Kingston is a good city for buying souvenirs that reflect local food, music, and craft traditions. Shops, markets, and galleries across the city sell items made by Jamaican artisans and food producers.

This guide covers items you can find around Kingston, not just one street or a single store. It points out how to choose quality pieces and pack them for travel.

1. Blue Mountain coffee

• Why it’s worth buying: Blue Mountain coffee has a mild, clean taste that many people prize. A small bag can be a memorable gift for coffee lovers.
• Where to look: Purchase sealed bags at independent coffee shops and specialty market stalls.
• Price range: $12–$35
• How to spot a good one: Check the label for “100% Blue Mountain” and an origin certificate or government seal.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Put the bag inside a zip-top plastic bag and cushion it with clothing in your suitcase.

2. Jerk spice blend

• Why it’s worth buying: Jerk spice captures the signature flavors used across local kitchens. It’s versatile for grilling meats, vegetables, or tofu.
• Where to look: Small packets and jars appear frequently at central markets and food stalls.
• Price range: $5–$18
• How to spot a good one: Look for blends listing allspice, thyme, scotch bonnet pepper, and sea salt in the ingredients.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap jars in clothing and place them in checked luggage or ship them home.

3. Bottle of Jamaican rum

• Why it’s worth buying: Local rums reflect island distilling styles and can be an enjoyable taste of place. A well-aged bottle stores easily and lasts.
• Where to look: Licensed independent liquor shops and some food halls stock locally made rums.
• Price range: $15–$60
• How to spot a good one: Choose bottles with producer names and age statements rather than no-brand labeling.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Buy a proper wine-bottle protector or have the shop pack it for checked luggage.

4. Tamarind balls or coconut drops

• Why it’s worth buying: These sweets are made from local fruits and spices for a distinctly Jamaican flavor. They travel well when packaged in sealed bags.
• Where to look: You’ll find packaged versions at market food stalls and small grocery vendors.
• Price range: $3–$12
• How to spot a good one: Prefer items with an ingredient list and a recent sell-by date.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Keep packaged sweets in carry-on if you want to sample them en route.

5. Hand-painted ceramics

• Why it’s worth buying: Locally made ceramics show regional patterns and glazing techniques. They can be functional pieces you use at home.
• Where to look: Galleries and artisan stalls display a range from small cups to decorative plates.
• Price range: $20–$150
• How to spot a good one: Check for uniform glaze, sturdy bases, and a maker’s signature or stamp.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap fragile ceramics in layers of clothing and place them in the middle of your suitcase.

6. Batik or printed fabric

• Why it’s worth buying: Bright printed fabrics work for clothing, table covers, or framed art. They often show island motifs and colors.
• Where to look: Co-ops and textile sellers carry lengths of batik and printed cloth suitable for sewing.
• Price range: $15–$80
• How to spot a good one: Inspect the print clarity and check that colors don’t rub off when damp.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Fold fabric tightly and place in a plastic bag to protect from spills.

7. Woven straw bag or hat

• Why it’s worth buying: Handwoven straw items are lightweight and tied to coastal craft techniques. They make practical travel accessories.
• Where to look: Market stalls and artisan tables often sell woven bags and hats made locally.
• Price range: $10–$60
• How to spot a good one: Look for tight, even weaving and reinforced seams or bands.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Stuff bags with soft items to keep their shape and flatten the hat’s brim.

8. Handmade silver or bead jewelry

• Why it’s worth buying: Local jewelers use regional materials and designs that differ from factory pieces. Small items are easy to wear and gift.
• Where to look: Galleries and artisan co-ops show necklaces, bracelets, and earrings from local makers.
• Price range: $20–$150
• How to spot a good one: Check clasps, solder connections, and any metal hallmarks or maker tags.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Store jewelry in a small pouch inside your carry-on to avoid tangles and loss.

9. Reggae vinyl, CDs, or music memorabilia

• Why it’s worth buying: Kingston’s music scene has deep roots, and local releases capture unique performances. Physical media can feel personal and local.
• Where to look: Food halls with cultural vendors and some music stalls stock records and CDs.
• Price range: $10–$40
• How to spot a good one: Prefer original pressings or releases that list studio and recording details.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Carry records flat in your carry-on or wrap CDs in clothing for checked bags.

10. Local art prints and postcards

• Why it’s worth buying: Prints reproduce the work of Kingston artists and are easy to display at home. They also support local creators directly.
• Where to look: Galleries and museum shops offer prints, posters, and postcards by local artists.
• Price range: $10–$80
• How to spot a good one: Look for artist signatures, edition numbers, or gallery provenance notes.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Carry flat prints in a poster tube or inside a stiff folder in your luggage.

11. Hot sauce or scotch bonnet sauce

• Why it’s worth buying: Small bottles pack a lot of local flavor and make practical gifts for cooks. They preserve well when sealed.
• Where to look: Food halls and market stalls sell a range of bottled sauces from small producers.
• Price range: $6–$20
• How to spot a good one: Check for sealed caps, ingredient lists, and a production or expiry date.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap bottles in bubble wrap and put them in checked luggage, padded by clothing.

12. Sea salt or flavored salts

• Why it’s worth buying: Local sea salts capture coastal mineral flavors and pair well with local spices. They are compact and useful in the kitchen.
• Where to look: Markets and independent food shops sell plain and flavored salts in jars or packets.
• Price range: $4–$18
• How to spot a good one: Prefer salts with clear ingredient lists and minimal additives.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Place jars in sealed plastic bags and cushion them inside your suitcase.

Quick buying tips for Kingston

• Carry some cash for market stalls; many vendors accept cards only rarely.
• Polite haggling is acceptable in markets; offer a lower price, stay friendly.
• Wrap fragile pottery in clothes and use a hard-sided carry-on for protection.
• Many shops will ship abroad; ask about customs forms and tracking options.
• Look for ‘made locally’ labels, artisan signatures, or a clear provenance tag.
• Pack sauces and alcohol in checked luggage with bubble wrap; check limits.

Where to shop in Kingston

Shopping options are spread across market areas, cultural sites, and business districts. Walk between the waterfront, downtown markets, and gallery neighborhoods to sample food items, crafts, and art.

• Downtown waterfront and harbour areas for music-related souvenirs, rum selections, and packaged foodstuffs.
• Coronation Market for spices, fresh snack packs, and small bags of coffee sold by weight.
• New Kingston business district for galleries, independent shops, and contemporary craft pieces.
• Devon House and nearby heritage sites for traditional sweets, baked goods, and some craft stalls.
• National Gallery and museum shops for art prints, books, and well-curated design objects.
• Weekend craft fairs and cultural center markets for directly sourced textiles and handmade jewelry.
• Spanish Town Road textile area for lengths of fabric, tailoring materials, and sewing supplies.

What to skip (common tourist traps)

• Mass-produced plastic trinkets sold by the roadside; they usually lack origin information and quality.
• Items labeled “made abroad” when sold as local; the claim misleads buyers about provenance.
• Cheap jewelry without soldered joins or hallmarks; it will likely tarnish or break quickly.
• Unlabeled food products without ingredient lists or dates; those lack safety information.
• Reproductions of traditional craft made from low-quality materials; they often look similar but wear poorly.
• Overpriced copies of local art sold with no artist attribution; provenance matters for value.

If you only buy three things

Blue Mountain coffee — compact, iconic, and easy to pack.
Jerk spice blend — practical souvenir that brings local flavor home.
A small art print — supports local artists and fits easily in luggage.

FAQ

What is Kingston known for making?
Kingston is known for its music culture, food traditions, and artisan crafts. The city is a center for reggae and follows with local food products, coffee, and handcrafts.

What are the best edible souvenirs from Kingston?
Blue Mountain coffee, jerk spice blends, and bottled hot sauces are reliable choices. Packaged sweets like tamarind balls or sealed rum cake also travel reasonably well.

Are souvenirs expensive in Kingston?
Prices range from inexpensive market finds to pricier artisan works. Basic food items and small crafts are affordable, while gallery pieces and aged rum cost more.

What is the easiest souvenir to pack from Kingston?
Packaged coffee or spices are the simplest to take home and store in luggage. They are compact, nonfragile, and useful for everyday cooking.

How do I know if something is truly local?
Ask for maker information, look for artisan signatures, and check labels for origin details. If a product lacks provenance or shows a “made abroad” mark, it is likely not local.

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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