From native handicrafts, to rare black pearls, to tropical ‘Bula Shirts’, there’s a good chance that you’ll want to take home a suitcase filled with souvenirs and irresistible buys from Fiji.
Here are our favourite items to add to your cart when shopping in Fiji, whether you're splurging on yourself or browsing for the perfect gift.
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Shopping list for Fiji:
Handmade crafts
Fijians produce a wide variety of exquisite handicrafts, such as carved masks, kava bowls, war clubs, woven baskets and tapa paintings (cloth made from the bark of the paper mulberry tree). Jack’s Handicrafts, with locations in all major towns and many resorts, is a good starting point and has a wide selection of well-priced, quality goods.
However, it’s far more fun to wander around the markets and try your hand at bargaining for that special ‘must-have’ piece. At the Nadi Handicraft Market, you’ll find farmers, fishermen, and craftsmen selling their wares to locals as well as travellers. In Suva, the Municipal Curio and Handicraft Centre, located downtown, is a wonderful place to shop for genuine artefacts at bargain prices and sit down with the Fijian artists for a chat.
Look out for the ‘Fijian Made’ stamp when making a purchase to support the local economy, and if buying from the markets make sure any wooden handicrafts have been treated, so they don’t get confiscated by customs back in Australia.
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Pure Fiji spa products
For centuries Fiji islanders have used pure coconut oil and flower extracts to moisturise and beautify their skin and hair, and the local Pure Fiji brand of spa products are superb. You’ll find them in many luxury hotels throughout Fiji, but at the Pure Fiji factory in Suva you can see the entire range and visit their renowned day spa at the same time. And the blokes won’t miss out, as Pure Fiji also has a range specifically for men. The scents of coconut, orange blossom, and frangipani will remind you of the islands well after you’re home.
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Pearls of joy
Fiji’s pearls are said to be some of the rarest in the world and coveted by pearl connoisseurs around the globe. The locally farmed pearls from J. Hunter Pearls at Savusavu on Vanua Levu, are distinctly Fijian with a lustre and colour only found in Fijian waters, from pink, to green, to gold and even chocolate, along with the precious black variety. You can take an educational tour of the pearl farms to learn about the history of pearling in Fiji and there is even a snorkelling tour if you bring your own gear.
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Pottering around
The villages around Sigatoka, on the main island of Viti Levu, are well-known for their distinctive hand-made pottery. Two of the most famous villages still making traditional Fijian pottery are the Nakabuta and Lawai Pottery Villages. You won’t find pottery wheels or electric kilns here, the pots are crafted by hand and fired in an open fire. While you can buy the pottery at many market stalls on the Coral Coast, there is nothing like seeing how the pots are made and buying an original creation from the person who made it. They don't only produce pots, you’ll also find jewellery, animal figures, bowls, plates, and much more.
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Hot Glass Fiji
Located at Korotogo on the beautiful Coral Coast of Viti Levu, Hot Glass Fiji is the only glass blowing studio in Fiji. Not only can you shop for a unique contemporary memento or gift here, but the whole family can make their own original glass masterpieces to take home.
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Island music
If you’ve fallen in love with being serenaded by the harmonious Fijian voices and guitar strumming, buy a few CDs to listen to back home, and you’ll instantly feel transported back to your idyllic South Pacific holiday.
Get in touch with your local Travel Associates advisor to find out more about our range of luxury Fiji holiday packages! Call 13 70 71 or get in touch online.
