From the rhythm of samba spilling out of a bar in Lapa to the humid green hush of the Amazon and the sugarloaf silhouette at sunset, Brazil assaults the senses in the best way: bright colors, bold flavors, and handcrafted textures. Walking the street markets of Salvador or the artisan stalls in Paraty, you’ll find objects that feel like small, perfect translations of place.

My favourite memory of Brazil is a helicopter tour of Iguasu falls on Christmas day!

Whether you’re hunting for edible treats, handcrafted jewelry, or something to remind you of a beachside sunset, here’s what to buy in Brazil to bring a piece of its energy home — a practical list of Brazilian souvenirs that travel well.

1. Artisanal Cachaça

Why pick this up: Cachaça is Brazil’s spirit — grassy, floral, and at its best when made in small copper pot stills. A bottle tastes like a region: the wood-aged versions from Minas Gerais are smoky and complex; clear, fresh cachaças from Paraty are bright and herbaceous.
What to look for: Look for ‘artesanal’ or ‘envelhecida em madeira’ on the label; avoid mass-market bottles if you want character. Single-distillery names and the year of distillation are good signs.
Price bracket (2025): R$40–R$350 (R$40 for entry-level, up to R$200–R$350 for aged small-batch bottles).
Where to find it: Distilleries around Paraty and Minas Gerais, specialty stores in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, or Mercado Municipal in São Paulo.

2. Brazilian Coffee (café especial)

Why pick this up: Brazil grows some of the world’s most varied coffee — from nutty Cerrado blends to floral single-origin beans from Minas Gerais. Fresh-roasted beans capture Brazil’s agricultural landscape in every cup.
What to look for: Choose regional names (Sul de Minas, Cerrado Mineiro) and roast date; specialty producers will often list farm or micro-lot.
Price bracket (2025): R$25–R$120 per 250–500g bag.
Where to find it: Coffee roasteries in Belo Horizonte, boutique shops in São Paulo (Jardins) and Rua Av. Atlântica in Rio, and local farmers’ markets.

3. Havaianas and Local Sandals

Why pick this up: An iconic practical souvenir — Havaianas are comfortable, colorful, and come in Brazil-only prints and limited editions that capture Carioca and Paulista street styles.
What to look for: Special edition prints, artisanal-colab models, or locally made leather sandálias for a more refined option.
Price bracket (2025): R$45–R$250 (basic Havaianas R$45–R$120; designer or leather sandals up to R$250).
Where to find it: Official Havaianas stores in Rio, São Paulo, and airports; local footwear shops and street markets for artisanal versions.

4. Renda (Ceará lace)

Why pick this up: Delicate lace from Ceará — often called renda — is a centuries-old craft used in blouses, table linens, and decorative trims. It’s airy, intricate, and distinctly northeastern.
What to look for: Hand-stitched pieces labeled ‘renda feita à mão’ or purchased directly from artisans; small doilies or scarves travel easiest.
Price bracket (2025): R$60–R$800 (small items R$60–R$200; larger garments or bed linens R$300–R$800).
Where to find it: Fortaleza’s traditional craft fairs, small towns in Ceará, and artisan stalls at Praia do Futuro markets.

5. Capim Dourado Jewelry

Why pick this up: Capim dourado — the metallic-looking golden grass from Tocantins, especially the Jalapão region — is woven into elegant bracelets, necklaces, and small baskets that glow like captured sun.
What to look for: Pieces labeled from Jalapão or Tocantins; check that dyeing is minimal to preserve the natural sheen.
Price bracket (2025): R$50–R$600 (simple bracelets R$50–R$150; statement necklaces R$250–R$600).
Where to find it: Palmas artisan markets, souvenir shops near Jalapão, and ethical craft boutiques in Brasília and São Paulo.

6. Brazilian Gemstones

Why pick this up: Minas Gerais is famous for tourmalines, aquamarine, topaz and amethyst — stones often sold raw or set into jewelry. They make a luminous gift or a special memento.
What to look for: Buy from reputable dealers, ask for origin (Minas Gerais, Diamantina), and get a simple invoice or authenticity note for higher-value stones.
Price bracket (2025): R$50–R$6.000+ (small semi-precious pieces R$50–R$500; larger high-quality stones or gem-set jewelry from R$1.000 upward).
Where to find it: Jewelry shops in Belo Horizonte, gem fairs in Diamantina, and Rua da Quitanda in Ouro Preto.

7. Hand-painted Azulejos (tiles)

Why pick this up: Decorative tiles — influenced by Portuguese and Afro-Brazilian motifs — evoke Salvador’s Pelourinho or the blue-and-white patterns found in Recife. They’re perfect framed as coasters or small art pieces.
What to look for: Local artists signing tiles, traditional motifs, or modern reinterpretations; small 10×10 cm tiles are travel-friendly.
Price bracket (2025): R$30–R$200 per tile.
Where to find it: Olinda and Recife artisan shops, Salvador’s Mercado Modelo, and galleries in Pelourinho.

8. Brazilian Hammocks (rede)

Why pick this up: Lightweight, color-drenched hammocks are symbols of the Northeast’s slower pace — ideal for balconies or lazy afternoons at home.
What to look for: Cotton vs. synthetic (cotton is traditional and breathable), double hammocks for two, and secure stitching/loops.
Price bracket (2025): R$80–R$650 (single cotton hammocks R$80–R$300; large, handwoven or designer pieces R$350–R$650).
Where to find it: Fortaleza and Ceará craft markets, Porto de Galinhas artisan stalls, and boutique shops in Natal.

9. Cavaquinho (mini string instrument)

Why pick this up: The cavaquinho is a tiny, bright-toned instrument central to samba and choro. Even if you don’t play, it’s a decorative, musical reminder of Brazil’s soundscape.
What to look for: Solid wood construction and reputable luthiers; travel-size cases help with transport.
Price bracket (2025): R$450–R$2.500 (student models R$450–R$900; handcrafted luthier instruments R$1.200+).
Where to find it: Luthiers in Paraty, music shops in Rio’s Lapa and São Paulo’s musical districts, and small ateliers in Salvador.

10. Castanha-do-Pará (Brazil Nuts)

Why pick this up: Straight from the Amazon, Brazil nuts (castanhas) are a rich, buttery snack and an ethical way to support extractive communities when labeled sustainably.
What to look for: ‘Colheita sustentável’ or organic labels, vacuum-sealed packs for travel, and local brands from Pará or Amazonas.
Price bracket (2025): R$20–R$120 (250g–1kg packs, depending on organic certification and packaging).
Where to find it: Mercado Ver-o-Peso in Belém, organic shops across Manaus, supermercados, and specialty stores in big cities.

Tip: Haggle politely at street markets, ask for a ‘nota fiscal’ on pricier items, and pack fragile or scented goods in your checked luggage — happy hunting for Brazilian souvenirs! 🌴

Let me know in the comments if you have any other top ‘what to buy’ ideas!

About the Author

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!