Top Rated Shopping in St. John

Bamboula's shelves are crowded with interesting and eclectic merchandise from around the world. The women's clothes range from funky to fanciful with practical making an appearance or two. The home accessories include batik bedspreads, intricate boxes, exotic soaps, and whatever else caught owner Jo Sterling's fancy. You might find roll on glitter for your face or body jewelry. The merchandise changes regularly, so what is in stock is always a surprise.

Verace offers exclusive jewelry designs by international artists, including pieces by renowned artists John Kennedy, Steven Douglas, John Bagley, John Hardy, Jacob Snow, Steven Webster, and others. The styles, ranging from classical to nautical, include many gemstone designs. The Patrick Murphy sailboats studded with gems are especially intriguing. Many pieces are one of a kind. The artists welcome custom work as well.

Pink Papaya is chockablock with cute and colorful gift items. Pottery in tropical bright colors, picture frames, glassware, children's toys, cookie jars, and more fill the shelves. It is the perfect place to shop for that perfect present for the hard-to-please person on your gift list. The store is also a showcase for art by long-time St. John resident Lisa Etre. Her colorful works, usually island scenes and people, speak of the tropics.

It is worth the long trek out to Hansen Bay to visit Sloop Jones. Fabric artist Terry McCoy hand paints ordinary tee-shirts, tank tops, sweaters, dresses, and pillows into wearable works of art. Vibrant colors splash across the fabric, creating items not seen at other hand-painted clothing shops. His clothes are for sale at a few shops in the Virgin Islands, but a visit to his studio lets you watch the artist in action.

Island Fancy, located at Mongoose Junction Shopping Center and the Westin Resort, carries nifty gift items with a tropical theme. Shop here for plush iguanas, beach bags splashed with colorful flowers, metal fish, hand painted bowls, herbs and spices, rum cakes, Caribbean cookbooks, tee shirts as well as prints, original art and books by the best of the island's artists. Even the smaller take-home items like coffee mugs have a tropical flair. Do check website or call for opening hours.

Established in 1982 by the Sakhrani family, Grand Jewelers is still owned and run by the same family. A reputed jewelry store near the port, this lovely shop will charm you with their customer service and jewelry pieces. You will find a range of jewelry for every occasion. From silver to gold, diamonds and gemstones, their collection ranges from fashion jewelry to bridal and watches.