Planning a trip and already dreaming of beautiful potential souvenirs and gifts from Morocco? Shopping in the bustling souks and historic marketplaces is the quintessential Morocco experience!
It is guaranteed on your travels that you will come across a wealth of unique, beautiful and colourful potential souvenirs and gifts from Morocco.
The souks and historic medinas of the old cities are a treasure trove of goods that dazzle at seemingly every turn. They make magical mementoes from your trip!
Morocco has a beautifully diverse and colourful culture that makes it such a bucketlist experience.
Here are some of our favourite souvenirs and gifts from Morocco. We share where to find them as well as tips to navigate the markets with confidence and take home some absolute treasures from your trip.
- About Morocco
- Things to buy in Morocco
- Gifts from Morocco
- Souvenir ideas
- Tips for shopping
- More about travel in Morocco
About Morocco
Morocco has a unique history that has largely been influenced by its geographical placement in between Europe and Africa and bordering the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea.
Size-wise it is a large country and has an incredibly varied landscape and culture in the different directions of each border. The incredible history and varied culture and environment from different regions of the country is part of what makes it extra cool for souvenir shopping!
But one of the standout things about Morocco that is constant all over the country is the Moroccan culture and warm hospitality.
- Read our top tips for travelling to Morocco.
Where is the best place to start?
The chances are you might start your trip in the city of Marrakech.
Marrakech is known as Morocco’s dazzling ‘Red City’. It is a chaotic tangle of narrow streets with a maze-like Medina. The city is shaded in hues of red and pink and all the dashes of brightly coloured trinkets and souvenirs on display.
The city was once an important trading centre for caravans. Travellers crossed the Sahara Desert with gold, salt and slaves. So it’s fair to say that Marrakech has been welcoming travellers for literally centuries…
- Read more about things to do in Marrakech.
What sort of things can you find to buy in Morocco?
Shopping in Morocco is an unforgettable experience. The culture of North Africa combined with influence from the varied environments of the country geographically, mean there are some stunning and totally unique things to buy in Morocco.
You will find everything from handmade ceramics, iconic blue pottery, stunning handcrafted jewellery, metalwork and famous leatherwork items to spices, colourful clothing and cliché tagines.
Let’s do it!
1. Tagine
Albeit it is rather cliché. But to start with, the first inspiration of a gift from Morocco is a tagine.
Buying a tagine as a souvenir or gift from Morocco is a great way to learn about the culture. Plus you can continue the taste of Moroccan cuisine long after you return from your trip!
Traditional clay tagines are everywhere in Morocco. There are decorated and beautifully adorned tagines too. But these are used as serving dishes, whereas the clay tagines are used for cooking.
As with most things in Morocco, bargaining is ok when buying a tagine. It should cost between 50 – 70 MAD (5-7 EUR). You can choose a glazed or unglazed, clay tagine.
The hardest part might be coming home with only one tagine. But that’s ok, buy two or three!
- Find clay tagines at many of the highway stops outside of the cities or on the outskirts of the touristic city medinas.
- Read our complete guide to travel in Morocco.
2. Argan Oil
Argan oil is a unique gift from Morocco. Though in case you are wondering why you haven’t heard of it before, that’s ok. It is a plant oil produced from the kernels of the argan tree (Argania spinosa L.), which is indigenous to Morocco.
In Morocco, Argan oil is used to dip bread at breakfast or to drizzle on couscous or pasta. It is also used for cosmetic purposes and known for its use in hair and skin products.
To buy argan oil as a gift from Morocco, you can visit a local market in a city like Marrakech or Essaouira, where you can find authentic argan oil directly sourced from local cooperatives.
- Find Argan oil at local cooperatives especially in the Souss region of Morocco and at shops in the medina specialising in Moroccan products.
- Read about things to do in Essaouira.
3. Amlou – souvenirs and gifts from Morocco
Made from a delightful blend of premium toasted almonds, raw honey, and organic argan oil, Amlou is a one-of-a-kind and delicious spread.
It is traditionally consumed in the south of Morocco with bread at breakfast time. Moroccans staunchly believe it helps with digestion. The word is that Amlou aids the absorption of fats and contributes to lowering bad cholesterol levels.
Plus, it’s delicious!
You will most likely try Amlou spread on warm M’smen. It’s like a type of thick pancake styled in a square flatbread. But it tastes best spread with Amlou.
- Find Amlou in the medina shops in Essaouira, Chefchaouen, Fes and Marrakech. You will likely spot the huge barrels being pounded and mixed with oil on display.
- Read about things to do in Chefchaouen and Fes.
4. Spices – souvenirs and gifts from Morocco
If you want to buy a gift from Morocco related to spices, the most popular choice is “Ras el Hanout’. This is a vibrant blend of various spices considered the crown jewel of Moroccan cuisine. It is used in all kinds of cooking in Morocco.
You will find saffron on sale everywhere. It has a beautiful deep colour to it. Though it is typically the most expensive spice.
Our favourite spice to take as a gift from Morocco is a small bag of pre-mixed Tagine spices from the market. You will spot the huge piles of brightly coloured spices and can ask the vendors to make you up a boutique bag of ‘Tagine spice’ for either beef, lamb or chicken tagine.
- Find Tagine spices beautifully displayed in the Medina and at the markets. Or you can even ask at the supermarkets for them to mix you up a bag of Tagine spice!
- Read about shopping at the large Anza Souk near Agadir.
5. Babouches
Babouches are leather slippers that are entirely handmade by Moroccan craftsmen with great attention to detail and sewing work.
They are typically bright yellow in colour. Though throughout the medina you will see a whole range of modern colours and detailed adornments now.
The slippers are super comfortable! They have a leather upper and hard-wearing rubber sole which makes them suitable for both indoor and light outdoor wear.
- Find Babouches at the large souks in Marrakech and Fes. Although Tafraoute and Tiznit are the regions of Morocco that specialise in these leather shoes.
- Read about visiting Tiznit and things to do in Tafraoute.
6. Leatherwork – Gifts from Morocco
Leatherwork is a tradition that exists in most Moroccan cities, including Fes, Tangier, Marrakech, Tetouan, Rabat, and Meknes. It is a centuries-old tradition that involves tanning, dyeing, cutting, and sewing hides into a variety of products.
The leatherwork begins long before the first stitch is sewn. It starts with the hides, usually from sheep, goats, or camels, which arrive at the tanneries. You can visit the tanneries in Fes and see the stages of leatherwork production.
The finished leatherwork products make a beautiful gift from Morocco.
- Find the best leatherwork in Morocco in Fes.
7. Moroccan rugs and carpets
I think I may be a liiiitle bit addicted to the fabulous colours and patterns of Moroccan rugs. The rugs and carpets from Morocco are renowned for their unique combination of colours, the careful craftmanship and cultural symbolism.
The indigenous Amazigh (Berber) of Morocco have a long history of weaving rugs by hand on traditional looms, with techniques that have been passed down through generations.
Each Moroccan rug is a unique piece of art. The intricate designs and patterns of an authentic Moroccan carpet require hours of labour. So, they aren’t cheap!
But there are a range of materials and size options for traditional (and otherwise) Moroccan rugs and carpets that make a stunning souvenir or gift from Morocco.
- Find Moroccan rugs and carpets in all the city souks and medinas. Though we recommend checking out the smaller cities like Asilah and Essaouira for less stressful decision-making.
8. Moroccan tea set and tea pots
A great idea for a souvenir or gift from Morocco is to buy a tea pot or one of the traditionally styled tea sets.
There are 2 types of tea pots. There are those for display and those for brewing tea on the fire. We choose a small Moroccan tea pot for two that we could use on the gas stove in our van. Plus, we got a whole set of tiny but beautiful tea glasses in different colours.
Tea is more than a beverage in Morocco. It is a gesture of hospitality, and we love the reminder of that after our trip!
- Find tea sets and tea pots in the medina in Essaouira, Marrakech and Rabat.
- Read about other essential Moroccan foods to try in Morocco.
9. Moroccan lanterns
Moroccan lanterns are a popular souvenir or gift from Morocco that can add an exotic touch to your home.
They come in many colours and designs, and can be wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, or used on a bedside table.
- Find Moroccan lanterns in the souks, and especially in Jemaa al-Fnaa Square in Marrakech at night.
10. Moroccan clothing – souvenirs and gifts from Morocco
Clothing in Morocco is both beautiful and practical. Traditional Moroccan garments such as Djellabas (hooded cloak) and Kaftans are popular choices for locals and make practical – and stylish – sense for visitors too.
The Kaftans are sold in the souks and medinas with varying prices and adornments. They make a cool gift from Morocco without breaking the budget. Plus, they look pretty darn amazing in the desert photos you are planning too!
- Find Moroccan clothing in the marketplace of Marrakech, Essaouira, Fes, Rabat – pretty much everywhere!
- Read more about what to wear in Morocco and a packing list for Morocco travel.
11. Jewellery
Traditional Amazigh (Berber) jewellery is often made of silver, amber, turquoise and other precious materials. The style and traditions of Moroccan jewellery reflects the deep history and symbols of the Amazigh tribes.
You can find cheaper version in the tourist-hubs of the cities. Or look for jewellers and jewellery shops that make unique, handcrafted pieces that are perfect for adding a touch of Moroccan elegance to any outfit.
- Find Moroccan jewellery of varying prices and quality all through the markets. Tiznit, Zagora and the Moroccan Sahara region have traditional Amazigh and Berber jewellery.
12. Scarves
Scarves are a huge part of Moroccan culture and especially in the Moroccan Sahara regions.
You will no doubt have seen countless images in your travel planning of brightly coloured scarf-wearing camel riders on the sand dunes of Merzouga. And it pretty much is just like that once you get there!
The scarfs in the medinas and souks of the city range in price drastically based on material and complexity. Some of the most expensive items are made of silk weaved from agave fibres.
But in the rural towns and close to the sand dunes in Zagora, M’Hamid and Merzouga you will find roadside stalls and shops in the village selling basic and brightly coloured scarfs for a few Dirhams.
- Find handmade silk scarfs in the cities or brightly coloured desert scarves in the rural towns and villages of Moroccan Sahara.
- Read our detailed 7-day Morocco itinerary from Marrakech to the Sahara and back again.
Other souvenir and gifts ideas from Morocco
Whether exploring, shopping, or just soaking up the vibes, there are always treats and treasures that will catch your eye in Morocco.
- Handmade soap
- Dates
- Pottery
- Woven baskets
- Loose, dried mint tea
- Handwoven bag
- Magnets
- Hats
- Olive oil
- Tiles
- Moroccan football kit
- Cushion covers
- Artwork
- Calligraphy
- Moroccan sweets
There are endless beautiful souvenirs and gifts from Morocco to choose from. Morocco has many talented artisan craftspeople creating gifts to purchase from the Medinas and souks!
Tips for shopping for souvenirs and gifts in Morocco
Albeit shopping in Morocco can sometimes feel a little chaotic and overwhelming, especially in the busy souks and cities.
These are a few tips to make the experience smoother.
- Bargain (but fairly): Haggling is part of the shopping culture in Morocco. Just make sure you do it respectfully and that both parties are happy with the outcome.
- Carry cash: The souks and markets in Morocco are often cash only, especially for smaller items.
- Support local sellers: Check that what you buy supports Moroccan artists. With online shopping and ever-increasing imports of cheap and imitation
crapgoods, it’s nice to know you are supporting local.
- Pack your souvenirs carefully: You might need an extra suitcase for your stash of souvenirs and gifts from Morocco! But pack them carefully. Ask for paper and packaging for ceramics and bulky items – like your new tagine.
Whatever treasures you take home, shopping in Morocco is a chance to connect with the rich and beautiful culture of this North African country – in a way you won’t forget anytime soon!
Where to next on your Morocco itinerary?
Here are some other itinerary ideas for Morocco.
- 4-day Morocco itinerary.
- 5x Itineraries for 7-days in Morocco.
- 10 days in Morocco? 5x Morocco itinerary options.
- Plan 2-days in Marrakech.
- 8-day Morocco itinerary: Marrakech to Zagora and M’Hamid.
- 10-day Morocco itinerary: Tangier to Fes, Chefcahouen and Marrakech.
See our detailed destination and city guides for more of Morocco.
- Read more about the things to do in Chefcahouen, Casablanca, Tangier, Tetouan, Agadir, Taghazout and Tamraght, Fes and Rabat.
Or if you are considering staying longer in Morocco or crossing south to Mauritania, see our travel guides for border crossings with Morocco.
- Read about crossing the Morocco Mauritania border from Dakhla.
- Read about crossing the border from F’nideq (Morocco) to Ceuta (Spain).
More tips for travelling to Morocco and beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. It is easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere online.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have insurance before planning any shopping for souvenirs and gifts from Morocco!
