Shopping and Souvenirs

Tobago is relaxed and unconventional – so the island is no paradise for shopping and buying souvenirs.

Visitors who are self-sufficient should plan their purchases a little. Some hosts organize some food by arrangement, which is available on arrival in the fridge. Due to the rather small selection of supermarkets according to European standards, a little preparation makes sense.

It is not the case that one or more providers do not provide food in every village. However, it is to be expected that some goods will not be in stock or only in larger packages. For storage, it is recommended that you take resealable containers with you in which opened goods can be stored safely from insects.
Overview of the largest supermarkets

Penny Savers Supermarket, Canaan – Tobago’s largest supermarket. To the left of the building there is a large car park and ATM. Directly opposite is a small shopping centre with a pharmacy and a well-stocked wine shop. Penn Savers has Monday – Saturday until 20:30 o’clock and on Sundays and holidays until 13:30 o’clock.

Penny Savers Supermarket, Carnbee – Smaller than the supermarket in Canaan, yet well sorted and with an attached pharmacy and some fruit / vegetable stalls.

Penny Savers Supermarket, Scarborough (Wilson Road), although significantly smaller than the other two Penny Saver markets, the largest supermarket in the capital and therefore usually very well visited.

R.T.Morshead, Mt.Pleasant – Slightly off Shirvan Road (turn right at Me-Shells Restaurant), somewhat higher quality assortment with some selection of imported goods.

All supermarkets accept payment by credit card. It is customary to require the presentation of a photo ID in the form of a passport or international driving licence when paying by card.

Fruit and vegetable traders can also be found in the smallest villages. As described above, no excessive claims may be made with regard to the availability of the goods.
For the purchase of fresh and frozen meat we can recommend the Golden Grove Farm Shop. This is located on a small road between Canaan and Mount Pleasant, turn left after Me-Shells Restaurant.)
Fresh fish can usually be purchased at the local fishing cooperative (e.g. in Castara) or directly at the harbor from the boat.

Souvenirs

Tobago is not a shopping paradise. Those who expect a large selection of colorful souvenirs will be disappointed here. Even buying small souvenirs for family and friends can be a challenge. To be honest, it is precisely this consistent ignorance of commercialization that makes the island so attractive to many visitors. One of the few shopping possibilities is the new Lowlands Mall, north of the Claude Noel Highway directly opposite the Tobago Plantations building.
For many years corals were a typical souvenir of Tobago. We are glad that the education of locals and tourists as well as laws have led to the fact that these are hardly offered any more. Make sure that even goods decorated with corals, such as jewellery, may not be exported. The same applies to the partly impressive large snail shells.
The selection of souvenirs is therefore limited to handcrafted goods such as bird troughs, leather sandals, bags, hats and hats as well as art jewelry.
On the beach, flying traders occasionally offer self-carved or decorated coconut shells. Some are surprisingly tasteful and can be individually processed upon request. In addition to the beautiful product, it can be very entertaining to discuss the design with the dealer and watch him at work.
A typical product is of course the local rum. It is quite cheap and of high quality. A well-known brand is Royal Oak. It is important to know that most international airlines do not tolerate the transportation of goods with more than 70% (140 proof) alcohol content in both hand luggage and suitcase. The 75% strong “Puncheon Rum” is therefore suitable for consumption on the island and not for export.
Also there are some dealers on Tobago who offer batik articles. There is a shop in Canaan directly opposite the Penny Saver supermarket, the Batik House in Scarborough is also worth a visit.
In Store Bay, it is worth taking a look at the stalls there, some of which also offer attractive goods.

Further shopping possibilities

Shore Things, Lambeau. Good selection of local music CD and handcrafted items. Very friendly advice. Usually open daily until 17:30.
Tobago Chocolate Delights, 25 Old Milford Road, Lambeau. In 2015 newly opened and wonderful shop for sweets and chocolate of local origin. Under the slogan ‘Deliciously Decadent’ Jean Claude Petit beautifully summarizes what he forms into irresistible treats by hand. The coconut cream, for example, is a great souvenir. The store is right next to “Shore Things” and in the same building. Opening hours from Monday to Friday from 12:30 to 16:00.
Batiki Point, Buccoo. Small batik studio and craft shop directly opposite the access to the beach of Buccoo. Owner Tina Friman offers a selection of scarves, curtains, T-shirts, towels, clothing and other souvenirs of local craftsmen and artists. Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm and Sunday during Sunday School from about 6:00 pm.
Forro’s Homemade Delicacies, The Andrew’s Rectory, Bacolet Street, Scarborough. Opposite the fire station towards the upper town of Scarborough, Eileen Forrester runs a fascinating little kitchen with an adjoining shop for spices, preserves and sauces. Specialties such as guava pudding, lime jam, tamarind chutney and hot sauces are put together in small bamboo or straw boxes and offered at reasonable prices.

Forbidden Souvenirs

Before you buy souvenirs, remember that many products from / with plants and animals are subject to international controls and restrictions in terms of species protection. Violations are subject to severe penalties and confiscation of the goods.
This has special relevance on Tobago for snail shells and corals including the processing to jewelry. Even if a salesman tries to convince the customer of the opposite – the export is strictly forbidden and punishable!