I've discovered the treasures worth packing in your suitcase and the tourist traps to avoid during my time in Morocco. Here's my personal guide to the most authentic Moroccan souvenirs that truly capture the essence of this magical country.
1. Liquid Gold: Authentic Argan Oil
Argan oil is rightfully called "Morocco's liquid gold." Packed with vitamin E, this miracle oil keeps skin firm and healthy while working wonders for hair. But beware—the overwhelming tourist demand has led many producers to cut corners!
My Personal Experience: I once purchased "100% pure argan oil" from a touristy spot in Marrakech, only to discover later it was diluted to about 40%. Lesson learned! Now I buy exclusively from women's cooperatives where you can actually watch the production process.
Shopping Tips:
- Look for dark glass bottles that protect the oil from sunlight damage
- Quality argan should have a slight nutty scent and golden-yellow color
- Expect to pay 150-200 MAD (€15-20) for a small authentic bottle
- Visit cooperatives in the Essaouira or Agadir regions for the most authentic experience
While you can find certified argan oil from American or European brands online, nothing beats buying directly from Moroccan cooperatives—both for quality and price!
Pure argan oil from Aynara
2. A Taste of Morocco: Olives and Olive Oil
Moroccan olives have completely spoiled me—I can hardly enjoy olives anywhere else now! The variety and flavors are simply incredible.
Where to Buy: In Marrakech, head to Souk Zitoun (the olive market) where you'll discover olives prepared in countless ways: soaked in harissa for spice lovers, infused with thyme for herb enthusiasts, or mixed with preserved lemons for a tangy twist.
These make wonderful, fresh gifts that are easy to transport and surprisingly affordable. Your friends back home will get a genuine taste of Morocco's culinary treasures!
Olives and preserved veggies
3. Sweet Treasures: Moroccan Honey
Moroccan honey varieties offer completely different flavor profiles than European ones. While I still have a soft spot for the milder Polish honey I grew up with, Morocco's distinctive varieties are absolutely worth trying!
Must-Try Varieties:
- Cactus honey with its crisp, distinctive taste
- Rosemary honey with delicate herbal notes
- Orange blossom honey with its sweet, citrusy aroma
Where to Buy: Find quality honey at cooperatives throughout Morocco or specialty herb shops. In Marrakech, I recommend visiting Ayaso Concept Store (run by my Polish friend who's also named Monika!) where they sell purely organic, chemical-free products, including exceptional honey varieties.
4. Moroccan "Nutella": Amlou
Amlou is Morocco's answer to Nutella, but infinitely healthier! This delicious spread combines just three key ingredients: ground almonds, orange blossom honey, and argan oil. The result is a nutty, slightly sweet paste that's absolutely addictive on fresh bread.
Buyer Beware: Many tourist shops sell lower-quality versions that substitute peanuts for almonds or use sugar and table oil instead of honey and argan. Quality amlou will never cost less than 200 MAD (€20) per liter.
The authentic version is worth every dirham—trust me on this one!
Amlou
5. Sweet Delights: Moroccan Pastries
Moroccan pastries are not only delicious but visually stunning, making them perfect gifts to bring home. Moroccans have a serious sweet tooth, so you'll find incredible cookies and pastries everywhere you turn!
Local Favorite: The most elegant option is cornes de gazelle (gazelle horns), crescent-shaped pastries filled with almond paste and orange blossom water. If you enjoy marzipan, you'll absolutely love these traditional treats.
For the best quality, visit traditional bakeries rather than tourist shops. The pastries will be fresher and often more authentic in their preparation.
Moroccan Pastries
6. Spa Experience: Moroccan Black Soap
Moroccan black soap (savon noir) is a skincare treasure and makes a wonderful gift, especially for those who appreciate natural beauty products. This olive-based soap is the foundation of the traditional hammam experience.
Shopping Tips:
- You can buy it by weight or in pre-packaged containers
- Look for variations infused with eucalyptus, lavender, or argan oil
- Extremely affordable—high-quality black soap costs around 50 MAD (€5) for a substantial amount
Pair it with a kessa (exfoliating glove) for the complete hammam experience at home!
Moroccan Pastries
7. The Flavors of Morocco: Spices
No trip to Morocco is complete without bringing home some of the vibrant spices that define Moroccan cuisine. The colors alone are worth photographing!
Must-Buy Spices:
- Cumin (comino): Fresh and aromatic, nothing like the dusty version sold abroad
- Turmeric (curcuma): Vibrant yellow and much more potent
- Paprika (pimentón): Rich color and robust flavor
- Ras el Hanout: "Top of the shop" blend containing more than 10 freshly ground spices
Don't miss harissa (a spicy chili paste), dried mint for Moroccan tea, and verveine (verbena) for calming evening infusions.
The spice markets in Casablanca's Habous quarter offer exceptional quality and fair prices compared to more touristy areas.
in Habous, Casablanca
8. Colorful Treasures: Saharan Fabrics
If your travels take you to southern Morocco and the Sahara region, look for shops selling mehlafas—traditional Mauritanian fabrics that Sahraouiyas (women from the Sahara) wrap around their bodies.
Mauritanian melhfas (fabrics/scarves)
These vibrant, patterned textiles make stunning home decorations. My Swedish expat friends use them as curtains, pillow covers, and wall hangings. Their unique designs add an authentic touch of Moroccan desert culture to any home.