From the slanting, honeyed light over Mallory Square to the salty, fried-sweet air of a late-night conch fritter, Key West is a small island that packs big flavor and endless color. Palm fronds whisper over pastel cottages, roosters strut through Bahama Village, and every sunset feels like a private encore which is exactly why so many travelers hunt for souvenirs from Key West to bottle that easy, seaside life.

Whether you want something edible, wearable, or hand-carved to remember Old Town by, here’s what to buy in Key West to bring a piece of the island home with you.

Check out my 5 Best Key West Gift Shops!

1. Conch Shells and Conch Memorabilia

Why pick this up: The conch is Key West’s emblem — you’ll see it in restaurants, music, and local lore. A cleaned, ethically sourced conch shell or a polished conch ornament is an instant island statement piece for a shelf or entryway.
What to look for: Ask vendors whether shells were ethically collected (never taken from living animals) and check for proper cleaning and sealing. Smaller, whole shells or framed shell displays make easier, luggage-friendly options.
Price bracket (2025): $10–$200 (small shells and souvenirs to large display shells).
Where to find it: Mallory Square stalls, souvenir shops on Duval Street, and artisan booths in Bahama Village.

2. Key Lime Pie and Key Lime Products

Why pick this up: Nothing tastes like Key West like tart, creamy key lime. Bring home a jar of key lime curd, a boxed pie mix, or locally made candies to relive the tangy sweetness.
What to look for: Fresh-made pies from reputable bakers (not grocery versions), pure key lime juice, or small-batch curds. Look for Kermit’s Key Lime Shoppe products — a local favorite.
Price bracket (2025): $4–$35 ($3–$6 for single slices, $12–$35 for whole pies and specialty jars).
Where to find it: Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe, Blue Heaven bakery, Duval Street bakeries, and farmer’s-market stalls.

3. Hand-Rolled Cigars

Why pick this up: Key West’s Cuban influence lives on in its cigar culture — a hand-rolled cigar is part island history, part ritual for many visitors.
What to look for: Hand-rolled, freshly humidified cigars from reputable shops; ask about tobacco origin and roller credentials. Avoid mass-produced brands if you want authenticity.
Price bracket (2025): $8–$30 per cigar; boxes run $150+.
Where to find it: Duval Street cigar shops, Historic Seaport tobacconists, and specialty shops near Old Town.

4. Small-Batch Florida Keys Rum

Why pick this up: From boat days to sunset toasts, rum is the spirit of the Keys. Small-batch bottles capture local citrus, molasses, and sometimes a hint of sea air.
What to look for: Single-distillery labels, flavored rums with local tropical infusions, or limited-release bottlings. Check tasting notes and ABV before you buy.
Price bracket (2025): $25–$60 for standard bottles; $60–$150 for limited editions.
Where to find it: Distillery tasting rooms in Old Town, gift shops at the Historic Seaport, and specialty liquor stores on Duval Street.

5. Reclaimed Wood and Boat-Built Decor

Why pick this up: Weathered wood from old keys boats and docks is turned into trays, signs, and rustic furniture — each piece carries salt and sun in its grain.
What to look for: Solid construction, sealed finishes if you’re shipping it, and certificates saying wood isn’t from protected habitats. Smaller wall signs are easier to fly home.
Price bracket (2025): $30–$1,200 (small signs to larger furniture pieces).
Where to find it: Artisan galleries in Old Town, marine salvage shops near the Historic Seaport, and open-air markets.

6. Local Art and Key West Photography

Why pick this up: Bright, island-hued paintings and photos of Mallory Square sunsets, Hemingway’s cats, and pastel Conch-style houses are a stylish way to remember the island.
What to look for: Original works or limited-edition prints signed by the artist; archival inks for longevity. Small prints and postcards are great budget options.
Price bracket (2025): $15–$800 (postcards to originals).
Where to find it: The Studios of Key West, galleries along Duval Street, and pop-up markets in the Historic Seaport.

7. Florida Keys Sea Salt and Flavored Salts

Why pick this up: Locally harvested sea salts, sometimes infused with key lime, mango, or smoked paprika, make a functional and flavorful souvenir for home cooks.
What to look for: Food-grade packaging, small-batch labels, and unique flavor combos suited to seafood and cocktails.
Price bracket (2025): $6–$20 per jar.
Where to find it: Farmer’s markets, specialty food shops on Duval Street, and gift boutiques.

8. Sea Glass Jewelry and Shell Accessories

Why pick this up: Sea glass, conch chips, and mother-of-pearl are crafted into necklaces, bracelets, and earrings that carry the colors of the sea.
What to look for: Pieces that are reinforced and sealed for travel; ask about the origin of shells and that materials are sustainably sourced.
Price bracket (2025): $20–$150.
Where to find it: Mallory Square artisans, shops in Bahama Village, and small jewelers in Old Town.

9. Reef-Safe Sunscreen and Snorkel Gear

Why pick this up: If you loved snorkeling over the Keys’ shallow reefs, a tube of reef-safe sunscreen and a compact snorkel mask make practical souvenirs that protect what you love.
What to look for: Sunscreens labeled “reef-safe” (no oxybenzone or octinoxate), compact masks with good reviews, and lightweight travel snorkels.
Price bracket (2025): $10–$60 ($10–$25 for sunscreen; $25–$60 for quality masks).
Where to find it: Dive shops at the Historic Seaport, outdoor outfitters on Duval Street, and eco-focused boutiques.

10. Sunset Prints, Postcards, and Hemingway Keepsakes

Why pick this up: Key West sunsets at Mallory Square and the lore of Ernest Hemingway are quintessential island memories — beautiful prints, postcards, and Hemingway-themed keepsakes are classic mementos.
What to look for: High-quality photographic prints, locally produced postcards, and museum-backed items from the Hemingway Home gift shop for authenticity.
Price bracket (2025): $1–$75 (postcards to framed prints and museum items).
Where to find it: Mallory Square vendors at sunset, the Hemingway Home & Museum gift shop, and downtown souvenir stores.

Final tip: Pack fragile pieces with bubble wrap and buy extra luggage insurance if you’re bringing home larger art or shells — and don’t forget to shop responsibly and look for sustainably sourced souvenirs from Key West. 🌴

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!