Best Shops for Local Souvenirs

ST. CROIX

Enjoy the stunning sea views as you stroll the Christiansted Boardwalk in search of quality souvenirs at the many specialty shops featuring sparkly jewelry, hand-stitched clothing and traditional crafts created by local artists. Pop into ib designs on Company Street for a sterling silver hook bracelet — a must-buy for jewelry lovers.

Housed in a beautiful, historic building in downtown Frederiksted, the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts celebrates artists from USVI, Puerto Rico and other Caribbean territories. Stroll through the permanent and rotating exhibits in its seaside, open-air galleries. Many of the paintings, sculptures and traditional crafts on display are also for sale in the The Museum Store, so you can take home an original masterpiece to remember your stay on the islands.

Locals love shopping at Franklin’s on the Waterfront for its fabulous, funky gifts, home goods and furniture. Beyond housewares and decor, the shop also sells jewelry, holiday ornaments made from sea glass and even hand-rolled cigars. There’s something for every style of home, and the owner is typically on hand to help you select the ideal accent.

The friendly staff at Purple Papaya Souvenir and Gift Shop, located in the heart of historic downtown Christiansted, will help you find the perfect gift. Choose from a wide selection of souvenirs, including island-themed t-shirts, dresses, sun visors and magnets. The prices are reasonable, too.

ST. JOHN

Shop, dine or simply relax with a cocktail at the outdoor Mongoose Junction, a collection of over 15 specialty shops and restaurants in Cruz Bay. There’s a boutique for every item on your souvenirs list. Find local artwork at Bajo El Sol Gallery & Art Bar, locally made jewelry studded with larimar (the gemstone of the Caribbean) at both Caravan Gallery and Vibe Jewelry, and everything from coasters to canvas prints featuring the owners’ award-winning St. John photography at Sugar Birds.

Since 1999, St. John Spice has boasted the most extensive collection of spices, rubs and hot sauces in the Caribbean. Kick your at-home cooking up a notch with Cruz Bay Grill Rub, St. John Jerk Spice, Island Creole Seasoning and more. The fragrant shop also sells tea, coffee, kitchen and bath goods, and even a small selection of adorable stuffed animals and toys.

When you’re not hiking, boating, snorkeling or just taking in the spectacular vistas of scenic Virgin Islands National Park, pay a visit to the Visitor Center. The Friends of Virgin Islands National Park sells a number of items here, including souvenir license plates, books, stickers and t-shirts. You can also find everything you need for a day spent exploring the park, from sunscreen to swimsuits. All sales benefit the park

Once you see the sign with a cartoon dog sporting a pirate patch and sticking out his tongue, you’ll know you’ve arrived at Coral Bay’s Jolly Dog Trading Co., the go-to shopping spot on St. John. Expect great prices on custom t-shirts, local artwork and jewelry, and iconic Jolly Dog merch.

ST. THOMAS

Spectacular views await at Mountain Top, a stunning lookout situated 1,200 feet above picturesque Magens Bay. It’s also home to St. Thomas’ largest duty-free gift shop. Pose for the perfect photo op, with a panoramic backdrop of the islands and cays, and sip one of Mountain Top’s world-famous banana daiquiris (made with Cruzan Rum and ripe bananas plucked from a nearby grove). Then, shop ’til you drop at the massive store for souvenirs that include island-style clothes and jewelry, as well as Cruzan Rum in a variety of flavors.

Step back in time as you shop luxury cosmetics, perfumes, spirits, fine tobacco, jewelry, clothing and other fine gifts at the A.H. Riise Mall, a collection of specialty boutiques housed in historic buildings. The mall’s most famous boutique is the Rolex Boutique St. Thomas, the official Rolex jeweler of USVI. Seaside Gift Shop carries the USVI Made collection of body products and gift baskets. Luryx Duty Free sells a wide variety of Caribbean rums. Take a break at the mall’s Cafe Amici, an alfresco eatery that makes brick-oven pizzas and pasta to order. Or cool off with ice cream made from local fruits like soursop and mango at the Virgin Islands Ice Cream Company.

Locals sell handcrafted goods and other souvenirs at charming Vendors Plaza, an outdoor marketplace with brightly colored, kiosk-style boutiques. Many of the friendly vendors create their goods on-site, so you can learn about traditional island crafts and customs as you watch them make your souvenir.

Just steps from the cruise port in Charlotte Amalie, Havensight Mall features duty-free shops offering watches, jewelry, fine fragrances, spirits and other luxury goods. Looking for loose diamonds? Dynasty Dazzlers is a family-owned business that sells a vast selection of certified loose diamonds — they even customize settings on-site. Local Color sells St. Thomas-themed resort wear. While St. Johns Fragrance Co. features perfumes encased in baskets crafted of woven palm tree fronds collected from the hills surrounding St. Thomas’ Hull Bay.

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