From the slow sweep of pirogues along the River Gambia to the citrusy tang of roasted groundnuts in Serekunda market, The Gambia fills the senses with color, rhythm and scent.

Village women in Brikama dye bolts of cloth by hand, fishermen on Bakau beach mend nets beside smoking grills, and the steady pluck of the kora drifts from courtyard gatherings — all of it makes for unforgettable Gambian souvenirs.

Whether you want vibrant textiles, earthy crafts, or edible tastes of the river and coast, here’s what to buy in Gambia to bring a piece of its warm, intimate culture home with you.

1. Batik and Tie‑Dye Cloth

Why pick this up: Batik and tie‑dye are woven into everyday life in Banjul and Brikama — bold indigos, ochres and sunburst patterns echo the country’s sunsets and river landscapes. A yard of hand‑dyed fabric makes for a versatile souvenir: wrap, wall hanging, or tailored clothing.
What to look for: Even dye saturation, traditional motifs (geometric and natural forms), and signs of hand resist work — slight irregularities mean it’s authentic. Ask if the cloth is handbatik rather than cheap printed copies.
Price bracket (2025): D300–D1,200 per metre (longer pieces more expensive).
Where to find it: Brikama craft stalls, Serekunda Market, and small boutiques in Kololi and Bakau.

2. Woven Baskets, Mats and Straw Hats

Why pick this up: Hand‑woven from local fibres, these bright baskets and mats are both practical and picturesque — picked up in roadside markets or from women’s cooperatives along the coast.
What to look for: Tight, even weaving and vibrant dyed accents; lids that fit snugly and strong handles. Smaller souvenir sizes are common, but large market baskets are signature pieces.
Price bracket (2025): D100–D800 (flats and small baskets D100–D300; larger market baskets D400–D800).
Where to find it: Bakau craft market, Brikama, and community cooperative stalls near the Senegambia strip.

3. Carved Wood Sculptures and Masks

Why pick this up: Skilled carvers in Brikama and surrounding villages turn mangrove and neem wood into animals, figures and decorative masks that reflect Mandinka and Wolof aesthetics. They make striking mantel or home accents.
What to look for: Solid wood (not lightweight composites), smooth finishing, and clear carving detail. Ask about the type of wood — mangrove is traditional but heavier; avoid wet, unfinished pieces.
Price bracket (2025): D300–D2,500 (small figures D300–D700; large pieces up to D2,500+).
Where to find it: Brikama woodcarving workshops, Serekunda Market, and craft stalls near Arch 22 in Banjul.

4. Decorated Calabashes and Gourds

Why pick this up: Dried calabashes are transformed into bowls, lamps and painted art — their rounded forms are emblematic of West African craft. Many are intricately burned, painted or inlaid.
What to look for: Sealed interiors (food‑safe if you plan to use them), secure fittings for lamps, and quality of paintwork or pyrography.
Price bracket (2025): D150–D1,200 depending on size and decoration.
Where to find it: Brikama artisans, Bakau craft stalls, and coastal souvenir shops in Kotu.

5. Mini Kora and Handheld Instruments

Why pick this up: The kora’s harp‑like sound is woven into Gambian musical life. Smaller, decorative koras or travel‑size instruments are carved for tourists and make beautiful display pieces or beginner instruments.
What to look for: Tight strings (nylon or gut), a well‑shaped resonator (calabash covered with skin), and sturdy tuners. Even decorative tiny koras often reflect real construction.
Price bracket (2025): D1,500–D6,000 for playable koras; decorative miniatures D300–D900.
Where to find it: Music shops in Serekunda, artisan stalls in Brikama, and performers’ stalls near live music venues.

6. Shea Butter and African Black Soap

Why pick this up: Natural skincare staples across West Africa, locally produced shea butter and black soap are prized for their moisturizing and cleansing properties — a useful, compact taste of Gambian wellness.
What to look for: Pure shea (no mineral oils), dark, grainy soap for black soap (indicating lots of ash and plant oils), and clear labeling if you have allergies.
Price bracket (2025): D100–D600 (small bars D100–D250; larger tins of shea D300–D600).
Where to find it: Serekunda markets, Bakau stalls, and small apothecaries in Banjul.

7. Groundnut (Peanut) Products and Snacks

Why pick this up: The Gambia’s groundnut heritage means roasted nuts, peanut brittle, and locally pressed groundnut oil are authentic edible souvenirs with a distinctly Gambian flavor.
What to look for: Freshly roasted smell, sealed packaging for oil, and peanut brittle that’s crisp rather than chewy — ask vendors about shelf life.
Price bracket (2025): D50–D400 (snack packs D50–D150; bottles of oil D200–D400).
Where to find it: Bakau fish market food stalls, Serekunda food aisles, and roadside vendors.

8. Brass Jewelry and Cowrie Necklaces

Why pick this up: Handmade brass bangles, earrings and necklaces studded with cowrie shells reflect coastal trade traditions and look great layered with modern clothes. Many pieces are recycled‑metal brasswork — sustainable and stylish.
What to look for: Firm closures, solid weight in brass items (not flaking plating), and securely attached cowries. Authentic pieces will show handcrafted marks.
Price bracket (2025): D150–D1,200 (simple earrings D150–D300; statement bangles D400–D1,200).
Where to find it: Craft stalls in Kololi and Serekunda, artisan shops in Brikama.

9. Hand‑drums and Percussion Instruments

Why pick this up: A djembe or local talking drum brings rhythm home — real drums made by Gambian craftsmen have a bright, live sound and are often tuned with traditional rope systems.
What to look for: Stretched goat skin, solid shell (wood), secure rope or tuning system, and balanced tone when tapped. Smaller bongos and ashiko drums are good travel options.
Price bracket (2025): D800–D6,000 (small hand drums D800–D2,000; full djembes D2,000–D6,000).
Where to find it: Music workshops in Serekunda and Brikama, cultural centers where drumming is taught.

10. Baobab Powder and Local Spices

Why pick this up: Baobab powder — tangy and vitamin‑rich — plus local spice mixes bring Gambian flavors to your kitchen. They’re handy, shelf‑stable gifts for food lovers.
What to look for: Clean, dry packaging and clear source labeling; resealable bags are best for travel. For spices, smell the mix to ensure freshness.
Price bracket (2025): D100–D500 (small bags D100–D250; larger packs D300–D500).
Where to find it: Food stalls in Serekunda, specialty shops in Banjul, and farmer co‑ops on the outskirts of towns.

Tip: haggle politely in markets, ask for provenance on food and skins, and pack fragile carvings and calabashes carefully — these Gambian souvenirs will keep the taste, sound and texture of the River Gambia with you long after you return home. 🌴

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!