Art: Its paintings may never rival those of the finest Haitian artists, but Jamaica is at least the second-best center for art in the Caribbean. Prices are still reasonable, too, even when the artist has a certain renown. Although paintings are sold all over the island, the finest art is found in Kingston at either the Frame Centre Gallery or the Mutual Life Gallery, the two leading display showcases for the best of the island's artistic talent.

Handicrafts: Crafts come in many forms, ranging from alabaster and woodcarvings to weavings. But quality is highly variable. Any outlet of Things Jamaican, including the one in Montego Bay (tel. 876/952-5605) has a good assortment of crafts, as does Harmony Hall outside Ocho Rios on the North Coast.

Fashions: Many artisans in Jamaica produce quality resort wear; Jamaican women are known as good seamstresses, and they often make quite passable copies of the works of top designers at a fraction of the original's price. Some of the best resort wear is found at Caribatik Island Fabrics, an outlet outside Falmouth.

Jewelry and Watches: Some watches at various outlets in Jamaica sell for 20% to 40% off stateside prices. Be sure to buy from a reliable dealer, not vendors hustling so-called gold Rolex watches. Jamaican gemstones include coral agate and black coral, and many fashionable pieces are made from these stones; quality handmade necklaces are sold nearly everywhere.