Best Souvenirs to Buy on Your Trip to the French Polynesia

Known for its abundant natural beauty, French Polynesia offers its visitors plenty of great vacation activities – and shopping for unique souvenirs is one of them. Whether you are looking for special gifts for grandma, shopping for your parents, siblings or friends, there are plenty of tropical treasures you can purchase whilst visiting Tahiti, Moorea or Bora Bora. Take the time to explore the small markets and family-owned stores for the keepsakes that will take you back to beautiful French Polynesia, even long after you’ve returned home. Here are our recommendations for the best souvenirs to buy on your trip to the breathtaking archipelagos. 

1. Tahitian Pearls

Produced in French Polynesian waters, Tahitian pearls are a staple for this region and definitely a must-have souvenir, if you are lucky enough to vacation there. These deep luster orbs are grown on pearl farms located in the lagoons of Taha’a, Raiatea, Huahine, and the Tuamotu Atolls. Pearl shops can be found all across the breathtaking islands, and you can purchase these beautiful gems in their natural form or mounted as jewelry such as chic pearl bracelets, necklaces or earrings.  Although they are known as “black pearls”, these gorgeous jewels come in a range of shades, from metallic blue and purple to green or even bronze, creating a rainbow of natural-colored Tahitian pearls. 

2. Monoi Oils

One of the best souvenirs you can bring back from your trip to French Polynesia is the delightful scents of the region. The beauty secret of the islanders, Monoi Oil, is made from refined coconut oil and fragrant Tahitian Tiare flowers. This scent is very specific and will instantly remind you of the sweet aromas of your trip. You can purchase Monoi oil in a variety of forms, from soaps, body lotions, shampoos or even lip balms, which makes this versatile oil the ideal souvenir to take home with you. Bonus tip: if you are looking for handmade products, you should try the local markets or beachside vendors.

3. A Tropical Sarong (Pareo)

Coming in a rainbow of colors, a pareo or sarong is an essential French Polynesian souvenir. The tropical garment is not just beachwear and it would be wrong to consider it as such. The pareo is an emblem of the local culture and it is customary that both men and women wear them on all occasions. Made from lightweight material, the sarongs are easily dried in the sun or packed into a beach bag which makes them a great souvenir to take back home. Although you can purchase this emblematic souvenir anywhere in French Polynesia, from local markets to your hotel shop, hand-painted artisanal pareos can be found only in art galleries or special designer boutiques (but they cost two to three times as much).

4. Musical Souvenirs

Music is a big part of the Polynesian culture and you will learn that very quickly. During your stay in the Polynesian islands, you will be surrounded by music wherever you go. From the moment you step foot on the island to your hotel or any trips you might take, you will be followed by the calming sound of the ukulele. This four-stringed musical instrument is emblematic for the Polynesian culture, so why not take one back home with you? 

5. Vanilla Beans

With its extraordinary aroma and its incomparable flavor, vanilla from French Polynesia is among the purest in the world. After trying this amazing flavor, you’ll definitely notice the difference. This is why vanilla beans make one of the best souvenirs to buy in French Polynesia. You can easily purchase vanilla beans, powders or extracts from supermarkets or directly from the producers. This is a great souvenir as you can use it to create delicious treats to share with your family. 

6. Wooden Sculptures

Seen all around the Polynesian islands, the tiki statues represent mythical figures of Polynesian culture and serve as protectors of the land. The souvenir versions of the statues are carved from wood and vastly range in size. You can purchase even a pocket-size of this unique totem to take back home with you, or, if your luggage allows you, splurge for a larger size sculpture to display in your home. This will be a great reminder of your amazing Polynesian vacation. 

Final Thoughts

Your dream vacation has come to an end. Your bags are filled with unique souvenirs which you can only get from this magnificent place. From the emblematic Tahitian pearls to wooden sculptures or musical instruments, everything you bring back home with you will always remind you of your amazing Polynesian adventures. Although the souvenirs you bought on the islands will bring joy to you and your loved ones, the real gifts are the memories which will last forever.

Photo by Kazuo ota on Unsplash