What to Buy in Morocco – 15 Unforgettable Souvenirs
So you’re heading to Morocco and your shopaholic brain is wondering – what should I bring back? Don’t worry, we’ll talk about what you need to buy in Morocco and what you need to buy in Marrakech, specifically. Morocco is a one-of-a-kind destination with an unbelievable shopping scene. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the souvenir options and beautiful handcrafted items in the medinas.
Now that I know my way around the souks and shops there – let’s talk about the ones you have to bring home with you. I spent most of my time in Marrakech, so this post covers what to buy in Marrakech pretty well.
This post is all about 15 unforgettable souvenirs you need to buy in Morocco to remember your trip!
1. Leather and cloth poufs
These poufs are essential to the local Berber culture and can be found in desert tents, restaurants, riads, homes of locals, and really just about anywhere in Morocco! Each pouf is an individual work of art that is sewn by hand from goatskin leather or sheep wool. Their vibrant colors and patterns beautifully represent the local culture and would be the perfect accent in your home. They are sold without the stuffing, making it even easier to bring home! Wondering what to buy in Marrakech? This should be at the top of your list!
2. Market bags and woven baskets
Market bags are the perfect souvenir for shoppers. These hand-woven bags are traditionally made from wicker and were used by locals to shop around the souks. These bags are artfully adorned with colorful accent threads and poufs for some added flair. They can even be customized with a name sewn on at most souks in Marrakech. Another item to pick up while you’re there!
3. Argan Oil
Argan oil is produced in Morocco and exported around the world. This versatile oil is one of the best cosmetic oils for daily use on the skin and hair. Now you have the opportunity to get some right from the source! I even got to see argan oil being produced fresh at La Maison Berbère d’Agafay.
4. Berber carpets
Berber carpets make a grand statement piece in any home and are a staple in Berber culture. The designs on these rugs have significant meaning and were used in many different ways by the Berber people. Some examples include decor, sleeping mats, protection from the desert sun, the cold of the Atlas mountains, and even as a form of meta-physical protection from evil spirits. Berber carpets in Marrakech usually have great quality and better pricing than in other cities.
5. Brass and Turkish Lanterns
Bring back the romantic ambiance from your favorite Moroccan restaurant by picking up a brass lantern or turkish lantern. These works of art create beautiful illusions of light, shadow, and colors when lit. Since I had a carry-on, I was only able to grab tea-light-sized Turkish lanterns. Check them out stacked below with remote-controlled tea lights in them. Even at their small size, these are among my favorites of items I picked up in Marrakech. and they bring vibrant colors to my living room every night.
6. Mint Tea
There’s no doubt that you will be offered some delicious Moroccan mint tea everywhere you go. As a tea lover, this was one of my favorite things to indulge in regularly during my time in Marrakesh. Mint tea is easy to find in most markets and is a souvenir you will be sipping for a while after your trip.
7. Moroccan Tea Set
Now that you have your tea, don’t forget a tea set match! Mint tea is typically served in a beautiful silver teapot on a matching tray with accompanying cups. The tea is also oftentimes served in tall glass cups as well. Make sure to add this to your what to buy in Marrakech list as well!
8. Spice blends
A sizzling tagine or bowl of couscous is not complete without Moroccan’s signature blend of delicious spices. One of the most popular ones to pick up is Ras el Hanout. This means “head (or top) of the shop” in Arabic and signifies that this blend is the best in the shop. Once you try this blend, you will know why.
9. Babouche Slippers or Leather Sandals
There is no shortage of handmade leather goods in Morocco. You’ll notice that a lot of the locals wear these goods, especially leather shoes and slippers. Babouche slippers are a staple Moroccan shoe with a unique pointed-toe style. These flats are made of an extremely soft leather that allows you to comfortably flatten the heel of the shoe so it can be worn as a slipper.
10. Moroccan Pottery and Tagines
Hand-crafted Moroccan pottery is made in many vibrant colors, textures, and patterns. During your stay in Morocco, you will definitely enjoy some flavorful couscous or a tagine from one of these beautiful dishes.
11. Thuya wood boxes and trinkets
Thuya wood is another item you can only find in Morocco. The rare tree this wood comes from is only grown and harvested in Morocco. Thuya is famous for its rich color, alluring aroma, and standout swirl-like grain pattern. You can find all sorts of items made from this wood, with wooden boxes being the most popular in the medina.
12. Kaftans and traditional clothes
Really embrace the Moroccan culture by picking up some of their signature clothing items. Kaftans, djellabas, gandoras, and other forms of traditional clothing can be purchased almost anywhere in Morocco. Their vibrant colors, patterns, ornate details, and luxurious materials makes their clothes a great gift as well. We grabbed some on our trip to wear in the desert (see below) and it looked and felt amazing!
13. Silk pillow covers
Beautiful hand-woven silk pillow covers are the perfect compact souvenir to pick up in the medina. Pillow covers vary greatly in design, colors, and even materials. The most popular style I saw around were the sabra (cactus silk) pillows. Perfect for a boho-chic style home, keep in mind these pillows are much more expensive due to the painstaking process of harvesting, dying, and weaving the silk.
14. Leather bags and purses
Not into leather poufs or shoes? There are plenty of other amazing leather goods made in the tanneries to choose from like belts, handbags, and purses.
15. Beads and Moroccan-style jewelry
There are many jewelry souks and shops in Morocco featuring creatively designed pieces celebrating the traditional Berber and Tuareg styles. This jewelry makes amazing statement pieces and even better gift.
Of course, that’s not everything you can buy in Morocco, so keep your eyes peeled for other awesome finds!
Have you decided what to buy in Morocco and what to buy in Marrakech yet?
Let me know in the comments what’s on your shopping list!
