The 5 Least Disappointing Souvenir Shops in Las Vegas

As many gift shops as Las Vegas must have, there aren't many that are worth specifically mentioning. Here are 5 of the best ones that definitely stand out, and you probably won't be disappointed.

Bonanza Gift Shop

2440 Las Vegas Boulevard South

Open 8am-midnight every day.

Billed as "The World's Biggest Gift Shop," this probably isn't true, but it's definitely the biggest in Vegas! Over 40,000 square feet of unique, unusual and some just plain odd gifts and novelties are sold here, with items you can get pretty much anywhere in Vegas, along with things you won't be able to find anywhere else. Tacky souvenirs as well as more classy ones are both available, from prices ranging in very cheap to a bit pricey. There is definitely someone for everyone at the Bonanza Gift Shop.

Located on Sahara and the Strip, it's easy to find from the downtown area. The staff here is very friendly and eager to help, so if you're looking for something specifically it doesn't hurt to ask.

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Gamblers General Store

800 South Main St.
Located 8 blocks south of the Plaza Hotel

Open daily 9am-6pm.

For the poker and casino lovers, the Gamblers General Store is a heaven of a collection of items such as poker supplies, gambling books, and slot and video poker machines - the last of which start at around a few grand. Over 5,000 other unique items saturate this establishment, probably making it the biggest gambling store in the world. They also have an option to personalize your chips for you, whether for yourself or a certain event such as a wedding.

Prices can tend to be high here, but basically only for the big stuff like the vintage slot machines, roulette tables, and if you do choose to have personalization done on your chips. But for the basics - books, cards, chips, etc. the costs are more than reasonable. The staff here is also very knowledgeable of the product and won't hover around you, trying to get you to buy anything.

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Il Prato

3355 Las Vegas Blvd. South
The Venetian

A similar boutique resides in Venice, Italy, where the prices can by sky-high for the same authentic product. Here, however, you can pretend you're in Italy without every leaving Vegas. This tiny store is full of unique Italian dolls and decor, with items like Venetian glass jewelry, carnival masks, and hand-sewn 18th- and 19th-century costumes displayed on mannequins around the shop. Other small, beautiful items include stationary such as glass calligraphy pens and journals.

Psychic Eye Book Shops

6848 West Charleston Boulevard

Open Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm, Sunday 11am-6pm

For those into mystics and the occult, or simply those that are interested in something more unique, the Psychic Eye Book Shop is a great place even just to spend time browsing. They have a very large collection of books displayed on tables, a great selection of herbs, many kinds of candles, holders and incense, a large area of charms and accessories, and even a drum table and sword display.

Prices are really reasonable here, with some more authentic, unique items being more costly. But most of the merchandise should be completely affordable for the average Las Vegas tourist. It's a nice place to go even if you don't buy anything, however - the peaceful environment with calming music in the background provides a nice escape away from the bustling city. The staff here are very friendly and helpful, and also offers psychic readings.

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Houdini's Magic Shop

3500 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Forum at Caesars

Also located in the MGM Grand, Circus Circus, Buffalo Bill's, The Venetian and New York New York.

Open Sunday-Thursday 9am-11pm, Friday-Saturday 9am-12am

This is a great little store for magic lovers or the practical joker, as the shop is full of all kinds of tricks and prank items that you can think of. Also lying in wait of this business is a mini museum, with over 100 of Houdini's original items that he used in his escapes. Also displayed are photos, letters and rare posters. All of this is free of charge to look at.

The items aren't exuberantly priced, but it is Las Vegas and these shops are all located in hotels on the Strip, so expect to pay some more than you might somewhere else - if you can even find a shop like this anywhere else. The staff routinely shows off some tricks and won't let you know the secret of anything unless you buy the product. A fair sales tactic.

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