From the granite boulders glinting at Anse Source d’Argent to the heady sweetness of vanilla drying in the sun, Seychelles is a place you sense before you can name it.

Mornings at Victoria’s Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market fill the air with the salt-bright tang of fresh tuna, the warm smoke of grilled octopus, and the earthy perfume of cinnamon and pandanus, every stall a small atlas of the islands’ flavors and materials, perfect for collecting memories.

Walk a dusty path through La Digue’s coconut groves and you’ll find artisans weaving pandanus mats, lacquered takamaka carvings catching late-afternoon light, and the rare sight of licensed coco de mer displays in government shops, tactile reminders of unique island life.

Whether it’s spices, shell jewelry, or a hand-painted scene of Curieuse’s giant tortoises, Seychelles souvenirs can carry home the lapping surf and lush palms in a single object. Here’s what to buy in Seychelles to bring a piece of its spirit back home.

1. Vanilla Beans (Seychellois-grown)

Why pick this up:
Seychelles vanilla has a deep, floral aroma that transforms simple dishes and conjures island mornings. It’s a lightweight, long-lasting souvenir that captures the archipelago’s aromatic heritage.

What to look for:
Choose plump, glossy pods that are slightly oily and flexible; avoid brittle, dry beans. Ask vendors about harvest date and whether they’ve been cured locally on Praslin or Mahé.

Price bracket (2025):
SCR 120–700 per pod (depending on size and curing).

Where to find it:
Victoria market stalls, Praslin spice vendors, and duty-free at Seychelles International Airport.

2. Takamaka Rum

Why pick this up:
Made from local molasses and often infused with island flavors like vanilla or coconut, Takamaka rum is a spirited reminder of Creole evenings. A bottle is both a taste memory and a welcomed gift for friends.

What to look for:
Look for small-batch labels and special editions (vanilla, coconut, or spiced). Check for proper seals and production dates to ensure freshness.

Price bracket (2025):
SCR 250–1,200 per bottle.

Where to find it:
Beau Vallon shops, Victoria duty-free, and boutique liquor stores on Mahé and Praslin.

3. Handwoven Pandanus Mats and Baskets

Why pick this up:
Pandanus weaving is a living craft—lightweight, durable, and patterned with the slow rhythm of island life. These pieces make striking home décor and are deeply tied to Seychellois tradition.

What to look for:
Seek tight, even weaving and natural dyes; brighter colors often indicate modern commercialization. Ask whether leaves were hand-harvested and sun-dried for authenticity.

Price bracket (2025):
SCR 150–1,500 depending on size and intricacy.

Where to find it:
La Digue craft stalls, Victoria market, and artisan markets on Praslin.

4. Coco de Mer (licensed halves or certified souvenirs)

Why pick this up:
The coco de mer is an iconic emblem of the islands — its scale and shape are unmistakably Seychellois and deeply symbolic. Certified halves or polished pieces (sold legally) are dramatic centrepieces for a home collection.

What to look for:
Only buy nuts with government paperwork or from licensed outlets; avoid any uncertified whole nuts. Smaller certified pieces or polished halves are easier and legal to export.

Price bracket (2025):
SCR 3,000–20,000 (certificate and size-dependent).

Where to find it:
Government-approved coco de mer shops on Praslin and select museum gift shops.

5. Shell Jewelry and Mother-of-Pearl Items

Why pick this up:
Delicate shell necklaces, mother-of-pearl earrings, and small shell-inlaid boxes reflect the sea’s palette and are wearable reminders of beach days. They’re often lightweight and travel-friendly.

What to look for:
Prefer pieces using polished mother-of-pearl and ethically collected shells; avoid any protected species or worn-out coatings. Artisans who explain sourcing tend to craft more responsibly.

Price bracket (2025):
SCR 150–900. Where to find it:
Victoria market, La Digue jetty stalls, and seaside craft stands at Beau Vallon.

6. Local Spice Blends and Creole Condiments

Why pick this up:
Seychelles’ Creole cooking relies on spice blends — dried vanilla, cinnamon, black pepper, and artisanal curry mixes bring island flavor to your kitchen. They’re compact, aromatic, and perfect for gifting.

What to look for:
Choose sealed packets or jars with ingredient lists and a recent packing date; whole spices keep longer than ground. Seek blends labeled “Creole” or specific island origins like Praslin cinnamon.

Price bracket (2025):
SCR 60–450. Where to find it:
Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, Praslin spice stalls, and specialty food shops.

7. Lacquered Takamaka Wood Carvings

Why pick this up:
Takamaka and other local hardwoods are carved into bowls, figures, and decorative boxes, finished with glossy lacquer that highlights rich grain patterns. Each piece is a tactile keepsake shaped by island timbercraft.

What to look for:
Inspect joints and finishes for smooth sanding and even lacquer; avoid items that smell strongly of chemical varnish. Smaller, certified sustainably sourced pieces are best for travel.

Price bracket (2025):
SCR 200–2,500. Where to find it:
Artisan workshops in Victoria, gallery stalls on La Digue, and craft fairs on Praslin.

8. Batik and Creole Printed Textiles

Why pick this up:
Bright, hand-printed batik dresses, pareos, and tablecloths echo the islands’ flamboyant colors and are practical souvenirs to wear or decorate. They reflect local patterns and tropical motifs.

What to look for:
Look for hand-dipped dye variations and natural fibers like cotton or rayon; uniform prints often signal machine-made fabric. Ask artisans about design inspiration — many prints reference endemic flora like coco de mer leaves.

Price bracket (2025):
SCR 200–1,200. Where to find it:
La Digue boutiques, Victoria market stalls, and craft bazaars on Mahé.

9. Local Artwork (Prints and Small Paintings)

Why pick this up:
Paintings and prints by Seychellois artists capture light on granite shores, the green palms of Vallée de Mai, and Creole life in vibrant strokes. Art makes a personal, one-of-a-kind souvenir that supports local creatives.

What to look for:
Buy signed works or numbered prints and ask about the artist’s locality (Mahé, La Digue, Praslin). Smaller canvases or rolled prints are easier and cheaper to transport.

Price bracket (2025):
SCR 300–5,000. Where to find it:
Galleries in Victoria, La Digue studios, and weekend art stalls at resort craft fairs.

10. Handmade Soaps and Coconut Beauty Products

Why pick this up:
Locally made soaps, coconut oils, and scrubs use island-grown coconut and native botanicals for clean, fragrant skincare souvenirs. They’re useful, light, and a lovely way to extend vacation scents at home.

What to look for:
Choose products with transparent ingredient lists and minimal synthetic preservatives; solid soaps and sealed jars travel best. Products from small producers often have fresher scents.

Price bracket (2025):
SCR 50–450. Where to find it:
Victoria market craft stalls, spa boutiques, and artisan pop-up markets.

11. Miniature Pirogue Models and Nautical Crafts

Why pick this up:
Hand-carved boat models, oars, and maritime décor honor the islands’ fishing and boatbuilding past and make charming shelf or wall pieces. They translate island seafaring into a tactile keepsake.

What to look for:
Look for natural wood construction and hand-painted details rather than mass-produced plastic. Smaller, finely detailed models are easier to pack and tend to be higher quality.

Price bracket (2025):
SCR 300–2,000. Where to find it:
Craft stalls near Victoria harbour, La Digue boatyards, and artisan workshops on Praslin.

Tip: Pack fragile shells and lacquered items in clothing and request extra wrapping from vendors for safe travel ✈️

Local Shopping Culture & Traditions

Markets in Seychelles are social hubs as much as shopping spots. The Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market in Victoria is the island’s beating heart for fish, spices, and sundry crafts, where vendors set out fresh tuna and baskets of pandanus at dawn.

On La Digue and Praslin small jetty-side stalls and weekend craft tables showcase batik, woven goods, and wood carvings made by families who have passed techniques down for generations. Government regulation also plays a role – the coco de mer trade is tightly controlled, and certified pieces are sold through authorised outlets.

Bargaining is practiced politely at open-air stalls but is less common in boutiques and duty-free shops; a friendly haggling approach is fine for markets but respect fixed-price signage.

Artisan villages and resort bazaars frequently host weekend markets where visitors can meet makers, ask about materials, and watch demonstrations of weaving, carving, or batik-printing.

How to Spot Genuine Local Souvenirs

Handcrafted items show signs of human touch: slightly irregular stitching in pandanus weaving, visible tool marks on takamaka wood carvings, or dye variations in hand-dipped batik.

Ask sellers about materials, genuine pandanus will smell faintly grassy and feel fibrous, while takamaka wood has a warm, tight grain.

For coco de mer, insist on government paperwork or buy from recognised museum shops; uncertified whole nuts are illegal to export. For food items, check for sealed packaging and a clear production or packing date, and prefer whole spices over ground versions if you want longer shelf life.

Imported tourist trinkets are often overly glossy, uniform, and priced suspiciously low; when in doubt, ask where the materials were sourced and whether the item was made on the island.

Where to Shop in Seychelles

• Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market (Victoria, Mahé) — the main open-air market for fish, spices, and crafts.
• La Digue jetty area and small craft stalls — for woven goods and local art.
• Baie Sainte Anne and local markets (Praslin) — spice vendors and artisan booths near Vallée de Mai.
• Beau Vallon beachfront stalls and evening craft fairs — good for jewelry and batik.
• Duty-free shops at Seychelles International Airport — practical for rum, vanilla, and certified coco de mer.
• Hotel and resort craft bazaars, plus small galleries in Victoria — for higher-end art and woodwork.

FAQs

Q: Are souvenirs in Seychelles expensive?
A: Prices range widely; spices and small crafts are affordable, while certified coco de mer and original artworks can be costly. Tourist areas and galleries tend to be pricier than local markets.

Q: Is bargaining common in Seychelles?
A: Mild bargaining is acceptable at open-air markets and with independent stallholders, but shops and galleries usually have fixed prices. Be polite and aim for a respectful, friendly negotiation.

Q: How do I know if food items will pass customs?
A: Choose commercially sealed and labeled products with packing dates; fresh fish and some unprocessed goods are restricted. Check your home country’s import rules before flying.

Explore the markets, stalls, and workshops of Seychelles — the islands’ flavors, fibers, and forms are waiting to tell their stories through the souvenirs you bring home. Seychelles souvenirs are a beautiful way to keep the islands close.

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!