What to Give as Gifts in Morocco

Whenever a family member returns to Morocco from abroad, it’s a good bet that half of their luggage is made up of gifts. While Moroccans have access to almost all of the same conveniences as those in the United States, Canada or Europe, the quality is often inferior. Moroccans are well known for their hospitality and generosity and would never act rude or upset if they were not presented with a gift. However, traveling with small items to be given as gifts can get you out of a sticky situation and show your host(s) a little gratitude for their efforts.

What items can be taken to Morocco?

While some gifts can be picked up in Morocco, there are some items that always go over well and are in “high demand” such as:

ChocolatePerfume/colognePashminas or other good-quality scarves or wrapsChewing gum and candyUnique items from your state, especially food items they may not haveColoring books and crayons for younger childrenSoccer ballsDVDs of kids movies

If you’re staying with a family or are invited for dinner in Morocco, it is customary to bring a gift. As mentioned, you will not be treated differently if you don’t, but it is a welcome gesture. If you decide to take items from outside Morocco, make sure that food items do not contain alcohol (as is the case with some chocolates) or gelatin, which is often made with pork.

If there are children in the family, gifts for the children, as opposed to for the adults, are always happily accepted. Soccer balls, which can be deflated before flying and pumped up once you’ve arrived, are a welcome gift for any boy. DVDs, dubbed in French if possible, are also a good idea for children. If you are visiting a family as a couple (husband and wife/ boyfriend and girlfriend), it is acceptable to bring perfume and cologne. However, single women visiting a family should not give cologne as a gift. Perfume for your hostess, however, is okay.

What items can be bought in Morocco to gift?

Maybe you didn’t have plans to visit a family before you left your home country but now you’re in Morocco and have been invited to someone’s home for a meal. This scenario happens more often than you may think. If you need to pick up a gift on the go, here are a few ideas:

FlowersCookiesScarvesSoft drinksGift baskets

What you can find in Morocco will vary a lot on where you are. In a large city, you’ll have no problem finding the items listed but in a more rural area it can be difficult. Cookies are always a welcome gift and often this is what Moroccans give each other when visiting for a meal. While an increasing number of families in Morocco drink soft drinks, they don’t do so frequently. This is a great idea and the children of the family will love you for it! If you go the gift basket route, consider filling it with several small items your hostess would enjoy. Incense, small food/snack items, a new pair of babbouche (Moroccan slippers), a tin of sugar cubes or some tea could all be included.

Having small gifts in the ready is a great way to break the ice and start a new friendship on the right foot. If you’ve forgotten all of these suggestions and find yourself a guest at someone’s home, there’s one key question to ask: What would you like to receive? Moroccans are the same as everyone else and any gesture put forth will be met with thanks.

Written by Amanda Mouttaki.

Photo by Mike Legend.

Amanda (19 Posts)

Amanda is a curious world traveling mom of two busy boys, as well as a foodie at heart, and lover of all things Moroccan. She has been writing for Journey Beyond Travel for some time and also dedicates much energy to her blog, MarocMama where you can read great travel articles, get travel advice, and find some top recipes.

Tagged as: morocco customs, morocco gift giving, morocco gifts, Morocco traditions, Shopping in Morocco, visiting a family in morocco, what to pack morocco