The souks of Morocco are full of perfect gifts for your guests. Whether you’re looking for something small for Christmas or something a little larger to throw in Santa’s sleigh, you’re sure to have a big celebration with unique, often handmade Moroccan gifts.
THE LIST OF MOROCCAN GIFTS: FOR THE BATH
Black Soap (Savon Beldi) – This natural olive-based soap is an ideal gift for those who love to be pampered. It is the soap most associated with Morocco. It is an all-natural, 100% organic cleansing solution that leaves skin soft and slippery. Easily found for less than 20 MAD. Consider adding essential oils, such as eucalyptus.
Clay (Rhassoul) – The clay used in Moroccan hammams (public baths) really tightens the skin. It is a treatment generally carried out after black soap to really tighten the skin. You can get a good quantity for 10 MAD.
Soap Dish – Moroccan potters do a fantastic job hand painting their work, bringing an artistic touch to any bathroom. Also consider using small bottles of shampoo and conditioner. Around 50 MAD.
Scrubbing Glove (kis) – Easily found in Medinas in most stores that sell spa products. Ideal for deep cleaning. 5 to 10 MAD.
Rose water – Produced in Kalaat M’gouna, near the Dadès valley, Moroccan rose water is renowned throughout the Mediterranean. Tone your skin after a facial, remove makeup or use it to cleanse your face. Rose water is also used in fever compresses. A biologically friendly storage material found for around 15 MAD.
Argan Oil – The non-toasted version of hydrating argan oil originates from Morocco and is a long-kept beauty secret. Use it in your hair for a glossy shine and on your skin to blur imperfections. Small bottles cost around 50 MAD.
THE LIST OF MOROCCAN GIFTS: FOR YOUR HOME
Rugs – It’s hard not to be mesmerized by the handwoven Moroccan rugs. If you really want to get that room-binding rug, be prepared to spend an hour or two, and start at 500 MAD. Most standard Moroccan rugs measure 2m x 3m and will cost you between 800 and 2,500 MAD. Consider shopping at women’s cooperatives or local markets rather than in the medina. For a smaller, more budget-friendly Moroccan touch, consider purchasing pillowcases instead. These are also decorative and generally cost 200 MAD or less.
Painted Furniture – Intricate painted furniture may be the first time you encounter it in a riad or restaurant. They come in geometric patterns and color combinations to suit every taste. You can easily find cabinets, desks, chairs and tables in any medina.
Wicker baskets – Wicker baskets and furniture are making a big splash in Morocco. Small hand-woven baskets can make a great eco-friendly gift package to wrap your other goodies (think Moroccan gifts baskets for your aunts and uncles!), while larger baskets might be considered for a chic laundry basket. 10 MAD for a small basket, while large baskets will probably run you around 100 MAD.
Art – Whether in the artistic excavations of Assilah or in the artisan cooperative in Ouarzazate, you will find paintings and sculptures for all tastes and budgets. You can have small sculptures and paintings for 50 MAD (or sometimes less). Larger pieces could cost a few thousand MAD.
THE LIST OF MOROCCAN GIFTS: FOR THE KITCHEN
Spices – For cooks or chefs, consider packing some of Morocco’s incredible spices. The cost varies depending on the type and quality. Good saffron from Taliouine can be consumed for less than 10 MAD per gram. For almost all spices, it’s best to say how much you want in MAD. Order 5 MAD of one spice or 10 MAD of another. Often you will be surprised by the quantity.
Tagines – Tagines are large conical clay pots. They are identified worldwide with Moroccan cuisine. You should pay around 25 to 40 MAD for a terracotta tagine, depending on the size. Decorated enameled tagines cost more, but are intended for decoration only. Because they may contain lead, they should not be used to prepare or serve food. You can also find sets of tiny two- or three-piece tagines, perfect for serving salt, pepper and cumin (20-30 MAD).
Teapots – Perhaps more famous than the tagine, Moroccan mint tea is also known around the world. Traditional Moroccan teapots are decorative, all-metal pots that can withstand the heat of a direct flame. Teapots range from 100 to 300 MAD, depending on their size. Also consider giving your teapot a packet of freshly picked mint.
Wooden Spoons – A great storage option for cooks of all levels. These spoons and spatulas will help protect valuable pans and pots. Hand-carved from local woods, they can be kept in any souk for 5-10 MAD.
Ceramics – Decorative plates and bowls, generally from Fez and Safi, will cost from 40 MAD (small plate or bowl) to 250 MAD (large plate or bowl). Some Fez bowls, characterized by designs of heavier white clay and blue and green flowers, can cost 400 MAD or more.
Argan Oil – Not to be confused with argan oil for use on the skin, the roasted version of argan oil is intended for use with fruits, salads and allows creative chefs to add a special nutty flavor to their dishes. Try buying it from a women’s cooperative around Essaouira for the best quality. Small bottles usually cost around 50 MAD.
Amlou – A delicious blend of argan nuts and almonds (or sometimes peanuts) and occasionally mixed with honey, amlou is the Moroccan answer to peanut butter. A good choice for a special Moroccan touch to your breakfast. Small bottles cost around 80 MAD.
THE LIST OF MOROCCAN GIFTS: FOR CHILDREN
Wooden Toys – Handmade by artisans in the Middle and High Atlas, wooden toys are a Moroccan staple. Whether you are looking for a motorbike, a car or a train, it is very likely that you will find it in one of the souks. 50 to 150 MAD.
Handmade Games – whether they’re dice, dominoes or chess, are the backbone of games played in the marketplaces known as medinas. Carved in cedar and citrus fruits or carved in stone, these games are easily found in the ancient medinas. A set of 5 dice in a wooden box can be found for around 25 MAD, while a stone chess set will cost between 200 and 250 MAD.
Fossils – Once upon a time, Morocco was a seabed. The retreat of ice from the last ice age deepened some of its valleys and revealed soil rich in fossils. These fossils can be found along roadsides and in many villages east of the mountains. 5 MAD or more for an excellent educational Christmas stocking.
THE LIST OF MOROCCAN GIFTS: FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS AT HEART
Slippers Morocco
Moroccan slipper ( belghas or babouches ) – The perfect “around the house” slipper with that Moroccan touch. House slippers generally cost 50 MAD and 100 MAD for outdoor versions with rubber soles. Be wary of slippers with paper soles, which will wear out quickly. Tafraoute’s more ornate embroidered slippers generally cost around 150 MAD.
Silver Jewelry – Tiznit is the city most associated with silver, although you can find jewelry stores in almost every medina in Morocco. There are modern styles, but for a touch of traditional Morocco, consider chunky Berber fibulas, earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Silver jewelry is sold in Morocco by the gram. 25-30 MAD per gram is reasonable. Sterling silver will be numbered 925. All others are of varying quality and should be significantly lower.
Leather bags – The leather workers of Fez have been practicing their trade for over a thousand years. Over the years, styles have changed with the times. Ideal for fashion-forward fashionistas and fusion-friendly guys. Leather bags can be found in various sizes, for him or her, for 200 MAD and up, while laptop bags cost 400 MAD or more.
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