Top 10 mementos from the souks of Marrakesh

1. Spices

The culinary excellence in Marrakesh cuisine also comes from the spices used. At the souk of spices, you will be welcomed with a wave of colors and different scents. If you don’t know what you want before embarking there, you will be overwhelmed with the wide selection. Ranging from Turmeric, chili powder and even dried red chilies.

2. Argan Oil

Argan oil is known for its benefits to the skin and hair, with its anti-aging factors; it is sold internationally. The oil however only grows in Morocco; more specifically in the sous valley of southwestern Morocco. Nearing its source would be purchasing it from Marrakesh as you stumble in the Jemaa El Fna square.

3. The Babouches

Slippers with a thin sole and with no heels, made from different kinds of leather; these are the traditional Babouche that were first created in Morocco. You can make your pick as you are taking a stroll in the souks, the options are numerous, from different colors and styles. They make for great in-house shoes if you would like to keep them as a souvenir.

4. Moroccan pastry

If you have a sweet tooth, and you want a sweet reminder to take back home with you. A selection of Moroccan pastry would be an excellent choice. Made in the traditional Moroccan way, different shapes and textures, from almond to raisin based.

5. Carpets

Adding an element of handmade traditional carpet to your interior design sounds like a good way to keep your memento from Marrakesh. A wide selection in colors, texture, fabric and styles. Ranging from the vintage carpets, Azilal, Beni Ourain, Boujaad even Beni M’Guild. Indulge in the handcrafted art.

6. Unique lamps

The play on lights and the way they sculpt through pieces of copper, to make these lanterns and beautiful lamps is truly a craftsmanship that has taken generations to perfect. The coppersmiths and their display of lamps will lure you to purchase the right luminous souvenir.

7. Black soap

The black soap is known in Morocco for its use in Hammam. As you pre-apply it, it helps hydrate your skin and get it ready for exfoliation. A traditional soap with its soothing factors and antibacterial properties, it’ll be a great addition to your suitcase as you are leaving the red city.

8. Leather

The traditional dyers in the Medina and the leather-workers are making these wonderful pieces. Original, handmade and unique. If you are in the market for a leather jacket or a rustic backpack, you are in the right place.

9. Red Berber lipstick

A very original and unique gift. The red Berber lipstick is a clay bowl, that once mixed with water or oil, it’ll produce a dissolved pigment that can be used for makeup. It is a red terra cotta fused with rose petals and wax that has been dried out. It’ll add texture to your makeup vanity set.

10. Weaved baskets

Weavers working with different material to create primarily handmade baskets and hats. A way to offer new storage in a refreshing traditional decorative way. They use a blend of fabric to add some texture and more than anything some color as well.

Pictures: RR