Architecture Souvenirs!!
If the buildings of New Orleans make your heart go pitter patter and you want to keep that feeling around long after you have returned home, be sure to check out this list of some of our favorite architecture inspired gifts and souvenirs.
Jewelry from Fleur D’Orleans
If you are looking for a unique piece of jewelry that goes beyond plastic beads, look no further than Fleur D’Orleans. This store is built on the images found in New Orleans’ decorative arts – from pendants that replicate designs found in St. Louis Cathedral to cufflinks that bear St. Andrew’s Fleur. Their collection of fleur de lis Jewelry is great, but I am awestruck by their pendants and earrings that celebrate our distinctive cast iron motifs. They even have tiny delicate replicas of the anthemions that decorate the fencing around Jackson Square!
Where to find it:
818 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70116
3701A Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115
fleurdorleans.com
Books from Garden District Book Shop
Of all the souvenirs you can buy, I always recommend books. So practical! There is no shortage of fascinating books about New Orleans Architecture and History and you can find a complete list also on my blog here.
Here are the highlights:
Where to find them:
There are many great independent bookstores in New Orleans, but our favorite is Garden District Bookstore. It is located in The Rink, an old roller skating rink. We always end our Garden District Tours nearby, with the hopes that our guests will pop in and buy some books.
2727 Prytania Street, New Orleans 70130
gardendistrictbookshop
Tote Bags from Fleurty Girl
Nothing is better than a tote bag, except maybe a tote bag with a house on it! Fleurty Girl sells a wide variety of architecture themed merchandise such as NOLA Skyline Necklaces and Creole Cottage Coasters. But today we need to discuss their tote bags because you will need one to haul around all these souvenirs that I am recommending (especially the books!). These tote bags come in blue and orange. Perfect!!
Where to find them:
3137 Magazine St. New Orleans, Louisiana 70115
617 Chartres St. New Orleans, Louisiana 70116
fleurtygirl.net
Wall Art from Dirty Coast
I know what you’re thinking, “But they sell T shirts.” And to that I say, “Yeah, they do, but they also have some of the cutest pieces of building art in the city.” From landmarks like the Superdome and Aquarium to adorable shotgun cottages these framed prints are sure to delight every guest who comes to visit.
Where to find them:
5631 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115
713 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116
dirtycoast.com
Needlepoint from The Quarter Stitch
Maybe you need a new New Orleans themed project to work on (or hoard until you finish the others, I know, I know.) Look no further than Quarter Stitch for your next crafty purchase. Sure, they sell beautiful hand dyed yarn, notions, and tote bags(!), but we are talking about architecture themed souvenirs so get a look at these great needlepoint kits that show off New Orleans’ iconic buildings!
Where to find them:
The Quarter Stitch
629 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130
quarterstitch.com
T-Shirts from Preservation Resource Center
My favorite architecture themed T-shirts are sold by the Preservation Resource Center. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to promoting the preservation, restoration, and revitalization of New Orleans’ historic architecture and neighborhoods since 1974. They run home buying classes and publish an excellent bi- monthly magazine called Preservation in Print. I can go on and on all day about the importance of this organization, but that’s not why you are here. Here are the shirts:
Where to find them:
923 Tchoupitoulas St #3819, New Orleans, LA 70130
prcno.org
Jewelry and Ornaments from The Shop at Historic New Orleans Collection
Lastly, I have to share with you a few products from the incredible Shop at the Historic New Orleans Collection. In case you haven’t heard about the Historic New Orleans Collection, it is a multi- building museum and research center that I recommend every guest visit. If you are already home and can’t visit these exciting exhibits, be sure to take a spin on their website – there are so many fascinating things to learn about. I have spent many hours researching buildings on their Vieux Carré Digital Survey.
But let’s talk souvenirs!
Jewelry
Earlier in 2019, the Historic New Orleans Collection expanded into the Seignouret-Brulatour House a building that dates back to 1816. To celebrate this historic event, Brandi Couvillion created these intricate cuff bracelets that highlight the cast iron that formed the balconies on the second and third story. Love them!!
To complete the set, be sure to also try out the earrings!
Christmas Ornaments
Yeah, I know. Halloween hasn’t happened yet, and here I am talking about Christmas Ornaments. But look at them, they are great! It may sound cheesy, but one of the fun things about collecting Christmas Ornament Souvenirs is the opportunity to chat and reminisce about all of your trips as you decorate your Christmas Tree each year. And these are particularly adorable!
Where to find them:
Historic New Orleans Collection
533 Royal Street, New Orleans LA 70130
hnoc.org
So there you have it! A great list of architecture themed souvenirs to buy while visiting New Orleans or even from the comfort of your home (Thanks internet!). Bookmark this list, because you can use it for Christmas Presents….But not yet, because it is still September!