What To Buy In The Bahamas

Ryan Joshua
Contributing Writer
Published
| 4 min read
what to buy in bahamas

The Bahamas is known to the whole world as one of the best destinations for summer vacations and honeymoons. Its rolling hills and pristine beaches with breathtaking crystal-clear turquoise waters and untouched coral reefs will surely leave you amazed. There are also some old British buildings that will take you to the past. And with the island’s bustling nightlife, you will have fun sipping on a drink or two with your family and friends along with great music. And before you head home, make sure to bring some of the wonders of the Bahamas with you. Here’s a list of what to buy in the Bahamas.

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1. Rum

Old Bacardi Front
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user H005 used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

There’s nothing more relaxing than ordering a glass of amazing cocktail with the most authentic Bahamian rum as its main ingredient. The local rums go well together with some of the island’s best tropical juices such as coconuts and pineapples. You can definitely try Bahamian rums at any open-air bars around the island, especially the beachside. Aside from that, Bahamian rum is also mixed with baked goods like cakes and pastries for a little twist.

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2. Pine seed doll


The Bahamas has these local handicrafts that will really appeal to the kids and even to the kids at heart. These cute and colorful Bahamian dolls are made from pine seeds and can be used as charming decorations around your house, aside from being played with. Each of these Bahamian pine seed dolls is handmade, specially crafted, painted, and decorated uniquely. There are also dolls that are made from straw and rugs.

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3. Conch shell jewelry

conch shell with lapis lazuli inlay
Source: Photo by user kafka4prez used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Made from the shells used by conches as their protective covering, these cute yet elegant-looking conch shell jewelry will surely catch your attention. These conch shells are a by-product of the conch, which is a delicacy in the island nation. The shells are carefully polished and decorated, turning them into luxurious jewelry like bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. These conch shell jewelry will surely be a great souvenir for the ladies that you know back home.

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4. Items made of straw

Nassau straw market 1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user BrokenSphere used under CC BY-SA 3.0

There’s surely a lot of souvenirs that you can buy in the Bahamas—one of which is something made of straw. Straw vendors around the island nation craft a wide range of items made of straw, which include baskets, hats, purses, bags, and more. Feel the summer heat and tropical vibes while you wear a Bahamian straw hat, and combine it with a trendy Bahamian straw purse or bag to carry around as you walk along the beach. Make sure to visit Nassau Straw Market and Port Lucaya Marketplace to find the best Bahamian straw stuff.

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5. Cigar

San Cristobal (Cuban cigar) and Bone Fishing
Source: Photo by user Geoff Livingston used under CC BY-SA 2.0

The capital city of Nassau in the Bahamas is known for its cigar factory that is just a short distance away from Nassau Straw Market. Be like a Spanish gentleman for a while as you smoke your cigar while drinking Bahamas’ best rum. Have some of the most authentic Bahamian cigars right at the gift shop located just outside the cigar factory. You can even buy freshly rolled cigars if you are staying at the Graycliff resort.

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6. Local jam

Homemade Jams (Unsplash)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user olia used under CC0

The hot, sunny weather and the tropical vibes of the island are integrated into the ever-delicious Bahamian cuisine. You would surely want to bring the authentic Bahamian taste back home—like some bottles of homemade, tropical-flavored jams and jellies. You can buy them at all leading local food places and supermarkets. The best jam and jelly flavors include guava and pineapple, although there are more varieties that you must definitely try.

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7. Batik

KatsuWax 4x6
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Njackson7 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

One of the signature products of the Bahamas are these brightly colored batik fabrics that are usually made and sewn into clothes, table covers, and a lot more—and are usually sold by yards. The best batiks on the island can be found in Androsia, where batiks have been completely made by hand for several decades already, and they are available all throughout the Bahamas. These one-of-a-kind batiks feature motifs that exhibit the local Bahamian culture, like seahorses, hibiscus flowers, and corals—which will surely make you reminisce about the beauty of the island that you have once experienced.

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8. Junkanoo art

Junkanoo Festival, Nassau 2
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jon Worth used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Junkanoo is known as the Bahamas’ most festive celebration that is held every year. Tourists and locals alike enjoy dancing on the streets and appreciate the vibrant and colorful parade. People wear these bright costumes that are decorated with excessive feathers and intricately designed headdresses when they are out in the streets dancing. Relive your experience at this colorful festival by bringing home with you masks and headdresses in miniature form—like ornaments, key chains, paintings, jewelry, and a whole lot more.

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9. Woodcarving

Mahogany wood carvings
Source: Photo by user Jon Worth used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Another must-buy, while you are in the Bahamas, are these handcrafted woodcarvings that are available in major markets and gift stores all over the island. You can usually see artists in their market stalls doing some woodcarving right in front of you. These woodcarvings are not only for aesthetic and decoration purposes but also for practical uses, like carved bowls and wooden utensils. The most common themes in Bahamian woodcarving are wildlife and aquatic creatures like turtles and fishes.

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10. Pottery


The Bahamas is also quite known for its very unique and intricately designed pottery. Potteries are usually in the form of vases and bowls, but in the Bahamas, the locals create other forms of pottery aside from the common ones. You can find ornamental items, key chains, paperweights, glass coasters, wine glasses, fruit plates, wind chimers, dining plates, and even earrings made out of clay. Make sure to bring a piece of the ever-unique Bahamian pottery home with you.

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Shop in the Bahamas before you head to the airport

The Bahamas indeed is laden with amazing sights, beaches, natural attractions, and, of course, souvenirs and novelty items. You can enjoy shopping for all of these Bahamian items and a whole lot more duty-free. So go on with your amazing trip or honeymoon in the Bahamas as you wear a nice straw hat and elegant conch shell jewelry while walking along the pristine coast.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Ryan is a Computer Engineer with a heart for traveling and writing. Born in Pasay City, Philippines, and raised in Melbourne, Australia, he is now based in the Philippines' City of Smiles, Bacolod...Read more

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