Many people ask me: What are the top best gift shops and souvenirs shops along Route 66? What are the best places to buy gifts for family and friends during the Mother Road trip? Where to buy Route 66 gifts?
Route 66 is filled with gift shops that sell a wide range of souvenirs and memorabilia related to the historic route. Some examples of items that you may find at these shops include:
- Route 66 signs, license plates, and other road-related decor
- T-shirts, hats, and other clothing items with Route 66 logos or designs
- Postcards, magnets, and other small souvenirs
- Books, maps, and other publications about the history of Route 66
- Retro items and nostalgic gifts such as vintage gas pumps, neon signs, and other items reminiscent of the golden age of American road travel
This is a list of my top 6 favorite gift shops along Route 66, starting from Chicago and ending in Santa Monica. Each entry includes the name, mileage, a detailed description, helpful tips, address, and GPS coordinates. For more information, you can check out my travel guide about Route 66, “Route 66 Travel Guide – 202 Amazing Places”. Here are my top 6 picks for the best gift shops on Route 66:
1. The Shop On Route 66
ROUTE 66 : 70 MI / 113 KM Gardner, ILLINOIS
GPS: 41.189708, -88.305424
ADDRESS: 315 N Center St, Gardner, IL 60424
Gardner, Illinois is a charming town that owes its existence to the Chicago & Alton Railroad. In 1854, the railroad’s chief engineer, Henry Gardner, along with his partners J.C. Spencer and C.H. Gould, purchased the land where the railroad tracks were set to pass through. They then platted a town and named it after Gardner himself.
If you’re looking for a unique shopping experience, be sure to check out “The Shop on Route 66” in Gardner. It’s the perfect place to find gifts for your loved ones. They have a wide selection of items, from handmade crafts to vintage souvenirs.
2. World’s Largest Gift Store
ROUTE 66 : 470 MI / 756 KM Phillipsburg, MISSOURI
GPS: 37.558352, -92.786924
ADDRESS: 332 Pine Street, Phillipsburg, MO 65722
If you’re a fan of Route 66 and all things Americana, be sure to stop by “The World’s Largest Gift Store” near the Phillipsburg exit. This store boasts an impressive collection of Route 66 memorabilia, from vintage signs and license plates to t-shirts and postcards.
One of the highlights of the store is a rare find indeed – Lucille Ball’s 1940 Cadillac. The beloved American actress and Hollywood icon owned the car during the height of her career, and it has been lovingly preserved for visitors to admire.
As you browse the store, you’ll find yourself transported back in time to the heyday of Route 66. The walls are lined with vintage photos and artifacts, and the friendly staff is happy to share stories and answer questions about the Mother Road.
3. Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios on 66
ROUTE 66 : 701 MI / 1128 KM Tulsa, OKLAHOMA
GPS: 36.148069, -95.97386
ADDRESS: 1347 East 11th Street, Tulsa, OK 74120
For a truly unique Route 66 shopping experience, look no further than Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios on 66. Housed in a former PEMCO gas station from the 1950s, this gift shop offers an eclectic selection of souvenirs, apparel, toys, home accessories, art, jewelry, and more – all celebrating the magic of the Mother Road.
One of the standout features of Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios on 66 is its collection of Made in the U.S.A. souvenirs. From keychains and magnets to t-shirts and mugs, you’ll find plenty of items to commemorate your Route 66 journey.
As you approach the shop, you can’t miss the giant cowboy statue that stands outside, welcoming visitors with open arms. This impressive sculpture was created by Mark Cline, while the nearby rocket was crafted by local artist Chris Wollard. And don’t forget to say hello to Buck Atom’s robot friend, Robot #1, who stands guard by the front door.
Inside the shop, you’ll find even more delights. From vintage gas station signs to quirky pop art, there’s something for everyone. And the staff is friendly and knowledgeable, always happy to share stories and answer questions about Route 66.
So whether you’re a seasoned Route 66 traveler or just starting your journey, be sure to add Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios on 66 to your list of must-see stops. It’s a gift shop that truly captures the spirit of the Mother Road.
4. Tee Pee Curios
ROUTE 66 : 1167 MI / 1878 KM TUCUMCARI, NEW MEXICO
GPS: 35.171717, -103.714766
ADDRESS: 924 E Rte 66 Blvd, Tucumcari, NM 88401
As you cruise through Tucumcari on Route 66, keep an eye out for a unique sight – a giant teepee in the heart of the city. This is Tee Pee Curios, one of the few remaining teepee curio shops in New Mexico.
Tee Pee Curios has a rich history, dating back to the 1940s when it started as a gas and grocery store. Today, it’s a souvenir shop that celebrates the magic of Route 66 and the beauty of New Mexico. You’ll find a wide variety of items for sale, including pottery, t-shirts, jewelry, postcards, and of course, Route 66 memorabilia.
One of the best things about Tee Pee Curios is the friendly staff. They’re always happy to share stories and answer questions about the shop and its history. And if you’re lucky, you might even get to meet one of the owners, who are known to hang out in the teepee and chat with visitors.
But Tee Pee Curios is more than just a gift shop – it’s a piece of Route 66 history. The teepee itself is a unique and iconic structure, and the shop has been featured in countless travel guides and TV shows over the years.
So if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind Route 66 shopping experience, be sure to stop by Tee Pee Curios in Tucumcari. It’s a gift shop that truly captures the spirit of the Mother Road.
5. Jack Rabbit Trading Post
ROUTE 66 : 1590 MI / 2560 KM JOSEPH CITY, ARIZONA
GPS: 34.968082, -110.43043
ADDRESS: 3386 U.S. Rte 66, Joseph City, AZ 86032
As you travel down Route 66, you’ll come across a true icon of the Mother Road – the Jack Rabbit Trading Post. For many travelers who journeyed on Route 66 in the 1950s, the Jack Rabbit was a must-visit destination.
The store began as a convenience store and curio shop, but it’s the whimsical billboards that really made it famous. The billboards featured a mysterious jackrabbit and the words “HERE IT IS!” – a tantalizing invitation to curious travelers.
Today, the Jack Rabbit Trading Post is still going strong, and it’s a great place to stop and shop for Route 66 souvenirs. In front of the store, you’ll find a giant fiberglass jackrabbit that you can ride for pictures, as well as the iconic “HERE IT IS!” billboard that inspired a scene in the Pixar movie “Cars.”
Inside the store, you’ll find a wide variety of Route 66 and Arizona-themed gifts and souvenirs, including t-shirts, postcards, magnets, and more. And if you’re hungry, be sure to try one of their famous “Jack Rabbit” sandwiches – a delicious treat that’s been a favorite of travelers for decades.
So if you’re looking for a classic Route 66 shopping experience, be sure to stop at the Jack Rabbit Trading Post. It’s a true icon of the Mother Road, and a must-visit destination for anyone traveling down Route 66.
6. Angel Delgadillo’s Barber – Gift Shop
ROUTE 66 : 1737 MI / 2795 KM Seligman, ARIZONA
GPS: 35.326053, -112.873354
ADDRESS: 22265 W Historic Rte 66, Seligman, AZ 86337
Seligman is a historic Route 66 town that has faced its fair share of challenges. After the town was bypassed by Interstate-40 in 1978, it struggled economically. However, the perseverance of its residents, led by Angel Delgadillo, a local barber, helped revive the town and made it the “Birthplace of Historic Route 66” in 1987.
Today, Seligman is a popular stop for travelers looking to experience the nostalgia of the Mother Road. You can visit Angel’s barber shop, which now serves as a visitors center, museum, gift shop, and barbershop all in one! Angel is always happy to chat with visitors and share the story of Seligman and Route 66. Make sure to also check out his unique gift shop filled with Route 66 souvenirs, memorabilia, and more. A stop in Seligman is a must for any Route 66 enthusiast!
This is a landmark along Route 66 and you should also check out this post for more information: Route 66 – The 25 BEST TOP Stops to Visit – Must-see places! What to see?
7. Oatman General Store
ROUTE 66 : 1837 MI / 2956 KM OATMAN, ARIZONA
GPS: 35.026155, -114.3836153
ADDRESS: 180 Main St, Oatman, AZ 86433, United States
Looking for a historic Route 66 stop? Check out the Hackberry General Store! Originally built in 1934, it served as a Route 66 pitstop for travelers seeking food, fuel, and supplies. Now, the store has been restored to its former glory and offers a wide range of Route 66 memorabilia, vintage gas pumps, and classic cars on display. You can also grab a cold drink or snack before continuing on your journey. Don’t miss the chance to step back in time at the Hackberry General Store!
👍 Find out more:
Discover the best stops along the Mother Road in my travel guide, “Route 66 Travel Guide – 202 Amazing Places”, which is available on Amazon. This is the ultimate travel guide and pocket reference for anyone wishing to experience the nostalgia and wonder of America’s Route 66! MUST-HAVE for all Route 66 travelers. Visit 202 places on Route 66 with “Scan QR and go” for easy navigation.
Author:
Mark Watson is a California-based member of a Los Angeles Motorcycle Club and a keen traveler. He’s traveled the entirety of U. S. Route 66 seven times on his Harley-Davidson. He strives to interest others in the historic drive to keep the legendary Route 66 alive. He also traveled through the Alaska Highway. He is an author of bestseller books on Amazon: “Route 66 Travel Guide – 202 Amazing Places” and “Alaska Highway – 202 Best Stops”.