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Ah, the island of Curacao, a slice of paradise where the sunsets compete with the cocktails for your attention. If you’re looking to bring a piece of this Caribbean dream back home, you’re in luck! Pick up some local treasures on your way back from Mambo Beach or your favorite island spot. Local businesses in Willemstadt offer lots of opportunities to pick up your favorite souvenir.
Here’s an expanded list of the 12 best Curacao souvenirs, each with a little extra narrative to tickle your fancy and make your friends green with envy – or maybe that’s just the Blue Curacao talking.
Best Souvenirs From Curaçao
1. Blue Curacao Liqueur
Not your average tropical tipple, this is the genie in a bottle of the Caribbean – except instead of granting wishes, it grants you the superpower to instantly teleport your taste buds back to the beach. It’s also a great way to convince your friends that you spent your vacation becoming a certified wizard of mixology.
This is not just a drink; it’s a bottled Caribbean sky. It’s perfect for convincing your friends that you’ve mastered the art of alchemy by turning the ocean into a beverage. Just a splash of this azure elixir can turn any cocktail into a tropical masterpiece, and a bottle makes a great souvenir unless customs believe you’re smuggling Smurf-essence. Now you’ve got something to put in those shot glasses you’ve been collecting!
2. Dutch Cheese
You haven’t experienced Curacao until you’ve lugged a cheese that could double as a spare tire back home. It’s like a savory postcard, except it’s delicious and won’t fit in your mailbox. You’ll know you’ve become a true cheese smuggler when customs gives you that “are you for wheel?” look. Gouda, Edam, or Maasdam, the Dutch are serious about their cheese, and so is Curacao.
You can buy a wheel of cheese that’s almost as big as the tires on your rental car for a good price. It’s perfect for when you want to reminisce about your trip and clog your arteries with delicious memories. The only problem is that some countries customs do not allow you to bring back cheese – so check first!
3. Chichi Dolls
These aren’t just figurines; they’re ambassadors of Curacao’s vibrant culture, each one hand-painted with more personality than your average reality TV star. Chichi dolls are the ultimate keepsake for anyone who appreciates art, color, or having a small army of curvy ceramic ladies.
These brightly painted, well-endowed sculptures are symbolic of the elder sister in the Curacaoan culture. A chichi doll is handcrafted and unique. Check them out at Serena’s Art Factory or shops around the island.
4. Curacao License Plates
Want to make your car the coolest vehicle this side of the equator? Slap on a Curacao license plate. Is it street-legal? Probably not. But it will definitely add some island flair to your ride, and you’ll have the most exotic grocery-getter in the parking lot. In all seriousness, I see so many people collecting these and they make a unique gift.
5. Aloe Vera Products
Sunburns are the badges of honor for any seasoned traveler, but with Curacao’s aloe vera, you can soothe your skin and keep your vacation glow without looking like a lobster that’s seen too much. Plus, it’s a great way to relive the sensation of that tropical breeze… through the magic of refrigeration. After a day in the Curacao sun, your skin might feel like it’s had a close encounter with a volcano. Aloe vera products from local plantations will soothe your skin and ego because, let’s face it, you thought SPF 5 was enough.
6. Delft Blue Pottery
If you’re looking to class up your curio cabinet, nothing says, “I’ve been to Curacao… and also kinda the Netherlands,” like Delft Blue Pottery. Since there are no import duties for Dutch products, you’ll find a lot of these. Each piece is a conversation starter – “Yes, that’s a windmill on my mug; no, I can’t make it spin.” While not native to Curacao, this Dutch pottery is as iconic as wooden shoes and tulips. It’s perfect for serving up a slice of Europe in the Caribbean, and each piece is like a Smurf’s dream home – quaint, blue, and absolutely adorable. A good place to buy these is at the nice shop inside the Rif Fort.
7. Handmade Jewelry
There’s nothing like jewelry crafted from local artisans to remind you of the island’s sparkle. It’s like wearing a piece of the Caribbean around your neck, without the hassle of explaining to airport security why there’s a beach in your luggage. Curacao’s handmade jewelry will add Caribbean flair to your daily wardrobe from bracelets made with Larimar stones to earrings that jingle with the sound of island music. Plus, they’re much easier to pack than a palm tree.
8. Hand-Painted Miniature Houses
The bright and joyous colors of these tiny homes capture the heart of Willemstad’s iconic Handelskade backdrop. They’re the perfect way to add a pop of color to your decor, and they don’t require a mortgage, which is always a plus.
9. Curaçao Liqueur Chocolates
Imagine the lovechild of a bonbon and a bottle of Blue Curacao. These chocolates are that fantasy come to life, and they’re the perfect way to end your day – or start it; we’re not judging. Combine two of humanity’s greatest inventions – chocolate and booze – and you get Curaçao Liqueur Chocolates. They’re like a party in your mouth where everyone’s invited but your dentist.
10. Cura Sauce
This sauce is the liquid embodiment of Curacao’s fiery sunsets. One drop and your kitchen becomes the island’s most exclusive (and possibly only) gourmet hotspot. Use it wisely, or you’ll find your taste buds clamoring for relief. I love bringing hot sauces home since these local products take you right back to your vacation!
11. Curacaoan Spices
These spices will have your food cabinet smelling like a Curacao market. Just a sprinkle and you’ll be the culinary wizard of your neighborhood. Be warned, though: after a few bites, your dinner guests may start spontaneously limbo dancing. The spice must flow, and flow it shall from your kitchen after you bring home a selection of pika (hot sauce) and other island spices. They’re perfect when you want to bring the culture of the islands to your bland menu and can often be found in gift packages.
12. Local Art
Add to your art collection with colorful paintings and local artist products. Local artist Nena Sanchez’s art features in important collections worldwide. If you buy a larger piece, make sure to choose a reliable seller who will offer great packaging to send the item directly to your home. Keep in mind that customs declaration laws will likely apply. Opt for wood carvings such as vases for something easier to carry!
Final Thoughts on the Best Curaçao Souvenirs
These beautiful Curacao souvenirs are not just mementos; they’re tangible reminders of the good time you spent in a place where the breeze is always warm, the water is fifty shades of blue, and every hour is happy hour. So pack your bags (and maybe a separate one for that cheese) and prepare to smuggle a slice of Curacao into your everyday life. Remember, the best souvenirs make the customs officer raise an eyebrow in silent respect for your vacation game.
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Happy travels,
Annick, The Common Traveler
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Raised as a third culture kid living in South America and Europe, Annick caught the travel bug early. As an empty-nester, Annick enjoys sharing her tips for traveling for those with champagne taste and beer budgets.