I love bringing home souvenirs to remind me of the places I’ve visited. So, if you are wondering what to buy in Seychelles, this is the guide for you!
Therefore, I have rounded up a list of the best souvenirs from Seychelles, so you don’t waste your time or money on things catching dust. These picks are local, authentic, and unique to the islands.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN SEYCHELLES:
• Hilltop Boutique Hotel (I stayed here in Victoria on Mahé)
• Sun Properties & Resort Hotel (I stayed here in Beau Vallon on Mahé)
• Marie Laure Suites (I stayed here in Bel Ombre on Mahé)
• Bambous River Lodge (I stayed here in Bel Ombre on Mahé)
• Palm Beach Hotel (I stayed here in Grand Anse on Praslin)
• Chez Bea (I stayed here in Cote’Or on Praslin)
• Cote D’Or Footprints (upscale stay in Cote D’Or on Praslin)
• La Digue Self Catering Apartments (I stayed here in La Passe on La Digue)
• Le Nautique Waterfront Hotel (perfect beachfront location on La Digue)
• Chalets d’Anse Reunion (perfect paradise stay on La Digue)
TOP EXPERIENCES and TOURS IN SEYCHELLES:
• Mahé: Anse Major hike (I did this fun hike!)
• Mahé: Private Tour on Mahé (I did this)
• Mahé: St. Anne Marine Park with Lunch (I did this!)
• Mahé: Rock pool hike (on my wishlist)
• Mahé: Day trip to Praslin and La Digue (great if you are short on time)
• Praslin: Vallé de Mai and Anse Lazio (I did this!)
• Praslin: cruise to Curieuse and St. Pierre Island (top-rated tour)
• La Digue: Anse Marron (hike to an isolated beach)
• La Digue: Crystal Water Kayaks tour (my favorite!)
The souvenirs here go beyond the usual fridge magnets and cheap trinkets. Instead, you can support the local community by choosing souvenirs made in Seychelles archipelago, as opposed to the ones made in China.
Let’s have a look at which authentic Seychelles souvenirs you should bring home!
FRIENDLY REMINDER
Never leave for a trip without travel insurance. Unexpected issues can arise so I suggest using insurance that covers people from all over the world, while outside their home country. You can buy this travel insurance even if you are already abroad.
Seychelles souvenirs
KEY TAKEAWAYS
● Find out what to buy in Seychelles to bring home to friends and family.
● Get ideas for original Seychellois souvenirs, that represent the country.
● Learn where specialty shops and markets in Seychelles to visit in order to buy Seychelles gifts.
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Best souvenirs from Seychelles
Coco the Mer nut
Coco de Mer nut is the best souvenir to buy from Seychelles!
But not the cheapest. That is why I said I would buy mine on my 10th visit to Seychelles (and I’m already over halfway, so soon!)
Coco de Mer Nut is a coconut seed of an endemic palm tree Coco de Mer. The palm tree only grows on two islands in the world, and produces nuts only on Praslin, in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vallée de Mai. Because of its unique shape, it is also called a “love nut, ” symbolizing love and fertility.
Nut from the Coco de Mer palm tree is the biggest and heaviest seed in the plant kingdom. It can weigh up to 30 kg (66 pounds)! Therefore Coco de Mer nut is at the top of the list for souvenirs to bring from Seychelles.
Since the nut is rare, it is highly regulated to protect the species.
The ones sold as souvenirs will be hollow. They saw it, took the kernels out, and glued it back together. Hollow ones can weigh up to 5 kg.
Each nut gets an official certification and an identification number, the government seal, and a certificate of authenticity to ensure it’s legally harvested.
When you purchase one, you will also get an export license. Without it, you will not be able to take Coco de Mer with you and you will be fined and/or sent to prison!
Where to buy: You can buy it on Mahe, Praslin, and online.
Praslin Island: The best place to buy one is the souvenir shop at Vallée de Mai Natural Reserve and in a bar Bonbon plume on Anse Lazio beach.
Mahe Island: Have a look at the Coco de Mer Collection, from the Seychelles Parks and Garden Authority (SPGA)‘s office and the Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF)‘s office located at La Ciotat building at Mont Fleuri.
Online: Find your nut on Coco de Mer Seychelles.
Price: Varies. It starts from 300€ ($330) and goes up, depending on the size and shape.
ALSO READ:
• 15 Interesting facts about Coco de Mer palm tree
Takamaka rum
I never leave Seychelles without (at least) one bottle of Takamaka rum.
My favorites are Koko and Dark Spiced, with their rich, tropical flavors, but I also love the Extra Noir for its smooth finish and the Koko infused with Vanilla for a sweet twist.
Takamaka rum from the Seychelles is named after the Takamaka tree (Calophyllum inophyllum), native to the Seychelles and other tropical regions, from Asia, Australia to Polynesia. You can spot it all around the islands, especially along the shores of Anse Lazio Beach.
Rum has a unique island taste, embodying the spirit of Seychelles in every bottle. You can enjoy it neat, in cocktails, or mixed with tropical fruit juices.
Visiting the Takamaka distillery is one of the best things to do in Mahe. And the best part? It’s free. They also offer guided tours with rum tastings included.
Where to buy: You can find Takamaka rum in every shop and supermarket in the Seychelles, at the Takamaka distillery. Great place to buy is also the Takamaka shop in the airport (after customs, on the 1st floor).
Price: Standard bottles typically cost around 10€ to 30€ ($13 to $30 USD), while premium varieties like Extra Noir can go up to 45€ ($50 USD). Buying at the airport can sometimes save you on taxes!
Disclaimer: Please drink responsibly. Alcohol is intended for those of legal drinking age. Excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to health risks. Always follow local laws and regulations regarding alcohol purchase and consumption.
Vanilla
My cousin loves to bake, so I always bring her a couple of Bourbon vanilla pods.
It’s one of the finest varieties in the world originating from Réunion. Being at the crossroads of ancient trade routes between Asia and Africa, the Seychelles is home to a variety of spices, including top-quality vanilla.
Seychelles is part of the Vanilla Islands in the Indian Ocean (a group that includes Réunion, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Comoros) all known for producing top-quality vanilla. Today, there are a few small-scale vanilla plantations in the Seychelles, the L’Union estate on La Digue being the most famous one.
Where to buy: You can find vanilla pods in some supermarkets, local markets, and spice shops throughout the Seychelles. Sometimes they have them in Sir Selwyn Clarke Market in Victoria. I usually buy mine in a small souvenir kiosk in L’Union Estate, La Digue, opposite the cemetery.
Price: Vanilla pods typically range from 2€ to 5€ ($2.50 to $6 USD) each.
Cinnamon
Just like vanilla, I buy cinnamon in bulk.
I usually get home with a bag of cinnamon leaves for my aunt, who uses them when cooking rice, and cinnamon bark for tea, mulled wine, apple strudel, or apple pie.
Cinnamon was once an important spice for the Seychelles economy. Due to the favorable climate, you can see cinnamon practically everywhere – after you familiarize yourself with the shape of the leaves.
You can see them on Mahe, when going to the Anse Major trail, on Praslin, and La Digue on Anse Cocos trail.
Where to buy: You can find cinnamon sticks in local markets, spice shops, and Victoria Market. Chaka Brothers, on Francis Rachel Street in Victoria, usually has cinnamon as well. Like with vanilla, I buy mine in a small souvenir kiosk in L’Union Estate, La Digue, opposite the cemetery.
Price: Depending on where you purchase it, but generally, you can expect to pay around 1€ to 2€ ($1.20 to $2.50 USD) per stick.
Coconut products
I love everything coconut!
On my first trips to the Seychelles, I brought home handmade coconut bowls, which I still use for yogurt, granola, and smoothies— they’re perfect for adding a tropical touch to everyday meals. Now, I stock up on extra virgin coconut oil, which I use for both hair care and cooking.
You will find coconut palms all over the islands, as the coconut plantations in Seychelles have a long history, dating back to the colonial era when coconuts were cultivated for their oil, copra (dried coconut flesh), and husks. Large-scale plantations are less common today, but you’ll still find smaller ones like the L’Union estate on La Digue.
Where to buy: You can find coconut products — like handmade bowls, virgin coconut oil, and coconut-based skincare — at local markets, souvenir shops, and even some supermarkets across the islands. Popular places include the Victoria Market and Beau Vallon Beach on Mahé, craft shops on Praslin, and tourist shops on La Digue. You can also find coconut oil in beauty stores and natural product outlets.
Price: Handmade coconut bowls generally cost around 5€ to 10€ ($6 to $12 USD), depending on their size and craftsmanship. Extra virgin coconut oil prices vary depending on the size, but a typical bottle costs between 7€ to 15€ ($8 to $17 USD), making it an affordable and versatile souvenir to bring home.
Seybrew
As you might have noticed by now, I love bringing home souvenirs that family and friends get to taste.
I am not a big fan of beer, but (I believe it was twice) I brought home local beer Seybrew. To be fair, I liked the bottle etiquettes, which had nice photos of Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue.
Seybrew is a popular local beer produced by the Seychelles Breweries in Mahe since 1972. It is light, refreshing, not too bitter, and easy to drink. Perfect for the tropical climate. You can find it in most supermarkets and bars throughout the islands.
Where to buy: You can find Seybrew in most supermarkets, liquor stores, and local shops throughout the Seychelles.
Price: A standard bottle typically costs around 2€ to 4€ ($2.50 to $5 USD), making it an affordable souvenir to take home or enjoy while on the islands. Just roll it in your towels, so it doesn’t break!
Disclaimer: Please drink responsibly. Alcohol is intended for those of legal drinking age. Excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to health risks. Always follow local laws and regulations regarding alcohol purchase and consumption.
Stamps
This one might not be a souvenir for everyone, but I love stamps, and they perfectly represent Seychelles!
As a small-scale philatelist, I always find time to visit a post office in the Seychelles and pick up some stamps for my collection.
They are small, easy to carry, and the designs often feature the islands’ wildlife, plants, or historical moments. It’s a beautiful reminder of my time in Seychelles, as the stamps are usually seasonal and change every year.
On one of my trips to Japan, I bought special edition stamps for the 2020 Olympic Games, which ended up getting canceled. Now, those stamps are worth a fortune. This is just an example of how collecting stamps can sometimes pay off in unexpected ways!
Where to buy: Stamps are available at post offices around Seychelles, including in Victoria and smaller towns on Praslin and La Digue.
Price: Stamps are affordable and typically cost between 0.50€ and 3€ ($0.60 to $3.50 USD).
Other things to buy in Seychelles
Of course, there are other things you can buy as souvenirs of Seychelles.
A popular choice is the Seychelles souvenir magnet and SeyTé, a locally produced tea infused with island flavors like vanilla, citronella, and cinnamon.
You’ll also find beautiful Pandora-like pendants featuring iconic symbols like turtles and the Coco de Mer, as well as stunning black pearls.
For something more traditional and local, you can purchase artisan handcrafted items. Jewelry, bracelets, handwoven baskets, pareos, and other Seychellois artwork, which will remind you of this tropical paradise. You can also bring home shark chutney or frangipani perfumes and diffusers.
I know some people like to take home sand and shells as souvenirs. I’m against bringing those home. Besides, I believe it is best to leave nature untouched so future generations can experience and appreciate it just as it is today.
You should also know, that many countries, including the Seychelles, have strict rules about removing these items from their shores. Just like with Coco-de-Mer nuts, the exportation of corals, and shells requires an export permit. If you don’t have one, you can expect a fine of SCR10.000 (700€ | $770).
Final thoughts on Seychelles Island souvenirs
I love bringing home souvenirs that remind me of the places I’ve visited, that are not just unnecessary clutter but are meaningful and unique.
If you’re heading to Seychelles, I hope this guide helped you choose something special that goes beyond the usual magnets and keychains.
From a bottle of Takamaka rum to handmade coconut bowls or fragrant vanilla pods. Perhaps you even have space for Coco de Mer in your suitcase. Choose the ones that will bring you fond memories of your time spent in Seychelles, and whose purpose won’t be to just gather dust.
As you plan your trip, don’t forget to look at other Seychelles guides for even more tips about the islands. Have a look at things to do, places to stay, and beaches to go to in Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue.
➤ Read more Seychelles travel guides
• Perfect first-timers Seychelles Itinerary
• 15 Interesting facts about Coco de Mer palm tree
• 10 reasons why you should never visit Seychelles
• Crystal Kayak La Digue: The Ultimate Seychelles Epic Adventure Tour
• 101+ Seychelles Captions for Instagram
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