Souvenirs & What to Buy in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico
1. Puerto Rican Rum Cake
Delicious sponge cake soaked in local rum for added flavor.
- Local Ingredients: Authentic Puerto Rican recipe using locally sourced ingredients
- Alcohol Content: Variety of rum strengths to suit different tastes
- Gift-able: Perfect as a souvenir or for sharing with friends back home
2. Handcrafted Leather Goods
Artisanal bags, wallets, and accessories made from locally sourced leather.
- Quality Material: High-quality materials ensure durability and longevity
- Unique Designs: Intricate designs inspired by Puerto Rican culture and folklore
- Customizable: Items can often be customized to suit personal style or needs
3. Santurce Stick Art (Papel Picado)
Traditional Puerto Rican paper banners, intricately cut and dyed.
- Artistic Expression: Unique designs showcase local artists' skills and creativity
- Cultural Significance: Papel picado is used for festive events like parrandas
- Eco-friendly: Made from recycled paper, minimizing environmental impact
4. Larimar Jewelry
Stunning blue gemstones set in pendants, rings, and earrings.
- Rare Material: Larimar is only found in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico
- Craftsmanship: Expertly cut and polished, with unique patterns in each stone
- Symbolism: Larimar symbolizes peace, tranquility, and open communication
5. Cristobal Colon Statue Replicas
Replica statues of Christopher Columbus, symbolizing Puerto Rico's rich history.
- Historical Significance: Columbus played a significant role in Puerto Rican history
- Versatile Designs: Various sizes and materials available to suit different tastes
- Cultural Symbol: Statues are a reminder of Puerto Rico's cultural heritage
6. Puerto Rican Music CDs
Authentic salsa, bachata, and plena music from Puerto Rican artists.
- Local Talent: Discover the vibrant rhythms of Puerto Rico's music scene
- Variety: Different genres and artists for every taste
- Takes You Back Home: Music transports you back to the lively streets of San Juan
7. Criollo Coffee Beans
Freshly roasted Puerto Rican coffee beans for a taste of paradise.
- Quality Coffee: High-quality arabica beans, handpicked and carefully roasted
- Unique Flavor Profiles: Different regions in Puerto Rico produce unique coffee profiles
- Perfect for Home Brewing: Beans are ground or whole, suitable for home espresso machines or drip brewers
8. Taino Artifacts and Replicas
Crafts inspired by the indigenous Taino culture, including pottery and jewelry.
- Historical Connection: Items offer a glimpse into Puerto Rico's ancient past
- Educational Value: Learn about the Taino people and their customs
- Symbolic Designs: Artifacts often feature Taino symbols, motifs, and mythology
9. Loquat Preserves
Sweet loquat fruit jams, made from freshly picked fruits.
- Unique Flavor Profile: Loquats have a taste similar to peaches and mangoes
- Local Ingredients: Made with locally sourced, fresh loquat fruits
- Versatile Uses: Can be used as a spread, in baking, or for cocktails
10. Cobijos and Mantillas
Hand-woven traditional Puerto Rican blankets and shawls.
- High-Quality Materials: Made from natural, durable fibers such as cotton or wool
- Cultural Significance: Cobijos and mantillas have been used for centuries in Puerto Rico
- Customizable Sizes: Items can be found in various sizes to suit different needs
11. Caparra Pottery
Traditional, handcrafted pottery with intricate designs.
- Artistic Expression: Pieces showcase the skill and creativity of Puerto Rican artisans
- Versatile Uses: Items can be used as decoration, serving dishes, or planters
- Cultural Connection: Caparra pottery reflects the rich cultural heritage of Puerto Rico
12. Salsa Music DVDs and Lessons
Instructional DVDs or lessons to learn traditional Puerto Rican salsa dancing.
- Cultural Experience: Learn the rhythm, steps, and history of Puerto Rican salsa
- Versatile Learning Options: DVDs or in-person lessons for different learning styles
- Fun and Social Activity: Dancing is a great way to meet locals and make new friends
13. La Perla Necklaces
Jewelry made from sea glass collected in La Perla, San Juan's iconic neighborhood.
- Unique Designs: Each piece is one-of-a-kind, crafted from genuine sea glass
- Cultural Connection: La Perla necklaces celebrate the beauty and history of the neighborhood
- Gift-able: Beautiful, meaningful souvenirs for yourself or others
14. Puerto Rican Handmade Soap
Aromatic, handcrafted soaps made from natural ingredients.
- High-Quality Ingredients: Soaps are made with locally sourced oils and botanicals
- Unique Scents: Scents like guava, coconut, and cinnamon reflect Puerto Rico's flavors
- Sustainable Practices: Soap makers use biodegradable packaging and eco-friendly ingredients
15. Borinquen Beer
Locally brewed Puerto Rican beer, perfect for tropical evenings.
- Local Brewing: Beer is made in Puerto Rico using local ingredients
- Variety of Flavors: Different flavors to suit different tastes, from light lagers to stouts
- Gift-able: Borinquen Beer makes a great gift for beer lovers back home