The best souvenirs from Trinidad to take back to NYC.

Top 5 unique souvenirs from Trinidad to bring back to NYC

Trinidad is a treasure trove of vibrant culture, history, and flavours. If you’re visiting and wondering what to bring back as a memento of your trip, there are plenty of unique souvenirs that will remind you of your Caribbean adventure while impressing friends and family in New York City.

From handmade crafts to exotic flavours, here are the top five souvenirs that encapsulate the spirit of Trinidad. And remember, to plan your perfect souvenir hunting trip, use Tripadvisor.com to find the best markets, shops, and local recommendations for your journey!

What to buy in Trinidad: Top souvenirs to bring back to New York City. — *Local paintings and handmade jewellery.*

5 Souvenirs to bring back to NYC from Trinidad

1. Trinidadian hot pepper sauce

If you want to bring a taste of Trinidad back to NYC, look no further than the fiery Trinidadian hot pepper sauce. Made from locally grown scotch bonnet and pimento peppers, this sauce is known for its intense heat and unique flavour profile.

Whether you’re looking to spice up your home cooking or give friends a burst of Caribbean heat, this sauce will not disappoint. You can find it in local markets or specialty stores like The Peppercorns in Port-of-Spain. Be sure to check out reviews and location tips on Tripadvisor.com to find the best local spots to purchase authentic sauces.

Sweet TnT 100 West Indian Recipes

Sweet TnT 100 West Indian Recipes is your kitchen guide to cooking in the Caribbean. Add flavour to your pot and put a smile on everyone’s faces with the right amount of seasonings, spices and stories about the foods you prepare. This cookbook contains 100 tantalising recipes and full colour photographs of home-cooked meals, street foods, treats and drinks that are known in the West Indies for having particular names, ingredients and preparations. The 10 sections are Breads, Fillings, Chutneys and Sauces, Soups, Main Dishes, Salads, Drinks, Desserts, Sweet Snacks and Savoury Snacks. • Kindle – US$4.99 • Paperback – US$29.91

2. Steelpan music CDs or instruments

The steelpan, invented in Trinidad and Tobago, is the country’s most iconic musical instrument. Bringing back a steelpan music CD or even a small steelpan itself is a fantastic way to carry the island’s musical heritage home. If you’re an aspiring musician, consider buying a beginner steelpan or even a custom-made instrument crafted by local artisans.

There are shops in Port-of-Spain, like Gill’s Pan Shop, that specialise in these musical treasures. Tripadvisor.com can help you find the top-rated stores and performances, so you know where to listen and buy!

Apple AirPods Max

US$549.00

Buy Now

3. Handmade Carnival masks and costumes

Trinidad is famous for its annual Carnival, a vibrant explosion of colour, music, and dance. A unique souvenir to bring back to NYC is a handmade Carnival mask or a piece of a traditional costume. These intricately designed masks and costumes capture the festive energy of Trinidad and make excellent decorative pieces or gifts.

Visit local markets like The Queen’s Park Savannah or artisan shops for authentic, handmade pieces. Be sure to explore Tripadvisor.com’s recommendations for where to buy quality Carnival items in Port-of-Spain and surrounding areas.

Plantation Trinidad 2009

(70cl, 51.8%)

Plantation Trinidad 2009 Bottling Note

A 2009 vintage rum from Trinidad, released as part of the Plantation range. This expression spent 11 years maturing in Trinidad, before making its way over to France for a final year of maturation in Maison Ferrand barrels. Intensely flavoursome, perfect for sipping neat and slowly enjoying.

Buy Now

4. Cocoa and chocolate products

Trinidad is known for its rich, high-quality cocoa, and its locally made chocolates are some of the finest in the world. For chocolate lovers, bringing back a selection of Trinidadian chocolate bars or cocoa nibs will make for a delightful souvenir.

The House of Chocolate in Port-of-Spain is one of the best places to explore a range of artisanal chocolates. Tripadvisor.com can guide you to the top-rated chocolate tours and shops, where you can learn about the island’s rich cocoa history and sample the best Trinidad has to offer.

Sweet TnT Short Stories

ife in Trinidad and Tobago comes alive in the exciting, entertaining, comical, dramatic, thrilling, mysterious and suspenseful tales in Sweet TnT Short Stories. The novella consists of 34 fictional pieces written by authors from around the twin islands who share narratives with you under the sections Lifestyle, Superstition and Fauna. Created by Culturama Publishing Company, producer of Sweet TnT Magazine from San Juan, Trinidad and Tobago, this book is one of the publications that commemorates the 10th anniversary of the publisher from 2009-2019. US$9.99

5. Hand-carved wooden artifacts

For those looking for a more traditional souvenir, consider hand-carved wooden artifacts. Local artisans create beautiful wooden sculptures, jewelry, and home décor inspired by the island’s culture and nature. You’ll find everything from animal carvings to abstract art pieces.

Art in Maracas Wooden Carvings 2013 — *Handmade* wooden crafts, Maracas Bay, Trinidad, 2013.

These one-of-a-kind items are often available at local craft markets like The San Antonio Green Market or The UpMarket. Use Tripadvisor.com to discover these artisan markets and find the best places to shop for handcrafted items.

Plan your souvenir shopping with Tripadvisor

To make the most of your souvenir hunt in Trinidad, we highly recommend using Tripadvisor.com. Not only does it provide detailed reviews from fellow travellers, but it also helps you find hidden gems and highly rated local shops. Whether you’re searching for the best pepper sauce, artisan crafts, or steelpan music, Tripadvisor’s insights will make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.

Art in Savannah Homemade Wine Nuts 2014 — *Homemade wine and nuts.*

Final thoughts

When you’re in Trinidad, make sure to explore its rich culture and bring a piece of it back to NYC. Whether it’s a fiery hot sauce, a soulful steelpan tune, or an intricately designed Carnival mask, these souvenirs will remind you of the vibrant island experience. Start planning your trip on Tripadvisor.com, and get ready to bring home the best of Trinidad!