From the bleached coral of the lagoon to the heat-simmered pandanus leaves drying on village racks, Kiribati smells of salt, sun-warmed coconut, and smoke from fishermen’s ovens.

Walking the narrow causeways of South Tarawa at low tide, you’ll hear the slap of outrigger hulls and see children threading mother-of-pearl disks into necklaces—small, hand-made stories that capture the atoll’s rhythm.

Markets in Bairiki and Betio bustle beneath corrugated roofs where fishermen lay out silver bream, and women in woven pandanus skirts sell mats, fans and coconut-carved trinkets at stalls.

From pandanus weaving on Abaiang to the WWII relics scattered across Tarawa, local goods are tactile reminders of Kiribati’s islands and the people who keep those traditions alive; if you’re wondering what to buy in Kiribati, this list will help you bring a piece of that atoll life home.

Here’s what to buy in Kiribati to bring a piece of its spirit back home.

1. Woven Pandanus Mats (Te Raina / Floor Mats)

Why pick this up:
Pandanus mats are central to everyday life and ceremony in Kiribati; their tight weave and sun-bleached stripes carry the smell of the lagoon and months of careful labor. They make practical beach or picnic mats and are tangible pieces of traditional weaving.

What to look for:
Seek even, fine weaving and natural dyes (often toasted pandanus) and ask if the leaves came from outer islands like Abaiang or Marakei for authenticity. Avoid perfectly machine-perfect edges—handmade mats will have small irregularities.

Price bracket (2025):
A$30–A$150

Where to find it:
Bairiki Market, craft stalls in Teaoraereke, village sellers on Abaiang or Butaritari.

2. Shell and Mother-of-Pearl Jewelry

Why pick this up:
Shell necklaces, bracelets and mother-of-pearl pendants celebrate Kiribati’s lagoon resources and often feature local motifs like fish or coconut fronds. They’re lightweight, travel-friendly, and distinctly island in style.

What to look for:
Look for drilled shells with fresh luster and hand-carved mother-of-pearl; ask which lagoon the shells were sourced from to ensure local origin. Beware of uniformly dyed plastics—real shells have subtle color variations.

Price bracket (2025):
A$10–A$60

Where to find it:
Betio market stalls, beachside vendors on outer islands, artisan booths at community bazaars.

3. Coconut Shell Bowls and Utensils

Why pick this up:
Coconut-shell bowls, cups and spoons transform discarded coconuts into elegant, eco-friendly souvenirs that echo Kiribati’s reliance on the palm tree. Each piece shows burn marks, polish and grain unique to the nut.

What to look for:
Prefer pieces with smooth inner polish and cleanly sanded rims; ask if they’ve been treated with food-safe oil if intended for eating. Reject items that smell strongly of industrial varnish.

Price bracket (2025):
A$5–A$40

Where to find it:
Local craft stalls in South Tarawa, artisan workshops on outer islands, Bonriki Airport gift area.

4. Virgin Coconut Oil & Coconut Products

Why pick this up:
Kiribati’s cold-pressed coconut oil is fragrant, pale and multipurpose—great for cooking, skin and hair care—and reflects traditional copra processing. Small-batch jars capture local flavors more authentically than supermarket brands.

What to look for:
Choose unrefined, cold-pressed or hand-extracted oil with a clear origins label (Tarawa, Abaiang). Check for airtight sealing and ask vendors about production methods.

Price bracket (2025):
A$8–A$25

Where to find it:
Bairiki and Betio markets, community co-op stalls, Bonriki Airport shops.

5. Hand-Carved Outrigger Canoe Models

Why pick this up:
Miniature wooden outrigger canoes celebrate Kiribati’s voyaging culture; they’re decorative, compact reminders of the islands’ seafaring heritage. Carvers often replicate local double-hull or outrigger designs.

What to look for:
Look for smooth hand-carving, traditional lashings, and finishes made from coconut oil rather than glossy synthetic lacquer. Ask whether local hardwoods were used and from which island.

Price bracket (2025):
A$25–A$120

Where to find it:
Artisan workshops in South Tarawa, markets in Betio, cultural festivals and museum craft tables.

6. Woven Fans and Dance Accessories

Why pick this up:
Woven pandanus fans and shell-trimmed dance accessories are used in local performances and make tactile, decorative souvenirs. They carry the scent of sun-dried pandanus and the rhythm of I-Kiribati dance.

What to look for:
Choose pieces with tight, flexible weaves and secure shell or fiber attachments; decorative fringe should be hand-knotted. Avoid synthetic-looking fibers and mass-produced tassels.

Price bracket (2025):
A$5–A$40

Where to find it:
Village markets, performance venues in South Tarawa, stalls during church and cultural events.

7. Sea-Shell Art & Framed Shell Collages

Why pick this up:
Local artists turn delicate shells into framed collages and wall hangings that echo coral reefs and lagoon palettes. These pieces make striking souvenirs without taking living coral.

What to look for:
Prefer artworks that use locally collected, non-protected shells and reputable framing; avoid anything containing whole coral or bleached live specimens. Ask the artist about sourcing.

Price bracket (2025):
A$15–A$80

Where to find it:
Artisan stalls at community bazaars, cultural centers in South Tarawa, occasional pop-up exhibits.

8. Packaged Dried Fish & Traditional Snacks

Why pick this up:
Dried tuna, smoked bonito flakes and snack items made from coconut are staples of island foodways and travel well when properly packaged. They offer a savory taste of Kiribati to cook with back home.

What to look for:
Buy vacuum-sealed packaging with clear production dates and vendor information; pick items from reputable market stalls or producer cooperatives. Check customs rules for bringing dried fish into your home country.

Price bracket (2025):
A$4–A$25

Where to find it:
Fishermen’s stalls at Betio and Bairiki markets, village drying racks on outer islands, cooperative shops.

9. Local Photography & Prints

Why pick this up:
Photographers in Kiribati capture atoll light, traditional ceremonies, and wartime relics; framed prints or postcards are lightweight and tell visual stories of place. They’re also a way to support local creatives.

What to look for:
Choose signed prints or works that credit the photographer and note the island or subject. Avoid touristy mass-printed shots; seek limited-run or hand-printed editions if possible.

Price bracket (2025):
A$1–A$60

Where to find it:
Markets, pop-up galleries during cultural weeks, social media pages of Kiribati photographers (arrange pickup at Bonriki).

10. Sea Salt & Small-Batch Condiments

Why pick this up:
Artisanal sea salt harvested from shallow pans carries the pure, mineral flavor of Kiribati’s Pacific waters and is a practical culinary gift. Small-batch hot sauces or coconut-based condiments made by local women’s groups are also authentic edible souvenirs.

What to look for:
Select salts with clear labeling and small-batch notes; condiments should be jarred and sealed with producer contact info. Confirm ingredients and storage instructions for travel.

Price bracket (2025):
A$3–A$20

Where to find it:
Bairiki and Betio markets, cooperative stores, Bonriki Airport gift shelves.

Tip: Haggle respectfully—prices are often fixed at cooperative stalls but local beach vendors may expect gentle bargaining; always ask about the maker first and offer around 20% lower to start negotiation. 🧭

Local Shopping Culture & Traditions

Markets in Kiribati are social hubs as much as retail spaces. In South Tarawa, places like Bairiki and Betio market bustle with morning trade—fish laid on banana leaves, pandanus racks, and women calling out prices.

On outer islands such as Abaiang, Marakei and Butaritari, buying is more of a village exchange where items come from family workshops: woven mats, shell necklaces and coconut oil are often made by household groups and sold directly.

Cultural influences range from traditional weaving techniques to Christian-influenced market rhythms; many crafts are tied to ceremonies (mats and dance accessories) or everyday life (coconut utensils).

Bargaining is usually polite and measured—while some vendors expect fixed prices, smaller stalls and outer-island sellers often welcome a friendly negotiation. Look for weekend or festival markets where artisans gather to sell more elaborate pieces.

How to Spot Genuine Local Souvenirs

Genuine Kiribati items typically show evidence of hand work: slight irregularities in pandanus weave, drill marks on shell beads, and natural variations in coconut grain.

Ask sellers about materials—pandanus, coconut shell (niu), and locally sourced shells are authentic indicators.

For woven goods, inspect the underside and seams; handwoven mats have tapered ends and stitched joins, while machine-made imitations may have uniform fibers or synthetic shine.

For food items, check for vacuum-sealed packaging, production dates and vendor contact information to ensure freshness and traceability. Avoid anything with whole coral or live-protected species, and ask whether shells were gathered from fallen beach material rather than reef mining.

When in doubt, seek pieces sold by named cooperatives or with a clear artisan story.

Where to Shop in Kiribati

• Bairiki Market (South Tarawa) — the most famous open-air market for woven goods, shells and foodstuffs.
• Betio Market (South Tarawa) — bustling fish markets and craft stalls near the wharf.
• Village craft stalls on Abaiang, Butaritari and Marakei — for authentic weaving and coconut crafts.
• Bonriki International Airport shops — last-minute gifts like packaged coconut oil and small crafts.
• Community cultural centers and festival bazaars — pop-up artisan markets during national events.
• Museum or cultural center gift tables (when open) — curated items and photography prints.

FAQs

Q: Are souvenirs in Kiribati expensive?
A: Prices vary—basic woven fans and small shell jewelry are inexpensive (A$5–A$20), while large pandanus mats or detailed canoe carvings can be pricier (A$50–A$150). Buying directly from island artisans often gives better value.

Q: Is bargaining common in Kiribati?
A: Bargaining is acceptable at small market stalls and with beach vendors, but many cooperative stalls and larger market sellers have fixed prices. Always be polite and start lower if you try to negotiate.

Q: How do I know if food items will pass customs?
A: Check your home country’s import rules before packing dried fish, seeds or plant products. Vacuum-sealed packaged goods with dates and origin info are more likely to clear customs than loose or unpackaged items.

Explore Kiribati’s markets and workshops to discover the island-made treasures waiting to be found; Kiribati souvenirs are small, soulful reminders of lagoons, pandanus and the people who weave them.

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!