Funafuti is small but full of straightforward, usable souvenirs you can actually bring home. Local materials like pandanus, coconut, shells, and simple printed textiles turn up across the city in markets and small stalls.

This guide looks at items you’ll find around Funafuti as a whole, not in any single shop or street. It focuses on things that travel well, how to judge quality, and what to avoid.

1. Woven pandanus bag or mat

• Why it’s worth buying: Pandanus weaving is a regional craft and items are genuinely useful at home. These pieces show local technique and last if made well.
• Where to look: Find them at markets and outdoor stalls near the lagoon.
• Price range: $15–$60
• How to spot a good one: Even, tight weave and neatly trimmed edges indicate careful work.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Lay flat and place between clothes to keep shape while traveling.

2. Shell necklace or bracelet

• Why it’s worth buying: Shell jewelry is lightweight and reflects island materials. It’s easy to wear or gift.
• Where to look: Look in independent shops that work directly with local makers.
• Price range: $8–$40
• How to spot a good one: Check the stringing and knots; secure clasps and smooth shell holes are signs of quality.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap in a soft cloth and put in your carry-on to avoid tangles.

3. Sea salt

• Why it’s worth buying: Hand-harvested sea salt preserves local flavor and packs flat. It’s practical for cooking at home.
• Where to look: Available at food halls and market stalls that sell packaged goods.
• Price range: $4–$12
• How to spot a good one: Prefer clear labeling and visible crystal texture with no added fillers.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Double-bag the package and put it in checked luggage for extra protection.

4. Bottled coconut oil or syrup

• Why it’s worth buying: These bottled products use a familiar island ingredient and work in cooking or skincare. They store well.
• Where to look: Check co-ops or food halls that carry local pantry items.
• Price range: $6–$20
• How to spot a good one: Short ingredient lists and local origin claims printed on the label are helpful.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Use a leakproof bag and pack upright among soft items or in checked baggage.

5. Miniature canoe or nautical craft

• Why it’s worth buying: Small carved models represent local boat-building styles without taking much room. They make distinctive display pieces.
• Where to look: See artworks and crafts in galleries or artist stalls.
• Price range: $20–$80
• How to spot a good one: Smooth joinery and natural materials, not molded plastic, mean authenticity.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Cushion the model in clothing and carry it on if fragile.

6. Lava-lava or printed wrap fabric

• Why it’s worth buying: A wrap is wearable immediately and serves as a multipurpose textile at home. Prints often reflect local tastes.
• Where to look: Browse independent shops selling clothing and fabric.
• Price range: $10–$50
• How to spot a good one: Look for even printing, natural fiber feel, and finished edges.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Fold tightly or use a compression bag to save space.

7. Coconut shell or seed-bead jewelry

• Why it’s worth buying: These pieces use durable, local materials and tend to age well. They are usually very light to travel with.
• Where to look: Find them at community co-ops or outdoor markets.
• Price range: $5–$30
• How to spot a good one: Inspect clasps and bead holes for clean work and secure attachments.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Place in a small hard container or padded pouch inside your carry-on.

8. Postcards and postage stamps

• Why it’s worth buying: Postcards and local stamps are inexpensive mementos and useful for sending notes home. They pack flat and are widely available.
• Where to look: Pick them up at independent shops near the post office or information points.
• Price range: $1–$8
• How to spot a good one: Crisp printing and official postage stamps or postmarks show authenticity.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Keep flat in a protective folder or between book pages.

9. Handmade coconut soap

• Why it’s worth buying: Small soap bars use island ingredients and make practical gifts. They are sturdy if wrapped.
• Where to look: Check co-ops and market stalls selling personal-care items.
• Price range: $3–$12
• How to spot a good one: Short ingredient lists and a natural scent indicate simpler, less processed soap.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap in plastic and put inside sealed bags to avoid scent transfer.

10. Local prints or small artworks

• Why it’s worth buying: Affordable prints show local scenes or styles and are easier to transport than framed originals.
• Where to look: Look through galleries and artist showcases for signed work.
• Price range: $15–$70
• How to spot a good one: A visible artist name, edition number, or signature suggests intentional work.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Roll gently into a tube or ask for a protective sleeve.

11. Seafood seasoning or spice mix

• Why it’s worth buying: Local spice blends can recreate island flavors back home and are compact. They travel well when sealed.
• Where to look: Food halls and market stalls that sell local pantry items.
• Price range: $3–$10
• How to spot a good one: Read the ingredient list; recognizable spices and no excess additives are best.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Keep sealed in original packaging and double-bag to prevent spills.

12. Small coconut-wood carving

• Why it’s worth buying: Carvings made from coconut wood are lightweight and show local carving techniques. They resist damage better than softer materials.
• Where to look: Available in galleries and craft stalls around town.
• Price range: $10–$45
• How to spot a good one: Look for hand-tool marks and solid wood grain rather than thin veneers.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap the piece in clothing and carry it on to avoid crushing.

Quick buying tips for Funafuti

• Carry small bills; many stalls accept cards, but cash remains common.
• Haggling is rarely aggressive; politely offer a lower price at open-air markets.
• Wrap fragile items in clothing, seal them in plastic, label carry-on.
• Many vendors can ship purchases, but expect extra paperwork and delivery delays.
• Look for ‘made locally’ labels listing artist, materials, and cooperative or location.
• Pack food and liquids in sealed bags; check airline limits before flight.

Where to shop in Funafuti

Shopping options are scattered across Vaiaku and the lagoon-side areas, with small clusters of stalls and a few formal points for visitor services. You’ll move between the main wharf area, the central market tents, and a few galleries or community spaces where crafts are shown.

• Vaiaku islet for basic supplies, postcards, and small textile stalls near administrative services.
• Main wharf and jetty area where vendors sell woven goods and small sea-sourced items.
• Central market sheds close to the lagoon for packaged foods, spices, and everyday gifts.
• Community craft stalls that pop up near public gathering spaces offering handmade items.
• Post office area for official stamps, postcards, and postal services.
• Small gallery or community arts spaces showcasing prints, carvings, and signed artworks.
• Seasonal craft tables set up at public events or fairs for direct purchases from makers.

What to skip (common tourist traps)

• Mass-produced plastic trinkets that mimic traditional designs; they wear out quickly.
• Jewelry with cheap metal components that will tarnish or cause skin reactions.
• Items labeled “authentic” without maker information; provenance matters for crafts.
• Any coral or protected-sourced souvenirs, which may be illegal or unsustainable.
• Unlabeled food packages that lack ingredients or expiration information.
• Very cheap textiles claiming handmade status but showing machine-cut edges and repeating prints.

If you only buy three things

Woven pandanus bag or mat — functional, truly local, and useful at home.
Sea salt — compact, distinctive, and easy to use in the kitchen.
Postcards and stamps — inexpensive, pack flat, and make immediate mementos.

FAQ

What is Funafuti known for making?
Funafuti is known for woven pandanus goods, coconut-based products, and small carved items. Many craft pieces use local natural materials like shells, coconut wood, and fibers. These materials are common across island handicrafts.

What are the best edible souvenirs from Funafuti?
Sea salt, bottled coconut oil or syrup, and local spice blends are practical edible souvenirs. They store well and often reflect local flavors without taking much space.

Are souvenirs expensive in Funafuti?
Prices vary; basic items are usually affordable while handcrafted pieces cost more. Expect higher prices for detailed carvings or signed artworks, and remember small vendors may prefer cash.

What is the easiest souvenir to pack from Funafuti?
Postcards, stamps, and printed textiles are the simplest to pack and transport. They are flat or foldable and fit easily in luggage without special protection.

How do I know if something is truly local?
Ask who made the item and where the materials came from, and look for a maker’s name or cooperative label. Genuine local pieces often show simple materials, hand-tool marks, or direct producer attribution.

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!

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