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One of my favorite things to do while traveling is to buy souvenirs. While some are brought back specifically for friends, others are only for me – as a reminder of my great trip!
Whether you buy them for yourself or give them away, here are the ten best souvenirs from Jamaica:
10 Best Souvenirs From Jamaica
1. Coffee
The Blue Mountains are one of the best coffee-producing regions of the world. Look for bags labeled “100% Blue Mountain Coffee” as all others will include a blend of lesser-quality beans. Expect to pay about $25-$30 for a pound of coffee in whole beans or ground. Smaller bags of coffee beans make the ideal present for the coffee lover in your life.
2. Jerk Spices
Jamaican jerk chicken is what the island is known for, so instead of bringing some chicken home (that could make your suitcase very smelly!), bring back some jerk spices and make it at home! Make sure you ask about the spice level since some can be very hot while others are milder.
3. Rum
Jamaica produces some of the best rum in the world. Choose from Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum, Appleton Estate, or anything in between. The country hosts a Rum Festival every March, so they take their rum quality to the next level. When buying alcohol, be aware of any restrictions on bringing alcohol back to the US. If you’re on a cruise ship, you’ll have to turn over your packages to the cruise ship personnel. The crew returns packages the night before disembarkation.
4. Wood Crafts
Almost any stop in Jamaica will have local artisans lined up with their wood crafts. The pressure is intense as the artists shove “free” gifts into your hands. But there are some pretty items, and the number of details on some sculptures showcases both deep talent and patience. The typical wood sculpture is made of hardwood – the local lignum vitae, mahogany, cedar, or dogwood. Take your time, find a statue that calls to your heart, and reward the artist appropriately.
5. Cigars
This may be a cheat, but if you want to purchase Cuban cigars, Jamaica is one of the countries where you can do that. If you do this, you’ll need to smoke them before you arrive in the United States since they are still illegal here.
6. Hot Sauces
Jamaica offers many varieties if you love a good hot sauce! To purchase what Jamaicans eat, you should look for the Original Pickapeppa Sauce. Nicknamed the “Jamaican Ketchup,” Pickapeppa Sauce blends West Indies peppers, tomatoes, onions, raisins, cane vinegar, orange peel, and spices. Substitute this for your regular ketchup fixing! Or try any variety of spicy to sweet sauces.
7. Jewelry
You’ll find Diamonds International, Effy, and other jewelry stores like many other Caribbean destinations. But if you’re looking for something more local to the Caribbean, look for jewelry made with Alexandrite, a stone that changes colors from green to a purple berry color. It is thought to bring good luck and originates in Brazil. Or look for Laramite, a light blue stone originating in the Dominican Republic.
Jamaica is the home of Bob Marley and reggae. Everywhere you look, you’ll see Bob Marley memorabilia and hear reggae. So why not bring some of that home? If you have a music fan in your life, or you’re a fan, consider purchasing a music-related item.
9. Jamaican Root Tonic
Jamaicans drink root tonics to remedy and maybe even cure some ailments. You can even buy them in the supermarket! Whether you’re looking for a tonic to improve your stamina, sexual performance, or more, you’re likely to find a root tonic. The beverages are based on various roots like cherry bark, sarsaparilla, and others that have known medicinal properties. Of course, some of the claims are not backed by science, so think of these as a fun souvenir.
10. Destination Souvenirs
The catch-all category is always souvenirs tagged with Jamaica or in Jamaican flag colors. From t-shirts to cups, snowglobes, Christmas tree ornaments, and magnets, bring home something that leaves no doubt where you bought it.
And one souvenir NOT to buy in Jamaica!
Marijuana
Everywhere you go on the island, you’ll be offered pot brownies or baggies of weed. Keep in mind that while possession of cannabis is no longer criminal in Jamaica, you cannot bring it home or on a cruise ship with you.
Shop around for the best prices, and don’t be afraid to bargain. Enjoy shopping for the best souvenirs from Jamaica!
Check out more Caribbean content:
- Is Dunn River Falls Overrated?
- Is a Perfect Day at CocoCay Really Perfect?
- Tips Every Cruiser Should Know
Happy travels,
Annick, The Common Traveler
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.
I didn’t even know we sold Cuban cigars in Jamaica! This makes sense though as they are our closest neighbour 🙂 Great list of souvenirs. Honorary mention to Jamaican chocolate brands such as Mount Pleasant and Pure Chocolate (their packaging is a literal work of art).
I’ll have to try those! I’m a fan of both chocolate and art!