Puerto Rico Souvenirs: 10 Things to Buy

Are you looking for Puerto Rico souvenirs? There are lots of fun and unique products to buy or bring home as gifts to friends and family.

Souvenirs are one of the best ways to tell your friends and family that you are thinking about them while traveling. And it’s also something that’s fun to buy to yourself as a memory from your trip.

So, do you want to know what to buy in Puerto Rico for your loved ones? Then continue reading below, because here’s a list of the top 10 things to buy in Puerto Rico:

Table of Contents

Pilon

Mashed plantains is one of the most popular dishes in Puerto Rico, so if you want to make this dish at home, you’ll need to buy a pilon. A pilon is a wooden mortar and pestle that’s used to smash the plantains – but also to crush spices.

A pilon is both useful but also beautiful if you want to have it as a decoration in your kitchen.

Hand Carved Wooden Items

If you want to buy some nice decor for your home, then you should check out the local hand carved wooden items.

You can shop everything from wooden sculptures, boxes, toys for the kids, and other artworks in Puerto Rico. The locals are very talented, so I’m sure you’ll find something nice for your home – or a nice gift for your loved ones!

Mihai O Coman / Shutterstock.com

Rum

Puerto Rico is one of the best places in the world to buy rum. Here they have several local producers of rum with flavors varying from coconut to lime.

If you like rum or know someone who loves rum, then it’s worth bringing home a bottle or two!

Spices – One of my favorite Puerto Rico souvenirs

If you enjoy cooking, then I would recommend you to bring home some local spices and cook some Puerto Rican food to your loved ones.

Puerto Rican food is often cooked with spices such as cilantro, orange, lime, mango, and peppers.

Make sure to visit Spicy Caribbee in Old San Juan to buy some spices. Here they have a big selection of local spices, and a great plus is that you can taste before buying.

This is a souvenir that makes a perfect gift for anyone who loves food. And a great plus is that it’s an inexpensive souvenir, as well as it’s small and lightweight to bring in your suitcase.

Photo: shutterstock

Ceramics

If you want to buy something nice for your home, then I can recommend checking out the local ceramics. In Puerto Rico, you can buy both cups, plates, bowls, and vases in various shapes and colors.

I can recommend checking out the local stores in Old San Juan, as well as the Puerto Rico Art & Crafts shop.

Guiro – Local Instrument

Music is a big part of the Puerto Rican culture, and the local instrument Guiro is commonly used in Puerto Rican folk music.

A Guiro is often played by the singer of the band. It comes in various sizes, and makes a rasping sound when stroked.

Photo: shutterstock

Dulces (Candy)

One of the most popular sweets in Puerto Rico is Dulces – candies made of local seasonal fruits. You can shop flavors such as orange, pineapple, coconut, lime, guava, papaya, and even sweet potato.

Pilones is another delicious sweet in Puerto Rico. It’s a lollipop that’s very popular among kids!

Hammocks

The town of San Sebastian has a long history of hammock weaving. In most small towns you’re able to buy these authentic hand-made hammocks, but also in a couple of stores in San Juan.

The hammocks are made from cotton and cord and are often dyed in bright colors. They come in various designs, colors, and sizes. Great quality, and they’re also very comfortable!

Photo: Shutterstock

Local Jewelry

Strolling around in San Juan you’ll find plenty of stores selling local jewelry. You’ll find shops selling everything from gold and silver to jewelry made of natural materials such as sea glass and coconuts.

I always enjoy buying local jewelry when traveling, since you most probably won’t see anyone else back home with the same piece! Local jewelry is definitely one of my favorite Puerto Rico souvenirs!

Puerto Rican Coffee – One of the most delicious Puerto Rico souvenirs

Sitting down at the local cafés and enjoying a good cup of Puerto Rican coffee – it’s one of the best things to do in Puerto Rico.

If you like the local coffee, make sure to bring a package of local coffee with you back home and invite your friends over for some coffee and sweets (maybe dulces?).

The coffee is really good, and makes a great Puerto Rico souvenir for someone who loves to drink coffee!