Sri Lankan souvenirs are the best way to keep track and look back on your journeys. It’s always fun to bring home souvenirs from the countries you have visited. Certainly, Sri Lanka is the shopper’s dream come true, where you can buy some valuable souvenirs for a cheap price. Here you’ll find good quality authentic handicrafts available at reasonable rates. Thus, remember to buy an everlasting souvenir as a sweet memory from your trip to Sri Lanka.
Usually, souvenir shops are available in each major attraction throughout the country. The best Sri Lankan souvenir shop with many varieties of local handicrafts is Laksala. This state-owned shop offers souvenirs of high quality and durability. There are island-wide branches of Laksala in all major touristic cities. By the way, if you miss buying something during your trip, there are lots of souvenir shops at Bandaranayake International Airport.
Here we are going to show you a complete list of the best souvenirs to buy from Sri Lanka. These souvenirs come in price ranges to suit all kinds of budgets. Hope this guide will help you to plan shopping for them in Sri Lanka during your visit.
1. Gems
Nicknamed as Gem Island, Sri Lanka is the best place to buy gems and precious stones. Ratnapura, the city of gems is a world-famous destination for gem buyers. It is the gem trading hub in the country. You’ll find Ratnapura city is densely packed with large and small gem shops filled with varieties of cut and polished gemstones.
Sri Lanka produces more than 50 varieties of gemstones and it accounts for 25% of global sapphire sales. The most popular gem varieties in the country are Blue sapphire, Moonstone, Ruby, Cat’s Eye, Quartz, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Garnet, Tourmaline, and Topaz. They are the most beautiful and high-demand gem types found in Sri Lanka.
Gems are available to purchase in major cities and attractions, such as Galle, Unawatuna, Kandy, and other touristic areas. When you buy gems, remember to select them from a certified dealer to get high-quality gems for a reasonable price.
2. Jewelry
Precious gemstone studded pieces of jewelry with exquisite beauty are world-famous Sri Lankan products. Particularly, Sri Lanka has produced large sapphires used for crowns and jewelry of royal families. These celebrated gemstones with glamorous beauty are adorned by worldwide gem lovers.
Sri Lanka produces lovely necklaces, earrings, rings, and bracelets designed with different gemstones. The dazzling beauty of Sri Lankan jewelry makes they are among the most treasured purchases by tourists. Thus, most foreign travelers like to buy some jewelry as a memory of visiting this gem island.
Although these pieces of jewelry are quite expensive, there is a massive effort and craftsmanship behind every piece. Thus, buying a Sri Lankan jewelry is completely worth the price and it will bring you everlasting golden memory.
3. Jewelry Box
Adorable jewelry boxes are one of the best souvenirs you can buy in Sri Lanka. There are many different types of jewelry boxes. This picture shows a cut and polished wooden jewelry box. It has a very rich look, but the price is cheap and affordable for even budget travelers.
4. Wooden Elephants
Wooden elephants are one of the major souvenirs available almost everywhere in Sri Lanka. There are highly skilled and talented handicraftsmen, who produce elegant wooden elephant figurines. Since it says elephant figurines bring good luck into the home, they are perfect souvenirs to keep in your room.
The size of the wooden elephants is quite variable, from large-sized ones to small palm-sized ones. Big wooden elephants suit visitors who have enough space in their luggage. Since they are quite heavy, it is difficult to carry them in your backpack. Small wooden elephants are light-weighted and suit any traveler.
5. Pulp Elephants
Pulp elephants are made of paper pulp or recycled elephant dung. These elephants aren’t heavy as wooden ones. As it is completely light, you can carry it in even your backpack. With exquisite designs, they are the perfect gift for yourself or your friends.
These attractive souvenirs are made of 100% natural material. So, this is an eco-friendly souvenir to buy in Sri Lanka. They are carefully made with very detailed designs and painted in lively colors. You’ll find each elephant is very unique and patiently created with high quality.
6. Decorated Elephants
Surely, designed wooden elephants attract the eyes of tourists. Since these small wooden elephant figurines are cheap and light weighted, they suit any visitors. They are painted with vibrant colors to catch your eyes. Moreover, some decorated elephants are adorned with small precious stones. These lovely elephant figurines are one of the best Sri Lankan souvenirs to buy during your trip.
7. Ceylon Tea
Ceylon black tea is the most common tea type visitors are looking forward to buying in Sri Lanka. Surely, this is the most treasured souvenir preferred by almost all travelers. Sri Lanka is famous for Golden Tips, Silver Tips, and Flowery Orange Pekoe, the high-quality whole-leaf tea made from the first two leaves and buds. These are among the top luxury and exclusive teas available in the country.
Especially, there are gift teas with a range of tea products designed to make the ideal and thoughtful souvenirs. They are beautifully arranged in foil-enveloped teabags in wooden or other elegant containers. Moreover, handcrafted pottery with traditional arts and decorations is used to arrange gift teas.
Although black tea is the most famous variety, there are flavored teas with cinnamon, dried fruits, herbal blends, and local spices available. These infusions give a refreshing feeling and are the best way to relax during a busy day. Thus, Ceylon tea gifts are the perfect token of appreciation for your loved ones.
8. Spices
Sri Lanka is a renowned supplier of high-quality Ceylon Cinnamon to the world throughout history. Moreover, Sri Lanka produces the best spices including black pepper, cloves, nutmeg, and cardamom. All these spices have unique aromas and flavors authentic to Sri Lanka.
The gift packs of spices are wonderful souvenirs to buy in Sri Lanka. Rather than so-called spice gardens, you’ll find high-quality spices in supermarkets. Since Sri Lanka is well known as Spice Island, don’t forget to buy some quality spices as souvenirs.
9. Batik
Batik is a traditional heritage that has been passed on from generation to generation. They are colorful and no two designs are alike. From waxing to dying, every Sri Lankan batik garment is handcrafted. A lot of skill, craftsmanship, and effort is necessary to produce a Batik item. As a result, Sri Lankan batik is reputed for innovative designs, flawless quality, and real value for money.
Sri Lankan Batik fabrics and dresses are highly famous products among visitors. Made of the finest cotton and silk along with artwork, Batiks are among the best Sri Lankan handmade gift items and souvenirs. There are colorful blouses, skirts, shirts, beach wares, wall hangings, cushions, and bedspreads done on Batik. These attractive items come in designs that are unique to the island.
With colorful and intricate designs created by skilled artists, Batik wear is a must-buy souvenir in Sri Lanka. These items display the exquisite craftsmanship of Sri Lankan artists. Batik items are available in island-wide Batik shops, as well as in Laksala. Most probably, shoppers are spoilt for choice as its many designs are available.
10. Wooden Masks
When you go to Sri Lankan souvenir shops, you’ll see every shop displays colorful Raksha Masks. Definitely, Raksha Masks are a piece of iconic, traditional Sri Lankan souvenirs. Their sizes are variable, ranging from tiny refrigerator magnets, and keychains to immense wall-hanger decorations. Thus, there is a Raksha Mask that suits everybody. Moreover, they are widely available all over Sri Lanka.
Wooden masks are an important aspect of Sri Lankan cultural identity. Local craftsmen in use their skilled hands to create exotic masks with intricate features. These devil masks are a major part of folk dances and now they have evolved into magnificent works of art.
They portray the antiquated Raksha individuals. There are several types of Rakshas, including nagas and garudas. Since Raksha Masks believe to ward off evil spirits, it is one of the best souvenirs to buy in Sri Lanka. You can adorn your home and give it a luxurious look while appreciating the Sri Lankan heritage.
11. Coconut shell products
Coconuts are an essential part of Sri Lankan cuisine where almost all Sri Lankan meals are prepared using coconut milk. The coconut shell is also quite useful to make fancy products. After some cleaning and polishing of the shells, they use to make many products including cups, spoons, lamps, and many more things. These products are 100% environmentally friendly.
Skilled local craftsmen can turn simple coconut shells into beautiful souvenirs. They have wonderful crafting skills to make these products elegant and attractive. You’ll be amazed by seeing the final coconut shell products. Remember to purchase one of these items to take back home, it will be a very unique and interesting souvenir.
12. Leather products
Leather products are quite famous as souvenirs among foreign travelers. These products are available in traditional leather tones to dyed in bright equatorial colors. They have beautiful designs and high durability, and the wonderful craftsmanship only adds to their value.
You can buy a leather bag and it could be with you all the way around Sri Lanka. These pouches and handbags will leave you wondering whether you should get them as gifts or keep them for yourself. By the way, they are quite cheap and you may buy many pieces for yourself and as souvenirs for the family.
13. Handlooms
Sri Lankans used handloom textiles since ancient times. Usually, traditional Sri Lankan costumes are made by handlooms. Mainly, Sri Lankan Saris and Sarongs made by handlooms are quite famous among locals.
There are many other types of products such as tablecloths, napkins, purses, and handbags made of natural cotton with good-quality threads. This picture shows an example of a handloom purse ideal for female travelers. Since they are beautiful and durable, perfect souvenirs to buy in Sri Lanka.
14. Snacks
Sri Lanka offers an endless number of different varieties of snacks & savory bites. They are perfect for bringing home as souvenirs too. Roasted cashews are one such crispy savory bite. Sri Lankan cashews are highly delicious and give a treat to your taste buds. They are crunchy and flavorful with a creamy taste.
Whole cashews roasted in oil, tossed with chili, salt, and pepper to make this mouthwatering spicy flavored delicacy. They can keep for a long time without spoiling. You can buy elegantly packed cashews from local shops or Bandaranaike International Airport. It is one of the perfect Sri Lankan souvenirs to buy as a gift that will bring happiness to your loved ones.
15. Paintings
You can bring a fabulous touch to your walls with Sri Lankan paintings. Created by talented Sri Lankan artists, these paintings depict cultural icons, celebrations, processions, and other unique impressions of the country. Usually, these paintings draw in shiny black velvet cloth with vibrant colors using a wide range of hues or golden color glitter paint.
The majority of them portray royal processions such as Kandy Esala Perahera and epic figures such as majestic tuskers, dancers, or peacocks. Almost all Sri Lankan souvenir shops display these paintings and they are much cheaper in price.
16. Reed products
Reed products are made of materials processed using reeds. Reeds contain various tall types of grass with slender, jointed stems that grow especially in wet areas. These tall grasses have a straight stalk which is flexible for making fancy products. There are mats, table mats, bags as well as sun hats made from reed. Definitely, these items are totally authentic products to buy as the best Sri Lankan souvenirs.
17. Palmyra products
Sri Lankans use Palmyra leaf known as Thal leaf to make wonderful fancy crafts. There are marketing bags made by Palmyra leaves with wondrous designs. These bags are cheap, but they look elegant. Surely this bag helps you to feel good about the way you shop. Since these bags are large and have strong handles, you can fill many items inside. They are 100% eco-friendly and long-lasting.
18. Rock Arts
Rock art products are one of the unique souvenirs you’ll find in Sri Lanka. The painting is done on a flat surface of a piece of rock. These timeless hand-painted rock arts are inspired by traditional Sri Lankan Characters and cultural landmarks.
You’ll find Kandyan dancers, tuskers, the Temple of Tooth Relic, and many other paintings done on rock surfaces. They are perfect for gifting or as a souvenir from Sri Lanka.
19. Laksha products
Laksha products are one of the most attractive and unique Sri Lankan handicrafts. They are made from particular raw timbers from Gansuriya, Ginisapu, or Mahogany trees. A natural dye called Laksha and artificial dyes are used to draw intricate designs on wooden items. Laksha products are easily recognizable from their bright colors, intricate patterns, and designs.
Special skills and patience are essential for the production of a finished product. Artisans use a chisel or thumb to create intricate linear patterns and motifs. Laksha products include flower pots, jewelry boxes, teapots, tea boxes, ashtrays, candle stands, and many other items. Surely, these attractive products are one of the best Sri Lankan souvenirs to buy as memories from your trip.
20. Pottery
Sri Lankans are known for creating beautiful earthenware. These intricately designed pottery and other clay products are widely available in the country. There are clay vases, pots, and many other items available. Visit any of the souvenir shops which are brimming with these items and select some lovely products to take home.
To sum up. no trip to Sri Lanka is completed without buying a lovely souvenir. Finding the best souvenir is an adventure of shopping where you should go through lots of items available in the market. With prior knowledge of the best Sri Lankan souvenirs, it is easy to find some delightful things to take home. Hope this guide will help you to buy some wonderful souvenirs to keep as everlasting memories of Sri Lanka. Happy souvenir shopping for you!
Text by Magnificent Sri Lanka. Images from Laksala, Dilmah Tea, Dreamstime, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. All copyrights are reserved by the original authors.
