When your photos at Ascend Prime & Steak just doesn't do the panoramic view justice, or when the keychain you bought at the airport just doesn't truly capture your once-in-a-lifetime adventure in Bellevue, the best option is to snag some souvenirs that fully embody Bellevue. Beyond your average gift shop tchotchkes, we've compiled a list that is sure to cement your bucket list memories forever.
Bellevue Botanical Bliss Candle
Take home Bellevue Botanical Bliss, a wood-wick, poured soy wax candle benefiting Tourism Cares. Remember that wood-wick candles require special care instructions.
The aromatic blend of bergamot, lavender, and cedarwood teleports you to the Bellevue Botanical Garden. It'll remind you of the woodsy smell under fresh rain, blended with soothing aromas of garden oasis and evergreen forest.
How to Pack It
If you get the metal tin one, just pack it in your carry on or your checked bag with absolutely no problems. If you get the glass candle holder with it, you'll want to be a little more careful.
Where to Get it
Bellden Cafe: This local gem is known for their avocado toasts, great community vibes, charity candles, and as the Nicest Place in Washington.
Address: 10527 Main St, Bellevue, WA 98004Bellevue "City Collection" Red Blend Wine
Take home a bottle of Browne Family Vineyards' Bellevue "City Collection" Red Blend, a medium-to-full-bodied red blend named after the City of Bellevue.
With each sip, enjoy a nice sweetness from the oak and finishes with pomegranate, leather, and earthy dust and forest floor notes.
How to Pack It
Wine bottles need to be in your checked luggage. If you're flying Alaska Airlines, you can check a whole case of wine for free. If you're packing single bottles, be sure to wrap your bottles with ample padding or wine travel protector bags.
Where to Get it
Browne Family Vineyards Bellevue Tasting Room: This beautiful tasting room in Old Bellevue on the charming Main Street is the perfect spot to grab a gift or souvenir momento.
Address: 10245 Main St, Bellevue, WA 98004Ewald Notter Chocolates from Dote
If you're visiting Bellevue, be sure to take home a box of chocolates from master chocolatier Ewald Notter, who was inducted into the Pastry Art and Design Hall of Fame. Together with coffee veteran Sarah Doude, they launched Dote in Bellevue and now has two locations here.
The chocolates come in a variety of boxes, and you have the option of picking and choosing your own combos. The ganache in the fridge is also tempting, and if you know how to travel with temperature sensitive foods, go right on ahead!
How to Pack It
It's best to put any coffee beans or ground coffee in your checked luggage, to prevent any trouble at TSA. For chocolates, we recommend harboring them in your carry-on, so you have peace of mind that it's not going to be anywhere under the hot sun.
Where to Get it
Dote Coffee Bar or Dote Spring District: The coffee bar located in The Bellevue Collection is an easy choice if you're already doing your shopping and dining there in the downtown. The newer location in the Spring District is a standalone cafe with ample seating and beautiful decor.
Glassybaby candle holders
Take home a memento of the local glassblowing culture with a handcrafted candle votive from glassybaby, and feel good knowing that since 2001, glassybaby has contributed over $13 million to organizations worldwide.
Each of these Washington made candle holders are one-of-a-kind and benefits a different charity, helping lift up communities in need. These Martha Stewart approved gifts also double as drinking glasses.
How to Pack It
Each candle votive weighs in at a pound, and come in their own packaging. Carefully pack it with your checked luggage or carryon, or have it shipped to your home.
Where to Get it
Glassybaby Bellevue: Located in charming Old Bellevue, the glassybaby store is a joyful shopping experience with a rainbow of colors to choose from.
Address: 10230 Main St, Bellevue, WA 98004Artisanal Chocolates in Old Bellevue
Bring home the fine creations from master chocolatier Fran Bigelow, from the tantalizing light ganache found in her luscious truffles, to the bold and slightly addictive gray and smoked salt caramels.
A box of Fran’s Chocolates is pretty much the most classic souvenir for your trip to the Bellevue area. Inside the boutique, you can select a custom box of your choosing. With beautiful boxes filling 7 pieces to 165 pieces, there's plenty of chocolate to taste!
How to Pack It
The rule of thumb for packing delicate food items in your carry-on bag, so you can ensure it never gets too hot.
Where to Get it
Fran's Chocolates Bellevue: Located along the boutiques of Main Street in Old Bellevue, this is a must stop for souvenirs and gifts.
Address: 10036 Main St, Bellevue, WA 98004Gifts from The Trillium Store
Visiting the Bellevue Botanical Garden is a treat all in itself, and the garden's gift shop is such a fun place to shop. Each purchase at this store goes back into funding the Bellevue Botanical Garden Society's educational classes and programs.
Okay, we did say that we weren't going to add any tchotchke stores to this list, but we couldn't help it with the Trillium Store. It's just filled with such cute, wholesome, and heartwarming products that are sure to tug at your heartstrings.
How to Pack It
Well, it really depends on what you're getting, but you'll want to make room for any books, cool shirts, jewelry, and stuffed animals in your luggage.
Where to Get it
The Trillium Store: Located in the Bellevue Botanical Garden, when you make a right turn inside the entrance.
The garden is free and open daily from dawn to dusk.
Address: 12001 Main St, Bellevue, WA 98005Games from Mox Boarding House
With so many gaming companies based in the area, Mox Boarding House Bellevue is a must visit for fans of Pokémon, Wizards of The Coast, Nintendo, and other board games and card games. Pick up some Washington games to take home as a memento of the fun times. From established fandoms like Dungeons & Dragons or Warhammer to family game night classics like Scrabble or games you probably never knew existed, there's plenty to choose from.
If getting together and getting rowdy over tabletop games is your idea of fun, then you'll love play testing these games before investing in a new game night title.
How to Pack It
We're just going to say it. Table top games take up luggage space, but they're incredibly easy to pack in their boxed containers. Leave extra room in your luggage for exhilerating game nights at home.
Where to Get it
Mox Boarding House Bellevue: Plan to spend some time here as you test out new games with your meal, meet new friends, and shop for wonderful souvenirs.
Address: 13310 Bel-Red Rd, Bellevue, WA 98005Bellevue Coordinates Pillow Cushion
Add a piece of Bellevue to your home decor with this beautiful couch cushion or bed pillow, reminding you of your time at those coordinates.
Already thinking about your next vacation or workcation to Bellevue? This pillow from a local woman-owned shop is the perfect souvenir to take home for that constant reminder of your epic adventures launched from Bellevue, Washington.
How to Pack It
We get it, pillows are kind of big. You'll definitely want to pack an extra duffle bag for your visit to Bellevue to carry all your mementos. Otherwise, you can always opt to get it shipped back home.
Where to Get it
hedge & vine: Located in along Old Main Street, this shop is full of wonderful locally sourced gifts, wine, and home goods that will make you consider checking an extra bag at the airport.
Address: 10000 Main St #102, Bellevue, WA 98004Made in Washington Store
If you've made it this far and still haven't found the perfect souvenir, the Made in Washington store is your one-stop-shop for a kaleidoscope of locally crafted gifts and souvenirs. Tchotchke, smotchke. This is a souvenir safari that will introduce you to the Washington artisans and makers behind the gits.
One of the best things you could do is design your own gift box, complete with a Washington tote bag and whatever gourmet snacks, preserves, and other Washington made products you'd like to take home.
How to Pack It
Depending on what you get, packing is easy peasy. If you can't find room in your luggage, this shop will help you ship your items home.
Where to Get it
Made in Washington Bellevue: Wander around The Bellevue Collection to find this massive shop and prepare yourself for a sea of souvenir options.
Address: 190 Bellevue Square, Bellevue, WA 98004Trader Joe's Bellevue Souvenirs
To our overseas visitors, the Bellevue Trader Joe's is a perfect place to shop for souvenirs and gifts. Whether it's hunting down the viral mini tote bags or grabbing a box of Joe's O's cereal, there's a mecca of options to choose from.
We get it, we're also obsessed with Trader Joe's. Every trip results in a massive haul of tropical themed snacks. Oh, the novelty.
How to Pack It
If you're buying liquids, prepare a checked bag for those items at the airport.
Where to Get it
Trader Joe's Bellevue: Located next to the large REI Co-op in Bellevue, this is a great place to get your shopping done.
Address: 416 116th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004The Perfect Place to Stay
Bellevue offers a wonderful mix of well-appointed guestrooms and hotels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What are the best souvenir shops in Bellevue, WA?
Bellevue is the premiere shopping destination in the Pacific Northwest, with some of the best shopping centers for locally themed and crafted gifts and souvenirs. The Bellevue Collection, The Shops at The Bravern, Old Bellevue, and Crossroads are some of the best places to shop.
What Bellevue souvenirs and Seattle souvenirs are popular?
Washington State is a great place to shop for Native American artwork and crafts, locally made specialty foods, and clothing and accessories that adorn Pacific Northwest or Bellevue persona. Bellevue is home to several chocolatiers selling premium chocolates from master chocolatiers. Glassybaby's Bellevue store is another spot to get an iconic PNW gift. With so many gaming companies based out of Washington, Bellevue's Mox Boarding House is a great place to play test and bring home some new games for souvenirs or gifts. Other popular items include home decor, Christmas ornaments, glasswares, art pieces, etc.
Where can I find unique, locally-made Bellevue souvenirs?
There are many places in Bellevue to find locally-made souvenirs. From shopping Main Street in Old Bellevue to perusing the selections at the local coffee shop with a cult following, there are endless options throughout the whole city.
Do Bellevue attractions like museums have good gift shops for souvenirs?
Yes! The Bellevue Art Museum's Museum Store is a wonderful place to shop. It has pop-up takeovers of the shop, featuring locally-crafted goods from BIPOC makers. The Bellevue Botanical Garden's Trillium Store Gift Shop is a wonderful place for souvenirs, with lots of gardening and garden themed gifts that remind you of the Evergreen State.
Is public transportation available in Bellevue, WA?
Yes, public transportation is available in Bellevue, including buses operated by King County Metro and Sound Transit. The new 2 Line Extension Light Rail is a wonderful way to get around. The city is also well-connected to nearby areas like Seattle, Redmond, and Kirkland, making it easy to find souvenirs from the greater Puget Sound region.
