If you are looking for things to buy in Costa Rica, you have come to the right place. Costa Rica is a small but incredibly diverse country in Central America, known for its lush rainforests, volcanoes, cloud forests, beaches, and rich biodiversity. It is a place where the Caribbean and Pacific coasts feel like two completely different worlds, and where nature plays a central role in everyday life.
Costa Rica’s culture is shaped by Indigenous roots, Spanish colonial history, Afro-Caribbean influences, and a strong national identity built around conservation, sustainability, and community. The famous “pura vida” lifestyle isn’t just a phrase; it’s something you feel in daily interactions, local markets, small family-run businesses, and the pride people take in their land and traditions.
When looking for Costa Rica souvenirs, you’ll find a beautiful mix of locally made crafts, natural products, and artisan goods, alongside the more familiar travel keepsakes like hats, t-shirts, magnets, and Christmas ornaments. Whether you’re searching for meaningful, locally made items, practical gifts, or cheap things to buy in Costa Rica to bring home for friends and family, there are endless options that reflect the country’s culture, creativity, and connection to nature.
Costa Rica Souvenirs
Costa Rica Coffee
Coffee is one of the most famous things to buy in Costa Rica, and for good reason. The country produces high-quality Arabica beans grown in regions like Tarrazú, Monteverde, and the Central Valley. You’ll find beautifully packaged local brands in grocery stores, airports, and small cafés, making this one of the easiest Costa Rica souvenirs to bring home. It’s lightweight, practical, and always appreciated as a gift.
Costa Rican Chocolate
Locally made chocolate is another easy and delicious souvenir. Costa Rica grows its own cacao, and you can find artisan chocolate bars made with local ingredients like coconut, coffee, and tropical fruit. These make great edible souvenirs and are easy to transport, especially if you’re looking for cheap things to buy in Costa Rica that still feel special and local.
Wooden Handicrafts
Wood carving is a traditional craft in Costa Rica, especially items made from balsa wood. You’ll see animals, masks, bowls, figurines, and decorative pieces carved by local artisans. These are beautiful Costa Rica souvenirs that reflect the country’s wildlife and natural environment and range from small, affordable items to larger statement pieces.
Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Souvenirs
Costa Rica’s strong conservation culture shows up in its shopping too. Reusable bags, bamboo products, recycled jewelry, coconut-shell items, and natural home goods are widely available. These souvenirs align with the country’s sustainability values and make practical gifts you’ll actually use at home.
Local Skincare & Natural Products
Soaps, essential oils, coffee scrubs, coconut oil products, and natural skincare made with tropical ingredients are popular Costa Rica souvenirs. These are easy to pack, widely available in markets and boutique shops, and feel like a small piece of Costa Rica’s natural wellness culture.
Costa Rica Jewelry
Look for jewelry made from natural materials like seeds, wood, coconut shell, and stones, as well as silver pieces inspired by nature and Indigenous patterns. These make lightweight, easy-to-pack souvenirs and are great alternatives to mass-produced accessories.
Food Souvenirs
Beyond coffee and chocolate, you’ll find local hot sauces, spices, sugar cane products, dried fruits, and traditional sweets. These edible souvenirs are perfect for travelers who love bringing home flavors from their trips and are often some of the cheapest things to buy in Costa Rica.
Traditional Costa Rican Items
Traditional items like handmade masks, folkloric dolls, and decorative pieces inspired by Costa Rican festivals and folklore can be found in markets and souvenir shops across the country. These reflect local culture and traditions and make unique home décor souvenirs.
Hats, T-Shirts & Collectables
Not everyone wants artisan crafts and that’s okay. Costa Rica has plenty of classic travel souvenirs like stuffed animal sloths, baseball caps, t-shirts, hoodies, magnets, shot glasses, keychains, and Christmas ornaments. If you have soccer fans in your life, Costa Ricans love their soccer and its easy to find soccer jerseys! The sun in Costa Rica is very hot, a rash guard is something useful to pick up if you didnt bring one with you. It does not take long to burn, especially when snorkelling! A dry bag is something else that will come in handy! You are in the middle of the rainforest, and even dry season can bring passing showers (or wet boat rides). All of these are easy Costa Rica souvenirs to grab at SJO when you leave or at local souvenir shops or hotels. They make simple gifts for friends, coworkers, and extended family.
Salsa Lizano
Salsa Lizano is one of the most iconic food items in Costa Rica and easily one of the cheapest things to buy in Costa Rica. This local sauce is a staple in Costa Rican cooking and shows up on tables in homes and restaurants across the country. It has a slightly sweet, tangy flavor that works well on rice, beans, eggs, meats, and vegetables. You can find it in any grocery store, it’s inexpensive, easy to pack, and makes a fun, authentic Costa Rica souvenir to bring home for friends and family who love cooking and trying new flavors.
Sarongs
Sarongs are one of the most practical and affordable Costa Rica souvenirs you can buy, especially in beach towns. They’re lightweight, easy to pack, and incredibly versatile — perfect as a beach cover-up, picnic blanket, light wrap, or travel scarf. They’re also a more sustainable option than towels when traveling: sarongs dry quickly, use less water to wash, and take up far less space in your luggage. If you’re looking for cheap things to buy in Costa Rica that you’ll actually use long after your trip, sarongs are a great choice.
Cacique (Costa Rican Sugarcane Liquor)
For travelers who enjoy bringing home local spirits, Cacique is a classic Costa Rican alcohol made from sugarcane. It’s widely available in supermarkets and airport duty-free shops and is one of the cheap things to buy in Costa Rica that still feels culturally significant. Locals often use it in traditional drinks, and it’s a fun way to bring home a taste of Costa Rica that goes beyond the typical souvenirs. Just be sure to check your home country’s alcohol import rules and pack bottles in checked luggage.
Like this series? Consider these other popular souvenir posts: what to buy in Jordan, or what to buy in Kazakhstan, or what to buy in Australia
Lindsay Nieminen hails from Vancouver, Canada and shares her love of travel on this website. She is passionate about showing others that they should not put off traveling the world just because they have children or are single parents. She aims to encourage them to seek out adventure, whether it is at home or abroad by providing information on how just about everywhere can be a destination to explore as a family.