From the bright painted tap-taps rattling through Port-au-Prince to the pastel houses and papier-mâché parades of Jacmel, Haiti is a feast for the senses: sun-warmed rum, the metallic clink of hand-cut metal art, and the scent of vetiver drying in the sun. Markets hum with drums and conversation, and every alley seems to hold a new color or craft you’ll want to bring home.

Whether you’re chasing krewe costumes, artisanal chocolate, or a piece of Vodou-inspired art, here’s what to buy in Haiti to bring a piece of its vibrant culture home with you — the best Haitian souvenirs to hunt for on your trip.

1. Rhum Barbancourt

Why pick this up: Barbancourt is Haiti’s signature rum — rich, aromatic and deeply tied to the island’s history. A bottle captures the country’s sugarcane terroir and is a classic gift for any spirits lover.
What to look for: Age statements (3, 5, 8 years) or special cuvées; the 5- or 8-year bottles have smoother, vanilla-and-tropical-fruit notes.
Price bracket (2025): HTG 1,800–4,500 per 700 ml bottle.
Where to find it: Duty-free at Toussaint Louverture International Airport, liquor shops in Port-au-Prince, and markets in Pétion-Ville.

2. Haitian Coffee (Kafe Ayiti)

Why pick this up: Haitian coffee, especially from the highlands around Kenscoff and Jacmel, is aromatic with bright acidity and floral notes — perfect for morning rituals at home.
What to look for: Single-origin small roasts from Kenscoff, Thomazeau, or the Nord; whole-bean for freshness.
Price bracket (2025): HTG 600–1,200 per 250 g bag.
Where to find it: Local roasters in Port-au-Prince, farmers’ stalls in Kenscoff, and specialty cafés in Cap-Haïtien and Jacmel.

3. Croix-des-Bouquets Metal Art

Why pick this up: Made from recycled oil drums, the hammered-metal art of Croix-des-Bouquets is iconic — sunburst wall hangings, lamps, and masks that shimmer with Caribbean light.
What to look for: Clean finishing, signed pieces from known artisans, and intricate cutwork that shows hand skill.
Price bracket (2025): HTG 300–12,000 depending on size and detail.
Where to find it: Workshops and galleries in Croix-des-Bouquets, open-air markets in Port-au-Prince, and art shops in Pétion-Ville.

4. Drapo Vodou (Vodou Flags)

Why pick this up: These embroidered and sequined flags are handcrafted ritual textiles with bold colors and spiritual symbolism — both powerful artworks and cultural keepsakes.
What to look for: Hand-stitched sequins and beads, provenance from known ateliers in Port-au-Prince or Jacmel, and respectful depictions of lwa (spirits).
Price bracket (2025): HTG 800–6,000 depending on size and complexity.
Where to find it: Art markets in Port-au-Prince, specialized boutiques in Pétion-Ville, and artist studios in Jacmel.

5. Haitian Chocolate and Cocoa Beans

Why pick this up: Haiti grows fine-flavor cacao; artisanal bars showcase bean-to-bar craft and bright tropical notes that differ from mass-market chocolate.
What to look for: Single-origin labels, small-batch producers, or bars labeled “Cacao d’Haiti.”
Price bracket (2025): HTG 300–1,200 per bar; bulk beans HTG 500–2,000.
Where to find it: Farmers’ markets in the Nord and Artibonite, chocolatiers in Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haïtien, and market stalls in Jacmel.

6. Papier-Mâché Masks and Carnival Costumes

Why pick this up: Jacmel’s Carnival tradition yields colorful papier-mâché masks and miniature costumes — playful, lightweight reminders of Haiti’s street festivals.
What to look for: Bright paint, durable papier-mâché layering, and traditional motifs like gwo pompes (big pumps) or lwa-inspired figures.
Price bracket (2025): HTG 500–8,000 depending on size and craftsmanship.
Where to find it: Workshops and galleries in Jacmel, craft stalls during carnival season, and artisan shops in coastal towns.

7. Hand-Carved Wood Sculptures

Why pick this up: From small saints to abstract figures, Haitian wood carving is expressive and rooted in both Catholic and Vodou iconography.
What to look for: Hardwoods like mahogany or jakmèl (local woods), smooth finishes, and a signed artist if possible.
Price bracket (2025): HTG 400–25,000 depending on size and artist reputation.
Where to find it: Art markets in Pétion-Ville and Port-au-Prince, galleries in Cap-Haïtien, and studios in Jacmel.

8. Madras and Handwoven Textiles

Why pick this up: Madras cloth and handwoven textiles bring Caribbean color home — perfect as tablecloths, headwraps, or framed fabric art.
What to look for: Bright, traditional madras checks, hand-stitched detailing, and locally sewn garments or headscarves.
Price bracket (2025): HTG 700–6,000 for yardage or finished items.
Where to find it: Textile stalls in Cap-Haïtien, markets in Port-au-Prince, and street vendors near tourist districts.

9. Vetiver Oil and Herbal Soaps

Why pick this up: Haiti is famous for vetiver — its essential oil is prized in perfumery. Locally made balms, soaps, and oils carry the island’s earthy, smoky scent.
What to look for: Pure vetiver essential oil or soaps listing vetiver as a main ingredient; small-batch labels from Mirebalais or Kenscoff producers.
Price bracket (2025): HTG 150–2,500 (soaps HTG 150–600; bottles of oil HTG 1,200–2,500).
Where to find it: Natural-product stalls in Port-au-Prince, health shops in Pétion-Ville, and farm stands in vetiver-growing regions.

10. Local Music (Kompa, Rara & Roots)

Why pick this up: Kompa and Rara rhythms are Haiti’s heartbeat — CDs, vinyl, and local compilations make immersive gifts that keep the island’s sound alive back home.
What to look for: Classic bands like Tabou Combo or Boukman Eksperyans, recent indie releases, or tapes from local street vendors.
Price bracket (2025): HTG 200–1,200 for CDs or vinyl.
Where to find it: Music shops in Port-au-Prince and Jacmel, market stalls, and record fairs when they’re on.

Hunting for Haitian souvenirs means following your senses: the metallic gleam in Croix-des-Bouquets, the smoky sweetness of a good Barbancourt, the bright sequins of a drapo. Bring a mix of edible treats, wearable textiles, and artful objects to capture Haiti’s living culture.

Tip: Pack fragile metal art and bottles in checked luggage with plenty of padding — and always ask for provenance for ceremonial pieces to respect local heritage. 🌴

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!