On our family trip to India we loved picking up some mementos to bring home. Shopping in India with kids, or without, is so much fun. We have rounded up our favourite souvenirs India has on offer. From quirky regional buys you’ll want to track down to staples you can find across the country.
The best souvenir in India will likely have an emotional pull from your trip. But there are certainly many answers to “what to buy in India?” which we can help you with. Since people have also asked what are the best Indian gifts for men we have a number of gifts from India they will love too. We hope you enjoy our round-up of the best souvenirs from India. Let us know which you pick up on your travels.
Table of Contents
Puppets – souvenirs India
Puppets are a beautiful souvenir from India. They can be found across the country so easy to obtain from many regions of your travels.
The most famous are probably in Rajasthan.
We found beautiful puppets for sale in Agra. You can find them in many of the heritage souvenir shops though.
Quality of the puppets will vary so take some time before selecting the ones you want to take home.
Bangles
Bangles are worn by many women across India. These can be inexpensive from the market or bought from high end jewellery stores.
As we were travelling with kids my daughter loved picking up a selection in the local market when we visited. She has worn them a few times since we got home.
Picking a gift for someone special
Staying in touch with family back home while on holiday in India can be wonderfully easy, especially with today’s technology, so if you’re after a second opinion about items you’re looking to buy it can be really straightforward. Consider setting up a regular check-in time each day, perhaps over breakfast or in the evening, to catch up on everyone’s news and share highlights from your travels.
While searching for the perfect souvenir in India, you can stay connected effortlessly with an eSIM India, giving you seamless data access without the need for a physical SIM card. WhatsApp and FaceTime are popular choices for families on the go, providing a quick, familiar way to stay connected.
For something extra special, sending a handwritten postcard from India can be a delightful surprise for loved ones at home, offering a touch of tradition amidst the digital updates.
Wood print blocks – souvenir in India
I really loved these print blocks that you can find throughout the country in tourist markets.
They come in a variety of designs. I picked out a Hand of Fatima which is displayed on a bookshelf at home.
Indian clothes
Shop where the locals do their shopping and pick out some beautiful clothes. They’re a lovely Indian souvenir to bring home from your trip.
We found a really sweet market in Agra and picked up clothes at an incredible price. This outfit for my daughter was less than the price of a coffee at home.
Henna
The women in India often can be seen with beautiful and intricate henna designs. We always love to get some henna art on our hands when we travel to India.
You can pick up henna across the country for a fraction of the price at home. It’s a great souvenir from India and you can then practice your own designs.
Slippers – the best souvenir in India?
One of the things I love in India are the beautiful, intricate slippers.
You can find them all across the country and they vary from region to region. I picked up some gorgeous slippers in Rajasthan, just outside of the Palace of the Winds in Jaipur.
As well as using slippers for their original purpose, as footwear, they also make amazing interior decorations. I bought three pairs the same but in different colours to display on my wall.
Leather goods – Indian gifts for men and women
Leather good are particularly seen in the north of India. Here you can find bags and sandals at great prices.
As with everything in India, be prepared to barter hard but it’s a great souvenir from India to remind you of your trip.
Tiffin – souvenir in India
Across the cities you see people rushing about with tiffins for lunches. These stainless steel containers usually contain rice and various curries.
You can pick up your own tiffin to bring home for a little piece of India.
Broom
Ok, I know for many people this is an odd choice. But bear with me.
On our family trip to Thailand I brought home a broom which we use in the kitchen ever day. When I saw a different style of broom in India I knew I had to have one.
People always laugh at my brushes from overseas but they’re a practical item we use daily that just reminds us of our travels.
Terracotta faces – gifts from India
I absolutely adore these terracotta faces we bought in Moira, Goa when we were staying there. We found a gorgeous little pottery shop where they were making them.
Obviously this is a very unique souvenir in India that you can only find at this particular area. But it’s a reminder to look out for regional items that will remind you of the area you stayed in.
Statues – souvenir in India
I absolutely love all the beautiful statues you can buy in India. But my best advice is to go to an official shop so you know you can take home what you buy.
My favourite shop selling statues in Mumbai is The Bombay Store which has so many beautiful items including statues.
Interesting sweets – what to buy in India
Travelling with kids or even if you’re not buying interesting sweets is fun. There are so many different brands in India.
Our children loved having a small amount of money to pick out some to try. It’s a fun souvenir from India for them to give to their friends too.
Let me know if you pick any up, or if you have a top souvenirs from India to share. Or tell us your favourite spot for shopping in India.
