21 Best Souvenirs From Aruba to Bring Home

Trying to figure out what the best souvenirs to bring home from Aruba are? We have got you covered!

Whenever we travel, especially with the kids, we always try to bring home something meaningful.

Having been to Aruba several times over the years, we have needed to decide which of our favourite Aruban treasures would make it into the suitcase.

From its gorgeous beaches to its amazing culture, there’s something special about this Caribbean paradise.

So, whether you’re into beachy trinkets, local crafts, or unique finds, we will help you decide what souvenirs are must-haves.

Want to learn more? Let’s dive in!

What is Aruba Most Known for?

While Aruba is most known for its white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, it is also known for its Aloe Vera products, colourful handmade trinkets, and Dutch pottery.

Aruba-with-Kids-toddler-walking-on-Aruba-beach

What to Buy in Aruba?

To make things a little easier, we have broken down our list of best souvenirs from Aruba into categories.

Whether you are shopping for kids, friends, relatives, or yourself, you are sure to find something that is meaningful or just plain fun!

Best Aruba Souvenirs

1. Aloe Vera Products

Aruba is famous for its aloe vera products, thanks to the island’s aloe farms and the oldest aloe company in the Caribbean.

You can find Aruba aloe-based skincare products like lotions, creams, and sunscreens, which make for excellent souvenirs.

In fact, you can actually head over to the Aloe Vera Factory & Museum to learn all about how your favourite lotions are produced.

And trust me, the aloe vera produced in Aruba is some of the best out there. After a day of soaking up the sun, your skin will thank you.

2. Delft Blue Dutch Pottery

As part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Aruba is home to Delft blue pottery and porcelain.

This iconic blue-and-white pottery, with its intricate designs, originated in Antwerp and has been gracing households for centuries.

Not only are these items a nod to the island’s colonial heritage, but the gorgeous pieces also make for wonderful souvenirs.

And the best part? Unlike when you purchase Delftware in the Netherlands, you won’t have to pay an import fee when you bring them home from Aruba.

3. Aruba License Plates

Aruba’s license plates might seem like an unlikely souvenir, but they’ve become quite the hot item for travellers in the know.

And because Aruba is one of the few places in the world where car owners have to trade in their license plates every year, they are definitely not difficult to come by.

With the slogan, “One Happy Island,” many tourists are scooping these up to add a touch of Aruba’s spirit to their homes.

Plus, they’re super easy to transport – no worrying about fitting them in your suitcase! It’s definitely a quirky way to take a piece of Aruba back home with you!

4. Mopa Mopa Art

Mopa Mopa art might not be a household name, but in Aruba, it’s a big deal.

Crafted from the resin of the Mopa Mopa tree, this unique art form takes shape as intricate figurines and colourful decorations.

Each piece is hand-carved and hand-painted by local artisans.

The art definitely showcases the island’s incredible indigenous traditions.

Whether you go for a tiny turtle or a vibrant vase, Mopa Mopa art is a fantastic way to add a pop of colour to your world.

Plus, it’s a conversation starter – everyone will want to know where you got that incredible piece of art!

5. Souvenirs with the ‘One Happy Island’ Slogan

If you’re hunting for a souvenir that sums up the Aruban vibe in just three words, look no further than the ‘One Happy Island’ goodies.

You’ll find this slogan on everything from T-shirts to coffee mugs, beach towels, keychains, hats, and so much more.

And it’s not just a catchy phrase – it basically sums up the island’s laid-back, friendly spirit.

From hotel gift shops to boutiques, and even supermarkets, you will have no trouble finding that perfect souvenir with Aruba’s catchiest phrase!

6. Christmas Ornaments

Christmas ornaments might not be what you expect to find on a Caribbean island, but we were able to find a good selection in Aruba.

These ornaments, often featuring a divi divi tree, flamingos, and tropical scenes, are the perfect way to remember your sunny holiday.

As someone who absolutely loves Christmas, ornaments are one of my go-to travel souvenirs.

Aruba Souvenirs - Christmas tree on the beach

In fact, I love to reminisce about past vacations as I decorate my Christmas tree with all my travel treasures.

Besides, ornaments are small, lightweight, and easy to tuck into your luggage, making them a perfect keepsake to bring home.

🎄 Purchase on Amazon here

Best Aruba Souvenirs That You Can Wear

7. Aruba T-Shirts and Hats

T-shirts or hats are definitely the quintessential souvenir. And they are definitely one of the best souvenirs from Aruba to bring home.

You’ll find a wide variety of souvenir T-shirts, hats, and beachwear with Aruba-themed designs everywhere on the island.

T-shirts and clothing items are easy to pack, useful, and make for casual reminders of your trip.

In fact, I have even kept some of the kid’s travel t-shirts that they have outgrown, in the hopes of making a quilt with them someday.

🧢 Purchase on Amazon here

8. Gorgeous Sea Glass Jewelry

Sea glass jewelry is like wearing a piece of Aruba’s coastline around your neck or wrist.

Our younger daughter, Miss Somersault, absolutely loves to hunt for sea glass, sharks’ teeth and shells. So for her, any kind of jewelry made from sea glass will always catch her eye.

These unique trinkets are handcrafted by talented local artisans who collect and shape the colourful glass pieces washed ashore by the Caribbean Sea.

The jewellery is simple but stunning and can be found in a variety of colours and designs.

Whether it’s a pendant, a pair of earrings, or a bracelet, you really can’t go wrong with sea glass jewelry.

9. Arubiano Flip Flops

Arubiano Flip Flops are the perfect blend of comfort and island style.

Crafted with a laid-back vibe in mind, these flip-flops are a popular souvenir for good reason.

Not only do they come in a variety of vibrant colours and cool Aruban designs, but they are completely eco-friendly and are made from 100% recycled products.

Lightweight and easy to pack, these flip flops are a practical way to carry a piece of Aruba’s beachy charm wherever you go.

10. “I Love Aruba” Sunscreen

Sunscreen may seem like another odd choice for a souvenir from Aruba. But not when it’s some of the best stuff out there!

“I Love Aruba” sunscreen is reef-safe, which is fantastic news for our oceans.

Aruba-with-Kids-3-kids-playing-in-sand-at-the-beach

It’s now suitable for use in any country working to safeguard coral reefs from harmful chemicals.

And the sunscreen is not just eco-conscious, it’s darn good at protecting your skin. So, it’s pretty much a win-win!

BestAruba Souvenirs for Foodies

11. Dutch Cheese

Dutch cheese, especially the varieties you’ll find in Aruba, is a savoury souvenir that’s bound to please your taste buds.

It might not come in fancy packaging, but trust us, it packs a flavour punch. Hubby absolutely loved all the cheeses that he sampled while on our trip.

Whether it’s the creamy Gouda or the tangy Edam, these cheeses are the real deal. They’re perfect for slicing up and pairing with a glass of wine.

Plus, they’re easy to pack, making them a hassle-free way to bring a taste of Aruba back home.

12. Yummy Gourmet Chocolates

Gourmet chocolate from Aruba is more my speed! These rich, handcrafted Dutch chocolates are a delicious reminder of your island vacation.

From velvety truffles to bars infused with tropical flavours, they’re a temptation you won’t be able to resist. Trust me!

And while I shouldn’t have to make a case for bringing chocolate back as a souvenir, their compact size means you can stash a bunch in your luggage without hassle.

However, if you are anything like me, they probably won’t make it home!

13. Stroopwafels

Stroopwafels, those thin, chewy, and sweet Dutch waffle cookies, are the kind of souvenir you won’t want to share.

These little delights are one of Miss Somersault’s favourites. In fact, we often place an Amazon order for the ones below, as they are really tasty (my favourite is the maple flavour).

Whether you enjoy them with your morning coffee or as a sweet treat after dinner, they’re a taste of the island’s Dutch heritage you can savour at home.

Compact and sturdy, they’re the perfect travel companion, so stash a few in your luggage to share (or not) with friends and family.

🧇 Purchase on Amazon here

14. Aruba Spicy Sauce

Aruba’s spicy sauce is the fiery little secret you’ll want to stash in your suitcase.

Packed with a punch of chilli heat and a burst of island spices, this sauce can transform any dish into a Caribbean delight.

Hubby and Miss Somersault absolutely love spice, so this was a no-brainer for them (unlike me, whom they regularly call a “spice wimp”!).

It’s the perfect gift for that friend who loves a dash of spice in their life.

Small and unassuming, it won’t take up much room in your luggage, but it’ll sure leave a big impression.

Just remember to wrap it carefully as you really don’t want a “hot sauce explosion” in your suitcase!

15. Cactus Jelly

Cactus jelly might sound like an unusual souvenir, but in Aruba, it’s a hidden gem.

Made from the prickly pear cactus fruit, this jelly boasts a unique sweet-tangy flavor that’s incredible delicious.

And because Hubby’s family is from Sicily, we are fully acquainted with the delicious flavour of cactus pears. In fact, they are a regular staple in our kitchen.

So discovering that you can get a jelly made from cactus pears, was absolutely mind-blowing!

Small and easy to pack, it’s a quirky yet delicious souvenir to bring back.

Spread it on toast, drizzle it over cheese, or even use it as a glaze for meats – cactus jelly is pretty versatile and surprisingly addictive.

🌵 Purchase on Amazon here

16. Balashi Beer

Balashi Beer is the perfect souvenir for the beer lovers in your life.

This local brew is crisp, refreshing, and captures the laid-back vibes of the island in every sip.

Founded in 1998, Brouwerij Nacional Balashi is a modern brewery in Aruba that resulted from a collaboration with German beer experts.

Their mission was to create a high-quality local beer with a touch of tradition.

Initially producing only the flagship beer, Balashi, the brewery has since expanded its portfolio to include three unique beers.

These popular local brews are Balashi, Chill, and Magic Mango, and they are delicious!

And considering that you will have a pretty hard time finding Balashi Beer anywhere else, you may want to grab several bottles to bring home.

17. Aruban Cookbooks

Aruban cookbooks are the perfect souvenirs for the chef in your life.

They are a great reminder of some of the fantastic meals you may have had in Aruba.

In fact, a few years ago, our oldest daughter, Miss Sunshine, began purchasing cookbooks as souvenirs of her travels.

Packed with delicious recipes that showcase the island’s unique blend of Caribbean and Dutch influences, these cookbooks are the perfect gift for foodies.

📖 Purchase on Amazon here

18. Palmera Rum

Palmera Rum is smooth and rich and makes a wonderful souvenir. Hubby really enjoyed the flavour of this locally distilled rum.

It totally made him think of relaxing on sun-soaked beaches with the sounds of waves lapping on the shoreline!

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Whether you prefer it straight up or mixed into a tropical cocktail, it’s definitely the taste of Aruba in a bottle.

Grab one at the duty-free shop before your flight or stock up at a local store. It’s a versatile and flavourful souvenir to share with friends or to enjoy on your own.

Best Aruba Souvenirs for Kids

19. Colourful Fridge Magnets or Keychains

One of our kids’ favourite souvenirs, is magnets. The two youngest have quite an extensive collection of magnets from all the places that they have travelled.

We even went as far as creating large framed magnet boards to hold each of their collections.

Magnets are small, relatively inexpensive, and easy to carry home. They are colourful and representative of the wonderful place that you buy them.

You can even find magnets of specific activities that you did while visiting that place, like a snorkel mask from our snorkelling adventure in Aruba.

Keychains are the same. Small, perfect for kids to attach to their backpacks, inexpensive, and very easy to find in almost all gift shops.

🦜 Purchase on Amazon here

20. Cuddly Lizard Stuffies

Depending on the age of your kids, stuffies can be an awesome choice for a souvenir from Aruba.

I know our kids have a good variety of stuffed animals from places that we have visited, like the gator Mr. Bump got in New Orleans, which still sits in his rooms now (even as a teen).

From lizards to blue angelfish, parrots, and of course, flamingos, you will find a ton of stuffies in many of the gift shops around the island.

🦎 Purchase on Amazon here

21. Books About Aruba

I love to read, and lucky for us, so do the kids. So books about places we have been are definitely a no-brainer for us.

And while we have purchased a ton of books while travelling, sometimes there just isn’t enough room in the suitcase.

Not to mention, many times, we use travel books to get the kids excited about a destination BEFORE we travel.

So whether you are purchasing books about Aruba before, during, or after your trip, they can be a wonderful choice for a souvenir for kids.

📚 Purchase on Amazon here

Where to Buy the Best Souvenirs in Aruba?

The best souvenirs from Aruba can actually be found and purchased all over the island!

Head into Oranjestad and you will find a ton of local shops and artisans selling some amazing items.

From the Royal Plaza Mall to a variety of smaller flea markets, there are a ton of places to find local treasures.

Since we love to support local businesses as much as possible, we recommend buying your souvenirs directly from the producers, local artists, or small-scale retailers that you come across in your travels.

With that being said, there are also many other places you can source your Aruban keepsakes.

Shopping online from retailers like Etsy or Amazon may be an option if your suitcase is already busting at the seams!

Best Souvenirs From Aruba – FAQs

What products is Aruba known for?

Aruba is known for its aloe vera products, “One Happy Island” merchandise, Balashi Beer, and several food items like cheese and Stroopwafels that are a result of the Dutch influence.

What should I shop for in Aruba?

Shop for locally-made crafts, ceramics, jewelry, and Spicy Sauces. There are also plenty of incredible aloe vera products and Palmera Rum which are made right on the island.

Is jewelry really cheaper in Aruba?

Yes. Jewelry is cheaper on Aruba. This is mostly because you do not need to pay import duties or taxes. Besides, the quality of Aruba’s designer jewelry is second to none.

Can I take shells from Aruba?

Collecting seashells, coral, and beach sand to take home may seem like a fun and innocent souvenir from the island. However, it is important to note, that this is actually against the law in Aruba. These items will be confiscated by customs and you may receive a substantial fine.

Should I carry cash in Aruba?

Yes. While many of the major retailers and boutiques in the city accept credit cards, this will likely not be the case with small vendors or artisans. Always c arry small bills for easy tipping and small purchases.

Best Souvenirs From Aruba – Final Thoughts

Hopefully, you have found our list of the best souvenirs from Aruba to useful.

With all the wonderful options that exist, it really depends on what you like, and how much space you have left in your suitcase!

No matter what you decide on, it will be the perfect reminder of what an amazing place Aruba actually is.