Travelers to the Cook Islands will find a number of stores that offer local black pearls for sale both loose and in jewelry. Black pearls are the leading export from the Islands and second only to tourism in importance to the economy.

For those with a smaller budget, choose locally printed pareos, fans, carvings etc. If you want a really distinctive souvenir or gift, go to the market in Avarua for a distinctive finely woven hat from the Northern Islands. You'll see the local women wearing these at church on Sunday. The tifaifai is another local craft - you can sometimes find it on the beds in resorts.