What To Buy In Freeport, The Bahamas

1. Pine-seed doll

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These unique Bahamian dolls are very popular on the island and are made from the native Bahamian pine tree. They are very charming and make an excellent gift for children or as a pleasant home decoration. The cones of the pine trees are used to make these dolls, which are uniquely handcrafted and decorated. Get a few of them to bring back home as they won’t occupy any space in your suitcases and they will impress kids and adults alike.

2. Junkanoo art

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Junkanoo refers to a centuries-old festival that takes place in many Caribbean islands, including the Bahamas. The famous street parade is full of dancing, music, and people dressed in pretty eye-catching and bizarre costumes, including masks, huge headdresses, and bright-colored feathers. You will find miniatures of masks and headdresses in plenty of gift shops around Freeport year-round, so whether you are there or not to watch the parade, you can always get something to remind you of this quirky Bahamian tradition.

3. Wood carvings

Handcrafted woodcarvings are also popular around the island and are sold in many shops. These can be great gift ideas, this is because, besides decorative purposes, they can also be quite practical. These ornaments can be carved bowls or other marine creatures, like the ones found in the Bahamian waters, including tropical fish and turtles. Local artists can be witnessed in several spots across the island, carving these items, which is a beautiful memory to get back home.

4. Batik fabrics

Batik fabrics are found in markets across the island, and they are sold by the yard. These colorful fabrics are handmade on the island of Andros for over 45 years, and they are distributed to the whole area. The fabric is used to make brightly colored skirts, dresses, table linens, and also vibrant accessories. Almost every household uses these fabrics, so why not trying it out for your living room decor or to make a beautiful skirt? Motifs are inspired by Bahamian nature, thus featuring hibiscus flowers, corals, or other aquatic and floral patterns.

5. Cigars

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For the cigar aficionados, this is an amazing place to buy great cigars. A visit to the cigar factory in Nassau is an absolute must. Right outside the factory, there is actually a shop where you can buy your cigars. But cigars don’t have to be just for personal use, but they can be excellent gifts or they can be used on very special occasions too.

6. Guava jelly and pineapple jam

Jams and jellies with tropical flavors are certainly a Bahamian delicacy that you can’t miss while visiting Freeport. Especially pineapple jam and guava jelly, which are among the most popular ones, and something you ought to take back home in jars. They can be used to spread on pieces of bread or pancakes, but can also be used for cooking or baking. Pack some jars in your suitcases before you leave the Bahamas, so you can carry the sweet taste with you.

7. Conch-shell jewelry at Paradise Jewels

This famous island creature, conch, happens to be a multifunctional gem of the sea and is found in abundance in the Bahamas. You can spot them on the ocean floor if you go snorkeling, or you can find it in a restaurant and taste it, but you can also buy it in a shop. There are so many souvenirs made of the conch shell and they are so pretty. You will absolutely love to take a one-of-a-kind piece back home. The pink shells of the conch are polished and then turned into stunning pieces of jewelry, like earrings, bracelets or necklaces, that are luckily available for every budget.

8. Straw crafts

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Straw crafts made from dried palm leaves and sisal leaves are a pretty old Bahamian handicraft that demonstrates the strong heritage of people, as well as their creativity. Artisans weave huts, baskets, purses, and many more things, using various patterns, that can be utilitarian or just pretty enough to decorate your home. At Freeport, Port Lucaya Marketplace features a great number of vendors who sell these items, which can be quiet colorful. There are many other spots around the island where you can find them too. Plus, authentic ones can be pretty affordable.

9. Merchandise from Leo's Art Gallery

It is certainly one of the most famous galleries on the island, where Leo, the owner, is the one who actually creates the paintings and also exhibits his work in the very same studio. He is a Bahamian native and gets inspired by religious themes and exotic wildlife, while all his paintings are symbolic and they are pretty colorful and complex. At the gallery, visitors can purchase paintings and prints at affordable prices, but there are also more expensive curated paintings for those interested in extremely good art work.

10. Handcrafted coconut jewelry

Another thing that Bahamians are really good at making is handcrafted jewelry made of coconut. Yes, that’s right, they create ‘fine art’ using parts of the coconut tree and mostly its shells. There is one such souvenir shop at Port Lucaya marketplace, called Coconut Treasures, where local artisans make a vast array of brilliant pieces, like earrings with silver or gold on them, ornaments, hand painted necklaces, coconut magnets, key chains, and even ponytail holders. Definitely go for these craft pieces if you want something truly original and of high quality reflecting the local culture.

Authentic souvenirs from Freeport

Pretty or practical, or both, the above things to buy are meant to evoke memories of your time spent in the Bahamas. So as long as there is space in your luggage, don’t hesitate to buy any of them. Besides, wandering around the markets is always a great way to observe local life in action, so you get to hit two birds with one stone.