33 North Carolina Gifts That Bring Southern Charm Home With You
Discover the best North Carolina gifts and souvenirs right here. One of the original 13 colonies, the place where the first powered airplane flight took place and, according to History, “the largest producer of sweet potatoes in the nation,” North Carolina is a must-visit destination. We’ve collected a list of the top products made in North Carolina, which are perfect gifts for everyone at home.
Before you visit, we’ll give you some advice. Many visitors ask, what is the most famous thing in North Carolina? The Biltmore Museum may take the prize, but there’s so much to see, do and eat in the Tar Heel State. We recommend checking out the gorgeous Pisgah National Forest, eating at the best restaurants in Charlotte and taking a dip in the ocean off the Outer Banks.
When you’ve had your fun, select North Carolina gifts and souvenirs from our list!
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- Food Gifts from North Carolina
- North Carolina Souvenirs for Fun Vacation Gifts
- Unique North Carolina Gifts
Food Gifts from North Carolina
What is something that represents North Carolina? Food. This southern state is home to some of the best barbeque in the nation and a litany of delicious offerings. Take the following gifts for foodies home to really delight your friends and family.
1. Chow Chow
Chow Chow, a tangy and slightly spicy relish made from pickled vegetables, is a beloved part of North Carolina cuisine. This North Carolina gift is perfect for adding flavor to sandwiches, burgers or BBQ. A staple in Southern kitchens, Chow Chow makes a thoughtful, unique food gift for anyone who enjoys bold flavors.
2. Livermush
This is a traditional Southern delicacy made from pork liver and cornmeal, popular in Western North Carolina. Pick it up at a local North Carolina grocery store to enjoy it fried, sliced or served with eggs.
This savory North Carolina gift is perfect for the adventurous eater looking to experience authentic regional flavors. Pick it up from a local North Carolina grocery store.
3. Cheerwine Glass Bottles
Cheerwine, the iconic cherry-flavored soda from North Carolina, is a fizzy treat that’s perfect for gifting. Packaged in glass bottles, Cheerwine is a nostalgic North Carolina gift that highlights the state’s love for sweet, carbonated drinks. This is ideal for those who enjoy vintage sodas or just want a taste of Carolina tradition.
4. Moravian Cookies
Most will recognize Moravian cookies, known for their thin, crisp texture and spiced flavor. These cookies, especially from Dewey's Bakery, make a great treat for the holidays or any special occasion. Whether you choose ginger, sugar or lemon, these cookies represent the rich baking tradition of the Moravian community. They’re also the perfect gift for bakers.
5. Ashe County Cheese
For cheese lovers, Ashe County Cheese is a classic North Carolina gift that showcases the best of local dairy craftsmanship. Offering everything from cheddar to gouda, this cheese is made in the mountains of North Carolina. A gift of Ashe County Cheese will bring rich, local flavor to any charcuterie board or cheese platter (or midnight snack).
6. Neese's Country Sausage
Get your friends and family a beloved breakfast staple known throughout North Carolina. Neese’s Country Sausage is made from a family recipe dating back to 1917 and this North Carolina gift adds authentic flavor to any Southern breakfast. Use it in gravy, casseroles or on biscuits to delight anyone who loves hearty dishes.
You can find Neese's Country Sausage in some grocery stores, such as Publix.
7. Carolina BBQ Sauce
Lillie’s Q BBQ sauce is an absolute must-have for fans of Carolina-style barbecue. This North Carolina gift offers a vinegar-based sauce with a hint of spice, ideal for grilling meats or adding to pulled pork sandwiches. The bold flavor is the perfect way to share a taste of the state’s barbecue tradition.
8. Benne Wafers
Original Charleston Benne Wafers, though native to Charleston, are also very popular in North Carolina. These thin, sesame seed cookies are a delightful North Carolina gift, perfect for anyone who enjoys nutty, crunchy treats. A Southern classic, Benne Wafers are a great way to share a traditional sweet snack that’s light but packed with flavor.
9. Carolina Pecans
Check out one of the best food products made in North Carolina. Young’s Carolina Pecans are locally harvested and make for a delicious North Carolina gift. These delicious treats are perfect for snacking or adding to salads and come roasted, candied or spiced for a variety of flavors. They are a classic Southern treat that showcases the nutty, buttery goodness of North Carolina’s best pecans.
10. Sweet Potato Butter
What produce is North Carolina famous for? As mentioned earlier, it’s a yummy sweet potato. In North Carolina, they even make this crop into a sweet, creamy spread called sweet potato butter. This North Carolina gift is perfect for anyone who loves Southern flavors.
Spread it on toast, biscuits or use it as a topping for pancakes—it’s a delightful, locally sourced gift that’s sure to please.
10. Mt. Olive Pickles
These pickles are produced in Mount Olive, North Carolina and have been a favorite in the state for decades. Known for their crisp, tangy flavor, they make an ideal North Carolina gift for pickle lovers. Whether you prefer dill, sweet or bread and butter pickles, Mt. Olive offers a wide range of options that embody Southern pickling tradition.
North Carolina Souvenirs for Fun Vacation Gifts
Missouri and Florida gifts don’t have anything on the delightful souvenir options from North Carolina. Check out some of the top products made in North Carolina below!
12. State Shape Mountain Painting
Bring home a piece of North Carolina with a state-shaped mountain painting showcasing the region's breathtaking landscapes. This artistic North Carolina gift makes for a beautiful and personal souvenir that captures the essence of the state’s natural beauty. It’s perfect for anyone who loves the mountains.
13. Honey Jar
A honey jar filled with locally sourced wildflower honey is a sweet North Carolina gift. It not only highlights the state’s beekeeping traditions but also serves as a functional kitchen item. This delightful gift is perfect for tea lovers or anyone who enjoys natural, homegrown products from North Carolina.
14. Hand-Painted Shells From the Outer Banks
Hand-painted shells from the Outer Banks make for artistic and unique North Carolina gifts. These colorful shells showcase the beauty of the state’s coastline and serve as memorable vacation souvenirs for beach lovers. Each shell captures the serenity of the coast, making them perfect for home decor or keepsakes.
15. North Carolina Inspired Tote Bag
This is one of the top North Carolina gifts for men or women. A North Carolina-inspired tote bag is a fun and functional North Carolina gift that highlights state pride. These bags often feature iconic designs like the state outline or coastal scenes, making them ideal for carrying your belongings while reminiscing about your favorite vacation spots in the Tar Heel State.
16. Panthers Gear
For sports fans (or people who just love branded gear), Carolina Panthers gear is a must-have North Carolina souvenir. Whether it’s a jersey, hat, T-shirt or onesie, this fun North Carolina gift lets you show off your team spirit while remembering your time in the state. Panthers gear is perfect for football lovers or anyone who supports the team.
17. Magnet Set
A North Carolina magnet set featuring iconic landmarks and state symbols is a fun vacation souvenir. This North Carolina gift adds personality to any fridge and is a perfect, simple keepsake to remind someone of their adventures in the state. Ideal for collectors or as a small token for friends.
18. Tar Heel Sports Gear
University of North Carolina (UNC) Tar Heel sports gear makes a great North Carolina gift for college sports enthusiasts. Tar Heel gear allows fans to proudly display their school spirit while remembering their time spent cheering for one of the state’s most beloved teams.
19. Blue Ridge Parkway Map Puzzle
A Blue Ridge Parkway map puzzle is a fun North Carolina gift that lets recipients piece together one of the state’s most scenic routes. Puzzle enthusiasts and nature lovers will adore this gift. It celebrates North Carolina’s natural beauty and provides hours of entertainment while reminiscing about travels through the Blue Ridge Mountains.
20. North Carolina Travel Book
A North Carolina travel book is an informative and practical gift that showcases the best spots in the state, from mountains to coastlines. This North Carolina gift is perfect for explorers who want to discover hidden gems or plan future trips. It’s a great way to dive into the state’s rich history and attractions.
21. Wright Brothers Postcard Set
This postcard set celebrates North Carolina’s aviation history and makes for an affordable yet meaningful souvenir. This North Carolina gift features images of the iconic first flight in Kitty Hawk, perfect for history buffs or those wanting to share a piece of the state’s heritage with others.
22. Outer Banks Beach Towel
An Outer Banks beach towel with vibrant coastal designs is a fun and practical North Carolina gift. Perfect for beachgoers, this towel lets you take a piece of North Carolina’s shores home. Whether for lounging in the sun or a reminder of sunny days, it’s a great gift for ocean lovers. It’s one of the best North Carolina gifts for men, women and kiddos.
Unique North Carolina Gifts
We recommend the following gifts under $50 for people on a budget or those with a lot of souvenirs to grab. Plus, most of these gifts are small enough to fit easily in a carry-on.
23. State Shape Ornament
A state-shaped ornament is a unique North Carolina gift that brings a personalized touch to any holiday decor. Crafted in the shape of the state, this ornament is often adorned with local landmarks or nature scenes, making it a meaningful keepsake for those who hold North Carolina close to their heart.
24. Balsam Fir Sachets
Bring the refreshing scent of North Carolina’s mountains indoors with balsam fir sachets. This unique North Carolina gift adds a natural fragrance to closets or drawers and serves as a lovely reminder of the state’s evergreen forests. Perfect for nature lovers or those who appreciate handmade, eco-friendly items.
25. North Carolina Mug
A North Carolina-themed mug is a unique and functional gift that’s perfect for coffee or tea lovers. Featuring the state’s flag, coastline or mountain scenes, this North Carolina gift adds a touch of local charm to morning routines. It’s an ideal gift for those who want to remember their time in the state.
26. State Color Candle Holder
A state-color candle holder designed in the shades of North Carolina’s blue hues is a beautiful and unique North Carolina gift. It captures the essence of the state’s coastal and mountain landscapes and makes for a stylish, decorative piece that fits perfectly in any home decor.
27. North Carolina Hand-Poured Candle
A hand-poured candle inspired by the scents of North Carolina’s mountains or beaches makes a thoughtful and unique North Carolina gift. This candle brings the essence of the state’s natural beauty into the home, offering a relaxing ambiance for those who love Carolina’s landscapes.
28. Dogwood Necklace
A Dogwood necklace featuring North Carolina’s state flower is a delicate and beautiful North Carolina gift. This piece of jewelry represents the natural beauty of the state and is a perfect keepsake for anyone who wants to carry a symbol of North Carolina close to their heart.
29. Pottery from Seagrove
A handcrafted ceramic piece from Seagrove, NC, is a truly unique North Carolina gift. Known for its rich pottery tradition, Seagrove offers one-of-a-kind mugs, vases and bowls that showcase the artistry of local craftsmen. This is a perfect gift for anyone who loves handcrafted items.
30. North Carolina Keychain
A North Carolina keychain is a small yet meaningful gift for someone who wants to carry a reminder of the state wherever they go. Featuring the state outline, flag or wildlife, this unique North Carolina gift is both stylish and functional, ideal for daily use or as a thoughtful memento.
31. North Carolina Maple Syrup
North Carolina’s locally-made maple syrup is a unique gift for food lovers. This delicious syrup, harvested from the state’s own trees, is perfect for drizzling over pancakes or using in recipes. It’s a sweet North Carolina gift that highlights the state’s agricultural richness and natural flavors.
32. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Print
A print of the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is a meaningful North Carolina gift that celebrates the state’s coastal history. This beautiful piece of art makes for a thoughtful keepsake or home decor item, perfect for those who appreciate the rich maritime history of North Carolina’s famous lighthouses.
33. Longleaf Pine Tea Towel
A Longleaf Pine tea towel is a functional and unique North Carolina gift that celebrates the state’s tree. This beautifully designed tea towel is perfect for adding a touch of natural beauty to the kitchen, making it a great gift for anyone who enjoys eco-friendly and regionally inspired home items.
So, what is North Carolina known for? Well, for your recipients, it’s known for the thoughtful gifts you purchase for them. Use this article to give the best art, souvenirs and food products made in North Carolina.
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