Apia’s markets and craft stalls bring together materials and skills found across Samoa. Shopping here is practical: many items are made by island artisans, and a few good purchases can show the island’s patterns, materials, and flavors.

This guide covers items you can find around the city, not a single store. It focuses on things that travel well, how to judge quality, and what to leave behind.

1. Tapa cloth (siapo)

• Why it’s worth buying: Tapa is a traditional cloth with hand-painted motifs tied to Samoan stories. A small panel or scarf carries that pattern work without taking much space.
• Where to look: galleries
• Price range: $30–$150
• How to spot a good one: Look for hand-drawn designs and uneven brush strokes rather than perfectly printed patterns.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Roll small panels and put them between layers of clothing to prevent creases.

2. Mini kava bowl or scoop (small tanoa)

• Why it’s worth buying: Wood-carved kava tools reflect local carving styles and communal traditions. A mini bowl or scoop gives the look without the full-size weight.
• Where to look: independent shops
• Price range: $20–$120
• How to spot a good one: Check for clean carving lines and a smooth finished interior; rough patches mean poor finishing.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap in soft clothing and place in your carry-on to avoid crushing.

3. Shell jewelry

• Why it’s worth buying: Shell necklaces and earrings use local materials and simple techniques. They make lightweight, wearable reminders of the coast.
• Where to look: markets
• Price range: $8–$60
• How to spot a good one: Shells should be intact with neat drilling and secure knots or clasps.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Store in a small padded pouch or a hard sunglasses case to keep shapes safe.

4. Packaged Samoan coffee

• Why it’s worth buying: Local roasts capture island flavors and are easy to share at home. Ground or whole-bean options suit different brew methods.
• Where to look: food halls
• Price range: $8–$25
• How to spot a good one: Prefer recent roast dates and a clear roast-level label for freshness.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Put bags inside a sealed plastic bag to prevent punctures and odor transfer.

5. Artisanal sea salt

• Why it’s worth buying: Hand-harvested sea salt has a clean, briny flavor that pairs well with seafood and home cooking. Small jars are travel-friendly.
• Where to look: co-ops
• Price range: $5–$15
• How to spot a good one: Look for minimal processing and clear labeling of source water or method.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Seal jars inside a zip-top bag to contain any accidental spills.

6. Woven pandanus bag or mat

• Why it’s worth buying: Woven pandanus items show traditional plaiting and make useful, durable carriers. Smaller bags fold flat for travel.
• Where to look: markets
• Price range: $12–$60
• How to spot a good one: Tight, even weaving and secure stitching or bindings indicate better craftsmanship.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Flatten and tuck inside suitcase edges to preserve shape.

7. Local ceramics

• Why it’s worth buying: Samoan pottery often blends local clays with Pacific aesthetics. Mugs or small bowls are practical souvenirs.
• Where to look: galleries
• Price range: $20–$100
• How to spot a good one: Check for even glaze coverage and no hairline cracks; a firm base shows proper firing.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap each piece in clothing and cushion between brittle items in your carry-on.

8. Linocut prints or artist postcards

• Why it’s worth buying: Prints capture local scenes or motifs and support individual artists. They’re light, inexpensive, and easy to frame later.
• Where to look: independent shops
• Price range: $8–$45
• How to spot a good one: Signed prints or numbered editions show the artist’s involvement and care.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Carry flat in a document folder or place between book pages.

9. Coconut oil or candy

• Why it’s worth buying: Coconut products are common in Apia and represent local uses of the fruit. Sealed jars or wrapped sweets travel well.
• Where to look: food halls
• Price range: $6–$30
• How to spot a good one: Choose labeled, sealed containers with ingredient lists and no obvious damage.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Keep liquids sealed and padded, and check customs rules for edible goods.

10. Handmade metal or bead jewelry

• Why it’s worth buying: Small metal pieces and beadwork often combine island design with sturdy construction. They last and fit in any luggage.
• Where to look: co-ops
• Price range: $25–$150
• How to spot a good one: Inspect clasps and joints for secure soldering or tight stringing.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Place each piece in a small pouch or pillbox to avoid tangling.

11. Coconut shell cups and utensils

• Why it’s worth buying: Reused coconut shells are turned into cups and spoons that show local resourcefulness. They’re lightweight and functional.
• Where to look: market stalls
• Price range: $5–$35
• How to spot a good one: Smooth rims and evenly sanded interiors indicate proper finishing.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap in soft cloth and keep away from heavy items that could crack them.

12. Seafood seasoning or spice blends

• Why it’s worth buying: Local blends highlight flavors used in Samoan cooking for fish and vegetables. Small jars are compact and useful.
• Where to look: craft fairs
• Price range: $4–$20
• How to spot a good one: Fresh aroma and clear ingredient lists suggest better quality and transparency.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Seal jars in plastic and put them in checked luggage if liquids exceed cabin limits.

Quick buying tips for Apia

• Carry some cash; small stalls often accept cash easier than cards.
• Haggling is rarely aggressive; politely ask for a small discount where appropriate.
• Wrap ceramics and shells in clothing, then place in a carry-on for safety.
• Many galleries and co-ops can ship purchases abroad; confirm prices and timing.
• Look for artist signatures, natural fibers, and uneven finishes to confirm local making.
• Carry sealed food in checked luggage when required, and check liquid limits.

Where to shop in Apia

Shopping spreads across the central market, the waterfront, and a few downtown streets. Galleries and museum shops carry higher-end crafts, while the markets and weekend fairs are where most artisan goods and foods appear.

• Apia Central Market — fresh produce, coconut products, small crafts, and quick street food.
• Waterfront and wharf area — shell jewelry, woven bags, and fishermen’s goods near the docks.
• Main street and government-house area — independent shops selling prints, textiles, and wearable crafts.
• Museum shops and cultural centers — curated books, small replicas, and artist-signed pieces.
• Saturday craft markets and seasonal fairs — artists sell linocuts, jewelry, and tapa panels.
• Local galleries and artist co-ops — ceramics, contemporary design objects, and signed artwork.
• Food halls and specialty stalls — packaged coffee, sea salts, sweets, and local condiments.

What to skip (common tourist traps)

• Cheap plastic keychains labeled “Samoa” but made elsewhere; they lack local materials or craft.
• Heavily lacquered shells with glued parts; they often hide weak construction and poor edges.
• Unlabeled food jars without ingredient lists or dates; freshness and safety are unclear.
• Mass-printed “tapa” textiles with identical designs; they don’t show hand-painting or artist marks.
• Overpriced items in tourist-only zones with little provenance or artisan information.
• Jewelry with loose clasps or poor soldering; repairs may be needed soon after purchase.

If you only buy three things

Tapa cloth: It shows traditional patterns and packs small when you choose a panel.
Packaged Samoan coffee: It’s useful, compact, and easy to share at home.
Shell jewelry: Lightweight, affordable, and immediately wearable as a memory of the coast.

FAQ

1. What is Apia known for making?
   Apia is known for traditional crafts like tapa cloth, wood carving, woven pandanus items, and shell work. Local artisans also make ceramics, prints, and small metal or bead jewelry. These items often reference island motifs and materials.

2. What are the best edible souvenirs from Apia?
   Packaged coffee, coconut oil or candies, sea salt, and spice blends are reliable edible souvenirs. Choose sealed containers with ingredient lists and check customs rules for transporting food.

3. Are souvenirs expensive in Apia?
   Prices vary widely; markets and stalls usually offer lower-cost options while galleries charge more for curated or signed work. You can find affordable small crafts and more expensive artist pieces depending on finish and provenance.

4. What is the easiest souvenir to pack from Apia?
   Prints, postcards, and small textiles like tapa panels are easiest to pack because they lie flat and take little space. Place them in a rigid folder or between books to keep them flat.

5. How do I know if something is truly local?
   Look for artist signatures, uneven handwork, natural materials, and labels that name local makers or co-ops. Ask sellers about materials and methods; genuine local items usually have straightforward stories about who made them.

Tip: Save your receipts, and keep fragile items in your carry-on.

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!

Let us know in the comments if this has been useful or if you’ve got suggestions we can include