What to Buy in Sri Lanka?

Before we dive into the list of five gifts to bring from Sri Lanka, let me share a little story. I developed my love for bestowing unique gifts on my loved ones from my grandmother. She traveled extensively and always brought back small presents from far-off places that made me so happy. Colorful jewelry from Turkey, three-colored beach sand in a pretty bottle from Egypt, a miniature leaning tower of Pisa from Italy, and delicious sweets in the cutest boxes from Tunisia. I still have many of these treasures, though I must admit, I’ve forgotten where some of them came from.

As a child, I was more interested in unwrapping the gifts than hearing the stories behind them. Lol. Nowadays, my grandmother no longer travels due to her age, but I do! The roles have reversed, and I now spend more time selecting gifts for my dear ones than shopping for myself.

Now, let’s get down to business. If you’ve found the answer to the question if Sri Lanka is worth visiting and are now collecting information on what to buy in Sri Lanka, you’re in luck!

There are countless options in various places across the island. I am sure you will get to buy these if you go into some local shop, market, or specialized Ayurvedic store in one of these 11 places I recommended you visit in Sri Lanka.

And don’t worry, if you like some of these gifts and you are not planning a trip to the island, thank god for the online shopping possibilities 😉

As a practical traveler, I prefer useful gifts that won’t just gather dust on a shelf. Here are my top five gifts to bring from Sri Lanka:

1. Samahan is my number one choice of a gift to bring from Sri Lanka

Samahan is a special Ayurvedic remedy that works wonders for colds, sore throats, and flu. It has a very specific, spicy taste and it helped me a lot. The moment you drink it, you feel a warmth spreading through your body as the ingredients start working their magic.

After my epic Kandy-Ella train ride, where I leaned out of the open window a bit too much to admire the spectacular views, I got pretty sick. Fever, a sore throat that made swallowing impossible, and massive headaches were my companions. My Sri Lankan friend suggested Samahan, and despite my skepticism, I gave it a try. Guess what? It worked! I felt like I healed much faster than usual, recovering in about three days instead of the week it might have taken otherwise.

Fun Fact: While recovering in Ella, I published a story featuring Samahan. A friend from Austria immediately wrote back, saying she had received Samahan from a friend and found it miraculous too. So, if you come across Samahan in Sri Lanka or anywhere else (it’s a successful export product also available to online purchase), grab it. You never know when it might come in handy!

2. Textile Products – Clothing, Tablecloths, Towels, etc.

Sri Lanka is a textile lover’s paradise. The country’s textile industry is renowned for its high-quality fabrics and strong export performance. You’ll find everything from cotton and silk to wool and synthetic fabrics, with a strong emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly practices.

Prices are incredibly attractive. For example, you’ll find stores selling clothing pieces from export batches labeled as we see them in Western stores, but with local prices. The difference is mind-blowing! So go ahead and treat yourself or a loved one to something stylish.

We all went home with at least one cute summer dress

3. Siddhalepa Balm

Siddhalepa is a renowned Ayurvedic balm used for its therapeutic properties in relieving pain and inflammation. It contains natural ingredients like eucalyptus oil, menthol, and camphor, known for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

This balm is great for muscle and joint pain, headaches, migraines, and nasal congestion. From my experience, it’s also excellent for mosquito bites, providing instant relief from itching and swelling. Siddhalepa is popular not only in Sri Lanka but also internationally, favored for its natural composition and effectiveness.

4. Hair Growth Oil is also one of the best gifts to bring from Sri Lanka

Hair oil from Sri Lanka is a game-changer. When my host first showed me her baby hair growing after just a few weeks of using these oils, I was skeptical. But travel is about trying new things, right? So I gave it a shot, and now I have baby hairs growing too! I couldn’t be happier with my decision to buy this oil. And luckily, my friend will bring more when she returns from Sri Lanka.

5. Incense Sticks

If you love incense sticks, Sri Lanka is the place to stock up. Especially if you prefer handmade, non-industrial ones without toxic chemicals, you’ll find plenty of options here.

Of course, there are many more wonderful items to buy in Sri Lanka. Spices, Ceylon tea (there will be an extra post for this one coming shortly), jewelry and gems, coffee, curries, bags, dishes, and special artisan products made by local artists (I bought a cute hand-painted toiletry bag). The list is endless and it all comes down to a taste…

So, when you visit Sri Lanka, do visit all or just a few of the 11 places I recommend, and remember these five gifts to bring from Sri Lanka.

Happy shopping, and may your gifts bring joy and a touch of Sri Lankan magic to your loved ones!

With all the gifted love ✨🎁

T.

P.S. Is there something else you would recommend buying in Sri Lanka? Did I miss something or should I make part two of this list? Let me know in the comments below...