Jordan offers a variety of unique and culturally significant gifts for tourists to purchase, ranging from traditional handicrafts to culinary delights. Here are some popular tourist gifts to buy in Jordan:
1. Dead Sea Products: Jordan is home to the Dead Sea, known for its mineral-rich waters and therapeutic mud. Visitors can purchase a variety of Dead Sea skincare products, including mud masks, bath salts, and lotions, which make excellent souvenirs.
2. Handmade Pottery: Jordan has a rich tradition of pottery-making, with artisans creating beautiful ceramics using traditional techniques. Look for hand-painted plates, bowls, and vases featuring intricate geometric patterns and vibrant colors.
3. Mosaic Art: Jordan is renowned for its ancient mosaic art, which can be found in archaeological sites such as Jerash and Madaba. Visitors can purchase mosaic tiles, coasters, and other decorative items featuring traditional designs.
4. Bedouin Handicrafts: Bedouin tribes in Jordan produce a variety of handmade crafts, including woven rugs, embroidered textiles, and camel hair products. These items often feature traditional patterns and motifs and make unique souvenirs.
5. Kohl Eyeliner: Kohl eyeliner, known as "surma" in Arabic, is a traditional cosmetic used by both men and women in Jordan. Visitors can purchase kohl sticks made from natural ingredients such as charcoal and olive oil, along with decorative applicators.
6. Olive Oil Products: Jordan is known for its high-quality olive oil, which is used in traditional Jordanian cuisine and skincare products. Look for locally produced olive oil, olive oil soap, and olive oil-based beauty products.
7. Arabic Calligraphy Art: Arabic calligraphy is a revered art form in Jordan, with skilled calligraphers creating intricate designs using Arabic script. Visitors can purchase calligraphy prints, paintings, and decorative items featuring verses from the Quran or other meaningful texts.
8. Spices and Herbs: Jordanian cuisine is known for its bold flavors and aromatic spices. Visitors can purchase packets of za'atar (a popular Middle Eastern spice blend), sumac, dried herbs, and other spices to bring home and recreate Jordanian dishes.
9. Traditional Clothing and Accessories: Traditional Jordanian clothing and accessories, such as keffiyeh scarves, embroidered thobes, and handcrafted jewelry, make memorable gifts for friends and family back home.
10. Souvenir Figurines and Trinkets: Jordan's souvenir shops offer a variety of figurines, magnets, keychains, and other trinkets featuring iconic Jordanian landmarks such as Petra, the Roman ruins of Jerash, and the Wadi Rum desert.
When purchasing gifts in Jordan, it's essential to support local artisans and businesses by buying authentic, handmade products. Additionally, bargaining is common in Jordanian markets, so don't hesitate to negotiate prices when shopping in souks and bazaars.