Shopping In the Maldives: Explore The Hidden Treasures

The Maldives is a dream destination for many people all over the world come to explore its tranquil beaches, indulge in a wide variety of water sports, delve into the flavors of authentic Maldivian cuisine, and spend quality time in the picture-perfect private villas with their loved ones. There’s another interesting thing that people often forget to consider, which is shopping in the Maldives. This charming country in south Asia offers a plethora of local street markets, high-end boutiques, small-scale souvenir stores, and shops from where one can buy anything from traditional Maldivian products to general holiday souvenirs.

Shopping In The Maldives: The Best Markets To Buy Souvenirs

It’s a moral imperative to bring back something or the other from a vacation so that the loved ones at home also feel included during your holiday. Aside from being the ideal beach destination, another aspect of the Maldives is the narration of its tradition and culture through its cuisine, traditional attire, and products. These items can be bought as mementos or gifts to carry a little part of this beautiful country back home. Shopping in the Maldives is also a fun way to interact with the locals and learn more about the country.

• Get Your Hands On Maldivian Sarongs From Chaandhanee Magu
• Look For Mini Dhonis At Majeedhee Magu
• Acquire Coconut Items From Angolo Souvenirs Shop
• Buy amazing artwork from Oevaali Art Shop
• Purchase Wicker Mats from the Island Bazaar
• Buy Pretty Maldivian Attire From Nala Boutique
• Get Alluring Thundu Kunaa at The Male Market
• Purchase Beautiful Lacquered Items From Mobile Markets.

1. Get Your Hands On Maldivian Sarongs From Chaandhanee Magu

This market, also known as Singapore Bazaar, is one of the best shopping destinations in the Maldives. This quirky spot is a one-stop destination for anything from t-shirts, souvenirs, miniatures, local handicrafts, and foreign products like dhonis, scarves, etc. One of the interesting items to buy from this market is the authentic Male sarongs which are worn by the local women. One can find these stylish sarongs in pretty floral and vibrant colors with great designs. The fabric of this item is comfortable to wear on different occasions, like beach parties and barbecues.

Location: North Male Atoll, Maldives

2. Look For Mini Dhonis At Majeedhee Magu

One of the interesting places to visit in Maldives is this sprawling street market situated in the heart of the country. The market is full of different shops and stalls that sell a variety of items like handlooms, accessories, electronic goods, cosmetics, local jewelry, dried fish chips, and canned smoked fish. One of the best products to take back home is mini dhoni, the miniature versions of traditional boats intricately carved by skilled artisans. These exclusive pieces of the Maldives are usually made out of wood with sails, and one can find plenty of adorable and detailed miniatures in many souvenir and art shops

Location: Majedhee Magu Road, Male, Maldives

3. Acquire Coconut Items From Angolo Souvenirs Shop

The shop is located on one of the beautiful islands in the Maldives, Maafushi island. The shop offers some quirky and cool stuff to decorate your home or give as a token of love. This sweet and small shop talks about the culture and tradition of the Maldives through items like quirky keychains, bags, shirts, refrigerator magnets, tea, souvenirs, handicrafts, miniatures, greeting cards, stamps, gifts, accessories, etc. One of the best things that can be found in this shop are items made from coconuts like hangings, baskets, bowls, spatulas, lampshades, coir ropes, mats, bags, crockery, lamps, and a lot of other things.

Location: Maafushi, South Male Atoll, Valu Magu, H 29548, Maldives

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4. Buy amazing Artwork from Oevaali Art Shop

This shop is of a peculiar kind, selling coconut soy candles, reed diffusers, trays & coasters, beach towels, corduroy bucket hats, pouches, etc. The shop also has amazing acrylic paintings, fluid art, mirror art, sculpts, prints, etc., to make people aware of the culture and heritage of the Maldives through art. This shop in the Maldives is also known for selling pretty jewelery pieces like pendants, gaia stone, cuffs, rings, tila bracelets, etc. The shop boasts of selling pure Maldivian products, all of which can be bought for yourself or as a gift for friends and family back home.

Location: Sosun Magu, Malé 20076, Maldives

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5. Purchase Wicker Mats from the Island Bazaar

If you are looking for luxury shopping in the Maldives, then you must visit this classy and posh boutique that sells chic home décor products while also promoting the handcrafts and other artistic items of local artisans. Some of the best items that can be bought from this stylish shop are cushions, a shoulder bag, or a handmade fridge magnet; handmade jewelry; scarves; and handmade dishes. One of the most amazing items sold in the shop is wicker mats. They do not just give awesome beachy vibes, but are actually very comfortable to use. Other than that, these mats are a perfect souvenir for the loved ones at home.

Location: M.Karishma. Level 1, Fareedhee Magu, Male’, Maldives

6. Buy Pretty Maldivian Attire From Nala Boutique

There are many people among us who love wearing fashionable and chic clothes and accessories. If you are one of those, then you should visit this amazing boutique in the Maldives that sells fashionable clothes and accessories along with traditional Maldivian attire. Although there are different attires worn by the Male women, Dhivehi Libaas is one of the most preferred dresses. The neckline of the dress is what catches the eye, which is followed by an intricate embroidery called kasabu viyun. This embroidery is also visible on the sleeves and hem of the skirt.

Location: Kurumba Maldives, Vihamanafushi, North Male Atoll Maldives

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7. Get Alluring Thundu Kunaa at The Male Market

If you feel like not going to several markets while vacationing in this beautiful country, then at least visit Male market once and you will be mesmerised by the variety of options to buy from there. There are numerous stalls selling different items like local handicrafts, mementos, fridge magnets, mini dhonis, sarongs, and other gift items. Shopping in the Maldives won’t be complete without getting thunda kunaa from this beautiful street market. It is a traditional Maldivian mat which is made from natural fibres or different organic items. These mats are handwoven by the local artisans, who are skilled at giving different designs on each of the mats.

Location: Male Higun, Maldives

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8. Purchase Beautiful Lacquered Items From Mobile Markets

There can be times when you have a jam-packed schedule to explore the Maldives and you won’t have much time to do much shopping. However, taking some kind of souvenir back home has to be on the list of things to do in the Maldives. There are mobile markets to your rescue that roam around different hotels and resorts all over the country selling different items. One of the best items to get from them are these beautifully carved or designed lacquered products. They are one of the most unique things to give to someone.

Location: N.A

So, it is a possibility that shopping in the Maldives won’t be the highest priority while planning a holiday in the Maldives, but one should give it a chance. There are plenty of shops, boutiques, stalls, and street markets to get everything you want and more. And if you are thinking about visiting the Maldives anytime soon, then take advantage of the Maldives tour package, make beautiful memories, and come back home with precious mementos.

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