Bring A Piece Of The Turks & Caicos Home With These Unique Souvenirs

Beautiful beaches, exotic food, drinks, music, and year-round sunshine are just a few of the reasons visitors flock to the Turks & Caicos Islands. You can find some fantastic souvenirs on these sunny islands as well. If shopping and returning home with the perfect gift that you can share with those nearest and dearest is important to you, then these islands are certainly worth considering for a Turks & Caicos vacation.

Whether you decide to go for locally handcrafted items, island-grown coffee, jewelry, art, or even local rum, you’re bound to find something that’ll be perfect for sharing or keeping a part of Turks & Caicos for yourself. To help get you started, we’ve made a list of some of the best souvenirs you can find on these islands, and where you're likely to find them.

Local art and handcrafts

While exploring the islands of the Turks & Caicos, you’re bound to come across art that catches your eye. This is especially so if you decide to browse through some of the shops on the island of Providenciales, the most popular island in this territory. Depending on the shop you go to, you may come across items like woven baskets and hats, local paintings, carvings, blown glass, holiday ornaments, pottery, sewn dolls, and more. Any of these items would be good options to take home as a souvenir.

In terms of local art and handicrafts, you can look in the direction of handmade woven crafts if you want something on the more authentic side. Many of these designs, including baskets, dolls, and mats, are created using techniques that date back to the traditional basket-making and boat-building trades that were once widely practiced on the islands.

For something a little more colorful, consider getting a few original paintings and watercolors created by local artists. These are available in the various art galleries in Providenciales. Expect to find artwork inspired by all aspects of life in Turks & Caicos including the beautiful beaches, captivating landscapes, and friendly people.

Expert tip: If you’re planning on going to Turks & Caicos, this Turks & Caicos packing list can help you get ready for your vacation. You might also want to take a look at the best of Providenciales, which includes some of the best things to do on this island, like spending the day on the pristine and beautiful Grace Bay Beach.

Conch shells

Not only are conch-inspired dishes popular in Turks & Caicos, conch-inspired souvenirs are also all the rage! As you look around in the shops, you're likely to come across conch-themed art, jewelry, homeware, and decorative shells. For a unique item that you can gift, you can search for locally handcrafted jewelry featuring the rare, pastel-hued conch pearl. This is a great gift to give to someone special. For something a little more casual, you can pick up some small conch shells or conch-inspired jewelry and accessories.

Good to know: An interesting thing to note about the conch is that it is the only local shell that can legally be exported from Turks & Caicos. Visitors are allowed to take home a maximum of 3 conch shells without a permit.

Bambarra Rum

After a Caribbean vacation, it’ll be completely worth it to return home with at least one bottle of local rum. Or you can get a couple of bottles, keep one for yourself and gift the others. A popular option of local rum is Bambarra, a sugar cane rum made from ingredients sourced from select areas throughout the Caribbean. This rum is said to have been named after the Bambarra settlement in Middle Caicos. It’s made in Providenciales, where it's blended and bottled by hand. There are many places in Turks and Caicos where you can purchase Bambarra Rum and Bambarra Rum Cakes.

Insider tip: If you’re going on an all-inclusive family vacation in The Turks & Caicos, more than likely you’ll be staying on the island of Providenciales where the majority of resorts can be found. You can explore family vacation packages before you go to find the right option for you.

PeppaJoy Hot Sauce and local sea salt

Two of the most popular souvenirs that you might want to look into getting before leaving Turks & Caicos are local pepper sauce and sea salt. You might taste the local hot sauce as you make your way around the islands experiencing the local cuisine. One of the brands you would most likely have tried was Peppajoy Hot Sauce, which is described by some as being “addictively awesome”.

Peppajoy Hot Sauce was created by Delano Handfield, a Turks & Caicos national who served in the U.S. army. This island-inspired hot sauce uses scotch bonnet peppers as a base which means that it is not only really spicy but also allows you to incorporate that signature Turks & Caicos flavor into all your dishes from eggs and fish to chicken and more. At the end of your vacation, you can get a couple of bottles of this local hot sauce to bring home with you. Peppajoy Hot Sauce is only available in The Turks & Caicos for now. You can usually purchase it from local vendors.

Just as much as you might want to pick up some Peppajoy Hot Sauce to remind you of your time in Provo, you might also want to pick up some locally-sourced sea salt. Turks & Caicos sea salt can be used in food, margaritas, and as a soothing bath soak. This item is available in a variety of colors and preparations. The story behind the sea salt from these islands is inspiring too — you can find out more about this and the salt production in Turks & Caicos by visiting local museums.

Locally-made designer clothing

An article of clothing, preferably something island-inspired, is always a good option for a souvenir. In Turks & Caicos, there is a heap of options for apparel created by home-grown Turks & Caicos designers. For example, you can find silk scarves and resort wear from the Sea Sage brand, Caribbean lifestyle clothing from Konk Apparel, or just simple t-shirts with catchy phrases like the ‘I Want To Live On An Island’ line. All of the brands mentioned have a casual yet polished, even high-end, style, making them ideal as a souvenir or a gift. While in Turks & Caicos, you may also find several popular international fashion brands at local luxury boutiques.

Good to know: U.S. dollars are widely accepted in Turks & Caicos as this is the official currency of this destination.

Jewelry

Jewelry is a good option for a souvenir as this is one of those items that come at various price points. You can splurge on something really extravagant, or search around for the perfect local handmade jewelry item. One of the best options in this category is jewelry with conch pearl settings. These are rare pearls that are produced by the queen conch. They come in a range of alluring hues including pink, peach, white, or orange. Some of the local jewelry items are designed with sea glass and other semi-precious stones. The best part about this option is that you can have your item customized to suit you, or whoever it is that you’ll be purchasing it for.

Caribbean coffee

The Caribbean has some of the best coffee in the world and you can try some of this out for yourself in The Turks & Caicos. After sipping on a local coffee brew, the smooth, richness of Caribbean-grown roasted coffee beans will likely have you wanting to take some back home with you. This can be a much-appreciated gift for friends and family.

If you are looking for a good Turks & Caicos coffee brand to try, the Turks Island Roasters has locally roasted, sustainably sourced, and organic coffee beans. These are packaged nicely and pretty much ready to gift or open up and enjoy yourself. This is the only specialty coffee roaster in Turks & Caicos, and it will be worth looking them up while on the islands.

Good to know: While in Turks & Caicos, you can try a cup of Turks Island Roasters at Da Conch Shack. If you try it and like it, you can purchase it from one of the nearby souvenir shops to bring home with you.

Bonus: Something to display your vacation photo memories in!

A trip to Turks & Caicos is bound to provide plenty of photo opportunities. What better way to bring home the wonderful memories from your trip than to purchase some locally made picture frames? These framed memories make great gifts for friends and family. You must remember to bring your camera with you as you explore the islands if you choose this option. Locally made photo frames can be found in several Turks & Caicos shops and markets. Get some photo frames to give away (with photos included), and maybe a couple to keep for yourself too!

Expert tip: For picture-perfect memories that last, honeymooners might want to consider the Turks & Caicos Islands. If you’re still trying to decide whether this will be a good honeymoon destination for you, you can take a look at these reasons to honeymoon in The Turks & Caicos. Babymoons and familymoons are also popular in this territory.

The perfect Turks & Caicos souvenirs are entirely up to you

Picture: Beaches Turks & Caicos

There are lots of interesting souvenirs available in The Turks & Caicos. In order to select the right items, you’ll just need to consider who you’re getting it for, and what that person might appreciate. When shopping for souvenirs in this territory, it is best to stick to local labels to increase your chances of finding authentic mementos to take home with you. You’ll be able to locate some fascinating options whether you want something conch-inspired, local fashion, jewelry, or something spicy and flavorful like island hot sauce.

If you’re wondering where to stay on your vacation, consider staying at one of the all-inclusive Turks & Caicos resorts, which frequently feature their own souvenir or gift shops open to guests. This can spare you from having to dash around town at the last minute to pick up gifts. Added to that, all-inclusive resorts in Turks & Caicos, such as Beaches Resorts, are noted for their high-quality amenities such as luxury accommodations, gourmet dining (multiple restaurants), day and night entertainment, and a variety of activities for families. You’ll also have easy access to the best of Providenciales, including the stunning beaches that will undoubtedly be a highlight of your stay!

Expert tip: Traveling for a Turks & Caicos honeymoon? Here’s what you need to know including the top things Turks & Caicos is known for and things to do in Turks & Caicos.