Top 10 Souvenirs to Bring Home from St. Lucia

The Caribbean is a spectacular destination, offering sun, sand, surf, and a plethora of delightful food and beverages that will leave you in bliss while lounging on pristine beaches. St. Lucia is undoubtedly an ideal spot to experience these pleasures. However, did you know you can also enjoy an exciting shopping experience for souvenirs and gifts?

If you’re new to St. Lucia, get ready for numerous shopping adventures in this little paradise. Your cruise stop is probably just a short distance from downtown Castries, where a variety of shops and vendors showcase distinctive local crafts.

Unsure about what to seek in St. Lucia? Here are the top 10 local treasures you should consider bringing back as a cherished reminder of your cruise to this tropical paradise.

Items to Consider Buying in St. Lucia

1. Colorful Wooden Masks

St. Lucia is renowned for its vibrantly painted, hand-carved wooden masks. These elongated, slender masks allow you to take home a piece of Caribbean culture in a truly distinctive art form. Seek out original Zaka masks at local artists' shops and choose one that resonates with you.

2. Artisan Pottery

St. Lucia boasts a rich heritage of handcrafted pottery created by local artisans. Initially, these pots served practical functions like cooking, but today both locals and artists craft decorative items for visitors. You can easily find unique pottery throughout St. Lucia, making it a lovely addition to your home decor.

3. Cacao Sticks

St. Lucia's tropical climate provides ideal conditions for growing cacao trees, making locals big fans of their hot chocolate (referred to as cocoa tea). Cocoa sticks are crafted from ground, fermented cocoa beans, known as nibs, and shaped into small logs about the size of a finger. Take some home and enjoy the finest cocoa you've ever tasted.

4. Spicy Hot Sauce

Bring a bottle of hot sauce home to add a spicy kick to your meals and remember your journey to St. Lucia. The popular choice here is a unique yellow sauce made from the fiery Scotch Bonnet peppers instead of the usual orange variety.

Insider Tip: Sample as many varieties as you can handle while enjoying a local dish; then grab your favorite before leaving the port.

5. Rum

Known for its rich history in sugar cane production, the Caribbean is famous for its rum. St. Lucia boasts some exceptional local rums to savor, whether you enjoy them neat or spiced. Don’t forget to take home a bottle — or a few — for the cocktail enthusiasts in your circle.

6. Local Honey

Honey takes on unique flavors from around the globe, depending on the local flowers from which bees collect nectar. St. Lucia provides an ideal environment for bees to gather nectar and pollen throughout the year. If you're a honey lover, you'll be excited to taste the distinctive varieties from St. Lucia. Discovering a delicious local honey can introduce an entirely new flavor to your palate. Many believe that honey evokes the scents of a place, making it a little bottle of vacation memories for you to enjoy later!

7. Batik Textiles

St. Lucia is an excellent spot to find beautiful, lightweight sarongs or scarves perfect for summer wear. Many of these items are crafted by local artisans using batik dyeing techniques, where wax is applied to the fabric to create patterns that resist dye during the soaking process. If you love textile accessories, you’re sure to discover a batik piece in St. Lucia.

8. Wood Carvings

St. Lucia boasts a lively arts and crafts scene, where you'll discover numerous wood carvers showcasing their creations at markets and stalls. Alongside masks, you may come across serving bowls, utensils, and various items adorned with designs of local wildlife or imaginative patterns carved into native woods.

9. Coconut Oil

In recent years, coconut oil has surged in popularity as a delicious option for frying foods or crafting vegan desserts without using animal fats. St. Lucia is renowned for its coconut harvest, so after trying some fresh coconut milk, be sure to look for pure, cold-pressed coconut oil to bring home. You can easily find it at farmers' markets or grocery stores.

Pro Tip: Pure coconut oil can also serve as a luxurious hand cream when applied straight from the jar!

10. Jewelry

Completing St. Lucia’s vibrant arts and crafts scene are local jewelers who create beautiful beaded bracelets and necklaces. Among the favorites are sparkling black hematite and clay beads. These accessories make wonderful gifts for children and anyone who appreciates a new trinket, plus they’re easy to pack for your journey home.

Shopping in St. Lucia offers its own unique adventure, and you’re bound to discover something special that helps you remember your visit. Whether you opt for a handcrafted item or a delicious local product to enhance your cooking, you’ll find stunning gifts throughout this enchanting tropical island. Explore the local markets at your port of call and pick up one-of-a-kind souvenirs for your loved ones and yourself while you enjoy your time in St. Lucia.

Please note: The activities available on board, as well as shore excursions and dining options, may differ depending on the ship and destination.