If you are thinking about buying original gifts from Gran Canaria when you visit the island, we have some recommendations for you. From handicrafts to gastronomy, there are many options to surprise your loved ones once you return from your holiday. Of course, we also suggest a few experiences to encourage them to visit this incredible island.
Handcrafted or Made-in-Gran-Canaria Gifts
Once you discover the work of its artisans, you will know what to buy in Gran Canaria as a gift when you go on holiday. We understand as handcrafted anything that has a tradition in a place or is made by hand using ancient techniques. In this sense, you can find everything from accessories to food products that certainly will not leave you indifferent.
Gran Canaria’s handicrafts, besides being ideal as gifts, will help you discover more about the history of its people and their customs. They will also bring you closer to top-quality items.
Ceramic and Pottery Pieces
The island’s pottery, also known as earthenware, has grown in recent years thanks to tourist interest. In it, you can find exclusive pieces that for a long time have belonged to the traditions of these people.
Among the clay souvenirs you can buy, there is a wide variety of vases, decorative plates, different kinds of toys, gánigos, incense burners, bernegal bowls, stoves of different sizes and more.
As for ceramics, you can choose decorative tile designs, countless figures and some toys that are especially suitable for children.
Canarian Handicrafts
There are many handcrafted options you can discover and that, of course, will help you surprise your family and friends. The famous Canarian knife is one example. Its popular name is naife, and it is characterised by preserving its ancient design, originally from La Mancha. Since its beginnings on the island, it was used for cultivating Canarian bananas.
The typical Canarian hat, such as the cachorro canario, is a symbol of identity, and an association has even been created to preserve its traditional design. It stands out for its wide brim, is made of felt or palm, and is usually worn by both men and women.
The Canarian pintadera is a geometric figure created by the island’s aborigines in clay. Nowadays, as a way of preserving this tradition, you can find reproductions in jewellery, ceramics, wood and more. Any of the pieces you choose is ideal as a gift.
Aloe vera products with Canarian designation are highly sought after because of their high quality. You can find a wide variety of options, especially creams that help regenerate the skin, along with many other benefits for the body. Without a doubt, this is a gift that lovers of cosmetics will appreciate.
Gastronomic Gifts
We cannot leave gastronomy aside when talking about typical gifts from Gran Canaria. The products you can find on the island are a great choice if you really want to surprise your friends and loved ones. You only need to try them during your holiday to realise how exquisite they are and, of course, their high quality.
The island’s traditional cheeses, with designation of origin, are an excellent gift for anyone. You can choose between Queso de Guía, Flor de Guía and Media Flor, although you can also find other options from the rest of the islands that you can taste as well.
The famous mojo canario cannot be missing, and you can buy it preserved in different formats and flavours. Even though it is already well known, it is still a great gift. Chorizo de Teror or Canarian sobrasada is recognised by its reddish colour due to the paprika it contains. Its unique flavour stands out, with almost a century of history.
If you prefer sweets, suspiros and bizcochos de Moya, typical of the municipality of Moya, have been popular since 1930. Gofio, dating back to the Berber period, provides important nutritional and vitamin value and is a staple of Canarian gastronomy that you can find in Gran Canaria and that is ideal as a gift.
Of course, a bottle of the famous Canarian honey rum must not be missing. If you have not tried it yet, now is the time. It is drunk neat and can be served slightly chilled.
Gifts in the Form of Experiences
We have already given you some examples of what to buy when visiting Gran Canaria, but you can still surprise your loved ones by inviting them to visit this island, which has so much to offer. There is no better gift than experiences to enjoy once you are there.
You will find many experiences to give as gifts, from cultural activities to moments of relaxation, which are always well received.
SPA Sessions at Lopesan
If you want to leave your loved one speechless, give them a SPA session at a hotel of the Lopesan Hotel Group in Gran Canaria. Book a session right now at Om Spa Costa Meloneras by Lopesan and let them enjoy a wonderful experience in a quality hotel.
Visit to a Rum Factory
Visits to rum factories are very typical, and in Gran Canaria you will find several options. This activity is perfect for lovers of this drink, and it also gives you the chance to taste rum produced in Gran Canaria right at its place of origin.
Visit to the Banana Museum
Canarian bananas are very well known for their great qualities. Now you can give someone a ticket to the museum that offers all kinds of information about this fruit, so representative of the islands. You will find it at Hacienda la Rekompensa, which dates back to the early 19th century. Walk through a natural setting and discover the thirteen different species of banana trees found in this area. You will also be able to taste the different products prepared there.
There are many original gifts from Gran Canaria with which you can surprise others once you return from your holiday. Give experiences, as well as the island’s rich gastronomy and its handcrafted pieces, which you will want to take home as souvenirs.
