After you visit Dominican Republic, we promise you’ll never want to leave. It’s hard to say goodbye to the hospitable people, serene beaches, unspoiled nature and the vibrant culture. Luckily, there are plenty of unique souvenirs you can bring home to keep a little piece of the island for yourself or your loved ones.
If you’re searching for a souvenir that reminds you of your favorite Dominican Republic memories be sure to pick up one of these five distinctly Dominican gifts on your next trip for a keepsake at home.
- Larimar
If you love jewelry, then you’re going to want to bring home a one-of-a-kind piece of larimar jewelry. This semi-precious turquoise stone can only be found in the heart of Bahoruco’s mountains in the Barahona province. For the ultimate experience, you can even explore the larimar mining area with local Dominican tour operators, where workers run holes as deep as 150 feet into the ground to extract the stunning stone.
You can shop for larimar jewelry in stores and souvenir shops across the country or observe the cutting and polishing of a larimar stone at the local larimar workshops along the main highway in Bahoruco. The beautiful blue stone is often set in silver, making it a stunning statement piece for anyone who loves colorful accessories.
- Faceless dolls
Faceless dolls line the shelves of souvenir shops and artisan markets across Dominican Republic. These dolls are emblematic of the country’s culture and history.
Often made of clay, faceless dolls wear traditional attire and lack facial features. This isn’t by mistake—the lack of distinct facial features is a nod to Dominican Republic’s blend of indigenous, African and European ancestry, and an embrace of the country’s unique heritage. No two dolls are the same, and each one is handmade with care in Dominican Republic.
- Dominican rum
You can’t go wrong with Dominican rum. The country is one of the largest producers of rum in the world, and visitors can tour distilleries to learn how rum is made and enjoy an on-site tasting.
Bring home a bottle of your favorite dark or white rum, choosing from brands including Brugal, Barceló, Bermúdez and Macorís. Dominican rum is a guaranteed way to add the flavor of the island to your favorite cocktail.
- Cigars
As one of the largest producers of premium cigars in the world, Dominican Republic is a mecca for cigar enthusiasts. From cigar festivals and cigar lounges to cigar factory tours, there are plenty of ways to enjoy fine tobacco in Dominican Republic.
You can also bring cigars back home. Choose from historic and established brands like La Aurora and La Flor Dominicana, or pick up a hand-rolled cigar from Tubano’s in Santiago.
- Mamajuana
Mamajuana is perhaps the most iconic Dominican Republic herbal concoction. From beachside stands to airport gift shops, you can find this herbaceous offering sold just about anywhere. The cocktail is made from a fermented combination of tree barks, herbs, spices, red wine and rum.
Pro tip for traveling: If you are bringing a piece of Dominican Republic home with you and planning to purchase a mamajuana batch kit, to avoid confiscation within customs, pack the bottle in your checked luggage and add liquid to your bottle, rum and wine, as the bottle with only bark could be considered plant/tree matter, as opposed to a liquor. Just be careful when you sip on this potent drink—it’s high in alcohol content, and the locals swear it’s an aphrodisiac.
What’s your go-to gift from Dominican Republic? Share your favorite souvenirs by posting to social media and tagging @godomrep.
