What to Buy in Morocco — Souvenirs Worth Bringing Home
Shopping & Souks

What to Buy in Morocco — Souvenirs Worth Bringing Home

Latifa El Fassi
February 20, 2025
9 min read
7,600 views

What to Buy in Morocco — Souvenirs Worth Bringing Home

Shopping in Morocco is an adventure of its own. Between vibrant souks, artisan workshops, and desert markets, you’ll find items that carry the essence of Moroccan culture. But not everything is worth buying — some are mass-produced for tourists, while others are authentic treasures.

Here’s a guide to the **best souvenirs to bring back from Morocco** — and how to shop smart.

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1. Argan Oil & Beauty Products

  • **Where it comes from**: Produced mainly in southwestern Morocco (Agadir, Essaouira).
  • **What to buy**: Culinary argan oil (golden, nutty flavor) and cosmetic oil for skin and hair.
  • **How to shop smart**: Look for cooperatives run by Berber women. Avoid street vendors selling diluted or fake oils.
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    2. Moroccan Carpets & Rugs

  • **Handwoven Berber rugs**: Each region has its own style (Beni Ourain, Azilal, Kilim).
  • **Why buy**: Authentic carpets are works of art and last generations.
  • **Price range**: €100–€2,000+ depending on size and quality.
  • **Tip**: Bargain, but respectfully. Always ask about origin and material.
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    3. Leather Goods

  • **Fes tanneries** are world-famous for leather bags, belts, and slippers.
  • **What to buy**: Poufs, jackets, sandals.
  • **Pro tip**: Real leather has an earthy smell; fake versions smell chemical.
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    4. Ceramics & Pottery

  • **Where**: Safi and Fes are pottery hubs.
  • **What to buy**: Tajine pots, painted bowls, plates with geometric patterns.
  • **Tip**: Wrap carefully — fragile items should go in hand luggage.
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    5. Spices

  • **Essentials**: Saffron, cumin, ras el hanout (a blend of up to 30 spices).
  • **Where**: Spice souks in Marrakech and Fes.
  • **Tip**: Buy from fixed-price spice shops to avoid “tourist blends” with filler ingredients.
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    6. Lanterns & Metalwork

  • **Brass & copper lamps**: Intricately carved, casting beautiful patterns when lit.
  • **Where**: Marrakech souks, Fes artisan quarters.
  • **Tip**: Choose wired lamps if you plan to use them at home.
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    7. Traditional Clothing

  • **Djellaba**: Hooded robe, cozy for winters.
  • **Kaftan**: Elegant dresses for special occasions.
  • **Babouches**: Colorful leather slippers.
  • **Tip**: Buy from tailors for higher quality vs. tourist stalls.
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    8. Jewelry & Silver

  • **Amazigh (Berber) jewelry**: Chunky silver pieces with tribal designs.
  • **Where**: Tiznit is Morocco’s jewelry capital.
  • **Tip**: Test for real silver — magnet test (silver is not magnetic).
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    9. Textiles & Blankets

  • **Handwoven wool blankets** from Chefchaouen.
  • **Cactus silk scarves** from Marrakech.
  • **Price**: €15–€80 depending on craftsmanship.
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    10. Food & Drink Souvenirs

  • **Mint tea sets** (silver teapots + glasses).
  • **Dates** (over 300 varieties, best from Erfoud).
  • **Honey** infused with thyme, orange blossom, or cactus.
  • **Olives** from local souks.
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    How to Shop Smart in Morocco

  • **Bargain respectfully**: Expect to negotiate 30–50%.
  • **Check authenticity**: Ask where items are made.
  • **Avoid airport shops**: Prices are much higher.
  • **Bring cash**: Most artisans don’t accept cards.
  • **Ship large items**: Carpets and lamps can be shipped internationally.
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    Best Cities for Shopping

  • **Marrakech**: Souks for variety, from lamps to spices.
  • **Fes**: Authentic leather and traditional crafts.
  • **Chefchaouen**: Blankets and woven textiles.
  • **Essaouira**: Argan oil and wooden handicrafts.
  • **Tiznit**: Jewelry.
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    Final Thoughts

    Shopping in Morocco isn’t just about souvenirs — it’s about stories. Every rug, lantern, or spice jar carries the touch of artisans who’ve preserved their craft for generations. Take home pieces that remind you not just of your trip, but of Morocco’s living traditions.

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    Related Posts

  • [A Food Lover’s Guide to Morocco](/moroccan-food-guide)
  • [How to Travel Morocco on a Budget](/morocco-budget-travel)
  • [Moroccan Crafts Guide](/moroccan-crafts-guide)
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    Tags

    SouvenirsShoppingMoroccoCulture

    About the Author

    LEF

    Latifa El Fassi

    Travel writer and Morocco expert with over 10 years of experience exploring North Africa.

    Quick Stats

    Reading Time:9 min read
    Views:7,600
    Published:February 20, 2025
    Category:Shopping & Souks

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