and they often come in beautifully decorated containers. A tropical-scented candle serves as a perfect reminder of the calming environment and natural beauty that Fort Lauderdale offers.
Why it’s important: Tropical-scented candles provide a sensory connection to Fort Lauderdale’s sunny, beachy atmosphere, offering a relaxing and aromatic souvenir.
Fort Lauderdale is home to a thriving arts scene, and many local artists showcase their work in galleries and markets around the city. Purchasing original artwork or prints from local artists is one of the most meaningful and unusual souvenirs you can buy in Fort Lauderdale. Many artists create works inspired by the city’s natural beauty, beaches, and vibrant nightlife.
From watercolor paintings of the coastline to abstract interpretations of Fort Lauderdale’s unique architecture, there is a wide variety of art available for collectors and enthusiasts. Whether you choose a painting, sculpture, or photograph, bringing home a piece of local art is a way to support the city’s creative community while taking home a one-of-a-kind memento.
Why it’s important: Local artwork is a meaningful and unique souvenir that supports the Fort Lauderdale arts scene while capturing the city’s essence in a tangible way.
While beach towels and apparel may seem like a typical souvenir, Fort Lauderdale offers a twist by allowing you to customize these items. Many local shops offer embroidered beach towels, shirts, and hats featuring personalized text or unique designs that reflect the spirit of the city.
Customizing a beach towel with your name, a favorite quote, or an image of Fort Lauderdale’s famous beaches ensures that your souvenir is as unique as your vacation experience. These personalized items make great gifts for loved ones or a fun keepsake for yourself.
Why it’s important: Customized beach towels and apparel allow you to bring home a personalized piece of Fort Lauderdale, making your souvenir extra special.
Fort Lauderdale is a city full of unique charm, and its eclectic selection of unusual souvenirs reflects the vibrant culture and natural beauty of the area. Whether you're interested in handcrafted jewelry, vintage postcards, or one-of-a-kind artwork, there is no shortage of distinctive items to take home. These unusual souvenirs are not only meaningful mementos of your time in Fort Lauderdale but also provide a way to connect with the local culture and heritage. So, next time you visit Fort Lauderdale, be sure to explore the city’s shops and markets to find something truly unique and unforgettable.