As you near the end of your incredible holiday in Seychelles, be sure to leave with more than stunning photos, an amazing tan, and unforgettable memories. These beautiful islands offer a fascinating array of locally produced crafts and products that you can take home with you. Here is a list of some of the best Seychelles souvenirs you can take back home with you.
Local Crafts
The local souvenir shops and kiosks are absolutely full of a variety of locally hand-made items. Many of these have been crafted with wood, coconut husks, shells, and other natural elements. And the creations that emerge are EXTRAORDINARY! From beautifully crafted pieces of jewellery to hand-painted figures and wondrously scented soaps and candles, picking only a few items is likely going to be extremely hard.
Souvenirs are definitely NOT hard to find. The tiny capital of Victoria is bursting with all kinds of quaint souvenir shops and kiosks. Camion Hall in the center of Victoria is a hub for locally made crafts, so plan on stopping there for some shopping.
Impressive Artwork
As you will find out, Seychelles is home to some incredibly talented artists, many of whom incorporate their surrounding natural beauty into their pieces. From vivid forests to bustling marketplaces, and gorgeous ocean views, there is definitely something to suit everyone’s taste. Being a vibrant and colorful nation, this is largely reflected in Seychellois artists’ creations.
There are numerous art galleries around the islands and these stunning works can also be found in the plethora of kiosks and souvenir shops as well. George Camille, a celebrated Seychellois artist, houses much of his work at the Kaz Zanana café in Victoria. If you are an art lover, it is also well worth visiting the home gallery of another popular artist, Michael Adams in Anse Poules Bleues, Mahe.
Kiwicoco Handmade Jewellery
Speaking of impressive artwork, local artist, Michelle Griffiths, creates beautiful, funky fashion earrings under her brand KiwiKoko. These colorful earrings not only make awesome gifts to bring back for your friends but are also perfect for adding to your own jewellery collection. You can find more information about where you can purchase KiwiKoko items on her Instagram page.
Images courtesy of KiwiCoco
Kreolor Jewellery
This unique luxury jewellery brand made its mark in Seychelles many years ago and is a favourite for tourists and locals alike. Their diverse range of jewellery highlights the traditional craftsmanship of Seychelles using the natural materials of the Indian Ocean fused with 18 karat gold. They have stores in a number of locations including Camion Hall, Eden Plaza as well as the International Airport.
Seychelles Tea
You’re probably thinking, “I’ve got Lipton at home, and PG Tips, and good old Twinnings! Why would I possibly need to buy Seychelles tea?”
Honestly? Simply because it’s good tea.
SeyTé, as it is known, comes in a variety of flavors including vanilla, lemon, mint and cinnamon. These signature teas, grown on the mountains of Morne Blanc, are a favourite for both locals and visitors. It’s a unique opportunity to sample the fragrant flavors of Seychelles.
The factory where SeyTé is produced is in fact a popular tourist attraction boasting the same traditional charm since being established in 1972. Visitors can enjoy a tour of the factory before sitting down to sample some of the delicious teas at the Tea Tavern. You can purchase the teas of your choice at the factory itself or the STC Hypermarket.
Coco De Mer
Although on the more expensive side, you should absolutely consider taking home a coco de mer. Unique to the Seychelles, the endemic coco de mer palm boasts the largest nut in the world. Growing naturally in Praslin’s Vallée de Mai, its suggestive nature, resembling a female’s buttocks, is a main contributing factor to its popularity. In fact, the Vallée De Mai is a UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to the naturally occurring species.
Brocken Inaglory, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The best place to buy a coco de mer would be at the Vallée De Mai itself, although restaurant Bonbon Plume located at Anse Lazio (also Praslin) also have a selection of these impressive nuts for sale. One point to keep in mind however is that you will require the correct documentation (export permit and licence, etc.) so be sure to ONLY buy from sellers who can provide these.
SeyWei Toys
If you’re travelling with little ones, this may be the perfect type of souvenir. SeyWei Toys make adorable stuffed animals and backpacks that are just right for children. These cute and colorful items can be found in a few locations including STC Hypermarket and the Vallée De Mai.
Images courtesy of SeyWeiToys.com
Concluding Thoughts
Whatever your taste or style, there is something for you and your loved ones in the form of Seychelles souvenirs. There are plenty of choices and so much opportunity to find the perfect memento, so be sure not to leave these beautiful islands empty handed.
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Image by Salifa Karapetyan, Seychelles News Agency, CC-BY
