Morocco’s craft tradition is one of the richest in the world. What you buy here — if you buy wisely — is genuinely exceptional: centuries-old techniques, natural materials, artisans who trained for years. Here are the eleven things most worth bringing home.
1. Argan Oil
Buy it from a women’s cooperative (look for the argan cooperative signs on the road between Essaouira and Agadir). You’ll get the pure stuff at fair prices, and your money goes directly to Berber women. Both culinary and cosmetic grades are exceptional.
2. Leather Babouche Slippers
The pointy-toed leather slippers of Morocco are genuinely beautiful and surprisingly practical. Buy them in the Fès medina tannery district for the best quality and widest selection. Expect to pay 80–150 MAD for handmade leather ones.
3. Moroccan Zellige Tiles
Individual zellige tiles make extraordinary coasters, trivets and decorative objects. The geometric patterns are unique to the Moroccan craft tradition. Available in the ceramics souks of Fès and Marrakech.
4. Hand-Woven Berber Blanket
The flat-woven Berber blankets from the High Atlas villages — in natural undyed wool or in vivid geometric patterns — are among the most beautiful textiles in the world. Excellent from the Ourika Valley market near Marrakech.
5. Moroccan Spice Mix (Ras el Hanout)
A good ras el hanout from a reputable spice merchant contains 20–30 spices ground fresh. Buy it from a spice souk, not a supermarket. The difference is extraordinary.
6. Silver Jewellery
Berber silver jewellery — heavy, geometric, set with amber or coral — is the most distinctive jewellery tradition in North Africa. The best pieces come from the Anti-Atlas region and are sold in specialist shops in Tiznit.
7. Thuya Wood Objects
Essaouira is famous for its thuya wood craftsmen — the burl of the thuya tree produces extraordinarily patterned wood that is turned into boxes, picture frames and chess sets. Buy directly from the workshops on the main street.
8. Moroccan Tea Glasses
The ornate gold-rimmed mint tea glasses, in their traditional brass tray with teapot, make perfect gifts. They’re cheap (20–40 MAD per glass), beautiful and practical. Wrap them carefully.
9. Handmade Pottery from Safi
The blue and white ceramics of Safi on the Atlantic coast are a distinct Moroccan tradition — bold, geometric, robust. Far less touristy than Marrakech ceramics.
10. Amlou
The Berber spread of argan oil, ground almonds and honey is one of the finest food products in Morocco. Sealed properly, it travels well and makes an exceptional gift for food lovers.
11. Handmade Leather Bag
A properly made Moroccan leather bag or satchel — from natural tanned leather, hand-stitched — will last decades. Buy from the leather souk in Fès medina, not from tourist shops near the main squares.
