What to Buy Puerto Rico: Your Comprehensive Shopping Guide

By Steve Dez •  Updated: 12/29/23 •  12 min read

Here’s a Youtube Video about What to buy Puerto Rico


What to buy in Puerto Rico can be an overwhelming question given the rich variety of unique products available.

For a taste of local creativity, consider purchasing unique handcrafted items, a beautiful expression of Puerto Rican artistry.

Food lovers should explore the island’s culinary delights with their range of spices, sweets, and delicacies that make perfect souvenirs.

For tobacco and liquor enthusiasts, indulging in top-notch Puerto Rican cigars and rum is a must.

And don’t miss out on the chance to savor the richness of Puerto Rican coffee, appreciated by connoisseurs worldwide.

You might also enjoy music and nature-inspired items that offer a melodious blend of culture and wildlife unique to Puerto Rico.

Don’t know where to find these items? We’ll guide you through the top shopping destinations in Puerto Rico for these special finds.

what to buy puerto rico
Courtesy of @discoverpuertorico
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Unique Handcrafted Items: Exploring Puerto Rican Artistry

Basking in the charm of Puerto Rico, you will be enchanted by their array of unique, handcrafted items that are a testament to the island’s rich culture and history. These aren’t just Puerto Rico souvenirs, they are pieces of art carrying with them stories of their craftmasters.

In any case, let’s talk about the variety you’ll encounter; locally made crafts like ceramics, pilon (traditional wooden mortars), and vejigantes (colourful masquerade masks). Hammocks swing in the gentle Caribbean breeze while artisans skillfully craft jewellery by hand. When it comes to fashion items, Puerto Rico shopping can offer you some truly unique pieces such as coconut-carved earrings and aluminum-crafted rings.

Puerto Rican Cuisine Essentials: Spices, Sweets and Delicacies for the Foodie’s Souvenir List

If you’re a foodie or know one back home, your San Juan shopping experience is not complete without stopping by local markets for some Puerto Rican spices. Now that I think about it – why not add traditional candies to your list as well? They can serve as sweet memories of your time on this vibrant island.

For the Tobacco and Liquor Aficionados: Puerto Rican Cigars and Rum

All things considered, if tobacco is more up your alley or you appreciate a good liquor now and then – rejoice! Cigars made in this small paradise may just be what could give Cuban counterparts a run for their money. And there’s more – locally produced rum that is widely known for its quality makes for traditional Puerto Rican gifts marinated in centuries-old traditions.

Brewed Perfection: The Richness of Puerto Rican Coffee

You see, Puerto Rico souvenirs are not limited to purely tangible items. Take home the rich taste and aroma of Puerto Rican coffee and every sip will transport you back to the island. Now, that’s what I call a perfect gift, especially if you’re buying local products in Puerto Rico and supporting local businesses!

Music and Nature Inspired Items: A Melody of Culture and Wildlife in Puerto Rico

In any case, if your heart sings for nature or rhythm, unique finds like musical instruments such as the güiro (a percussion instrument) or panderetas (tambourines), pieces inspired by the island’s wildlife like Coquí Tree Frog jewellery could be your best buys in Puerto Rico.

Top Shopping Destinations in Puerto Rico: Where to Find These Unique Items

I can’t possibly end this without mentioning where you’d get these treasures.

First on your list should be the local artisan markets in areas like Old San Juan – a brilliant place to not only find these items but also support local artisans at the same time. For more diverse shopping experiences make sure you visit places like Plaza Las Américas or dip into factory stores shopping with a tropical twist at Puerto Rico Premium Outlets .

By the way, if you’re looking for gifts & specialty shops don’t miss out on Caribbean Trading Company Store among others.

To conclude this Puerto Rico shopping guide, always remember – each souvenir you get carries with it a piece of Puerto Rican history and its vibrant culture so choose wisely! You’re not just buying souvenirs from San Juan, or wherever in Puerto Rico you might be, but you’re taking home a small slice of this beautiful island’s soul.

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what to buy puerto rico


Traveling to Puerto Rico offers a unique opportunity to experience a vibrant culture, scenic beauty, and historic sites. While planning your visit, you might be wondering about the island’s top attractions and regional specialties. There are several distinctive products that are worth considering for purchase during your trip.

One item of note is Puerto Rican rum. Known globally for its exceptional quality, it makes for an excellent souvenir or gift. You can learn more about what rum to buy in Puerto Rico on our site.

Apart from shopping, experiencing the local cuisine is a must when visiting Puerto Rico. To help you find the best dining options, check out our guide on the top 10 restaurants.

Of course, deciding what to pack for your trip can be a bit challenging as well. We have some useful suggestions on what to bring that will help ensure you’re properly prepared for your visit.

Lastly, you might be curious about the ideal time to travel to this tropical destination. Our post on whether Puerto Rico is nice in December can provide some great insights as you plan your itinerary.Pack wisely and enjoy all that this vibrant island has to offer!

My Personal Take about What to buy Puerto Rico



Hey there, as someone named Steve who’s enjoyed years of wandering through Puerto Rico’s sun-bathed piazzas and bustling markets, I’ve learnt a thing or two about the sweetest finds you can take back home.

Now that I think about it, from artistic expressions in local handicrafts to tantalizingly addictive foodstuffs, I dare say, my immersive journey has indeed turned me into something of an expert on what to buy Puerto Rico.

By capturing the heart and soul of this vibrant culture through its unique souvenirs and products in my blog post – ‘What to Buy Puerto Rico: Your Comprehensive Shopping Guide’, I’ll be your personal guide on discovering and choosing goods that celebrate the full spectrum of this Caribbean paradise.

Words of advice though: make sure to get ready for an irresistible desire to jump onto a plane by the end it! As you see, the beauty lies not only in its pristine beaches or captivating heritage sites but equally unfolds within many charming local stores Savor deeply aromatic coffee beans straight from Hacienda Luisa or pack some hauntingly beautiful Vejigante masks burst with colors.

Trust me one read is enough; watching your heart fill up with hope and inspiration as we walk together down these imagined cobblestone streets – beaming brightly under Puerto Rico’s brilliant sunlight. Come along join me let spread positivity one travelogue at a time!

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Miami Food | Paola Bermudo (@foodsmiami)


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Frequently Asked Questions about What to buy Puerto Rico

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Before you go…

Takeaway 1: Unique and Cultural Souvenirs

Looking for a special memento from your trip to Puerto Rico? Well, you’re in luck! This vibrant island offers a plethora of unique items that perfectly capture its rich culture and history. From beautifully crafted ceramics and traditional wooden mortars called pilon, to colorful masquerade masks known as vejigantes, there are endless options to choose from. And let’s not forget about the cozy hammocks and hand-crafted jewelry that will make you stand out from the crowd. So next time you’re in Puerto Rico, be sure to grab one of these locally made souvenirs that truly reflect the essence of this beautiful island.

Takeaway 2: Flavorsome Delights

Who can resist the temptation of mouthwatering spices? If you have a knack for cooking or know someone who does, Puerto Rican spices are an excellent choice for a gift. Renowned for their flavorful profiles, these spices will add a delightful twist to any dish. And if sweets are more your style, don’t miss out on traditional candies that will satisfy any sweet tooth. So whether it’s spice or sweetness you’re after, Puerto Rico has got you covered.

Takeaway 3: Cigars, Rum, Coffee, and More!

Calling all tobacco connoisseurs! Puerto Rico is home to some exquisite cigars that will take your smoking experience to new heights. Made with precision and passion by local artisans, these cigars are an excellent purchase for those who appreciate the finer things in life. And speaking of fine things, let’s not forget about Puerto Rican rum – it’s famous for its exceptional quality and smooth taste. But wait… there’s more! If you or someone you know is a coffee aficionado, don’t leave the island without getting your hands on some Puerto Rican coffee. Known for its rich flavor and delightful aroma, it will transport you to coffee heaven with every sip. And lastly, let’s not overlook the musical instruments that Puerto Rico has to offer. From the güiro, a percussion instrument that adds rhythm and excitement to any gathering, to panderetas, small tambourines that bring joy and festivity wherever they go – these instruments make for fascinating purchases. So whether it’s cigars, rum, coffee, or musical instruments you’re interested in, Puerto Rico has something special

I recommend you read about why Puerto Rico is a great place to visit on our site.

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Steve Dez

Also known as Richport, is a Puerto Rican creator and writer. He grew up in the island and always had a passion for writing, he wrote his first play at the age of 12 and has been creating content ever since. He's now a well-known blogger and creative who writes posts, songs and poetry that showcase his love for his roots, blending traditional stories with modern themes always with some adobo and boricua flavors in the mix.