Where to Buy the Best Souvenirs in Fiji

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Fijian Handmade Crafts

Traditional crafts are an important part of the cultural preservation of Fiji, so handmade crafts make a super souvenir to bring home and have something truly authentic from Fiji. There are several different types of handmade crafts in Fiji, from wooden carvings to fine pottery and glasswork.

Wooden Handicrafts

One of the most common handicraft types in Fiji is wooden carvings. Wooden tanoa (kava bowls) can be found in all sizes from local handicraft markets to the souvenir shops at Nadi International Airport. Carved masks, war clubs, cannibal forks, trinket boxes, small lali drums and turtle ornaments are all widely available to buy in Fiji and make a great keepsake.

While mass-produced wooden handicrafts are easy to find in souvenir stores, head to local artisans or these stores to find something a little more unique:

• Fijian Handicraft, Suva
• Municipal Handicraft Centre, Suva
• Handicraft Market, Nadi

Tip: Some wooden items may not pass through customs in some countries – especially if untreated. Check your next destination’s biosecurity restraints before buying wooden souvenirs. Plus, a shine to the wooden craft will indicate that it has been treated.

Fijian Pottery

Authentic and unique Fijian pottery is easy enough to find in specific villages around Fiji. Some villages that are famous for their pottery where not only are pottery demonstrations a fascinating experience, but pottery is for sale. These villages are:

• Nalotu Village in Kadavu Island
• The province of Rewa and Nadroga on Kadavu Island
• Nakabuta, Sigatoka, Viti Levu
• Vanua Clay, Meigunyah Road, Nadi, Viti Levu

Check out this Clay-Making and Cultural Tour with Nadi Urban Adventures in Nadi (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor).

Glass Crafts

Glass vases, tanoa bowls, plates and more are available to buy on the Coral Coast of Viti Levu. Hot Glass Fiji offer studio workshops in Korotoga where visitors can try their hand as glass-blowing and making their own unique creation. Otherwise, if your glassblowing skills are not up to par, then there are plenty of Fijian-made souvenirs for sale, including glass and fibre products. Either pop into Hot Glass or experience it as part of a Coral Coast Sightseeing Tour with Excite Tours & Travel (Viator or Tripadvisor).

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Fijian Clothing and Fashion

Blend in with the locals or take some amazing fashion pieces home to remind you of the good times in paradise. Fijian fashion mainly consists of sarongs, locally known as sulus, bright blue Bula! shirts and a traditional tapa or masi cloth.

Sarongs/Sulus

Sarongs make a useful souvenir purchase at the start of your trip to Fiji. Available as colourful cotton sarongs to tie around your waist, or male sulus that have a more tailored look to them, Fijian sarongs are an acceptable clothing choice for exploring outside of your resort and visiting Fijian villages. They cover the knees showing that the wearer respects the local customs. Find out more in our Fiji Village Etiquette: What to Do When Visiting a Fijian Village.

Sarongs/sulus are easy to find in souvenir outlets in the main towns and cities around Fiji, as well as the Nadi International Airport. You might be able to find some more unique pieces in craft markets.

Bula Shirts

Think of it as Fiji version of the Hawaiian shirt. Bula shirts are blue short-sleeved button shirts with flowered patterns on them. They never fail to put a smile on your face. Find Bula shirts in souvenir outlets and clothing stores throughout Fiji!

Tapa/Masi Cloth

For something a bit more traditional, look out for tapa cloths, otherwise known as masi cloths. They are made out of pounded bark from the paper mulberry tree, decorated with ancient symbols. Although they are not typically used for clothing, more as a wall-hanging decoration, you can find some masi cloths turned into handbags or other clothing accessories.

Authentic pieces of masi cloth usually feature symbols representing a particular village or family. Find some great pieces in the following locations:

• Vatulele Island, south of Viti Levu
• Municipal Handicraft Centre, Suva
• Handicraft Market, Nadi

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Fiji Toiletries and Spa Products

Fijians have been using natural remedies for centuries, which still highly revered today. For this reason, Fijian toiletries and spa products make a special gift or souvenir. Plus, on the islands with so many internationally award-winning spas, Fiji knows what it’s doing when it comes to helping you relax.

Pure Fiji Products

Fiji’s biggest spa product brand is Pure Fiji. Their lotions and potions are easy to find in souvenir outlets like Tappoo and Jack’s of Fiji, as well as the gift shops in Fiji’s luxury resorts. For the widest range of Pure Fiji products, visit the Pure Fiji headquarters in Suva, Viti Levu, or the Spa Denarau Boutique on Denarau Island, Viti Levu.

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Fijian Jewellery

Finally, for the perfect gift for her, consider picking up some luxurious pearl jewellery or Fijian designer jewellery in Fiji.

Fiji Pearls

Fiji’s pearls are some of the rarest and most sought after pearls in the world.

While Fiji pearls are available in jewellery stores and some luxury resorts, one of your best options is from the J. Hunter Pearls outlet and pearl farm tour in Savusavu, Vanua Levu. See pearl of a multitude of colours, some only found in Fiji.

Fiji Jewellery Designers

If pearls aren’t your thing, then take a look at Fijian designers like KONE Jewellery with designs inspired by the South Pacific. Check out their range in the Prouds souvenir outlets in Denarau, Nadi and Suva and some luxury resorts.

Alternatively, look for Totoka Jewellery in resorts in Savusavu, Suva, the Mamanucas and the Yasawas.