Island-inspired takeaways part 1

There's always space in your suitcase for island-inspired takeaways.

And in this series, we'll help you to fit Jamaica in your luggage on your return trip home.

There are more than enough Jamaican handmade novelties for you to choose from that can double as the perfect wedding, graduation, birthday, or any special occasion gifts.

Ranging from beaded neck and hand jewelry to historical artwork and literature, you can purchase Jamaican keepsakes at a novelty store inside your hotel or at a crafts market close by.

Shopping for Jamaican gifts that won't add an extra pound to your luggage? Here is a short list for you.

Touch By VLS

Handmade in the hills above Kingston, Touch by VLS is the definition of Caribbean modernism that meets whimsy.

Each uniquely crafted piece serves the purpose “to be touched by someone, to be experienced by the senses and to be shared with a feeling of love, purpose, and style in daily rituals we must remember to cherish.”

Blessing beads

These are island-inspired, handmade protection jewelry that mixes indigenous job tears seeds harvested by local farmers along with semi-precious gemstones and assembled by a small community of artisans, some of whom have physical disabilities.

Each piece is made with intention and love and provides blessing and protection to the wearer (found at select locations in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Kingston).

VisionArri Creations

From an early age, VisionArri Creations founder Arrianne Williams was inspired by the colors, vibrance, textures, and diversity of her island home.

Her desire to share the beauty she sees, in a way that is portable and useful, led to the creation of this line which includes bags, notebooks, note cards, and cushion covers.

Belcour Cookbook

Using old family recipes as her inspiration and with fruit grown on her farm, Robin Lim Lumsden developed a line of all-natural gourmet condiments; three fruit preserves, three hot pepper sauces, and three savory condiments.

The popularity of her products prompted her to release the Belcour Cookbook which is also available on her website and on Amazon.