15 best souvenirs to buy from Morocco

How I Choose What to Buy in Morocco: 15 Souvenirs, Prices, and the Stories Behind Them

Shopping in Morocco taught me very quickly that prices are flexible and that value depends on much more than size or appearance. Quality, origin, craftsmanship, and even where you buy can make a huge difference. Over time, I learned what a fair price looks like—and why one item might cost three times more than another that looks similar at first glance.

Moroccan Carpets & Rugs

Moroccan handmade rugs

The first time I seriously considered buying a rug, I was quoted wildly different prices within the same afternoon. That experience taught me that rugs are priced mainly by how they’re made and where they come from. A small handwoven Berber rug usually starts around 800–1,500 MAD (≈ $80–150 $), while larger or finer rugs can easily reach 4,000–10,000 MAD ($400– $1,000+).

What drives the price up is the quality of wool, natural dyes, knot density, and whether the rug was made in a rural cooperative or mass‑produced for tourists. I buy rugs only after sitting down, asking questions, and drinking tea—never in a rushed alleyway. Fez and Atlas‑region sellers usually offer the most transparency.

Argan Oil

Argan oil taught me that cheap is usually a warning sign. A small bottle of pure argan oil from a cooperative typically costs 100–300 MAD ($10–30), depending on size and whether it’s cosmetic or culinary.

Prices rise when the oil is cold‑pressed, unfiltered, and sold directly by women’s cooperatives. I avoid very cheap bottles because they’re often mixed with other oils. In Essaouira, sellers explain the production process openly—which is how I know I’m paying for quality, not branding.

Leather Goods

Leather prices vary more than almost anything else I buy. A simple wallet might cost 100–200 MAD ($10–20), while a high‑quality leather bag or pouffe can range from 500 to 1,500 MAD ($50–150+).

The biggest price differences come from leather thickness, stitching quality, and whether the item is handmade. In Fez, near the tanneries, prices tend to reflect real workmanship rather than tourist demand. I always compare several shops before deciding.

Babouches (Moroccan Slippers)

Babouches are affordable souvenirs, but quality varies. Most pairs cost 80–200 MAD ($8–20).

The price increases when the slippers are made of soft leather, stitched by hand, and designed for actual walking rather than decoration. Tourist‑heavy areas sell flashy but stiff versions; quieter stalls usually offer better everyday wear at fair prices.

Moroccan Ceramics & Pottery

Ceramic bowls and plates range from 50 MAD ($5) for small items to 300–500 MAD ($30–50) for large, hand‑painted pieces.

Price depends on hand‑painting, glaze quality, and region. Fez‑made ceramics cost more because of traditional techniques, while factory pieces feel lighter and cheaper. I pay more willingly when the artist explains the pattern’s meaning.

Traditional Clothing (Kaftans & Djellabas)

A simple djellaba can cost 150–300 MAD ($15–30), while a hand‑embroidered kaftan or tailored piece can range from 800 to 3,000 MAD ($80–300+).

Fabric quality, embroidery work, and whether it’s custom‑made are what really affect the price. I’m comfortable paying more in Rabat or Marrakech boutiques, where tailoring is taken seriously and craftsmanship shows.

Moroccan Spices

Spices are affordable, but prices vary by rarity. Common spices cost around 10–30 MAD ($1–3) per small bag, while saffron can reach 50–150 MAD ($5–15) per gram.

Freshness and origin matter most. I avoid pre‑packaged tourist kits and buy from vendors who scoop spices in front of me. Strong aroma usually means fair value.

Moroccan Teapots & Tea Glasses

A simple teapot starts around 150 MAD ($15), while engraved, heavier teapots can cost 400–800 MAD ($40–80).

Weight, engraving detail, and whether it’s functional or decorative explain the price. I always test the lid and spout before buying. Sets cost more but feel worth it for daily use.

Lanterns & Metal Lamps

Lantern prices range from 100 MAD ($10) for small candle holders to 600–1,200 MAD ($60–120) for large, hand‑cut pieces.

Hand‑cut metal, thickness, and design complexity drive prices up. Mass‑produced lanterns feel lighter and cheaper when tapped. I buy only after comparing craftsmanship closely.

Thuya Wood Items

Thuya boxes or bowls usually cost 200–500 MAD ($20–50).

Prices increase with wood density, inlay detail, and finishing quality. In Essaouira, I’m happy to pay more when artisans explain how long a piece took to create.

Berber Jewelry

Silver jewelry ranges from 150–700 MAD ($15–70) depending on weight and stones.

Handmade silver, natural stones, and traditional symbols add value. Tourist jewelry often looks polished but lacks meaning—and is usually overpriced for what it is.

The city to go to for wide variety of silver jewlery and authentic one is Tiznit.

Woven Baskets & Palm Crafts

Baskets typically cost 50–200 MAD ($5–20).

Tight weaving, natural fibers, and handmade shapes increase the price slightly, but these remain affordable souvenirs. I prefer buying from cooperatives when possible.

Moroccan Dates and Olives

Good‑quality dates usually cost 20–50 MAD ($2–5) per pack.

Price depends on variety, freshness, and packaging. Vacuum‑sealed packs cost more but travel better. Markets offer better value than souvenir shops.

For fresh table olives in local markets like the Olive Souq in the Marrakech Medina, you can expect the following typical retail rates:

• Marinated Olives: typically range between 29.50 and 59 MAD per kg ($2.87 – $5.73 USD) depending on the variety and preparation. You can often purchase a generous half-kilogram portion of marinated or spiced olives for roughly 10 MAD.

Herbal Teas & Dried Herbs

Most herbs cost 10–30 MAD ($1–3) per bag.

Freshness and knowledge make the difference. Vendors who explain usage and preparation usually sell higher‑quality herbs at fair prices.

Moroccan Pastries (Packaged)

Boxes of pastries range from 40–120 MAD ($4–12).

Almond‑based pastries and careful packaging increase the price but are worth it for travel. I avoid cheap mixed boxes with syrup‑heavy sweets.

Final Thought

In Morocco, price is part of the conversation, not just the product. I’ve learned that when I understand why something costs more, I’m happier paying for it—and the experience becomes just as meaningful as the souvenir itself.