Shillong is a city of clouds, pine forests, soft rain, and warm people. Known for its waterfalls, Khasi culture, and colonial charm, it’s a place that stays with you long after your visit.
When you’re walking through its lively streets maybe looking for something to remember your trip by, or a thoughtful gift for someone this guide is just for you. Shopping in Shillong isn’t about bright lights or hurried choices, it’s about taking your time and discovering meaning in every item.
The markets here are packed with items that tell stories—of the Khasi tribe, of nature, and also of the traditions passed down through generations.
You’ll find Eri silk scarves, made without harming silkworms. You’ll see handwoven Khasi shawls, crafted by local women. And most commonly, you’ll notice bamboo—used in everything from baskets and bowls to hair accessories and jewelry. It’s strong, sustainable, and beautifully simple.
Whether you’re into crafts, textiles, spices, or eco-friendly products, Shillong has something special to shopping for everyone.
This article will also help you discover where to find these special items during your time in Shillong.
Most items range from ₹100 to ₹1,000, and buying them means supporting local artisans, small businesses, and women-led groups.
So, when you leave Shillong with a bag full of treasures, you’re also carrying home a small piece of its soul.
Now, let’s explore the best souvenirs shopping to take with you from Shillong.
19 Things to Bring Home from Shillong
Shillong is full of thoughtful things to take home whether you’re shopping for your family, a nature lover, or picking a gift for someone special. From handmade crafts to nature-inspired keepsakes, every item has a story. The markets here are calm and full of charm, offering souvenirs that are useful, meaningful, and also full of local culture. Here’s a list of items for shopping so that make great memories and gifts from Shillong.
- Khasi Shawls – Handwoven wool or Eri silk shawls made by Khasi women
- Eri Silk Scarves – “Peace silk” scarves dyed with natural colors
- Bamboo Baskets – Handcrafted baskets, trays, hampers
- Bamboo Home Crafts – Bowls, trays, hampers, eco-decor
- Bamboo Hair Clips & Eco-Combs – Sustainable, biodegradable accessories
- Herbal Oils – Wintergreen, lemongrass, turmeric oils for wellness
- Balms – Traditional pain-relief balms so made with local herbs
- Local Black & Green Tea – Grown in Meghalaya highlands
- Pickles – Bamboo shoot, king chili, and other local pickles
- Polished Cave Stones & Crystals – Ethically sourced from local caves
- Rock & Mineral Samples – Educational, labeled samples from Meghalaya
- Pressed Flower Bookmarks – Handmade with real dried wildflowers
- Jars of Soil or Sand – From Cherrapunji, sacred groves, or iconic landscapes
- Lakadong Turmeric – High-curcumin turmeric from Jaintia Hills
- Raw Wildflower Honey – Natural honey from forested regions
- Handmade Stone Jewelry – Rings, necklaces, earrings with local stones like agate, coral, quartz
- Spiritual Items – Incense, prayer flags, small deity or monk statues
- Tribal Paintings – Canvas artworks by Khasi, Garo, or Jaintia artists
- Handcrafted Bamboo Jewelry – Necklaces, earrings, and bangles made from bamboo
1. Khasi Shawls – Woven Warmth for Elders
You are inside the Meghalaya Handloom Emporium in Police Bazaar, just a short 5-minute walk from the city center, and you’ll see stacks of beautifully folded shawls in rich maroons and soft beige tones.
These aren’t factory-made.
Each Khasi shawl is handwoven by local women using wool or Eri silk—also known as “peace silk” because the silkworms are not harmed during the process. These shawls come from the East Khasi Hills, where the Khasi tribes have lived for generations.
Soft, warm, and crafted with care, so they’re make the perfect gift for grandparents or elder family members. It’s not just a souvenir it’s a so comforting piece of Shillong tradition shopping. A good shawl usually starts from ₹400 and ₹1,000.
2. Bamboo Baskets & Home Crafts – Useful, Strong & Eco-Friendly
Walk through the lively lanes of Bara Bazaar—Shillong’s oldest market to shopping and also you’ll spot stalls lined with bamboo goods that feel both rustic and refined.
At the market just 7-10 minutes away from Police Bazaar by car, you’ll see baskets, trays, and even laundry hampers, so each handwoven using cane or locally grown bamboo.
These crafts aren’t just so decorative they’re also practical gifts for anyone who enjoys home décor or needs extra storage. The weaving is tight, the shapes elegant, and the natural scent of bamboo makes each piece feel like a bit of nature you can bring indoors.
Prices usually start at around ₹150, making them thoughtful yet affordable souvenirs.
3. Local Tea & Pickles – A Taste of Meghalaya to Take Home
As you wander through the buzzing lanes of Bara Bazaar, you’ll come across small local shops quietly selling so something special freshly packed tea leaves and homemade pickles. The teas are grown in the misty hills of Meghalaya, offering smooth black blends, refreshing green tea, and even herbal varieties with a hint of lemongrass or ginger.
Next to the teas, you’ll spot glass jars filled with pickles made from bamboo shoots, king chili (also known as bhut jolokia), ginger, and even wild olives. These are not your usual pickles also they’re bold, tangy, sometimes fiery, and completely rooted in local taste.
This combo—aromatic tea and spicy pickle—makes a thoughtful gift for relatives who enjoy exploring new flavors. It’s also perfect for your own kitchen, especially if you want to relive the taste of Shillong once you’re home. Lightweight and compact, they easily slip into your luggage without worry.
Expect to pay anywhere between ₹100 to ₹500 depending on the type and size. A small price for a big burst of Meghalaya’s culinary soul.
4. Herbal Oils & Balms – A Natural Touch of Healing
If you walk through the quiet lanes of Laitumkhrah or browse the herbal corners of Police Bazaar, you’ll notice rows of small bottles with handwritten labels—each filled with healing oils like wintergreen, a naturally fragrant plant from the hills; lemongrass, a citrusy herb found in Meghalaya’s gardens; turmeric, a golden root known for its richness; or eucalyptus, a cooling leaf with a sharp, fresh scent.
These aren’t luxury spa products—they’re traditional remedies used for generations in Khasi households to treat sore muscles, colds, headaches, and stress.
The oils are made using age-old techniques and often blended by local women or small herbal groups. A few drops rubbed into the skin can ease pain after long travel days or bring calm before sleep. The balms are handy too—especially during cold weather or for older people with joint stiffness.
They’re lightweight, spill-proof, and travel-friendly—making them ideal souvenirs for grandparents, parents, or anyone who appreciates gentle, natural care. Prices are affordable too, starting from ₹100 and ₹300. You’ll find them in Laitumkhrah organic shops or in grocery and herbal counters around Bara Bazaar and Police Bazaar (just a 10–15 minute walk from the city center).
These little bottles may be small, but they carry the essence of Shillong’s traditional healing culture—quiet, effective, and made with care.
5. Polished Cave Stones & Crystals – Nature’s Sparkle in Your Palm
Shillong sits atop rich limestone hills, and the nearby caves—some of the longest in India—hide natural treasures shaped over centuries. From these deep, quiet places come polished crystals and cave stones, now sold at small craft stalls in Police Bazaar and Bara Bazaar.
You’ll find smooth stones in shades of grey, brown, and even soft silver, each with unique textures and natural patterns. Locals often keep them as good-luck charms, or so simply as beautiful desk pieces. For those interested in geology, spirituality, or raw nature, also be these stones carry the quiet strength of Meghalaya’s ancient earth and hidden caves.
They’re affordable, small enough to slip into your pocket, and meaningful without being flashy—perfect for nature collectors or loved ones who like thoughtful, earthy gifts. Prices generally range from ₹150 to ₹700, depending on size and finish. Both Police Bazaar (in the city center) and Bara Bazaar (about 15–20 minutes away by foot or a short drive) are great places to find them.
These are not just stones—they’re Shillong’s ancient earth, ready to travel with you.
6. Pressed Flower Bookmarks – Shillong’s Wildflowers, Preserved
Take a walk through Shillong in spring or monsoon, and you’ll spot wildflowers blooming quietly along stone paths, fences, and old colonial walls. Also some local artisans have captured that seasonal beauty in delicate bookmarks made from real pressed flowers.
You’ll find these in Laitumkhrah’s quieter corners—boutique stores and small craft stalls that value handmade work. Each bookmark is made using real flowers like wild daisies, cherry blossoms, or forest blooms dried carefully and sealed between layers of card or film. No two are exactly alike, making each piece a small, natural so original.
These bookmarks are light, eco-friendly, and easy to carry—perfect for friends who love books, art, or nature. They’re also ideal for gifting something personal without spending much. Most are priced between ₹80 and ₹200. Laitumkhrah is about a 20-minute drive from Police Bazaar, or just a short ride in a shared cab.
A simple gift that holds a little piece of Shillong shopping quiet charm.
7. Jars of Sand or Soil – A Piece of the Landscape, Bottled
Sometimes, the simplest souvenirs shopping are the most meaningful in Shillong. In select craft stalls near Bara Bazaar and from local trekking shops, you might find small glass jars filled with soil or sand—carefully collected from special places like Cherrapunji’s cliffs or the sacred groves of Mawphlang.
Each jar is labeled with its origin, so it feels like a tiny piece of a much larger story. These make quiet, thoughtful keepsakes for nature lovers, travelers who collect pieces of the earth, or even students working on geography projects.
Lightweight and symbolic, they’re a way to carry home the feel of Shillong’s misty hills and ancient earth. Also, they take up very little space, making them easy to pack.
Prices usually start from ₹100 and go up to ₹250, and during special treks or guided tours, some guides or souvenir makers can even help you request custom locations.
A simple, powerful reminder that the land itself is the greatest souvenir—but one that fits right in your hand.
8. Locally Collected Rocks & Mineral Samples – For the Earth Collector
For geology lovers or curious young minds, Shillong offers something special—real rock and mineral samples collected from the mineral-rich regions of Meghalaya. These aren’t just plain stones. Many come labeled with their type, location, and even depth if sourced from nearby caves or cliffs.
You’ll find them in nature-themed souvenir stalls around Police Bazaar or tucked inside educational craft corners near Bara Bazaar. Some are smooth and polished, while others are kept raw for a more natural look—each one a pocket-sized piece of Meghalaya’s underground world.
They make great gifts for school-aged kids, teachers, hobbyists, or anyone who collects natural objects.
Prices start at ₹150 and go up to ₹600, depending on rarity and presentation.
A quiet but fascinating souvenir for someone who sees beauty in the ground beneath their feet.
9. Everyday Eco-Goods – Useful, Thoughtful & Uniquely Shillong
Some of the best souvenirs are the ones you’ll use every day, and shopping in Shillong offers plenty of practical options rooted in both nature and tradition. These items are not just beautiful, but also useful—so they become part of your daily life while reminding you of your journey
You’ll spot bamboo hair clips and combs at roadside stalls in Police Bazaar—light, biodegradable, and often hand-painted in bright colors. These are perfect for eco-conscious friends or as simple daily-use gifts.
At handloom stores and small boutiques both in Laitumkhrah, look for Eri silk scarves. Known as “peace silk” because it’s made without harming the silkworms, Eri silk is soft, durable, and often dyed with natural colors like indigo or turmeric. These scarves carry both comfort and ethics in every thread.
And for something that brings Meghalaya’s health traditions to the kitchen, try a pouch of Lakadong turmeric—a potent variety with high curcumin content—paired with raw wildflower honey from Jaintia Hills. Together, they make a wellness duo that’s both flavorful and healing.
Each item is small, packable, and carries a story its so perfect for friends, relatives, or even yourself. Expect prices between ₹100 and ₹1,000 depending on what you choose.
10. Handmade Jewelry with Local Stones – Wearable Pieces of the Hills
As you walk through the inner lanes of Police Bazaar, tiny stalls sparkle with handcrafted necklaces, rings, and earrings so made from local stones like quartz, coral, and agate, all gathered from the rivers and hills around Shillong.
The pieces are a blend of tribal tradition and simple, modern style. Some feature detailed beadwork or carvings, while others highlight the natural color of the stone—like the deep green of polished agate or the soft blush of local coral.
These aren’t mass-produced accessories. Most are handmade by artisans who know the land and its materials. Whether you’re picking up a delicate pendant or a bold statement ring, each item carries a quiet connection to Meghalaya’s earth.
You’ll find them easily at street stalls in Police Bazaar or curated collections at shops like Kynmaw Boutique nearby. Prices usually range between ₹150 and ₹800 depending on size and stone.
11. Tribal Paintings – Stories of the Hills on Canvas
For a souvenir that tells a story without saying a word, tribal paintings from the Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia communities are a beautiful choice. These paintings often show scenes from forest life, local myths, and old traditions, using natural colors and traditional designs.
Some tell the story of the sacred forest in Mawphlang, believed to be protected by spirits, while others show the Shillong peaks—where locals say guardian spirits live among the clouds. Each painting carries a piece of the land’s magic and mystery.
In the quieter lanes of Laitumkhrah—where Shillong slows into leafy corners and small creative spaces—you’ll find galleries and boutique shops selling these paintings. Some are bold and expressive, while others are earthy and meditative. Each one captures a piece of the region’s cultural soul.
Whether you’re decorating a wall or gifting a unique piece of northeast heritage, these paintings make lasting impressions. They typically range from ₹200 to ₹1,000 or more, depending on size and framing.
12. Spiritual Items – Gifts That Carry Peace
In Shillong, where nature and calm often go hand in hand, spiritual gifts feel right at home. You’ll find incense sticks made from sandalwood or juniper, small prayer flags, and tiny statues of monks or local deities like U Blei (the Khasi Creator God), or representations of forest spirits believed to guard sacred groves, all perfect for someone who appreciates mindfulness or peaceful spaces.
These items are usually found in temple-side stalls near Police Bazaar or tucked into quiet corners of craft and spiritual shops in Laitumkhrah. They’re easy to pack, filled with meaning, and make gentle, thoughtful presents.
Prices typically range from ₹100 to ₹400 depending on the item and size.
Best Places to Shop in Shillong
1. Police Bazaar – Lively and All-in-One
The heart of Shillong shopping scene, Police Bazaar is lively, colorful, and packed with everything from local crafts and handmade jewelry to warm street snacks and budget clothes. Located just 2–3 km from most city hotels, it’s an easy walk or quick ride. You’ll want to spend at least 1–2 hours here, especially if you’re in the mood to bargain or browse leisurely.
2. Bara Bazaar (Iewduh Market) – Local and Authentic
Just about 2 km from Police Bazaar, Bara Bazaar is Shillong oldest and most traditional market for Shopping. It’s a maze of spice stalls, bamboo goods, fresh produce, and tribal fabrics. The experience is raw and real—not made for tourists but perfect for finding hidden gems. Go on a weekday morning if you want to avoid crowds, and give yourself 1.5 to 2 hours to take it all in.
3. Laitumkhrah Market – Calm and Creative
Set around 3–4 km from Police Bazaar, Laitumkhrah is where the city slows down. Boutique shops, organic stores, and craft stalls make this a quiet spot for thoughtful gifts—like pressed flower bookmarks or herbal oils. With cafés and street snacks nearby, it’s easy to spend an hour here, or longer if you linger for tea.
4. Government Handloom & Handicraft Emporiums – Fixed Prices, True Quality
Close to Police Bazaar and other central markets, these emporiums are run by the state and known for authentic products at fixed prices. It’s the best place for Khasi shawls, Eri silk, and also bamboo items without the stress of bargaining. You won’t need long 30 to 45 minutes is usually enough for a relaxed visit.
Conclusion: Take a Piece of Shillong Home
Shopping in Shillong isn’t just about buying things so it’s about finding special pieces that remind you of the people, nature, and traditions of this beautiful place. Every item has a story, whether it’s handmade, grown, or collected from the hills.
If you’re picking something for your parents or elders, Khasi shawls are a warm and thoughtful choice. If you love food or want to share a new taste with someone, local pickles are full of bold, spicy flavor.
You might like the peaceful story behind Eri silk—made without harming silkworms. And if you’re gifting someone who loves nature or unique keepsakes, a stone from the caves or a pressed flower bookmark is simple but meaningful.
Whatever you choose—jewelry, tea, bamboo crafts, or herbal oils—you’re not just taking home a souvenir. You’re carrying a small part of Shillong’s heart. So take your time, explore the markets, and enjoy every little discovery along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions – Shopping in Shillong
1. What are the best souvenirs to buy in Shillong?
Shillong offers a range of unique souvenirs that reflect the local culture and nature. Some top picks include Khasi shawls, Eri silk scarves, bamboo baskets, handmade jewelry, herbal oils, tribal paintings, pickles, and eco-friendly items like bamboo combs and pressed flower bookmarks.
2. Where is the best place to shop for authentic local products?
Authentic local products are available across several markets in Shillong. While some areas are known for variety and accessibility, others offer a more traditional and handcrafted experience. For high-quality and fixed-price items, government handloom and handicraft emporiums are also a good option.
3. Are Shillong’s markets tourist-friendly?
Yes, most markets in Shillong are quite tourist-friendly. They are generally safe and walkable, with locals who are helpful and welcoming. Popular markets have vendors who are used to interacting with travelers, and you’ll find everything from souvenirs to snacks quite easily.
4. What is special about Eri silk scarves from Shillong?
Eri silk, often called “peace silk,” is unique because it is produced without harming the silkworms. It’s known for being soft, breathable, and eco-friendly. Many scarves are dyed using natural materials like turmeric or indigo, making them beautiful, ethical gifts.
5. Can I buy souvenirs under ₹500?
Definitely! Shillong has many affordable souvenirs under ₹500, including herbal balms, bamboo hair clips, small jars of pickles, pressed flower bookmarks, and even rock and crystal samples. These make thoughtful yet budget-friendly keepsakes.
6. Are bamboo products really eco-friendly?
Yes, bamboo products from Shillong are usually handcrafted using locally sourced bamboo. They are biodegradable, sustainable, and support traditional artisan communities—making them both eco-conscious and culturally significant.
7. Is bargaining allowed in Shillong’s markets?
Bargaining is a common practice in local markets. While it’s acceptable in many stalls, it’s always best to be polite and fair when negotiating. In government emporiums and fixed-price stores, however, the prices are non-negotiable.
8. Can I carry these items in my luggage?
Most souvenirs from Shillong are lightweight and easy to carry. Items like scarves, small crafts, herbal products, and jewelry are travel-friendly. For liquid items like oils and pickles, secure packing is recommended to prevent spills during transit.
9. Where can I find tribal paintings or handmade art?
You can find tribal paintings in selected markets and boutique stores in Shillong. These artworks are often made by Khasi, Garo, or Jaintia artists and depict themes like forest life, local myths, and cultural rituals—each piece carrying a story.
10. What’s a good gift for someone who loves nature or wellness?
Gifts like Lakadong turmeric, wildflower honey, herbal oils, crystals from local caves, or also handcrafted bookmarks using dried flowers are perfect. These items connect with nature and reflect the purity and richness of Meghalaya’s environment.