There are many Moroccan souvenirs that I believe every household should have, and if you are visiting the country, you should definitely try to acquire them! When it comes to shopping, I’m the absolute queen and the deals? I’ve got them all!
I’ve compiled this list based on what I can’t return home without, as well as the requests I receive from my friends and colleagues every time I go back there. I’ll also try to mention the prices at which I obtain them, but please note that they may vary depending on your location and the inflation we have all been experiencing over the past year.
The experience of shopping in a souk is already outside of people’s comfort zones, as it’s so different from what we’re accustomed to in the West and in typical stores. However, it’s a great way to contribute to the country’s economy—every penny you spend goes directly towards supporting a family.
Table of Contents
Everything you need to know before your trip to Morocco
Where to shop
The prime shopping destinations are undoubtedly the souks and markets. You have smaller souks in each neighborhood and more renowned ones like Jemaa El Fna in Marakesh or Habous Quarter in Casablanca. Those are the only places you can shop where you can haggle with the vendors. Stepping into a store means accepting fixed prices.
Money
In Morocco, the Moroccan Dirham (MAD) serves as the currency, and it’s essential to keep cash on hand at all times. Only a handful of establishments accept credit card payments. Whether you’re dining at restaurants or exploring souks and markets, cash is your most reliable option. Presently, 1 USD is equivalent to about 10 Moroccan dirhams.
Prices and negotiation
Negotiation and haggling are part of the culture and overall experience. Be prepared for this unique aspect of shopping in Morroco—it’s one of my travel tips.
Although I visit Morocco approximately every year, prices can fluctuate depending on the item I intend to purchase and the product’s demand. To gain insight, I like to visit regular stores to gauge prevailing prices. It will provide me with a rough idea of what to anticipate.
Keep in mind that regardless of who you engage with at the souk, prices will be notably inflated, not just slightly. As you likely don’t resemble a local and may not be fluent in darija (Moroccan dialect), vendors might escalate prices significantly—often quoting four times what they’d ask a local. In response, confidently haggle and consider initiating by proposing half the price they suggest.
As is the case in many tourist-oriented countries, avoid the main streets; instead, opt for more secluded alleyways. These stores tend to offer lower prices and often feature fewer tourist-oriented traps, focusing more on traditional local products.
Should your haggling efforts stall, and if you sense the vendor’s growing irritation or offense, don’t hesitate to gracefully exit and explore another store. This tactic can also serve as a savvy negotiation technique.
10 Unique Moroccan souvenirs to bring home
1. Argan oil
Argan oil, often referred to as the “liquid gold” of Morocco, is a precious commodity extracted from the kernels of the argan tree (Argania spinosa), predominantly found in the southwestern regions of the country (Hint: Prices tend to be more favorable in this region). The process of producing this coveted oil begins with the harvest of the argan fruit. Concealed within the fruit’s rugged exterior are the prized argan kernels, meticulously extracted by skilled hands, then subjected to manual roasting and pressing to yield the oil.
The intricate process requires time, effort, and expertise, often carried out by local women who have perfected their craft over generations.
Argan oil has gained popularity for its versatile applications, spanning from culinary use to skincare and haircare regimens. Its rich content of essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E makes it a powerful moisturizer and nourishing agent.
As demand for this oil grows, efforts have been made to enhance the production process while preserving the traditional techniques.
In my commitment to supporting the community and the numerous families reliant on the proceeds from these sales, I absolutely abstain from purchasing argan oil from conventional stores. Instead, I opt to visit various cooperatives or, better yet, make impromptu stops on the road, where a local sells its own argan oil in little stands. Keep in mind the bottle will probably not be aesthetic but the oil inside is immaculate!
I would say 150 mad to 200 mad would be an acceptable price to pay.
2. Leather poufs
They are light, flexible and so pretty. Vendors will have them fully stuffed so you can see the shape, size, and height and so you can envision them in your house but then once you purchase them they will be without the stuffing.
They are very popular in a boho style decoration and so expensive here in North America so getting them in Morocco is a must.
A good quality pouf will cost about 300 mad. You could find it for less but there is a risk of it being fake leather.
3. Leather clothing
Fez is known for one of the biggest tanneries in Morroco dating back to the 11th century, and is a UNESCO World Heritage. They are known for their traditional methods of leather production, which have been passed down through generations for centuries.
From wallets, purses, and belts to jackets, and gloves, you will definitely be able to bring back a souvenir your friends and family members will love.
After a few visits there, I realized that the leather from the tannery is pretty similar to the stores around it but the sewing at the tannery is better. So if you’re looking for a belt, for example, I would get it from the souks but for a jacket, the tanneries would be a better bet.
4. Babouche
What are babouches you might ask? They are traditional leather slippers that Moroccans and people from North Africa can wear either inside or outside. You can notice them having a pointed toe or with some engraving.
I got a pair a few years back that I still wear in the summer, and I always get complimented on them!
The ones I got were about 150 mad but the price will vary depending on the material and style.
5. Ceramics
Ceramics are usually handmade. You can have bowls or plates and it can be for daily use or decoration. I love them for decoration personally, I got a few plates that are now hanging on my wall.
The colors are also very representative of Morroco, it’s usually very colorful and warm. You will find a lot of blue, red, and green which represent different parts of the country. And the intricate patterns on the ceramics are very representative of Morrocan architecture.
Depending on the size of the ceramic, the price will vary. My favorite place to purchase them is in the Jemaa El Fna in Marrakech because they import them from all over Morocco. The lowest price I got was 25 mad up to 200 mad for bigger items.
6. Spices
Undoubtedly, walking around in the souks, you will see so many different spices. They are all so fresh and colorful and you can literally find anything you would want. My mom would never leave the country without stocking up on those spices. She makes a list at home to see what herbs she will need and then goes there to purchase quite large quantities of everything she needs.
The common spices would include ginger, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, paprika, anise, and cayenne.
Then for fancier spices, you would have Ras El Hanout and saffron.
7. Teapot and glasses
Moroccan mint tea is known all over the world and the teapot it comes in is simply darling. The glasses are also very cute and it creates a nice little set.
The prices vary but around 150 mad for the teapot and 100 mad for the glasses. It’s not very pricey for a souvenir you will keep your whole life.
Once you are in Morroco and go through a few restaurants, you will see how important the practice of drinking tea is and how everyone will offer you some tea in the souks, restaurants, or even at the beach. You would be basically bringing back so many souvenirs every time you will see that teapot.
8. Moroccan rugs
Walking around the souks across Morocco, you will find a wide range of rugs. You can find different styles, sizes, and materials. When I tell you my mom has a rug from Morroco she brought back 20 years ago that is still in our living room today, it is not a joke. Often time they are hand-made and the quality is so nice!
9. Tajines
You have probably seen so many pictures of this emblematic cone-shaped cookware that is used daily by Moroccans. Tajines are a traditional dish we cook either with chicken, meat, lamb, or even vegetables.
They are pretty inexpensive but given it’s made with clay, it can be very heavy. You can get a small one or a decorative one. I usually get them in different stands while on a road trip and pay a max of 100 mad for a decent-sized tajine. By the way, my favorite strands and where I usually find the best designs are up north.
10. Kaftan, Djellaba, Takchita, and other traditional outfits.
Let me just tell you the difference between the traditional outfits because I am sick and tired of seeing tourists wear pajamas outside as if it was an actual outfit. You can refer to the following pictures as a future guide.
Djellaba is a long, loose-fitting robe with a pointed hood, often made from wool or cotton. They are worn by men and women and it’s usually what you see the most. It’s an everyday attire.
Kaftan is a luxurious and elegant traditional Moroccan outfit worn on special occasions and celebrations. It is worn only by women. It is a long, flowing robe with elaborate embroidery, beadwork, and decorations.
Takchita is a two-piece outfit consisting of a dress and a coordinating jacket or overcoat. They are worn at formal events and weddings. They are embellished with intricate embroidery, sequins, and other decorative elements.
A Ghandoura is where it gets tricky. For a woman, you do not wear that as an outside attire. It is considered a pajama. The farthest you can go with that is maybe the corner store. I saw stores sell this for 40$ when you can literally get it for 4$ in Morroco. The amount of time I would see foreigners wear this in fancy restaurants can’t be counted anymore. For men, this could be acceptable to walk around in and usually, they also use that to go pray at the mosque.
Typically you would get a kaftan or takchita if you have an event planned. You can purchase them off the rack or customize your own dress. I wouldn’t pay more than 500 mad for those dresses unless I put in a customization order. You can do so in souks and at different tailors.
For a gift, I would go for a ghandoura or jellaba, they are less expensive and less heavy to bring back. Those can also be customized if you wish to but you have so many nice options off the rack that I wouldn’t spend too much money on customization.
11. Lanterns
Lanterns are one of Morocco’s most famous souvenirs. They have become a staple of interior design in many homes and there’s nothing quite like acquiring your own authentic Moroccan lantern—a true treasure to bring back from your Moroccan journey.
The prices, again, will vary depending on the size and the material of the lantern but I would say around 100 mad would be a reasonable price for an average size lantern.
12. Soaps
Moroccans produce many things as you have noticed in this article, and one of the simplest gifts you can bring from Morroco is black soap (beldi soap). This soap has been used for centuries by Moroccans and offers a myriad of skin-enhancing benefits.
This traditional skincare gem combines natural exfoliants for gentle yet effective cleansing and exfoliation. It provides deep hydration and softness to the skin while promoting balance—ideal for diverse skin types, from sensitive to oily. It can potentially reduce blemishes, hyperpigmentation, as well as help with eczema.
It can be used for facial needs and as a body cleanser, shampoo, and shaving soap!
It costs 20 to 30 mad and is worth every penny!
Moroccan souvenirs online!
For whatever reason you didn’t get what you wanted from Morocco, here is a list of a few items you can buy online instead!
I hope this gave you a lot of inspo for your next Moroccan souvenirs to bring back home from your trip.
Until next time,
Sofyah,
Sofyah Ov is the founder of Sofyahscorner. Through her travels, she emphasizes the art of living comfortably while adventuring, showing readers how to strike a harmonious balance between world exploration and the soft life. Having lived in 3 different continents, the writer, passionate traveler, and lifestyle enthusiast would love to teach you how you can have it all!
