Jordan is filled with unique handicrafts, delicious treats, and beautifully crafted souvenirs that reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage. From handmade jewelry to traditional spices, here’s a guide to the top Jordanian souvenirs that will bring a piece of Jordan’s charm back home with you, along with tips on where to find the best items.
1. Bedouin Jewelry
Jordan’s Bedouin jewelry is characterized by intricate designs and meaningful symbols. Made from silver and decorated with colorful stones, these pieces are both beautiful and symbolic, making them a wonderful keepsake. Necklaces, bracelets, and rings often feature turquoise, coral, or onyx, and each piece tells a unique story.
*Where to Buy:* Head to the shops in Petra, or explore the artisans in Amman’s Souk Jara for high-quality, authentic pieces.
*Adore Jordan’s tours offer stops at local jewelry shops and artisan markets, where you can learn about the craftsmanship behind each piece and purchase directly from local artisans.
2. Handmade Ceramics
Jordanian ceramics are known for their vibrant colors and intricate patterns. Items like plates, mugs, and decorative tiles are often hand-painted with traditional motifs, reflecting Jordan’s artistic heritage. These beautiful ceramics make for stunning kitchenware and unique décor items for your home.
*Where to Buy:* The town of Madaba is famous for its ceramics, with many shops offering authentic hand-painted items.
*Adore Jordan can arrange for visits to Madaba’s ceramics workshops, allowing you to observe the artists at work and find one-of-a-kind pieces.*
3. Jordanian Spices and Za’atar
Bring a taste of Jordan home with locally sourced spices and za’atar, a blend of thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds used in many Jordanian dishes. These aromatic spices add the authentic flavors of Jordanian cuisine to your cooking and are easy to pack and take home.
*Where to Buy:* Spice shops in Amman’s downtown souk are great for purchasing fresh spices. Also, check out Rainbow Street’s markets for a variety of herbs and spice mixes.
*Adore Jordan’s city tours include visits to spice markets, where you can sample and buy high-quality spices to take home.
4. Dead Sea Products
Jordan is famous for the Dead Sea, which is renowned for its mineral-rich mud and salt. Dead Sea products, like soaps, scrubs, and lotions, are excellent for skincare and make for a luxurious souvenir. They contain natural ingredients that nourish and rejuvenate, making them a perfect gift for loved ones (or yourself!).
*Where to Buy:* Look for Dead Sea products at the official shops in Amman or the Dead Sea resorts. Ensure the products are labeled with authentic Dead Sea minerals.
*Adore Jordan offers guided shopping experiences where you can find genuine Dead Sea products from trusted retailers.
5. Mosaic Art
Mosaic art is an important part of Jordanian culture, with Madaba being the center of this traditional craft. The intricate mosaic designs range from religious symbols to geometric patterns and scenic landscapes. Mosaic plaques, coasters, and wall art pieces make for beautiful souvenirs that reflect Jordan’s artistic legacy.
*Where to Buy:* Madaba is known as the “City of Mosaics,” and visiting the local workshops is the best way to purchase handmade mosaic pieces.
*Adore Jordan organizes tours to Madaba’s mosaic workshops, providing an opportunity to learn about the craft and purchase directly from the artists.
6. Olive Wood Crafts
Jordanian artisans create beautiful items from olive wood, including religious symbols, kitchen utensils, and decorative sculptures. These handmade pieces are unique to the region and highlight the significance of the olive tree in Jordanian culture.
*Where to Buy:* Visit the handicraft shops in Madaba or Amman, where you can find high-quality olive wood items.
*With Adore Jordan, you can visit artisan cooperatives that specialize in olive wood crafts, supporting local craftsmanship and fair trade practices.
7. Traditional Keffiyeh (Shemagh)
The red and white keffiyeh, also known as shemagh, is a traditional Jordanian scarf often worn by locals. It’s not only a stylish accessory but also a symbol of Jordanian heritage. The keffiyeh is commonly worn in both formal and casual settings and makes for a meaningful souvenir.
*Where to Buy:* Look for authentic keffiyehs at markets in Amman, such as the downtown souk, or visit government-approved souvenir shops to ensure quality.
*Adore Jordan’s market tours take you to reliable shops where you can find genuine keffiyehs and learn about their cultural significance.
8. Wadi Rum Sand Bottles
Wadi Rum’s distinct colored sands are arranged in decorative glass bottles that make for beautiful, unique souvenirs. Artists in Jordan use different shades of sand to create intricate desert landscapes inside each bottle, often depicting scenes of camels, mountains, and sunsets.
*Where to Buy:* You’ll find sand bottles at various tourist shops in Wadi Rum and Petra, where local artisans can personalize them for you.
*Adore Jordan includes stops at local sand art studios, allowing you to witness this unique art form and purchase custom bottles.
9. Jordanian Coffee and Tea
Jordan is known for its rich coffee culture, with Arabic coffee (qahwa) and tea infused with herbs like mint and sage being particularly popular. Bringing home some locally sourced coffee or herbal tea is a delicious way to remember your time in Jordan.
*Where to Buy:* Specialty coffee and tea shops in Amman or local markets on Rainbow Street offer a variety of Jordanian blends.
*Adore Jordan’s culinary tours often include a visit to a local coffee shop, where you can sample and purchase authentic Jordanian coffee and tea.
10. Ajloun Honey
Ajloun, located in northern Jordan, is known for producing some of the best honey in the region. The honey is made from wildflowers and herbs native to Jordan, giving it a distinct flavor that’s unique to the area. It’s a delicious treat that also supports local farmers and beekeepers.
*Where to Buy:* Find high-quality honey at farmers' markets or in specialty shops in Amman.
*Adore Jordan can arrange a visit to Ajloun, where you can meet local beekeepers and purchase honey directly from the source.
Why Shop with Adore Jordan?
Shopping in Jordan offers a chance to connect with local artisans, discover unique crafts, and support traditional craftsmanship. Adore Jordan specializes in connecting travelers with authentic shopping experiences that celebrate Jordan’s rich heritage. From guiding you to trusted markets and artisan shops to offering tips on the best items to bring home, Adore Jordan ensures that each souvenir tells a story and holds lasting memories of your journey.
*Plan your Jordan adventure with Adore Jordan and let us guide you to the most authentic and memorable souvenirs.
