Which souvenir to bring back from Réunion Island? A useful idea
A souvenir from Réunion Island that you will actually use, that travels light and tells the island's story: why an illustrated bag works, and where to find one before or after you fly home.
By Tropical Factory3 min read
The best souvenir from Réunion Island is one you are still using months after you get home: something light that fits in your suitcase and reminds you of the island every time you pick it up. A bag illustrated with Réunion designs ticks all those boxes, and it is also an easy gift for the people who stayed at home.
Here is why, and how to choose.
What makes a good travel souvenir
Before you buy, ask yourself four questions:
- Will I use it? Something you use every day keeps the memory alive.
- Does it travel well? Weight, fragility, space in the suitcase.
- Does it tell the story of the place? A pattern, a name, a story linked to the island.
- Is it made by someone from here? Buying local supports the island’s economy.
A Tropical Factory bag answers all four: it works for shopping, the beach or work, it is soft and light, its designs are inspired by Réunion Island and the brand is based in Les Avirons.
Designs that tell Réunion’s story
Each design has a name and draws on an island symbol. For a souvenir, a few patterns speak for themselves:
- Paille-en-queue: the white bird of the cliffs, a protected species often seen in flight. It is the bag in this post’s photo;
- Case créole: traditional Réunion architecture, with its colourful fronts and carved details;
- Ravenala: the traveller’s tree and its fan of leaves;
- Endormi: the chameleon, a symbol of adaptation and harmony with nature;
- Letchi: the island’s iconic lychee, the fruit of the end-of-year holidays.
The words 'Reunion Island' appear on many of the designs, which makes them easy to recognise as a souvenir.
Which size to bring back
| For whom | Recommended size | Listed price |
|---|---|---|
| Yourself, for every day | XL classic | €29 |
| A relative or friend | L or S classic | €24 or €20 |
| A small gift to slip in | Classic pouch | €14 |
| A picnic lover | Lunch bag or XL insulated | from €24 to €42 |
The sizes available vary by design: each product page lists the options on offer.
Suitcase tip: a pouch fits anywhere, and a soft tote can hold your last-minute purchases.
Where to buy your souvenir on the island
At the Saint-Paul street market
The Tropical Factory stall is there on Fridays from 8 am to 2 pm and on Saturdays from 8 am to noon. It is the perfect stop at the end of your stay, between a samosa and one last Victoria pineapple.
At our stockists
Shops, hotels, craft galleries: the full list is on the Our retailers page. We also go through it in where to buy local crafts on Réunion Island.
Already back home? Order online
Did not have time to shop before your flight? The online shop delivers to Réunion Island and Europe with Colissimo. Orders ship within 5 business days of confirmation, and delivery to Europe is free from €150, according to the site banner.
It is also a way to give a souvenir from Réunion Island to someone who has never visited, or to someone who left the island and misses it.
A souvenir with meaning
All our bags are made from recycled plastic bottles. Bringing home a souvenir that gives waste a second life, rather than an ornament that ends up at the back of a drawer, is a nice way to make the trip last. For more ideas in the same spirit, see our selection of handcrafted gifts from Réunion Island.
FAQ
What are typical souvenirs from Réunion Island?
Commonly mentioned souvenirs include vanilla, flavoured rum, spices, lava stone jewellery and vacoa baskets. A bag illustrated with island designs has the advantage of being useful, light and easy to carry.
Can I have a souvenir from Réunion Island delivered to mainland France?
Yes, our online shop delivers to Europe with Colissimo.
Will the bag fit in a suitcase?
A soft bag folds easily. Pouches slip into any piece of luggage.
