Top 12 Souvenirs to Acquire in St. Kitts

With its expansive cane fields, majestic plantation homes, picturesque beaches, and delightfully warm climate, St. Kitts is a top choice for cruise travelers. Plus, this enchanting tropical island is brimming with unique treasures to bring back home. As you prepare for your cruise to St. Kitts, remember to save some extra space in your luggage for distinctive souvenirs—you'll definitely want it!

1. Conch Shells

St. Kitts offers an array of beautifully shaped conch shells, perfect for gifting to friends and family. Local artisans clean and prepare these shells for sale along the beaches and in markets. The naturally pink shells are also polished and transformed into exquisite bracelets, necklaces, and earrings.

2. Leather Goods

Imagine bringing home a stylish leather bag, jacket, or wallet as a keepsake from your cruise to St. Kitts. The island is famous for its unique leather creations crafted from goatskin. Another excellent souvenir option is a pair of leather sandals, ideal for wearing on the island or during your next cruise getaway.

3. Stamps

For stamp enthusiasts or those who know one, you'll be delighted to discover that St. Kitts is famous for its decorative and potentially valuable stamps. While you can affix them to postcards, you might hesitate to use the stunning images of birds, butterflies, and beautiful nature scenes that have made these stamps so celebrated.

4. Coconut Crafts

In addition to being a favorite tropical beverage, coconuts are commonly crafted into various arts and crafts on the island. Keep an eye out for beautifully designed bowls, ashtrays, cups, and even bags. You can also find coconut shell marine animals and pendants for necklaces or brooches.

5. Batik Art

The rich colors of St. Kitts come alive through batik, an ancient Indonesian technique of dye-resisting with wax to create intricate patterns on fabric or paper. You can find a variety of items, including dresses, bags, and wall hangings. The exciting part is selecting a design that resonates with you, featuring colors that evoke the Caribbean spirit whenever you see them.

6. Artisan Jewelry

Jewelry enthusiasts will discover a wealth of sparkling choices while exploring St. Kitts. While exquisite pieces featuring gold, silver, and diamonds are available, it’s often the locally crafted items that serve as the most memorable gifts. Look for necklaces and bracelets adorned with shells, along with driftwood jewelry boxes to keep them safe.

7. Handcrafted Pottery

Traditionally, households utilized hand-formed red-clay pottery fired over coconut husks for everyday purposes. Today, you can observe artisans creating stunning pieces ranging from decorative items to serving dishes, coffee cups, candle holders, and sculptures. Even better, you can bring home your very own piece of Caribbean pottery.

8. Glass Artwork

Bring a touch of St. Kitts into your home with a beautiful glass plaque. Stunning dishes feature vibrant underwater scenes with fish and turtles, or select designs that showcase life in St. Kitts, including boats and lush tropical landscapes.

9. Regional Paintings

Cherish the memories of your Caribbean getaway with a painting that encapsulates the spirit of St. Kitts. Local galleries and shops display artwork from both residents and visitors, depicting swaying palm trees, exotic flowers, shimmering seas, and charming plantation houses brought to life on canvas.

10. Local Beverages

During your cruise to the Caribbean, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy a variety of refreshing tropical rum cocktails. Consider purchasing a bottle of local rum infused with flavors like mango, coffee, coconut, or lime to craft your own cocktails for gatherings at home. You can also find wine, vodka, and other spirits, along with popular local beer brands.

11. Spicy Sauce

Hot sauce made from West Indian red peppers and curry leaves is a local favorite. Grab a few bottles to bring the vibrant Caribbean flavors into your kitchen and wow your dinner guests. Just a friendly reminder: these sauces pack quite a punch!

12. Confectioneries

For dessert lovers, the island’s rich soil provides a bounty of succulent fruits that make for delightful sweet treats. If you’re already salivating, you can find these goodies at local street vendors, restaurants, and gift shops. A favorite among locals is Guava Cheese, a jelly-like confection crafted from guava puree, sugar, and lime juice. Another homemade Kittitian specialty is sugar cake, which combines coconut, cane sugar, and a hint of ginger. Don’t miss out on preserves made from tamarind, guava, sorrel, and mango for an explosion of flavors.

After a full day of excursions, if you're looking to consolidate your shopping, the Port Zante Commercial District is a paradise for shoppers. This sprawling complex spans over 30 acres and features more than 60 stores filled with luxury items. As you wander through charming promenades, you’ll find duty-free options including designer apparel, fine linens, and premium cigars. For last-minute gifts, you can also discover local arts and crafts to tuck into your suitcase before reboarding your Dinogo cruise ship.

Please note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options may differ by ship and destination.