Shopping for Jamaican souvenirs is truly an adventure in itself. From detailed wood carvings and vibrant canvas paintings to delicious local treats and award-winning rums, the island offers something for every type of traveler.
Whether you’re in search of a meaningful keepsake or something more functional like tie-dye clothes and ceramic mugs, there’s plenty to choose from.
Blue Mountain Coffee
Blue Mountain coffee beans
As a big coffee drinker, buying a bag of locally roasted coffee beans is one of my go-to souvenirs to enjoy after my trip. I discovered Blue Mountain Coffee on my first trip to Jamaica, and it quickly became my favorite way to start my day.
As its name suggests, Blue Mountain Coffee is grown in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, and it’s among the island’s most popular exports. The flavor is mild, which I personally like, and it has low acidity and a smooth finish.
You can always order online, but I suggest heading to Main Street Rose Hall shopping center to pick up a bag or two in person. One of the best things to do in Falmouth is browse the duty-free stores at the Port of Falmouth Shops, where you can shop from companies like Wallenford Estate, Flamstead Estate, and Clifton Mount Estate.
Jamaican Rum
Jamaican rum
If you’re not so much of a coffee drinker but do enjoy drinks made with Caribbean rum, then options from brands like Appleton Estate and Wray & Nephew Overproof are the way to go.
Appleton Estate offers tours of their rum distillery and tastings, and it’s a fun way to decide which bottle to take home as one of your Jamaican souvenirs.
Otherwise, head to some of the island’s major shopping hubs like Main Street Rose Hall, the duty-free shops at the Port of Falmouth Retail Centre, and the Taj Mahal Shopping Center in Ocho Rios for a selection of Jamaican rums.
Jerk Seasoning & Spices
Jerk seasoning
Jerk seasoning is the perfect souvenir for home chefs. While every recipe is a little different, you can expect a blend of Scotch bonnet peppers, Allspice, thyme, and spices like garlic, ginger, and nutmeg.
Together, they create a spicy seasoning that chefs use as a paste over chicken, pork, fish, and even vegetables. It’s on the spicy side, but it also has sweet and savory notes.
Locally made jerk seasoning is available at all the major shopping areas on the island, as well as in souvenir shops and grocery stores. Depending on the bottle’s size, you can pack it in your carry-on or checked bag. Just make sure to wrap it in clothing for a bit of padding.
Wood Carvings & Handcrafted Art
Wood carvings
Wood carving is a long-standing tradition in Jamaica, with handmade pieces that include bowls, masks, and sculptures.
Artisans typically make their wood carvings from red cedar and Lignum Vitae, a tree found throughout the Caribbean and that bears Jamaica’s national flower. Red cedar and Lignum Vitae are also very tough woods, making it easier for artisans to carve intricate designs.
For the widest selection of wood carvings and other authentic Jamaican souvenirs, visit one of the island’s craft markets. These are located all over the island, from Falmouth to Negril and Main Street Rose Hall in Montego Bay.
Read: Best Places to Visit in Jamaica
Rasta-Themed Items
Rasta-themed necklace
While Bob Marley played a significant role in spreading Rastafarianism worldwide, it emerged in the 1930s as a rejection of colonialism. In Jamaica, many souvenir shops sell Rasta-themed items, from hats to bracelets to artwork.
The Rasta Vibes Emporium at Main Street Rose Hall has a selection of clothing and jewelry. However, if you’re in search of something handmade, you’ll have better luck shopping for beaded bracelets at craft markets like the ones in Falmouth or Ocho Rios.
Jamaican Art
Woodwork is just one type of art form you’ll see in Jamaica. You’ll also find ceramics and pottery, wall hangings, and detailed sculptures.
While some pieces are delicate and best reserved as statement pieces in your home, items like ceramic mugs and plates are made for everyday use. Paintings come in different canvas sizes and are usually vibrant, depicting Jamaica’s beach and mountain landscapes.
The Artisan Village at Falmouth and the Falmouth Craft Market feature different types of artwork, and Main Street Rose Hall regularly sells things like home decor and small sculptures perfect for bringing home as Jamaican souvenirs.
Handmade Jewelry
Beaded necklace
No matter where I travel, jewelry is usually my souvenir of choice. These pieces are often small, delicate, and easy to pack in my carry-on without me worrying about them breaking.
Plus, much of the jewelry I’ve seen in Jamaica is handmade by local artisans, and the perfect way to remember my trip. In Jamaica, I found some really nice pieces at the Falmouth Craft Market and the Artisan Village in Falmouth.
When shopping for souvenirs from Jamaica, keep in mind that coral, conch shells, and “tortoiseshell” products are heavily regulated, so I’d steer clear of any jewelry made with any of these materials. Instead, stick to beaded jewelry or pieces made with semi-precious gemstones.
Straw Hats & Woven Baskets
Straw hats
Making straw hats and woven baskets is a handicraft that has Taino roots, later influenced by African traditions.
The Taino were the first people to inhabit Jamaica. They began weaving baskets, hats, and other items from natural materials such as grass, palm leaves, and reeds.
Today, the tradition continues, and you can find many straw hats and woven baskets for sale at markets around the island. Aside from its cultural significance, straw is a lightweight material ideal for carrying on hot days.
Essential Oils & Natural Beauty Products
Coconut oil
Jamaica is known for high-quality black castor oil and coconut oil. Black castor oil is commonly used in haircare and skincare. It is great at locking in moisture for hair and repairing damaged strands. For skincare, castor oil may help soothe dry skin and improve scalp condition.
The best place to shop for these products is at a local pharmacy or an artisan market. You can either buy 100% pure castor oil or coconut oil or products like shampoos and lotions that incorporate these ingredients.
A few local brands include Soma Glow, Ettenio, and Wrap Up, but a pharmacist may have other suggestions.
Tortuga Rum Cakes
Tortuga Rum Cakes
For anyone with a sweet tooth, a Tortuga rum cake might be the perfect souvenir to buy in Jamaica. The main ingredients are sugar, flour, eggs, water, oil, and Tortuga gold rum.
Although rum is in the name, it’s more about the taste than the alcohol itself. In fact, these cakes contain less than 0.5% alcohol.
For many first-time visitors to Jamaica, the Tortuga Rum Cake is a great souvenir to bring home or to gift friends and family. You can pick this treat up in many shops around the island, as well as airport duty-free shops and the Taj Mahal Shopping Center.
Batik & Tie-Dye Fabrics
Tie-dye shirts
It’s hard to walk around Jamaica without noticing the colorful tie-dye clothing locals wear. Most colors you’ll see on clothes sold in shops and at local craft markets are the Rasta colors of red, gold, and green.
It’s really interesting to see the different clothing items for sale, because each tie-dye pattern is slightly different.
Another nice thing about tie-dye clothing is that pieces are usually made from soft, lightweight, breathable fabrics. It’s something you can wear during your trip and then work into your wardrobe when you’re back home. Main Street Rose Hall offers many options, as do many of the island’s other shopping hubs.
Jamaican Curry Powder & Hot Sauces
Curry powder
In addition to jerk seasoning and spices, Jamaica sells plenty of locally made curry powders and hot sauces. Recipes vary depending on the brand, but for the most part, curry powders include turmeric, coriander, cumin, Allspice, and fenugreek.
Hot sauces, on the other hand, range from mild to extremely spicy in flavor and usually feature Scotch bonnet peppers and garlic.
Some will add fruits like mango or papaya to the mix for a sweeter, savory blend. Jamaicans regularly cook with curry powders and hot sauces, so you’ll find these at supermarkets as well as specialty shops.
FAQs
What is the best souvenir to bring back from Jamaica?
Castor oil
There are so many unique souvenirs to bring back from a trip to Jamaica. For something artful and authentic, consider shopping from local artisans who specialize in everything from wood carvings to handwoven straw bags and baskets to canvas artwork.
For something you can use daily, stock up on natural skincare products like castor oil or coconut oil. Castor oil is high in ricinoleic acid and other fatty acids, which are effective at reducing inflammation and moisturizing the skin.
What jewelry is Jamaica known for?
Bracelet
In Jamaica, jewelry designs vary widely depending on the artist and the materials they work with. For example, higher-end jewelry often features 10- or 14-karat gold, whereas other jewelry pieces incorporate semi-precious stones like quartz or agate.
Beaded bracelets are popular and come in a variety of colors and styles. You’ll find jewelry that incorporates the colors of the Jamaican flag: black, green, and gold. Rastafarian-inspired necklaces and bracelets are also great souvenirs to take back home as gifts.
What food souvenirs is Jamaica known for?
Blue Mountain coffee beans
There are many souvenirs to buy in Jamaica, but a few stand out. Jerk seasoning is very popular across the island, and many travelers buy a bottle or two to take back home. Scotch bonnet hot sauces are also popular, especially for those who like their food spicy.
Similarly, coffee drinkers should buy a bag of Blue Mountain Coffee beans to enjoy after their trip. Although coffee taste is highly personal, this Jamaican coffee brand is considered among the best-tasting in the world.
What kind of rum should I buy in Jamaica?
Appleton Estate rum Photo by
Indrajit Das on Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Jamaicans take their rum very seriously, and it’s one of the island’s most important exports. Appleton Estate is one of Jamaica’s most notable rum companies. If you have time, it’s worth heading to their estate to tour the distillery and sample a few of their most famous rums before purchasing a bottle as a souvenir. Their Core Collection includes their signature rum, their 8-year-old rum, and a rare 12-year-old rum.
For something sweet, look for Rum Cream, often compared to Irish cream, with a smooth texture that goes down easy.
What souvenirs should I avoid buying in Jamaica?
Souvenirs in Jamaica
As with any travel destination, it’s best to avoid bringing home anything from the natural environment. In Jamaica, this might be coral or trinkets made from the shells of endangered animals, such as sea turtles.
It can be difficult to know where these shells come from, so it’s best to avoid buying them altogether. It’s a nice way to support the environment and also avoid any issues with customs on your way out.
Depending on where you shop, you may also come across knockoff brand-name goods. It can be tempting to buy those, as they feel like a great deal, but these items are made illegally and are usually made of poor-quality materials.
Jamaica
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