9 Must-Have Items to Buy When Shopping in India
Save this shopping list for your next trip to India…
Whether you're visiting India for the first time or returning, keep an eye out for these traditional items to add to your home and personal style. From unique homewares to beauty products, these are all must-haves to add to your collection.
1. Handmade Lehenga Choli
Location: Jaipur Markets
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, handmade Lehenga Cholis offers more than just a fashion statement. They are a work of art, carefully handmade by artisans. Buying a handmade lehenga choli will help support this traditional skill and keep it alive. It’s also handy to have if you’re attending a Garba event.
2. Traditional Kulhad Cups
Location: Jaipur Markets
Drinking chai from Kulhad Cups hits different. Whenever I drink from these traditional cups, it instantly transports me back to India - sipping chai from clay cups on the side of a busy road. This is a must-have to add to your list, as it will not only transport you to India but also serve as a beautiful home decor piece.
Chai, Chai & More Chai
Location: Sancha Tea Boutique, Jaipur
You can’t leave India without stocking up on Masala Chai, and if you had to choose which ones to buy, I would opt for Masala Chai from San-Cha Tea Boutique. They not only taste great, but they come in the most beautiful packaging that will elevate your Chai stand game. Everyone will be asking you where you got these from.
Bandhani Dupatta
Location: Jaipur Markets
If you’re visiting Jaipur I would recommend buying a Bandhani Dupatta as soon as you get there. I wore this tie-dyed scarf while visiting forts and heritage buildings. It really set the scene and made me feel like I was in a Bollywood movie.
Jhumkas
Location: Jaipur Markets
You can find Jhumkas in nearly any market in India. I find stocking up on a few in different colours comes in handy for last-minute events. I was lucky to come across these lightweight ones from Jaipur. Despite the delicate detail, they are actually not too heavy on the ears. I suggest only getting a few heavy Jhumkas to add to your collection but look for more lightweight Jhumkas as you’ll wear them more often.
Embroidered Chappals
Location: Jaipur Markets
These chappals were the start of my shopping spree in Jaipur. I saw these bright chappals hanging outside a market stand near Hawa Mahal. I told my friends I would be back in a second - 2 hours later I was back with my bag full including these chappals. These embroidered slides add a nice desi touch to Western outfits.
Embroidered Cushion Covers
Location: Udaipur
Before leaving for India, I had these black embroidered cushion covers on my list. I couldn’t find them earlier in my trip, but stumbled across lighter ones in Udaipur. They weren’t the original black ones I imagined, but I’m glad I got these ones instead. The lighter colour cushions, featuring a modern floral design, definitely brightens my home. It was destiny.
Shampoo & Hair Oil
Location: Kerala
When it comes to hair care, there is something special about the products from Kerala in South India. This tropical state is renowned for its Ayurvedic practices, and the hair oils and shampoos produced here are crafted using time-tested formulas passed down through generations. If you’re visiting Kerala, add hair cleansing shampoos and hair oils to your list to elevate your hair care routine.
Handmade Coconut Tea Cups
Location: Kerala
Coconut Tea Cups weren’t on my shopping list before leaving for India, as I’ve never seen these before! I stumbled across these cute coconut tea cups in Kerala and instantly fell in love. Each tea cup is handmade and different in shape, so each one has its own unique charm. Add these to your collection to sip chai from. They also make great home decor pieces for floral arrangements.
Prior to your trip to India, it's a good idea to compile a list of items you'd like to purchase. India offers a wide array of shopping options, and the weather can get quite hot. If you're short on time to create your own list, feel free to use this one as a reference :)
Remember to leave space in your luggage for souvenirs from other cities and exercise caution not to overspend during your initial stop (as I did in Jaipur).
If you don't have immediate plans to visit India but still wish to acquire some of these unique items, I managed to find similar items on Amazon, ranging from Dupatta’s to Kulhad Tea Cups. These do come with a higher price tag, but worth if you can’t make it to India any time soon.
