Cameroon
I would put Penja white pepper on the list for Cameroon because it is the kind of thing that feels useful once you are home, not just another airport purchase. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. The reason it works is that it gives you a quick reminder of the trip without needing to keep a fragile ornament safe forever.
Cameroon
This is exactly the sort of thing I like bringing back from Cameroon: small enough to fit in a bag, but specific enough to remind you where you bought it. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. It is also the kind of thing you can talk about when someone asks what you brought back, because there is usually a little story attached to where you found it.
When I think of an easy, crowd-pleasing thing to bring back from Cameroon, ndolé spice mix is a good pick because it does not need much explanation when you hand it over. The best version is usually the sealed jar, tin or packet from a normal supermarket, spice stall or food hall, not the most expensive tourist version. I would rate it higher when it is locally made, clearly labelled and easy to use at home, and lower when it is just tourist packaging.
Cameroon
Woven grass basket is worth adding because it feels like something you actually noticed while travelling through Cameroon, rather than a generic souvenir. The trick is to choose the simple, well-made version. Small craft items look better on a shelf when they are not too shiny or mass-produced. The ideal version is modestly priced, not too bulky, and good enough that you would buy it again even without the holiday memory.
Cameroon
Textile accessory inspired by Cameroonian royal blue-and-white patterns.