What To Buy in Atlanta: Local Favorites, Gifts, and Everyday Essentials

Atlanta is a city where Southern tradition, global culture, and modern style all collide. Whether you live in Atlanta, are here for a quick visit, or are trying to bring a piece of the city back home, there are a few categories of things that stand out as smart buys.

Below is a practical guide to what to buy in Atlanta, where to find it, and how to choose items that genuinely reflect the city.

Iconic Atlanta Food and Drink to Buy

If you only buy one thing in Atlanta, make it something you can eat or drink. The city’s food culture is one of its biggest strengths.

1. Southern Staples and Snacks

Atlanta’s take on Southern food is bold and often creative. Look for:

• Pecans and candied nuts
• Pralines and Southern-style candies
• Pimento cheese (often found in grocery store deli sections)
• Hot sauces and spice blends from local makers

You’ll find these at:

• Dekalb Farmers Market – 3000 E Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030
• Sweet Auburn Curb Market – 209 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Specialty shops and independent grocers around neighborhoods like Inman Park, Decatur, and Grant Park.

2. Local Coffee, Tea, and Craft Beverages

Many visitors and locals like to bring home Atlanta-roasted coffee or small-batch beverages as everyday souvenirs.

Look for:

• Locally roasted coffee beans
• Loose-leaf tea blends with Southern flavors (peach, mint, hibiscus)
• Non-alcoholic bottled drinks from Atlanta-based makers

These are easy to pack and make good gifts for people who appreciate something they can use daily.

3. Georgia Peaches and Seasonal Produce

In peach season (typically summer), fresh Georgia peaches and peach products are classic buys:

• Fresh peaches (in season)
• Peach jams, jellies, and preserves
• Peach BBQ sauces or marinades

You’ll frequently see these at:

• Local farmers markets such as:
  • Green Market at Piedmont Park – 1071 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
  • Freedom Farmers Market at the Carter Center – 453 Freedom Pkwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
• Roadside stands outside the city, especially if you’re driving through Georgia.

Atlanta-Made Gifts and Souvenirs

If you want tangible reminders of Atlanta that last longer than a meal, focus on locally made goods and city-themed items.

1. Atlanta-Branded Gear and Sports Merchandise

Sports are a big part of life in Atlanta, and official merchandise is widely available.

Common purchases include:

• Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Hawks, or Atlanta United FC apparel
• Caps, scarves, and jerseys
• Branded drinkware, pennants, and keychains

Where to buy:

• Official team stores at:
  • Truist Park – 755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium – 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  • State Farm Arena – 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Major retailers and malls such as Lenox Square (3393 Peachtree Rd NE) and Perimeter Mall (4400 Ashford Dunwoody Rd, Dunwoody).

2. Local Art, Prints, and Home Décor

Atlanta has a strong arts scene, especially around neighborhoods like Castleberry Hill, Cabbagetown, and the Westside.

You can buy:

• Prints of Atlanta skylines and landmarks
• Artwork inspired by street murals (like those around the BeltLine and Krog Street Tunnel)
• Handmade ceramics, candles, and home goods

Check:

• Castleberry Hill art galleries (near Walker St SW & Peters St SW)
• Atlanta Contemporary shop – 535 Means St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
• Pop-up markets and art festivals, commonly held in Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and Midtown parks.

3. Handmade Jewelry and Craft Items

Local makers often sell:

• Handcrafted jewelry
• Leather goods (wallets, keychains, belts)
• Textiles like scarves, hand-dyed shirts, and small accessories

You’ll often see these sold at:

• Weekend markets and neighborhood festivals
• Shops along the Atlanta BeltLine (especially Eastside Trail areas in Inman Park and Poncey-Highland)
• Retail collectives that feature multiple local artisans.

Cultural and Neighborhood-Themed Purchases

Atlanta’s neighborhoods each have their own feel. Buying something tied to a specific area is a good way to remember your time here or show local pride.

1. BeltLine and Neighborhood Merch

Tourists and residents commonly look for:

• T-shirts and hats referencing the Atlanta BeltLine, “Old Fourth Ward,” “East Atlanta,” or “West End”
• Prints showing murals, the Jackson Street Bridge skyline, or local landmarks
• Neighborhood-branded mugs or tote bags

Look in:

• Gift shops near Ponce City Market – 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Small boutiques in Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, and East Atlanta Village

2. Historically Inspired Items

Atlanta’s history—civil rights, transportation, and music—shapes many of the items you’ll see.

Things to consider buying:

• Books about Atlanta history and the Civil Rights Movement
• Postcards and small photo books featuring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and historic Sweet Auburn
• Educational children’s books about Atlanta or Georgia

You can find these at:

• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park bookstore – near 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• Museum shops at places like the Atlanta History Center – 130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

Books, Music, and Media From Atlanta

Atlanta has shaped hip-hop, R&B, and Southern literature in major ways, so media-related purchases are especially connected to the city.

1. Atlanta-Connected Books and Authors

Readers often look for:

• Novels and essays set in Atlanta or written by Atlanta-based authors
• Guides and photography books on Atlanta’s neighborhoods and culture
• Children’s books featuring Atlanta landmarks

Check:

• Independent bookstores in Little Five Points, Decatur, and Midtown
• Museum and cultural center shops

2. Music and Vinyl

Atlanta’s music scene—especially hip-hop, trap, and R&B—is globally recognized.

You may want to buy:

• Vinyl records or CDs from Atlanta-linked artists
• Posters of iconic Atlanta music venues
• Local music zines or small-press publications

Look for record shops in:

• Little Five Points
• The Westside and Downtown areas

Everyday Essentials and Good-Value Buys in Atlanta

If you’re staying in Atlanta for a while, you may be less focused on souvenirs and more on practical purchases.

1. Groceries and Household Items

For regular shopping, most residents consider:

• Large chains in the city and inner suburbs (for everyday groceries and household products)
• Farmers markets and co-ops for fresh produce and bulk items
• Warehouse clubs in the metro area if you’re stocking up

Atlanta’s traffic patterns mean location matters—people often try to shop near home or work to avoid long commutes, especially along I‑285, I‑75, I‑85, and GA‑400.

2. Clothing and Everyday Apparel

Atlanta has everything from high-end malls to budget-friendly outlets.

Common approaches:

• Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza (Buckhead) for upscale clothing and accessories
• Perimeter Mall and Cumberland Mall for a wide mix of mid-range stores
• Discount and outlet centers around the metro area for value buys

Because of Atlanta’s humid summers and mild winters, practical clothing buys include:

• Lightweight, breathable fabrics for summer
• Layers, light jackets, and rain gear for spring and fall
• Comfortable walking shoes for exploring neighborhoods and trails

Atlanta Gift Ideas by Budget

Here’s a quick reference for what to buy in Atlanta based on how much you want to spend.

Seasonal Things to Buy in Atlanta

Some of the best buys depend on when you’re in the city.

Spring and Summer

• Georgia peaches and peach products
• Fresh produce from local farmers markets
• Light clothing, hats, and reusable water bottles for hot weather and festivals
• Picnic supplies for Piedmont Park, Chastain Park, and BeltLine outings

Fall

• Items tied to football season (Falcons and college teams)
• Atlanta United FC merchandise during peak soccer excitement
• Seasonal candles and home décor for cooler evenings

Winter and Holiday Season

• Atlanta-themed holiday ornaments and décor
• Gift sets featuring local foods, coffees, or jams
• Warmer layers and accessories for downtown and Midtown walking

Practical Tips for Buying in Atlanta

To make buying in Atlanta easier and more intentional:

• Shop near your transit route 🚗
  Consider where you’re staying or working—Midtown, Buckhead, Downtown, or Decatur—and look for shops and markets that align with your daily routes to avoid extra traffic.

• Combine sightseeing with shopping
  Places like Ponce City Market, Atlantic Station, and Little Five Points let you eat, explore, and shop in the same area.

• Ask locals and staff
  When in markets, galleries, or small shops, ask what’s locally made or “Atlanta-specific.” Staff often know which items best represent the city.

• Keep an eye on portability
  If you’re traveling, prioritize items that are easy to pack: coffee, T‑shirts, small art prints in tubes, compact food gifts, and paperback books.

When thinking about what to buy in Atlanta, the most satisfying choices tend to be locally made, culturally connected, and practical enough that you’ll actually use them. Whether you walk away with Georgia peaches, a BeltLine print, or a Braves cap, focusing on items that genuinely reflect the city will give you a more memorable—and useful—piece of Atlanta to keep.