14 Essential Souvenirs from Ocho Rios

If you love cruising and are eager to satisfy your shopping cravings, Ocho Rios is your ideal destination. It’s one of the top cruise stops for picking up souvenirs, authentic Jamaican crafts, and great duty-free bargains. Whether you meander through local craft markets, visit upscale shopping centers, or find unique items in gift shops, Ocho Rios is a paradise for shoppers.

To assist you in choosing what to buy in Ocho Rios, here are our 14 top recommendations that you'll cherish.

1. Jerk Seasonings and Sauces

As the birthplace of jerk cuisine, you can't leave Jamaica without taking some spicy products home. Recreate the delectable jerk chicken you’ll encounter throughout Ocho Rios with jerk spices. You can also find jerk sauce for classic Jamaican meat and seafood dishes at specialty shops, restaurants, and supermarkets.

Grilled Jamaican jerk chicken served on a platter

2. Aromatherapy Items

Candles and aromatherapy oils make delightful gifts for your loved ones. Available in pharmacies and specialty stores, these luxurious products include handmade Caribbean-scented soaps, bath salts, body oils, natural mosquito repellents, and a stunning selection of exquisite candles.

3. Local Pottery

Jamaican art beautifully reflects its lively communities and rich traditions. When you shop in Ocho Rios, you'll discover exceptional, original pottery pieces to bring home, including statues, teapots, cups, and vases. The best part is that each item is unique, showcasing distinctive designs, intricate patterns, and vibrant colors.

4. Oil Paintings

Bring home a piece of the landscape by purchasing oil paintings at local craft markets and galleries. These artworks are influenced by Jamaica’s vibrant culture and breathtaking scenery, allowing you to keep the tropical atmosphere alive. Common themes include plantation homes, seascapes, dancers, lush gardens, wildlife, and of course, tributes to Bob Marley.

5. Jamaican Coffee

You’ve likely heard of Jamaica’s renowned coffee and are eager to sample a delicious island blend. There are numerous chances to purchase coffee, but the most celebrated variety is cultivated in the Blue Mountains, which holds certification from the Coffee Industry Board of Jamaica.

A blue cup of Jamaican coffee with scattered coffee beans on a table

6. Wooden Carvings

Jamaica is famous for its exquisite wood carving, utilizing dense hardwoods like lignum vitae, cedar, and mahogany. You can find a variety of items ranging from traditional masks to dolphin sculptures, wooden bowls, vases, and Rastafarian-themed artworks.

7. Rum

There’s nothing quite like an afternoon spent by the sea enjoying rum punch, swimming, and relaxing on the beach in Ocho Rios. After trying the local brands and picking your favorites, you can easily purchase rum duty-free or at local supermarkets and gift shops. If alcohol isn’t your thing but you love the taste of Jamaica’s signature spirit, consider taking home some delicious rum cakes for dessert.

A bottle of Jamaican rum with sunglasses on the beach

8. Handwoven Items

Crafted from straw, wicker, or palm leaves, woven goods make for traditional and practical souvenirs. Before the advent of plastic bags, locals often used a straw traveling basket or "bankra" for carrying their belongings. Nowadays, you can find placemats, decorative baskets, vases, and a variety of ornamental pieces for your home. Be sure to grab an iconic palm leaf hat, celebrated for its strength, durability, and ability to help shield you from sunburn!

9. Jamaican Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil

Renowned for its myriad benefits, especially in hair and skincare, coconut oil is a must-have. You can find Jamaican cold-pressed coconut oil throughout Ocho Rios in its pure, organic form, making it one of the best sources available worldwide.

A glass of coconut oil beside two coconuts

10. Jamaican Handmade Dolls

For gifts suitable for children or those young at heart, explore craft shops and markets for Jamaican dolls. These handmade stuffed dolls, adorned in traditional colors, make delightful gifts for kids. Consider getting a doll that speaks Jamaican Patois, bringing back the popular phrases you’ll encounter during your cruise!

11. Jamaican Treats

If you have a penchant for sweets, Ocho Rios offers a variety of delightful options. Indulge in coconut-flavored delicacies like gizzada and grater cake, or try a mango cheesecake, banana pancake, or plantain tart. For souvenirs, you can also find gift boxes filled with mini rum cakes, tamarind balls, and peanut brittle.

12. Seashell Artwork

While cruising, you might encounter various seashell souvenirs, but Jamaica offers a unique take on seashell art. Featuring vibrant red, yellow, and green color schemes, these creative designs are exclusive to Ocho Rios. You can find everything from elaborate necklace pendants to wall hangings and ocean-themed decorations.

13. Coconut Wine Glasses

Coconut wine glasses are a charming and lightweight souvenir that will remind you of your island getaway. Crafted from real coconut shells, these glasses are easy to carry and stylish. Next time you host a dinner party, using them will whisk you back to your beachside experience.

14. Genuine Reggae Music

Jamaica, known as the birthplace of reggae in the late 1960s, boasts a vibrant music scene that extends beyond the legendary tracks of Bob Marley. Wherever you venture, you'll encounter the lively, uplifting melodies of local musicians and immerse yourself in the culture through its fashion and dance. Make the most of your trip by discovering new reggae rhythms to share with friends back home, or consider picking up a Bob Marley CD as a quintessential Jamaican keepsake.