From the moment a speedboat slips into a powder-white sandbank and the wind carries the scent of salt and coconut, the Maldives feels like a hand-painted postcard come to life.

Turquoise lagoons shimmer beneath patches of waving seagrass, fishermen haul cured tuna beneath Malé’s rust-red fish market roofs, and the tiny clack of lacquered boxes being opened in island bazaars sets a quieter, domestic rhythm.

On local islands the air tastes of toasted coconut and curry; you can hear bodu beru drums from a distance and watch artisans braid pandanus leaves into mats on shaded verandas.

If you’re after something to remember the archipelago by, these Maldives souvenirs capture the textures and tastes of atoll life. Here’s what to buy in the Maldives to bring a piece of its spirit back home.

1. Dried Maldive Fish (Cured Tuna)

Why pick this up:
A staple of Maldivian kitchens, cured tuna (often sold as flakes or blocks) carries an intense umami note that instantly transports you back to a Maldivian breakfast of mas huni. It’s a taste souvenir that cooks into curries, sambals, and soups at home.

What to look for:
Choose pale, firm blocks or tightly packed flakes with a clean, smoky aroma—avoid anything damp or overly soft. Ask stall vendors at Malé Fish Market for recently cured batches to ensure freshness.

Price bracket (2025):
MVR 30–250 depending on size and grade.

Where to find it:
Malé Fish Market, Maafushi local shops, and Velana International Airport gift shops.

2. Dhoni Wooden Models

Why pick this up:
Miniature dhonis—hand-carved wooden models of the traditional Maldivian boat—are charming reminders of island life and the sea routes that shaped the atolls. They make decorative keepsakes and conversation pieces.

What to look for:
Seek models with fine joinery, natural teak or coconut wood, and hand-painted details; larger, hand-shaped hulls show true craftsmanship. Check for signed work or listed island origins from Thulusdhoo or local Malé artisans.

Price bracket (2025):
MVR 150–1,200. Where to find it:
Craft stalls on Maafushi, souvenir shops on Thulusdhoo, resort boutiques, and Malé souvenir streets like Majeedhee Magu.

3. Lacquerware Boxes and Bowls

Why pick this up:
Lacquerware—brightly painted boxes and bowls—reflects a centuries-old Maldivian decorative tradition and looks striking on a shelf at home. The glossy surfaces capture local floral and marine motifs.

What to look for:
Choose pieces with layered lacquer, fine brushwork, and traditional motifs rather than flat, uniform paint—handmade items will show slight variations. Southern atoll artisans often produce the most authentic pieces.

Price bracket (2025):
MVR 200–1,500. Where to find it:
Island craft markets, Malé galleries, and resort boutiques in Addu and southern atolls.

4. Thundu Kunaa (Handwoven Pandanus Mats)

Why pick this up:
Thundu kunaa mats—woven from pandanus or similar leaves—are cool underfoot and rooted in island daily life, used for sleeping, dining, and shade. They’re functional, lightweight, and distinctly Maldivian.

What to look for:
Look for tight, even weaving, natural dyes, and finished edges; handmade mats will have small irregularities that signal authenticity. Smaller placemat sizes are easier to pack than full-size mats.

Price bracket (2025):
MVR 200–800. Where to find it:
Local island craft stalls (Maafushi, Thulusdhoo), weekend maker markets, and community craft villages.

5. Coir and Coconut-Fiber Goods

Why pick this up:
With coconuts everywhere, local artisans turn husk fiber into durable coir products—baskets, mats, and scrubbers—reflecting the resourcefulness of island life. They’re eco-friendly and very tactile.

What to look for:
Choose tightly twisted coir with sturdy stitching and sealed seams; natural, untreated fiber lasts longest. Items made on-site rather than mass-produced overseas are the real find.

Price bracket (2025):
MVR 50–600. Where to find it:
Island markets, Hulhumalé craft stalls, and Maafushi souvenir lanes.

6. Local Spice Blends & Curry Pastes

Why pick this up:
Maldivian cooking is bright and fish-forward; spice blends and pastes let you recreate island curries and garlicky sambals back home. They’re compact, aromatic, and travel-friendly when sealed.

What to look for:
Look for small-batch, labeled mixes (fish curry mix, mas huni spice) or jars of freshly blended curry paste with no added preservatives. Ask vendors about ingredients if you have allergies.

Price bracket (2025):
MVR 40–200. Where to find it:
Malé spice stalls, Hulhumalé markets, resort gift shops, and airport kiosks.

7. Virgin Coconut Oil & Handmade Soaps

Why pick this up:
Locally pressed coconut oil and soaps capture the Maldives’ best natural ingredient—coconut—and make lovely gifts for skin and hair care. They smell like island mornings and are useful souvenirs.

What to look for:
Opt for cold-pressed, unrefined virgin coconut oil in sealed jars and soaps with visible shredded coconut or coconut milk for authenticity. Check ingredient lists to avoid imported additives.

Price bracket (2025):
MVR 80–400. Where to find it:
Hulhumalé health-market stalls, artisan bazaars on Maafushi, resort boutiques.

8. Seashell & Mother-of-Pearl Jewelry

Why pick this up:
Delicate shell and mother-of-pearl pieces echo lagoon colours and make lightweight mementos you can wear daily. They pair island aesthetics with wearable craftsmanship.

What to look for:
Choose pieces with polished, ethically sourced shells and solid clasps; avoid anything labeled as “coral” to respect conservation rules. Seek sellers who source shells locally rather than importing plated trinkets.

Price bracket (2025):
MVR 50–400. Where to find it:
Maafushi souvenir stalls, Malé artisan markets, Lh. Atoll craft shops, and airport gift stores.

9. Bodu Beru Drums & Local Music Recordings

Why pick this up:
Bodu beru is the heartbeat of Maldivian celebrations; a small hand drum or a CD/USB of local drumming and island songs is a cultural souvenir that brings rhythms home. Music captures atmosphere like nothing else.

What to look for:
For instruments, pick compact, well-tacked skins and sturdy wood frames; for recordings, buy from performers or reputable kiosks to support artists. Avoid mass-produced kits with synthetic skins.

Price bracket (2025):
MVR 50–2,000 (CDs/USBs to small drums).

Where to find it:
Cultural nights at resorts, local island music shops, and Malé galleries.

10. Original Paintings & Prints by Maldivian Artists

Why pick this up:
Paintings and prints—seascapes, island life, and abstract coral motifs—make soulful souvenirs and support local creatives. They’re a lasting, personal way to bring the Maldives’ light into your home.

What to look for:
Select signed works or limited-edition prints, and ask about the artist and materials; canvas and archival inks travel better than delicate watercolors. Smaller framed pieces are easier to pack.

Price bracket (2025):
MVR 200–3,000. Where to find it:
Malé galleries, art stalls in Hulhumalé, resort galleries, and cultural centers.

11. Pareu (Island Sarong) and Local Textiles

Why pick this up:
Lightweight pareus—vibrant wrap skirts and sarongs—are perfect for beaches and everyday wear and often feature local motifs or dyeing techniques. They fold small and carry island colours home with you.

What to look for:
Prefer cotton or rayon pareus with bright, fast dyes and neat hems; handmade batik or block-printed pieces indicate local production. Ask vendors about dye methods to avoid weak colorfastness.

Price bracket (2025):
MVR 100–600. Where to find it:
Maafushi souvenir rows, Malé market streets (Majeedhee Magu), and resort boutiques.

Tip: Wrap food items and fragile crafts carefully—use clothes or bubble-wrap and declare perishables at customs to avoid fines ✈️

Local Shopping Culture & Traditions

Shopping in the Maldives often blends everyday practicality with island hospitality. On local islands like Maafushi and Thulusdhoo you’ll find compact rows of family-run stalls and souvenir lanes where bargaining is polite but modest, vendors expect friendly haggling rather than hard-nosed bargaining.

Malé’s Majeedhee Magu is the city’s main shopping street with a mix of small boutiques and stalls, while the Malé Fish Market is a working market where fishermen trade the day’s catch.

Many crafts are produced in small community workshops or at weekends when islanders gather to weave mats, press coconut oil, or paint lacquerware.

Resort boutiques sell higher-end, curated pieces and support some artisans, but local island bazaars and market stalls are where you’ll find the most authentic, everyday handmade goods.

How to Spot Genuine Local Souvenirs

Look for natural materials—pandanus or screw-pine leaves in woven mats, coconut husk coir, real mother-of-pearl, and solid wood for dhoni models.

Handmade items will show slight irregularities in weave, paint, or stitch; those imperfections are signs of craft rather than cheap mass production.

For food items, check labels (small-batch, recent curing dates for Maldive fish, and sealed packaging for oils and spices) and ask sellers where ingredients were sourced.

Avoid shiny, uniform pieces that look identical; these are often imported. Ask questions: which island made this? Does the artist sign their work?

Local artists and market vendors are generally happy to tell you about techniques and provenance.

Where to Shop in Maldives

• Malé: Majeedhee Magu, Malé Fish Market, and small galleries around the central commercial district.
• Maafushi: souvenir lanes and local craft stalls popular with guesthouse travellers.
• Thulusdhoo and Hulhumalé: surf-island shops, maker markets, and artisan stalls.
• Addu and southern atolls: resort boutiques and community craft workshops (for lacquerware and traditional items).
• Velana International Airport: convenient airport gift shops with curated local products and sealed foodstuffs.
• Resort boutiques and cultural centers: higher-end crafts, art prints, and certified local goods.

FAQs

Q: Are souvenirs in the Maldives expensive?
A: Prices vary widely—resort boutiques and galleries are pricier, while local island stalls offer more affordable finds; expect to pay more for handcrafted, signed work.

Q: Is bargaining common in the Maldives?
A: Light bargaining is acceptable at local stalls and markets, but do so politely; fixed-price shops and resort boutiques generally don’t haggle.

Q: How do I know if food items are allowed through customs?
A: Packaged, sealed foodstuffs like vacuum-packed dried fish, spices, and sealed oils are usually OK—declare them on arrival and check your destination’s import rules before travel.

Explore the Maldives’ markets, craft lanes, and resort boutiques to find items that tell the story of its islands—Maldives souvenirs are waiting to carry a little bit of lagoon light back with you.

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!