Morocco is one of the best places for buying souvenirs. Souks and bazaars are in all the major cities and these colorful exotic wonders will take you back to romantic movies from the 1950s (Casablanca!). Shopping here is an experience. If it’s a good one or a terrible one depends on your preparation. Shopkeepers are experienced negotiators. It’s part of the culture and you are expected to join in. Your experiences in the markets will form your opinion of this country. I hope to help you find the spirit of Moroccan hospitality and avoid those unfortunate predators that ruin so many trips. It doesn’t need to be this way.
General Tips When Buying Souvenirs
Most places accept only cash. In general, stores by main entrances are for tourists and are more expensive. Walk deeper into the markets and on side streets to find areas where locals shop. Prices might be cheaper- maybe- vendors know you are a tourist so you still have your work cut out for you!
Ask for a card if you love something but aren’t ready to buy- it might be difficult to find the shop again.
Different cities specialize in various items so if you really love it and won’t be back, don’t wait.
How to Dress
Don’t bring obvious signs of wealth. Minimal jewelry, if any. No expensive watches. Use a crossbody bag and wear under a jacket or a light shirt so both the strap and the bag are covered. Pickpockets roam the markets so this will make you less of a target. Keep money in multiple pockets in different denominations (small bills in one, larger in another) and only pull out what you need.
For solo female travelers, when alone, dress in conservative maxi dresses and wear a headscarf. Personally, I love the look. It’s very glamorous old Hollywood chic. I believe it makes a difference in how I am treated. Aggressive vendors tend to ignore me. It hides my lighter hair (and protects me from the sun). Moroccans who did approach me were kind, respectful and even protective. They were happy to just talk. They shared pictures of grandchildren, invited me to their homes (not saying you should accept) and offered good advice. I believe a little modesty goes a long way in this country. Try this and you can decide who you interact with. It breaks my heart to hear of women crying in their hotel rooms because of a bad experience and afraid to go out- it doesn’t have to be this way.
Scams
Watch out for counterfeit items. To keep up with tourist demand, some shops sell goods imported from China and India. Walk around a little before you buy to see what items are available everywhere. Buy from specialized stores (for example, one that sells only lamps). Stores selling a little bit of everything tends to be for tourists- quality will not be as good and prices will be higher.
Stay away from people holding snakes, leashed monkeys, etc… Do not look at these people. Don’t go near them. Don’t take pictures of them. Stay far away. This is animal abuse- please do not support it in any way. It is absolutely heartbreaking.
The “nice guy” scam is a tough one. I personally did not experience this but I also did not take people up on offers to help. This is a scam where the “nice guy” will either lure you into an expensive shop or they will offer to show you around and then demand money for doing so.
Negotiating
As an American, I am uncomfortable with negotiating. Mark the price and knock off a penny so it seems cheaper. Take it or leave it. This is how I like to shop. This is not how it is done in Morocco. Here you are expected to bargain- it is insulting not to. Prices are rarely posted. When they are, it’s to attract tourists and prices tend to be high. Even with prices, you can attempt to bargain, especially if purchasing multiple items. According to the manager of our Riad, everything is always up for a negotiation. Well, maybe for a local. I found, especially in Marrakech- they mostly laughed in my face.
It’s impossible to negotiate without some idea what something should cost. Sign up for my excel sheet where you can put in your exchange rate and bring it as a guide. Things do change and can depend on where you are so get a local’s opinion- show it to your host and see what they think. (Please post a comment with feedback!) If you have no other frame of reference, start with what it would cost back home. Do a quick internet search if you have wifi. If you can wait, ask at your hotel for guidance.
Don’t worry about getting the absolute best price. Locals get better prices- it just is. If you know a local you trust to take you shopping- go for it! Have fun and keep your sense of wonder. Creating happy memories is worth more than a few dollars. Avoid pushy vendors that make you feel cornered. Don’t go near them- if not interested, smile politely but keep moving. They can be tough to get away from once you engage.
Keep in mind costs to get things home! If it costs $100 to bring it on the plane, it might not be such a deal. Check out my article for shopping Moroccan online before your trip- you have options!
What to buy
Spices and Tea
Ask for whole spices- if you want, shops will grind them fresh for you. Avoid buying stuff that’s been sitting in the sun. Buy spices at the end of your trip to keep them as fresh as possible. Keep in airtight bags (always travel with a few ziploc bags). If you use carry-on, keep spices separately along with any liquids when going through security. If you go through an American screening, it will keep them from ripping your bag apart.
Morocco is the fourth largest producer of saffron. This is the most expensive spice in the world. Saffron comes from the flowers of a saffron crocus. Incredible! The Saffron harvest is in late October into November. There is a harvest festival every November. Watch out for fakes- to tell if it’s real, drop a thread in water, it should dye it a yellow gold. Only 1 gram will cost 50-70dh.
When buying spices, ask how much they cost for 100 grams (3.527 ounces). Most are between 15-20dh. Try Ras Al Hanout, literally translated to mean “head of the shop”. This is a blend of the best spices the shop has. Every shop has a different blend so buy in a few shops to compare what you get. This is a little more expensive at 30dh for 100 grams.
Loose leaf teas are sold all over- Mint tea is my favorite. Customs will not allow fresh mint leaves, dried ones only. 100 grams of dried mint will cost 10dh.
Leather Poufs
Leather poufs come in all colors and styles, some with elaborate stitching. They are used as footstools, low seats or even a low table (put a tray on it). Poufs are wonderful for hidden storage too! Vendors sell them without the stuffing to make it easier to take home. Feel the leather to make sure it is good quality and not too thin so it won’t tear or wear through. If the leather is good, examine the stitching- make sure it is even and seams don’t gap.
Tip- brown leather can be darkened with oil. You cannot lighten them so if you are not sure- get the lighter one.
Buying these in the United States or on line will cost between $60 to $300 U.S. Dollars. In Morocco, small colored ones cost 150 Dirham and large brown leather ones cost 300 Dirham.
Moroccan Tea Sets and Glasses
Mint tea is used to welcome guests. For this reason, a tea set makes a fantastic Moroccan souvenir. Glasses often have intricate details. Pots are usually brass, stainless steel or silver. To serve tea, the pot is lifted high for a long pour into the glass.
A full set online costs between $100-$300. A set of 6 glasses costs between $40-$50 on line. In Morocco, handmade teapots are 150-300 Dirham.
Leather Goods
The range for leather goods is wide. It depends on leather quality, size, and design. A medium sized leather bag of good quality is @450 Dirham. Bags range between 200 to 800 Dirham. A leather jacket can range from 800 to 2,500 Dirham.
Woven Blankets, Baskets and Straw Bags
These are fun souvenirs in Morocco and make nice gifts. 6×6 blankets (with pompoms on the ends if you buy in Marrakech or Essaouira) cost 320 Dirham Colorful straw baskets can be personalized. Shops will embroider your name (or whatever you want) along with pompoms and tassels. Bargain to get them for 100 Dirham each.
Argan Oil
There are two types of Argan Oil- cosmetic and food. It is my favorite oil to use as a leave in hair conditioner!
Have argan oil cooperatives to keep the Berber woman employed
Bottle of high quality oil 200 Dhs
Some places sell fake Argan Oil so be careful where you buy. Better to buy at a Pharmacy if you don’t have time to go to one of the Coops. You don’t want to end up with a bottle of cheap vegetable oil.
Tagine (or Tajine) Moroccan Cookware
Moroccans swear by cooking in these lovely The earthenware pot. A small one (8 to 10 inches) serves 2 people. A large one (12 inches) serves 3-4 people. There are two types- one decorative (just for serving) and one to cook in. The larger and more decorated the tagine is, the more expensive it is.
There are two types- one decorative (just for serving) and one to cook in. Serving dishes are glazed with colorful beautiful designs. Cooking Tagines are often just plain clay but can be glazed with designs as well. The plain ones are quite the bargain however, before stocking up, consider a few things. It needs to be lead free, otherwise, food cooked in it will be toxic. There are testing kits you can use though I am not sure how practical this is. It is also difficult to get home in one piece and will end up being a carry on item. Cooking enthusiasts will really appreciate one so it might be worth the effort.
Moroccans swear by cooking in these lovely earthenware pots. Make sure it is lead-free. Otherwise, food cooked in it will be toxic. There are testing kits to do this but I am not sure how practical this is so buyer beware! Plain clay tagines are not expensive souvenirs in Morocco. However, they are difficult to get home in one piece and may end up costing you to get it there.
You will find lots of small ones used for dips or salt and pepper. These are so cute, a lot easier to get home and make great gifts.
Metal Lamps, Mirrors, and homewares
Moroccans have been crafting metal objects since the 12th Century. Brass is the most common. Other metals used include silver, copper, lead, tin, aluminum and nickel. Both Fes and Marrakech have sections where metal work is done right before your eyes.
Thin metals that bend easily, usually in aluminum, are cheaper. More intricate designs with better metals (copper is the best) are more expensive. Prices vary and start as low as 200 for small objects and go up from there.
Thuya Wood Boxes and Animals
Thuya wood is from an indigenous tree similar to a cypress. It only grows in Morocco, Malta and Southern Spain. This beautiful wood is a unique souvenir in Morocco even though you will see it everywhere in the country.
Carved animals and boxes, often with inlaid designs can be found all over Morocco. It’s fun to figure out how to open magic boxes. They open by sliding pieces in a particular way or they have a key in a secret compartment.
Larger items, like small tables, are more and more difficult to find. Unfortunately, to meet tourist demand, trees are over utilized. There is concern about sustainability and some warn against buying Thuya wood items.
Online a very small plain box goes for $10 and larger more intricate ones go for up to $200. In Morocco, small boxes start at 10 Dirham and go up from there.
Moroccan leather Slippers (Babouches)
Antiques
Marrakech has reputable antique stores in the Medina. Sale, Rabat and Tangiers are the other cities known for antiques. In general, when shopping outside of reputable shops, be leery. Most things are not antiques. They are new items made to look old.
Berber rugs
What are the Best Souvenirs in these Moroccan Cities
Aguidir
This is one of the best places to buy Argan Oil.
Casablanca
The medina in Casablanca has two sections- the front is more for tourists- this is where they sell things like clothing, leather goods, decor, etc. The “back side” is the souk where the locals buy food items. Both are well worth checking out! Casablanca is the place to buy clothing both traditional pieces and those with a more modern spin.
Essaouira
Essaouira is more relaxed but more expensive. This is a good place to buy Argan Oil.
Fes
Fes is famous for its leather tanneries. The prices for leather goods are the same as other cities but if you have enough time, this is the place to have things custom designed for you. Bring photos of what you would like to have them make. Fes is also known for its ceramics and its metalwork. Of course, this is the place to buy a Fez hat!
Marrakech
Djemaa El Fraa is a large square and the entrance to the souk which has over 3,000 stalls. It became a UNESCO site in 2008. It’s open 8:30am to Midnight. Most shops close on Fridays. If you end up lost in all the winding lanes of shops and need to find your way out- look for the tower of the Koutoubia Mosque (tower to the left in the first photo). It’s about a 10 minute walk from there back to the square. Marrakech is the place to buy leather goods, rugs, spices, lanterns and lights.
Rabat/Sale
Rabat, the capital of Morocco, is an hour train ride from Casablanca. The shopping is more relaxed than in Casablanca. This city manufactures pottery and is a great place to purchase it. It’s also a good place to buy antiques. For bargain hunting, head across the river to the Sale market on the other side.