As part of the beautiful Turks and Caicos Islands, the Grand Turk Island boasts amazing white beaches and that perfect tropical weather all year round like the rest of the territory. It is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and is easily the most accessible island in the archipelago as a major cruise stop containing the territory’s capital - Cockburn Town and the JAGS McCartney International Airport. Not only is it home to many exquisite beaches, Grand Turk Island is also home to historic locations (like their restored colonial prison) and it is the perfect location for many water sports! Whether you want to bring home something that reminds you of this wonderful tropical island or to show a loved one that you were thinking of them, here is a list of things to buy in Grand Turk Island! Find out more on what to buy in the Grand Turk Island below.
1. Model sailboats
For some, the sailboat may be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of the Caribbean. But since bringing back an actual boat from the Grand Turk is most likely out of the question, the next best alternative would be to get yourself a model sailboat. Model sailboats are taken quite seriously in the territory as they even have an annual national model sailboat race. These miniature ships come in a huge range of prices and their intricate details allow them to act as the perfect collector’s item or a classy piece of decor that serves as the perfect launching pad to share your Caribbean adventures.
2. Straw products
These straw products, ranging from purses to bags and hats, are crafted by the local artisans on the island. By buying such products, you not only gain a very practical souvenir, but you also get to contribute and support the local people and this art form. Furthermore, the idea of buying something that was hand-made instead of mass-produced by machines and maybe even meeting the maker behind the product makes for a more personal experience.
3. Conch shells
Out of all the possible things to buy, conch shells certainly best represent the beach! They serve as perfect memorabilia to your time in the sunny white coasts of the Turks and Caicos Islands. However, as the picking of seashells could harm the ecosystem, buy responsibly (and not in excess) should you choose to. After all, it is best if the paradise can remain as it is for future visitors (or you too if you have the fortune of having a subsequent visit!).
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4. Dried foods
Due to the geography of the Turks and Caicos Islands, they import most food (other than seafood) and many of the food that are able to be grown there are also dried and preserved. Packed full of flavor, some sweet treats like the dried mangoes on the island are simply not to be missed! And, for the more adventurous, the local stores in the Grand Turk Island also sell dried conch so you can also share with your loved ones back at home a taste of these islands.
5. Bambarra rum
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Rum is said to be the favorite of many pirates (like Jack Sparrow!) and who could blame them? The decadent sugarcane-based liquor is on the sweet side and can come with notes of vanilla and spices. The majority of the world’s rum is produced in the Caribbean and of them, Bambarra rum is the specialty of the Turks and Caicos Islands. They produce a variety of rum from Bambarra Black (a blend of four-year-old rum) to its finest 15-year-old rum. For rum-lovers looking for a drink with a tropical vibe, the exceedingly smooth Bambarra coconut rum is the drink to try.
6. Soaps and bath salts
The naturally formed salts in the islands of Turks and Caicos are also used to produce bath salts. Enjoy browsing through the sweet scents and buy some of their fragrant soaps and bath salts to immerse yourself in their relaxing scents. Don’t forget to buy some for your friends and family as well!
7. Sakaja sauce
You may not have heard of this brand, but this locally produced hot sauce really packs a punch. To paint a picture of how successful the brand is, within a few years of setting up the company, the brand has expanded to include new products and the sauce is already being shipped internationally. The uniqueness of their signature product lies in the locally sourced ingredients and their freshness. Take this opportunity to buy this sweet hot sauce from where it is made.
8. Trinkets from Grand Turk Cruise Center
Still have not found the perfect souvenir? Head over to the Grand Turk Cruise Center where there is a wide range of gift and souvenir shops, art galleries, and jewelers for you to at least find something. Buying trinkets are usually a safe choice. As a bonus, the cruise center even features a huge lagoon-like pool for visitors to take a break from all the shopping.
9. Salt from Salt Cay
Salt Cay is the smallest inhabited island of the territory and it was the center of the Caribbean salt industry. One of the places where Caribbean salt can be conveniently bought is at the Salt House (a cafe, museum and gift shop) at the edge of Town Salina. Unusual as it may seem, buying this kitchen staple as a souvenir ensures that your purchase would not go to waste!
10. Souvenir mugs from Grand Turk
Any tourist would certainly be familiar with these sorts of souvenir mugs. They are commonly found in tourist shops but there is a reason for why they have been so popular. What says Grand Turk Island more than brightly colored mugs with the words “the Grand Turk” imprinted on them? Rest assured, these mugs will certainly do the job of reminding you (and everyone else) of just where you’ve been.
Souvenir shopping in the Grand Turk Island
The quest of finding the perfect souvenir may not be easy but it is indeed rewarding to be able to bring home something that reminds you of that tropical vacation to the Grand Turk Island. As opposed to a last-minute rush to find something at the very end of your trip, these are things to possibly look out for as you have fun during your vacation. While making consumer choices, it is also important to make conscious decisions to preserve the habitat. Happy shopping!
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