Summary
From the Traditional to the Hip and Contemporary
When visiting Mumbai, you’ll no doubt be attracted to the colorful handicrafts. You’ll find brass decor items, pottery, carved wood, silver jewelry, and textiles. In addition to traditional items, there are some renowned boutiques that sell unusual contemporary hand-made goods that fit well with any decor. In some specialty shops, you’ll find unique gifts with barely a nod to the traditional.
Some shops have fixed prices, but in others, you are invited to haggle a bit. If you really want to look for a bargain, visit one of the colorful markets.
Avante Cottage Crafts
Address: Shop No. 12, Oriental Mansion Building, Nathalal Parikh Marg, Dr Ambedkar Statue Chowk Area, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400005, India
Phone: +91 98206 92382
Avante Cottage Crafts, founded in 1950, is a family-owned business. Initially, they sold mostly wall hangings and paintings. However, due to customer demand, the range has expanded to include brass artifacts, pottery, woodcraft, silver jewelry, tribal crafts, and hand-embroidered linens. The owners source the items from their travels all over India, and there’s something for everyone. Prices are fixed and reasonable, service is excellent, and the staff isn’t intrusive. You’ll probably find that you’ll do most of your souvenir shopping there.
Colaba Causeway
Address: Colaba Causeway, Cuffe Parade, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
One of Mumbai’s top markets, Colaba Causeway attracts foreign tourists and Indians alike to browse through the multitude of stalls that line the road. Shoes are a popular purchase, along with bronze statues, textiles, and jewelry. The colorful markets also are popular with photographers. Haggling is expected, so put your bargaining skills to good use!
The Bombay Store
Address: Western India House, Sir Phirozshah Mehta Rd, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001, India
Phone: +91 98191 27733
If you’re looking for an eclectic mix of modern and traditional Indian handicrafts, head to The Bombay Store. This historic company dates back more than 100 years, during the time of British rule and the Swadeshi Movement. The shop was set up to help revive and sell furniture and handicrafts made in India. The Bombay Store, a specialist in home decor, remains a treasure trove of all things Indian with some intriguing custom designs. Though prices are a bit higher, the items are of top quality and uniqueness.
Contemporary Arts and Crafts
Address: Taj Building, 210 D.N Road, Fort.
Artisans’
Address: 52 – 56, Dr, Forbes St, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001, India
Phone: +91 98201 45397
Artisans’ is a boutique art gallery that opened in 2011, aimed at providing artisans and designers with a platform to reach urban customers. Founded by Radhi Parekh, who comes from a family associated with local textiles, this gallery shop features a range of fine-quality handmade items including women’s apparel, scarves, jewelry, and bags. The designs blend traditional and modern aesthetics with special exhibitions held throughout the year.
The Museum Shop
Address: 159-161, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Lion Gate, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001, India
Phone: +91 22 6958 4400
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly the Prince of Wales Museum) has a small handicrafts shop near its entrance. Most items are made under charitable trusts, featuring a collection inspired by objects in the museum.
Baaya Design
Address: A-Wing, Ground Floor, Prathamesh Tower, Raghuvanshi Mills, Senapati Bapat Marg, Gandhi Nagar, Lower Parel West, Worli, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013, India
Phone: +91 89284 20056
Baaya Design specializes in Indian folk art, particularly tribal art. Founded by designer Shibani Jain in 2009, this studio displays over 40 different Indian art forms in a beautiful and creative way.
Kulture Shop
Address: 9 Examiner Press, 115 Nagindas Master Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001, India
Phone: +91 22 2267 7006
Kulture Shop has made their mark with unique products designed by leading Indian graphic artists. The flagship store in the Kala Ghoda arts precinct is spacious and stocked with products including t-shirts, framed prints, tote bags, stationery, cushion covers, notebooks, and phone cases, making it a great place for trendy gifts.
Mela Handicrafts
Address: S-68, Rcity Mall, 2nd Floor, North Wing, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, Amrut Nagar, Ghatkopar West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400086, India
Phone: +91 98330 03099
Mela has an attractive store in R City Mall, showcasing ethnic products and arts from all over India, including jewelry, wooden boxes, furniture, and textiles.