From the splash of turquoise sea at Punta Cana to the busy merengue rhythms pulsing through Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone, the Dominican Republic is a feast for the senses: sun-warmed rum, hand-carved wood, and colors that echo the island’s coral reefs and mountain coffee farms.

Whether you want a piece of the beach, a bit of its music, or a handcrafted keepsake, these finds are perfect for bringing home authentic Dominican souvenirs from bustling markets, seaside shops, and mountain villages.

1. Dominican Rum (Ron)

Why pick this up: Rum is woven into daily life here — from chilled cocktails on Bavaro Beach to homemade ponche. A bottle captures the island’s sugarcane traditions and is a gift that’s instantly shareable.
What to look for: Añejo (aged) bottles from Brugal, Bermúdez, or Barceló for sipping; special reserva or limited editions for collectors. Check for local labels and age statements (3–12 years+).
Price bracket (2025): RD$450–RD$3,500 depending on age and brand.
Where to find it: Duty-free shops at Punta Cana and Santo Domingo airports, rum distilleries in La Romana and Puerto Plata, and supermarkets across the country.

2. Larimar Jewelry

Why pick this up: Larimar — the rare blue pectolite found only in the Dominican Republic — is a piece of the Caribbean sea you can wear. Its sky-to-sea color range is unmistakably Dominican.
What to look for: Deep, even blue with white streaking is most prized; set in sterling silver for durability. Ask about authenticity and where the stone was mined (Bahoruco/Barahona region).
Price bracket (2025): RD$1,200–RD$12,000 for rings, pendants, and statement pieces.
Where to find it: Artisan stalls in Bayahibe and Samaná, jewelry shops in Punta Cana, and galleries in Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone.

3. Dominican Amber

Why pick this up: Dominican amber often contains prehistoric inclusions and ranges from honey to deep cognac — a small window into ancient tropical forests.
What to look for: Clarity and natural insects or plants trapped inside increase value; get a certificate from reputable sellers and avoid plastics or imitations.
Price bracket (2025): RD$800–RD$8,000 depending on size and inclusions.
Where to find it: Amber Museum in Puerto Plata, artisan markets in Punta Cana, and specialty shops in Santo Domingo.

4. Mamajuana

Why pick this up: Mamajuana is a unique Dominican infusion of rum, red wine, honey, and an herbal mix aged in a bottle of palo santo and tree bark — both a digestif and folkloric souvenir.
What to look for: Pre-packaged, aged bottles from trusted producers or custom bottles from local vendors; ask how long it’s been aged and whether it’s been sweetened.
Price bracket (2025): RD$250–RD$900 for ready-to-drink bottles.
Where to find it: Roadside stops en route to Samaná, local liquor stores in Santiago, and Mercado Modelo in Santo Domingo.

5. Dominican Cigars

Why pick this up: The DR is one of the world’s top cigar producers; Dominican tobaccos produce smooth, aromatic cigars appreciated by aficionados.
What to look for: Look for well-rolled, evenly colored wrappers; single-origin filler from regions like La Altagracia or Santiago is a plus. Buy sealed boxes or get them hand-rolled in front of you.
Price bracket (2025): RD$120–RD$2,800 for singles to premium boxed sets.
Where to find it: Cigar factories and shops in Santiago de los Caballeros, La Romana, and boutique sellers in the Colonial Zone.

6. Single-Origin Dominican Chocolate & Cacao

Why pick this up: The Dominican Republic grows high-quality cacao; bean-to-bar chocolate showcases the island’s flavor—notes of tropical fruit, red berries, or molasses.
What to look for: 70%+ single-origin bars, ethically sourced labels, and small-batch producers from Barahona or Monte Plata. Freshness and clear bean origin matter.
Price bracket (2025): RD$200–RD$900 per bar or gift box.
Where to find it: Specialty shops in Santo Domingo, chocolatiers in Punta Cana resorts, and farmers’ markets in Barahona.

7. Dominican Coffee

Why pick this up: Mountain coffee from Jarabacoa, Constanza, and Barahona is bright, aromatic, and makes a morning cup that’s a memory of cool, misty hills.
What to look for: Whole-bean, roasted-to-order; beans labeled by region (Constanza and Barahona are prized) and roast date. Small farms often sell superior micro-lots.
Price bracket (2025): RD$300–RD$900 per 250–500 g bag.
Where to find it: Coffee cooperatives in Jarabacoa/Constanza, specialty cafes in Santiago, and Mercado Modelo.

8. Guayabera Shirts & Linen Clothing

Why pick this up: The lightweight guayabera and linen garments are practical, stylish reminders of island life — perfect for hot days and tropical evenings.
What to look for: Quality stitching, natural fabrics (cotton or linen), and hand-embroidered details. Tailors in Santiago and Santo Domingo can custom-fit pieces.
Price bracket (2025): RD$1,200–RD$4,000 for bespoke shirts; ready-to-wear options from RD$800.
Where to find it: Tailors in Santiago, boutiques in Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone, and resort shops in Punta Cana.

9. Handwoven Straw Goods & Baskets

Why pick this up: Artisans weave palms and seagrass into colorful baskets, totes, and hats — practical, lightweight pieces made from coastal materials.
What to look for: Tight, even weaving and vibrant natural dyes. Pieces from Samaná and the northeast coast often feature local motifs.
Price bracket (2025): RD$300–RD$2,000 depending on size and intricacy.
Where to find it: Beach markets in Samaná and Punta Cana, artisan fairs in Puerto Plata, and Mercado Modelo.

10. Merengue & Bachata Music and Instruments

Why pick this up: Music is the island’s heartbeat — recorded merengue and bachata, or small percussion instruments like a güira or tamborita, let you replay the Dominican vibe at home.
What to look for: Local artists’ albums (classic Johnny Ventura to modern bachata stars), hand-made percussion with real metal and skin, and authentic craftsmanship.
Price bracket (2025): RD$150–RD$2,000 for CDs/vinyl to small instruments.
Where to find it: Music shops in Santo Domingo, street vendors in the Colonial Zone, and cultural shops in Santiago.

Bring home a little of the island — from the blue of larimar to the warmth of a bottle of ron — and you’ll carry the Dominican Republic’s flavors and rhythms with you. These Dominican souvenirs are best bought from trusted artisans and markets like Mercado Modelo or the Amber Museum for authenticity. 🌴

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!