What to buy in Lebanon: 9 best souvenirs and gift guide

Shopping in Lebanon is not merely about acquiring trinkets; it is about bringing home tangible pieces of a culture that has been crafting beautiful objects for thousands of years. When you decide what to buy in Lebanon, you are engaging with a deep history of resilience and artistry. following the country’s recent economic challenges, your “fresh dollars” directly support artisan families who have been perfecting their crafts for generations. From the famous phoenix-handled cutlery of Jezzine to recycled glass blown in ancient Phoenician furnaces, Lebanese souvenirs tell stories of sustainability and heritage that you will not find anywhere else. Whether you are hunting for the perfect gift or looking to bring home something that will spark conversation, this guide breaks down exactly what to buy in Lebanon, where to find it, and how to get it home without breaking the bank or violating customs regulations.

1. Jezzine cutlery: The phoenix that rises from the south

The most prestigious item when considering what to buy in Lebanon is undoubtedly a piece of Jezzine cutlery. These are not just utensils; they are symbols of national pride. Each handle is hand-carved into the shape of a phoenix or firebird. They come complete with intricate brass, copper, and silver wire inlays that form the wings. This is not just decorative art. The phoenix symbolizes Lebanon’s ability to rebuild after every crisis, making it deeply meaningful beyond just being gorgeous tableware for your home.

The history of the Haddad craft

The craft dates back to the 1770s when the Haddad family in Jezzine started making ceremonial weapons for Ottoman officials. When demand for swords dried up in the 1930s, these artisans pivoted to dining cutlery. This proves that adaptability runs deep in Lebanese DNA. Today, you are looking at handles traditionally made from buffalo horn or sheep horn. Modern pieces often use a bone powder and cellulose acetate composite that is just as beautiful and significantly more durable for daily use.

How to identify authentic pieces

When you are looking for what to buy in Lebanon regarding cutlery, authentic pieces have tell-tale flush inlays. There should be no gaps or rough edges. They often feature Italian or French stainless steel blades for the actual utensil parts. Check for maker’s marks like “S&A Haddad” or “J&A Haddad” if you are serious about provenance. A single artisan can only produce six or seven handles per day, which explains the pricing and exclusivity of these items.

Pricing reality: Full service sets run $600 to over $1,050.
Budget option: Individual serving pieces like cake knives cost $50 to $150.
Where to buy: L’Artisan du Liban in Beirut or Orient 499.

2. Sarafand glass: Phoenician tradition meets sustainability

If you are wondering what to buy in Lebanon that connects you to history, head to Sarafand. Here, the Khalifeh family represents the last dynasty of traditional glassblowers in the country. They use techniques the Phoenicians invented around 50 BC. However, there is a modern twist that makes this an essential purchase. They are now using recycled glass as their primary material. They partner with environmental initiatives to turn discarded bottles into beautiful art.

The glassblowing process

The process is mesmerizing to watch. They melt recycled bottles in furnaces reaching very high temperatures. This creates signature colors like “Beer Green” from beer bottles, amber, dark blue, and clear glass. The little air bubbles and slight asymmetries you will notice are not defects. They are proof you are holding something mouth-blown by hand. It is not mass-produced in a factory. The popular “crackle effect” pieces get their distinctive look from being dipped in cold water while hot.

Best glass items to purchase

The Briq: A traditional water pitcher with a spout.
Vases and Carafes: Simple designs that showcase the light.
Replicas: Copies of ancient Phoenician vessels found in digs.

For eco-conscious travelers deciding what to buy in Lebanon, Sarafand glass checks every box. It ranges from $10 to $100. This makes it possible to buy for everyone on your gift list. Just be realistic about the transport risk and pack it carefully with plenty of padding.

3. Tripoli soap: Seven generations of olive oil luxury

Tripoli has been making olive oil soap since at least the 14th century. The Khan Al Saboun still functions as both a production facility and a shopping destination today. When making a list of what to buy in Lebanon, soap is often at the top because it is practical and historical. Two families dominate this industry: the Hassoun family and the Sharkas family.

The base is always pure olive oil, cured for months until it hardens. You will see these green or beige bars stacked in pyramids in the souks. Then you have the fragrance-infused varieties. These include amber, musk, jasmine, and the quintessentially Levantine scents of louban and bakhour. Modern formulations add therapeutic ingredients like alum for skin toning, turmeric, honey, and activated charcoal.

Why soap is the perfect souvenir

It is durable and will not break in your luggage. It is TSA-friendly and will not get you flagged at customs like food items might. At $5 to $50 for gift sets, you can stock up without blowing your budget.

4. Arak: The lion’s milk spirit

Arak is Lebanon’s national spirit. If you are bringing home just one bottle of alcohol when deciding what to buy in Lebanon, make it this. This anise-flavored grape distillate turns milky white when you add water. It clocks in at a potent 50% to 53% ABV. It is the traditional accompaniment to Lebanese mezze. Think of it as the local answer to Ouzo, but with a distinct profile.

The importance of aging

The difference between good arak and great arak comes down to aging. Premium arak is triple-distilled using copper stills. It is then aged in clay amphorae for at least one to two years. This allows the “angel’s share” to evaporate. This process mellows the harsh alcohol bite and rounds out the anise flavor into something smooth and creamy.

Arak Brun: Known for extreme smoothness and woody undertones.
El Massaya: Deeply aromatic with distinct green anise freshness.
Ksara: Crisp, clean, and classic anise punch.
Arak Touma: Robust and widely recognized.

5. Lebanese wine: Ancient roots and modern awards

The Bekaa Valley is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world. Modern Lebanese wines are winning international awards constantly. The terroir creates ideal conditions for viticulture. Lebanese winemakers are crafting bottles that hold their own against any European vintage. When considering what to buy in Lebanon for a sophisticated gift, wine is the answer.

Top wineries to look for

Chateau Musar is the most internationally renowned Lebanese wine. It is known for aging beautifully for decades. Chateau Ksara is the oldest winery, founded by Jesuits in 1857. They are famous for their Roman caves used for cellaring. Ixsir represents the new wave of winemaking with sustainable practices. Domaine des Tourelles is known for dry-farming and preserving old vines.

Pricing is attractive, usually between $15 and $100 per bottle. You can find excellent quality in the $30 to $40 range. This makes it more accessible than comparable French bottles.

6. Olive oil and zaatar: The flavors of home

Lebanese olive oil has a peppery finish that is distinctive. Look for cold-pressed and extra virgin labels. Brands like Zejd are excellent choices. But the real MVP when you ask locals what to buy in Lebanon is Zaatar. It is an unspoken rule that you must bring back Zaatar.

This quintessential Lebanese flavor is a blend of dried wild thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and salt. You will encounter “Red” zaatar which is cheaper, and “Green” zaatar which has higher thyme content. Go green if you want the authentic experience.

Customs warning for food

Dried herbs are generally admissible to the US, but you must declare them. They need to be commercially packaged. Those bulk bags in clear plastic from the souk might be confiscated by agricultural specialists. Play it safe with labeled, sealed packages.

7. Sweets: Baklava that survives the flight

Lebanese sweets are legendary. The two big names, Hallab 1881 and Doueihy, have mastered travel retail. Their baklava and maamoul come in vacuum-sealed tin boxes. These are designed to survive baggage handlers.

What is admissible? Baked goods, roasted nuts, and vacuum-packed hard cheese are fine. Fresh fruits and meat products are not. Always declare all food on your customs form. The fine for not declaring is not worth the risk for a box of cookies.

This category is where shopping gets interesting for socially conscious travelers asking what to buy in Lebanon. Several enterprises employ marginalized communities to create high-end fashion.

Sarah’s Bag: employs female prisoners to create hand-beaded handbags.
L’Artisan du Liban: supports over 1,000 artisans with fair-trade certification.
Boshies: reinvented the Tarboosh into a modern unisex accessory.
Orient 499: offers high-end kaftans and abayas.

Textiles travel well and are TSA-friendly. They make meaningful gifts that carry a story of social support.

9. Art and prints: Lightweight culture

For travelers who want authentic culture without the weight, paper goods are the answer. Plan BEY in Mar Mikhael collaborates with local artists to produce limited-edition prints. Halabi Bookshop is a cultural landmark offering books and vintage posters.

These items are lightweight and roll up easily. They fit in luggage corners and pass through customs without issue. It is the perfect solution if you are wondering what to buy in Lebanon but have limited suitcase space.

Practical logistics for your shopping

Currency and payments

Cash is absolutely king. The economy is heavily dollarized. Bring crisp, new USD bills. Do not use international credit cards for general purchases charged in LBP at the old rate. Many high-end shops charge in USD directly.

Shipping options

LibanPost is cheaper but can be unreliable. For valuable items like Jezzine cutlery or art, use Aramex or DHL. Aramex is often the regional leader with better rates.

Essential shopping neighborhoods

Mar Mikhael: Art and neo-heritage items.
Hamra: Books and casual souvenirs.
Achrafieh: High-end fashion and malls.
Beirut Souks: Saturday farmers market.
Byblos: Traditional souvenirs and fossils.

Your souvenir strategy should not be random. Listening to advice on what to buy in Lebanon is about economic solidarity. Every dollar you spend on authentic crafts supports family lineages. The best souvenir is not the most expensive one. It is the one that carries a genuine narrative. Whether it is a bottle of Arak or a bar of soap, you are bringing home pieces of a culture that refuses to vanish. Buy authentic, buy local, and navigate the logistics with empathy.