Memorable Souvenirs and Gifts to Bring Home from the Caribbean
While there’s ample shopping available aboard Dinogo ships, you’ll be surprised by the myriad shopping opportunities as you sail through the stunning Caribbean, visiting top duty-free destinations like St. Thomas and St. Maarten. Yet, even with your personal shopping list in hand, have you considered what you’ll bring back for your friends and family?
If you have a quirky aunt, go ahead and grab some classic souvenirs like fridge magnets and t-shirts. But if you want your gift to stand out in a meaningful way, explore local art and crafts where you can connect with the creators. You might be astonished to discover where some souvenirs are actually made! You could end up with a memento that’s never seen the Caribbean sun.
Here are fantastic ideas for authentic and delightful souvenirs and gifts to bring back from the Caribbean!
Local Art
A wonderful way to cherish your Dinogo vacation is by acquiring a piece of local art for yourself or as a gift. It doesn’t have to break the bank; beautiful watercolor prints or handcrafted pottery by local artists can often be found for under $50 on most islands. Look for vibrant batik and textiles in St. Kitts and St. Lucia, perfect for framing; striking paintings from the Dominican Republic and Honduras; hand-carved masks and figurines from Puerto Rico and Antigua; and exquisite Dutch Delft blue pottery from Aruba. Additionally, you can find amazing artwork on board through Park West, and they’ll ship it to your home for free, eliminating the hassle of packing it yourself. How convenient!
Gourmet Treats & Spices
Food lovers in your life will cherish thoughtful gifts from The Caribbean that they can incorporate into their daily cooking, such as spices from Grenada or fresh vanilla from Mexico, which are significantly cheaper than in North America! If you want to add a bit more heat, consider popular hot sauces made in places like the Bahamas, Belize, and the Cayman Islands. Don’t forget the delicious rum cakes available throughout the Caribbean, and make sure to try the rich Jamaican coffee.
Crafts & Jewelry
A hand-woven basket from the straw market in the Bahamas might be the ideal gift for the eco-conscious shopper, while a handcrafted leather bag from Dominica could delight the fashion enthusiast in your life. A stunning blue dichroic glass pendant from Bonaire is sure to impress even the pickiest friend back home, as well as a piece of amber from the Dominican Republic or jade from Mexico.
Skincare Products
For friends who adore tropical scents, skincare products make a fantastic souvenir choice. You'll find a popular aloe vera skincare line readily available in shops across Aruba, along with natural skincare options in Barbados.
Linen & Home Essentials
Though linens may not be as trendy as they once were, you can still discover beautiful handmade tablecloths and accessories in St. Thomas. Alternatively, a hand-painted gourd bowl from the British Virgin Islands could be the perfect gift for the home decor enthusiast in your life.
Books & Music
In addition to artwork, one of my favorite things to buy in the Caribbean is books. They make excellent gifts and serve as great conversation starters or stylish accents for a coffee table. Consider picking up a history, photography, or language book. Similarly, to immerse yourself in Caribbean culture, gifting music is a fantastic choice. Grab a steel-pan drum or a reggae CD from Jamaica to keep the holiday spirit alive even when you’re back home!
For Collectors
If you have a collector at home, there are plenty of unique items to bring back from the Caribbean. Think of conch shells from the Bahamas, hand-carved wooden sailboat models (native to Turks & Caicos but found in specialty shops), or an assortment of local currencies, including bills and coins. If you have any unused currencies at home, consider turning them into art by framing the most colorful bills—what a wonderful souvenir! Much better than hiding them away in a drawer.
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