5 of the best shopping spots in Jamaica

You may have a laundry list of souvenirs and gifts to buy in Jamaica and you are frazzled because you don't know where to begin.

Maybe the gift shop at the hotel you're staying at doesn't offer the variety of Jamaican products you desire, or you're searching for custom-made or one-of-a-kind gifts that will wow your friends at home.

You don't have to despair; you're actually a mile or two (or even closer) to a mall or shopping plaza.

So here's what you should do. Ask the front desk to recommend reliable transportation, put on comfortable shoes, and head out for a shopping adventure at any of the five best shopping shops in Jamaica.

Island Village, Ocho Rios

If you're looking for a statement piece (craft or jewelry) or a particular fragrance, Island Village Shopping Center has exactly what you need.

The mall is located just meters away from Dunn's River Falls. It houses a number of duty-free stores and a movie theatre.

Island Village is an ideal shopping spot to purchase brand-name perfumes, jewelry, and other accessories at half the cost you'd pay for them at home.

Time Square Shopping Mall, Negril

Located on Norman Manley Boulevard is the Jamaica version of Time Square.

Similar to the famous commercial district in New York, you can find just about everything a visitor wants to purchase at Negril's largest shopping mall.

During your shopping escapade, slide into one of the restaurants inside the mall serving up delicious Jamaican lunches, dinners, and snacks.

Whitter Village, Montego Bay

In addition to stocking up on food and drinks at the rates that locals pay, you'll find a diverse suite of shops at Whitter Village.

It's an ideal shopping mall for visitors who want to take home uniquely-designed maxi dresses and Jamaican slang T-shirts.

You'll find a few duty-free shops here as well.

Shoppes of Rose Hall, Montego Bay

Head further down on the Rose Hall corridor, and you'll enter duty-free heaven on earth at the Shoppes of Rose Hall.

Buy an engagement ring, a graduation gift, or personalized artwork for your special man or lady.

The entrance to this mall is opposite the entrance of the famous Rose Hall Great House so you can't miss it.

You can easily spend the entire day at this large shopping complex.

Sovereign Centre, Kingston

You will find a few American outlets such as Payless and the MAC makeup stores at Sovereign Super Centre.

The second floor of this shopping mall has a decent mix of skincare, apparel, and electronics retailers while the ground floor features a food court.

Bonus: craft markets in Jamaica

In addition to these popular shopping spots, for Jamaican-made craft accessories and artwork, visit the craft markets in the major tourist towns of Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, and Negril.

You'll find that the prices are more competitive than the gift shop at your hotel.