Top 10 Marrakech Souvenirs You Can Pack Easily

What to Buy in Marrakech Souks That Fits in Your Luggage

1. Argan Oil

If you’re wondering what to buy in Marrakesh, argan oil tops the list. This golden oil is native to Morocco and widely celebrated for its nourishing properties. Argan-based products are everywhere in Marrakesh souks, from hair serums to soaps and lip balms.

But not all argan oil is created equal. Many products in the Marrakesh shopping scene are diluted or scented with artificial fragrances.

Argan oil is liquid gold for your skin, but it is still a liquid, so make sure to either buy a small travel-size bottle or transfer it into a TSA-approved container. Wrap it in a sealed plastic bag to avoid leaks in your luggage.

💡 How do I know if Argan Oil is real?

• Ingredients: It should list 100% Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil and nothing else.
• Packaging: Look for dark glass bottles, which help preserve the oil.
• Smell & Texture: Pure cosmetic argan oil has a mild, nutty scent and absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue.

2. Traditional Moroccan Spices

When it comes to Marrakesh souvenirs that bring the flavor of Morocco home with you, nothing beats local spices. They’re lightweight, affordable, and useful. If you’re looking for the best things to buy in Marrakesh, head straight for the spice stalls.

The star of the show is ras el hanout, a complex spice blend often made with over a dozen ingredients like cinnamon, cumin, coriander, cardamom, and dried rose petals. Every vendor has their own version. Other must-haves include:

• Saffron: Often sold in tiny amounts; go for threads over powder.
• Harissa mix: A spicy blend perfect for stews or marinades.
• Cumin & paprika: Essentials in Moroccan tagines and couscous.
• Dried herbs: Mint, verbena, and hibiscus for making tea at home.

For the best Moroccan spices, explore Place Des Epices of the Marrakesh souks. You’ll find towering spice cones and shopkeepers ready to let you smell and taste before buying.

We went to the famous Herboristerie Avicenne (to take some amazing Marrakesh photos), but ended up buying endless containers of spices and tea (which we will discuss further in this guide!).

❗Several countries have strict rules about bringing food items across their borders. Examples include the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, though the specific regulations vary. Make sure you check in advance!

3. Moroccan Tea & Small Accessories

If you’re searching for what to buy in Marrakech souks that fits in your suitcase, you will want to get Moroccan tea and its beautiful accessories. Tea in Morocco is a daily ritual and a symbol of hospitality, making it one of the best Moroccan souvenirs to bring home.

Start with the tea itself. The traditional blend is Chinese green tea (often gunpowder-style) paired with dried mint leaves, sometimes mixed with other local herbs like wormwood or verbena. You’ll also find ready-made Moroccan mint tea blends.

But let’s not forget about the accessories that you need for making the tea. When browsing what to buy in Marrakesh souks, keep an eye out for:

• Hand-blown tea glasses with colorful or gold-painted designs
• Mini silver teapots, often engraved or etched
• Tiny decorative trays, lightweight and great for styling your kitchen or coffee table

You’ll find tea and accessories in almost every corner of the souks, especially near Place des Ferblantiers and the Mellah. If you are on a tight budget, you should leave Medina and find a local supermarket instead, especially if you are looking for basics like mint.

🧳 Packing tip: Tea blends are dry and compact, so they pack easily. Choose a few small vacuum-sealed bags or tins. Tea glasses and mini teapots can be fragile, so ask for bubble wrap or carry them in your hand luggage to avoid breakage.

4. Unique Perfumes

If you’re hunting for unique souvenirs from Marrakesh that are light, fragrant, and easy to pack, solid perfumes and amber stones are a must. These traditional Moroccan scents make some of the best gifts to bring back from Marrakesh.

Solid perfumes, often made from a blend of beeswax, essential oils, and natural resins, come in compact little pots or carved stones. Scents range from amber, musk, and jasmine to orange blossom.

Another popular find in the Marrakesh souks is amber resin. It is a solid, waxy substance used to scent clothing drawers, living spaces, or even worn on the skin. These stones gradually release fragrance with warmth and are an alternative to bottled perfume.

For a deeper dive into the art of Moroccan perfumery, visit the Musée du Parfum (Marrakech Perfume Museum). You explore the origins of local scents and even make your own perfume. Talk about unique souvenirs from Marrakesh!

👉 Shopping is just one of many reasons this city stands out. Here are 10 reasons why Marrakesh is worth visiting if you’re still deciding.

5. Handwoven Scarves

When exploring things to buy in the Marrakesh medina, handwoven scarves stand out. Made from soft cotton, lightweight silk, or the sabra (tie-dye) fabric, these scarves showcase local textile heritage through skilled craftsmanship.

Common materials include breathable cotton for warmer weather, luxurious silk for elegance, and wool blends for cooler seasons. Patterns range from classic geometric designs to floral motifs and bold colors inspired by the desert and mountains.

Beyond their beauty, these scarves are incredibly practical. They serve as sun protection during your Marrakesh shopping adventures, an easy layering piece for cooler evenings, or a stylish accessory to brighten up any outfit.

6. Babouches (Moroccan Slippers)

Babouches are a staple of Moroccan footwear and a top pick among suitcase-friendly Moroccan souvenirs. 

These handmade Moroccan goods come in a variety of styles, from simple leather slip-ons in natural tones to vibrant designs. Popular styles include pointed toes, rounded fronts, and even modern versions with added soles for streetwear.

You can find authentic babouches throughout the Marrakesh souks, especially in the leather district. Small shops and stalls offer a wide range, so take your time to try on different pairs to find the perfect fit and style that suits your taste.

For packing, babouches are surprisingly travel-friendly. To protect their shape, stuff them lightly with socks or tissue paper, then place them in a shoe bag or wrap them in your clothes.

7. Straw Bags & Hats

Among the most eye-catching and practical items on the list of what to buy in Marrakech souks, straw bags and hats combine function with beauty. I honestly couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the number of bags and hats at the souks.

Straw bags come in many shapes and sizes. Classic market totes with leather handles. Circular crossbody styles with intricate designs. Or mini baskets embellished with pom poms, sequins, or embroidery.

Straw hats are ideal for shielding you from the intense Moroccan sun. Many are finished with colorful woven trims or natural rope ties. If you are anything like me, I am sure you will have trouble narrowing it down to one.

As Yves Saint Laurent famously said, “Marrakech taught me color.” That legacy lives on in every corner of the souks, from the bold textiles to the patterned ceramics. Bags and hats were no exception.

While straw bags may seem bulky, they’re incredibly lightweight and can double as your personal item on the flight home. Just fill them with clothes or scarves to help them hold their shape and save space in your main suitcase.

8. Decorative Items

Decorative items make thoughtful souvenirs that reflect the artistry and heritage of Morocco. Many of them are compact enough to fit in your suitcase.

Handmade pieces like engraved brass trays, cut-metal lanterns, ornamental wooden boxes, and miniature mirrors are widely available across the Marrakesh medina.

In my own travels, I’ve found the best quality in shops that specialize in traditional crafts rather than general souvenir stores. The Ensemble Artisanal near Koutoubia Mosque is a reliable place to browse ethically made decorative goods. 

🛍️ Extra Tip: Choose flat or lightweight items like trays, boxes, or small lanterns. Wrap them in your clothing or use a padded pouch to keep them safe in transit.

9. Small Leather Goods

Small leather goods are some of the most practical and stylish things to buy in Marrakesh. Morocco has a long tradition of leather craftsmanship, especially in cities like Fes and Marrakesh, where tanneries still use age-old methods.

You’ll find beautiful handmade wallets, passport holders, belts, and mini pouches in many souks across the Marrakesh medina. The leather is often dyed with natural pigments, giving it earthy tones or vibrant colors.

Souks near Place des Ferblantiers and the Rahba Kedima square are great areas to browse high-quality leather goods at fair prices.

If you’re unsure where to begin or how to haggle your way through souks, check out my Marrakesh travel tips for avoiding common shopping mistakes.

10. Moroccan Beauty Products

Beyond the famous argan oil, Morocco offers a rich selection of natural beauty products that make excellent Marrakesh souvenirs.

Rhassoul Clay is a mineral-rich volcanic clay from the Atlas Mountains, which is used in Moroccan hammams to detoxify and soften skin. Sold in powder or solid form, it’s easy to pack and can be mixed with rosewater or orange blossom water.

Beldi Soap (Savon Noir) is a hammam essential. This olive-based black soap deeply cleanses and exfoliates. Pair it with a kessa glove for a full Moroccan spa experience. Many shops sell sealed mini jars, perfect for bringing home.

Rosewater & Orange Blossom Water are staples in Moroccan skincare. They tone, refresh, and hydrate, and they smell amazing. Look for food-grade versions in amber glass bottles, ideal for your toiletry bag.

If you have seen the viral Moroccan lip stain, ask for akeer fassi. It is a vibrant red powder made from poppy petals, used for tinting lips and cheeks.

What Not to Buy in Marrakesh Souks

• Fake designer items – Often poor quality and illegal to bring through customs.
• Mass-produced souvenirs – Cheap items that are actually imported or factory-made.
• Unsealed spices or beauty products – Risk of spillage, contamination, or issues at customs.
• Large ceramics or fragile glassware – Hard to pack safely without breaking.
• Jewels  – Stay away from silver or gold jewelry unless you go to a reputable shop.

FAQ: What to Buy in Marrakech Souks