This is the perfect souvenir from Jordan! Recommended souvenirs from a local resident!
The UNESCO World Heritage site Petra, the red desert Wadi Rum lined with unique rock formations, and the Dead Sea where everyone floats—Jordan, the Hashemite Kingdom, is full of fascinating tourist destinations. Since you’ve made the trip, don’t you want to gift your family and friends a souvenir that truly captures the essence of this beautiful country? Being an Arab country, should you get gold? An Arabic lamp? Water pipe or dates? Of course, all of those are available in Jordan, but here are some items that more distinctly represent the country. Introducing souvenirs carefully selected by local residents.
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This is the perfect souvenir from Jordan! Recommended souvenirs from a local resident!
1. Sand Art Bottles
When you visit Petra, you’ll find yourself pausing to watch live sand art performances. Just by layering colorful sands following a design in the artist’s mind, they can create detailed images, even of tiny camels—truly works of art! The colored sand is made by crushing sandstone found around Petra, making it a true Petra-made souvenir.
You can also request to have your name added, which makes it a great memento. The top layer inside the bottle is sealed with adhesive, so there’s no need to worry about it spilling. This is definitely one souvenir you’ll want to bring home.
2. Keffiyeh
The keffiyeh is the headscarf worn by Jordanian men dressed in traditional attire. You’ll surely see people wearing them during your trip. Originally, people living in the desert used it to cover their heads and faces from sandstorms and the intense sun. Today, it’s widely used throughout the Arabian Peninsula and is also known in Jordan as "hatta."
The typical style includes wearing a black ring made of goat hair called an agal. It once gained popularity as an "Afghan shawl." The most famous color is the black-and-white pattern from Palestine, but both red-and-white and black-and-white versions are popular in Jordan. It feels soft to the touch and has a gentle warmth, making it quite cozy when worn around the neck like a scarf. How about bringing one back as an Arabian-themed souvenir?
3. Dead Sea Products
Dead Sea mineral soap, bath salts, mud masks, creams—Dead Sea products can be found not only near the Dead Sea but throughout Jordan. Buying from roadside stalls is an option, but if you want trustworthy branded products, Rivage is highly recommended. Known for its quality, Rivage offers a wide range of Dead Sea products like hand creams, mud packs, bath salts, and toners—so many you’ll want to try them all.
Dead Sea mud masks help absorb excess dirt and oil from your pores and refine your skin’s texture! Depending on the product, some may be cheaper at the airport than in stores in Amman, or vice versa—so check prices in various locations. Supermarkets also carry them, but if you want to take your time browsing, visit the City Mall branch in Amman!
4. Arabic Sweets – Maamoul
Arabs love sweet treats. Syria and Jordan, in particular, are known for their delicious Arabic sweets. Although the sweetness might be overpowering at first, once you get used to it, they’re strangely addictive.
One must-try treat in Jordan is "kunafa," a baked dessert made from shredded wheat dough filled with cheese and topped with syrup. The cheese is melty, the dough crispy, and the combination with roasted pistachios is heavenly. However, it’s best eaten fresh, so unfortunately, it’s not suitable as a souvenir. For souvenirs, maamoul is a better choice. These simple cookies are made from semolina dough filled with date paste and sometimes pistachios or hazelnuts, and they’re popular with visitors. Look for individually wrapped versions at supermarkets!
◎ Summary
In recent years, stylish cafes, restaurants, and shops have been popping up across Amman. But travelers still enjoy exploring the downtown area the most. Downtown Amman is home to bustling markets called "souks," crowded with popular sweet shops and cheap eateries.
You can also buy small quantities of essential spices used in delicious Jordanian cuisine, which make great gifts for food lovers. Try a hot, freshly baked kunafa from a local pastry shop or bite into a falafel sandwich made with broad bean fritters—the flavor of the people. Be sure to search for your perfect souvenir while enjoying the local charm!
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