The Top Souvenirs to Add to Your Maldives Shopping List – Retail Therapy Meets Colourful Culture!

Lacquer products, with their vibrant colours and intricate designs, are sure to catch your eye as you visit local markets or shops on inhabited islands. Referred to as ‘Laajehun’ in the local language, these products showcase the artistry and craftwork of Maldivians. The process of creating lacquerware is as interesting as the final product itself. First, some wood is taken and sculpted to form everything from bowls and vases to jewellery boxes, plates and more. Once done, the product is coated in different coloured lacquer, usually yellow, black and red. The final touch is the intricate designs that are etched onto the objects, creating a truly unique item.

A wicker mat makes another colourful addition to your home (or the homes of your friends and family back home!), especially the distinctive creations you can find in the Maldives. These mats are painstakingly made by hand with a process passed down from generation to generation. A noteworthy feature of the traditional mat or ‘thundu kunaa’ is that it is made from reeds which are first dried in the sun before being ‘livened up’ with different coloured dyes. A loom is then used to weave them by hand and create a mat with beautiful designs.

On your holiday, you are bound to see dhonis, which are traditional boats, sailing across the horizon. It is no wonder, then, that replicas of these vessels which feature a distinctive design make for ideal souvenirs too. What’s amazing is some of the detailed designs that go into making these boats. Some replicas can be quite large, though if you do want to save space (and buy multiple gifts), you can opt for a miniature version of the dhoni intricately placed within a small glass bottle. Of course, don’t forget to not only buy such souvenirs but experience a ride on one of these traditional boats too! Resorts, including the private island property of Heritance Hotels and Resorts, offer sunset cruises on a dhoni, which is a truly spellbinding experience.

Don’t miss the chance to add some tropical charm to your style by purchasing Maldivian accessories and jewellery. What’s so unique is that many of these accessories are made using items like coloured stones, coconut fibre and shells to make bracelets, necklaces and more. As an added bonus, you not only get something pretty to take back with you but an eco-friendly item too. Many of these products can be found on local islands, so when looking for Maldives hotel deals, pick a property that offers excursions to such destinations for a bit of shopping. 

The humble coconut tree not only adds quintessential tropical vibes to the Maldives but is also very versatile. In fact, the islanders use almost every part of this tree (and its nuts), be it as a building material or for making local dishes. What’s also interesting is that you get some unique souvenirs made from it as well. Dried and polished coconut shells, in particular, are used to make utensils, bowls, statues and various handicrafts. So, the next time you are at local markets or souvenir stalls, look to buy some of these products, which will make for a fond reminder of your getaway to the Maldives!