Five Key Souvenirs in Maldives that Are Ideal Mementoes - Bringing Home Some Maldivian Magic!

Discover exquisite local crafts with lacquer work or ‘liyelaa jehun’, a traditional art form that involves coating wooden objects with layers of coloured lacquer, creating intricate and beautiful designs. This traditional craft is a part of the local cultural heritage and is practised on islands like Thulhaadhoo where certain families have mastered this art form for generations. Lacquer work products include vases, jewellery boxes, bowls, plates, and containers made from local wood with lacquer of colours such as yellow, red, and black and ornate designs. It’s a perfect souvenir to bring home a piece of Maldivian culture and craftsmanship.

Amongst the most versatile and abundant souvenirs you can find in the Maldives are those made from coconut. These products are a testament to Maldivian creativity and resourcefulness, as they use every part of the coconut tree to make various items including various bowls, utensils, mats, and bags. But wait, there’s more! You can also look to buy painted masks made from coconut, a type of shell ‘jewellery’ and even virgin coconut oil, which is good for your skin and hair. When planning a holiday and looking for the best deals, Maldives resorts which are located near the capital, Male, are ideal since they are well-placed for those wanting to do some souvenir shopping here.

Adorn yourself with the spirit of the Maldives through handmade necklaces and accessories. Crafted by local artisans, these pieces often incorporate vibrant shells, intricate beads, coconut, and coral-inspired designs that make stunning pieces of jewellery that reflect Maldivian culture and environment. Such items which come in all shapes, sizes and colours can be found at various shops and markets which one can head to during local island excursions offered by resorts like OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI. Ideal as gifts, these intricate creations are also perfect as a personal memento not just for a fashion statement but as a personal connection to the Maldives as well.

A dhoni is the name given to a traditional boat in the Maldives also used by resorts to offer everything from sunrise fishing escapades to sunset cruises. Of course, the ideal way to remember such moments is to purchase one of the most popular souvenirs in Maldives, a miniaturised version of this vessel. Intricately carved from material like coconut palm wood and sometimes placed within glass bottles, these miniature dhonis are a reminder of the nation’s rich seafaring tradition; seeing this memento back home will instantly take you back to the time you were aboard one of them, heading to the horizon on a new adventure!

Wicker mats are another of the amazing things to buy during your Maldives shopping escapades and will add some tropical charm to your home. Known as ‘thundu kunaa’, these traditional mats are woven from dried reeds and are used for various purposes in local homes. Some of the most intricate and beautiful wicker mats are made on Gadhdhoo Island where female artisans use a loom to handweave these amazing creations; once dried in the sun, they are given some colour using natural dyes, while intricate designs are also added to make them a truly distinctive souvenir to take back with you.