You find yourself shopping in Mexico at the local marketplace on your holiday and wonder, “What in the world should I buy as a souvenir?” While souvenir shopping Mexico style certainly a sombrero and the best tequila to bring back from Mexico are always an option.
However once the tequila is gone you may find that your wardrobe back home really doesn’t suit a sombrero on a day to day basis. Heading home with great Mexican souvenirs requires a bit of knowledge and an eye for traditional work of local Mexican artisans.
Finding the best things to buy in Mexico
PIN this to your Pinterest travel board!
Best Souvenirs to Buy in Mexico
The Spanish word for souvenir is recuerdo translating to reminder. The tequila sombrero combination may be seem like the best Mexican souvenirs Cancun could offer. However Mexico has a long tradition of artisans creating beautiful pieces which will leave lasting memories of the colors and traditions of Mexico.
Silver the Mexican souvenir show off
Check the quality of your silver souvenir from Mexico
At most every market and Mexican souvenir shop you will find silver items for sale, often religious in nature. It may not be everyone’s idea of a perfect souvenir to have a 3 foot crucifix in their suitcase but often small intricate pieces can be found.
Taxco silver, produced in the town bearing its name, will be most reasonably priced at the point or origin. Still this renowned Mexican silver can be found throughout Mexico. With a bit of negotiating it can be purchased without breaking your Mexico shopping budget.
Be sure to look for .925 stamp which indicates quality sterling silver. Mexico souvenir prices can vary a great deal for silver. Be sure your souvenir in Mexico is the real thing.
Souvenir shopping Mexico – Clay Pottery a practical find
Mexico’s geology includes a variety of clay with red being most common. When wondering what to bring from Mexico, a small dish or a casserole, whatever your luggage might be able to handle can make a perfect Mexican souvenir. Imagine the authentic Mexican meals you will make in this souvenir dish.
Keep an eye open for a clay souvenirs from Mexico made from the much less common clay barro negro. You will recognize it by it’s pearly black shine.
Shopping in Mexico for Leather
Leather work in Mexico is tied to the history of the charro/vaquero the cowboy tradition, and makes a smart souvenir. Historically it was belts and boots that stole the shoe as traditional Mexican souvenirs.
The unique Mexican handbags, purses and wallets are fabulous choices for what to bring back from Mexico. Such colorful accessories will more likely to be a hit with that teenager you are shopping for than a ceramic donkey and get you top marks on the souvenir Mexico quest. No offense to the ceramic donkey.
Souvenir Shopping Mexico for Fabrics and Clothing
Shop for cotton or traditional linen items which are cooler than the newer polyester options. Vibrant embroidery on shirts, dresses and shawls may not work for the office but can be a fun casual look and offer some of the best shopping prices in Mexico.
The huipil is traditionally worn by Mexican women. The loose fitting fabric blouse or tunic is embroidered with a variety of pictures and designs. Styles vary among ethnic groups in Mexico and Central America.
Mexican blankets come in every shade imaginable. On our first trip to Mexico many years ago we chose these Cancun Mexico souvenirs. Acting as a couch cover, picnic blanket and fort walls they turned out to be the best souvenirs from Cancun we could have chosen.
Good Souvenirs from Mexico for Children
Mexico and music go hand in hand so it will be no surprise to find maracas and wooden flutes in abundance. If shopping for children of friends, consider that noise making souvenirs are not always a desired option. It depends on how much you like your friends.
Quieter options include marionettas (puppets), dolls in traditional Mexican dress and who wouldn’t love a mini skull necklace?
Wood Carvings and Artifacts
Mexican folk art holds a rich tradition of items made of various materials with multi purposes from decoration to creations used for celebrations and religious rites.
The traditionally made items are referred to in Mexican Spanish as ‘artesania’. The term refers to arts and crafts created with traditional methods rather than off an assembly line.
Watch for unique items not seen in other stalls in the market. Hand made or not these colorful Mexican souvenirs are easy to get back home and great conversation starters with guests.
Jewelry the special find of souvenir shopping Mexico
Turquoise, leather and silver jewelry can be found in abundance in Mexico souvenir shops. The pretty items are popular Mexico souvenirs. In some areas of Mexico black coral is sold.
A word of caution to not buy any as it is endangered and you may have adventures with the customs agents should it be found in your possession. Avoid tortoise shell for similar reasons and for the sake of the poor tortoise.
Mexican food as a souvenir
Harvested in the states of Oaxaca, Verzcruz and Chiapas, coffee beans make not only a delicious souvenir but a non breakable one. Perfect for packing in corners of suitcases, the organic java is a happy traveling companion.
Mole paste is best found at authentic local markets however may be more challenging to get through your country’s customs. Be sure to check regulations prior to transporting this tasty Mexican souvenir. Vanilla is another commonly sold Mexican product which any baking fan at home will be thrilled to receive.
Whether you are looking for souvenirs in Mexico City or the best place to buy tequila in Cancun our suggestion is to do some research. Talking to locals and getting suggestions will help you arrive home with the best souvenirs Mexico had to offer.
So many things to bring back from Mexico
Until not so long ago, I avoided souvenir shopping when traveling like the Bubonic plague. Then I found Kristin who has the most amazing travel site called Souvenir Finder. Kristin can tell you the best thing to buy in most any country, what is legal to purchase, where to get it and best of all how to get home.
Do you have a favorite souvenir you like to bring home from your travels? Can you suggest what souvenirs to buy in Mexico?
Now a Mexico souvenir from me to you for those of you on Pinterest.
I am always drawn to pottery Sue, including a colourful small bowl from Mexico. I have a number of pieces I have carted home from various destinations, all give me great pleasure when I pull them out!
Lynn I appreciate you sharing. I am imagining you in your kitchen and smiling as you pull out some colorful dish from a trip. It often gives me a lift when i go to make dinner and find some colorful piece waiting for me. 🙂
Like you, we rarely brought home souvenirs from our travels since I’m not a big fan of ‘stuff’ but we do have some precious exceptions 🙂
I have 2 colourful blankets from Mexico … given to me by different people over the years. They have seen a LOT of action and taken a lot of abuse. I still love them both!
Joanne you see the twin sister trend continues. 🙂 Aren’t they incredibly durable? Also easy to fold and get into a suitcase. Thanks so much for sharing .
Durable? I’m starting to think they are indestructible 🙂
You’ve inspired me to look around at some of our souvenirs and contemplate a post. Maybe 😉
Excellent! I think that could be a very fun compilation. I will look forward to it!
What a beautiful souvenir post, Sue! Love these colorful fabrics and potteries. I normally buy smaller items that I can pack in my luggage or buy a special item that I really want. 🙂
Thank you so much Amy. Yes it is finding something that will fit in the luggage isn’t it. We often do carry on so the choice becomes more strategic.
As we didn’t have a home to go home to for such long time souvenirs were an issue. My souvenirs have been photos and stories.
Did you know souvenir is French for remember?
I did not know that Carol. Yes I can appreciate that when traveling in a RV there would be little thought of gathering extra ‘things’. Stories and photos are wonderful.obviously I am a big fan of both. 🙂
What glorious colours. And those pots. Oh yes. So joyous.
Thank you Tish. I love the colors too. One just can’t help but smile at the sight of them.
That’s it. Not just colours – they make you smile.
Great ideas! I have brought back some amazing items from Mexico over the years. Some of these things have followed me to Spain.
Thanks for that Darlene. I wondered about your move to Spain and if it was hard to decide what to bring. Glad to hear some of your special souvenirs got to journey along.
It was so hard to decide what to take along. I gave so much away.Some of the things I couldn´t take with but just couldn´t part with I gave to my kids and grandkids. That way they are still in the family. I managed to bring some of the very special things like a terracotta figurine I picked up in Cabo San Lucas and a Diego Rivera print from Manzanillo. They look perfect in m Spanish home.
That kind of downsizing would have to be challenging for sure. I can imagine the Mexican souvenirs fit so well in your new home though.
I am a sucker for silver jewellery (could have camped out in Taxco, Mexico and shopped forever) and the odd piece of pottery. I will usually buy one thing now on a trip whereas in my younger days, accumulation was the story. No longer… now it is all about the experience.. unless the experience means shopping in India and then I have no control.
Thanks so much for sharing. I understand Taxco is where many silver shops are in Mexico and that most silver found throughout the country comes from there. Can I ask what you would buy in India? I have never been so would be keen to hear.
Jewellery in India is so unique and has a lot of character… as well as wall hangings, tapestries, brass… and this comes from me, who really hates shopping and usually has to be forced to go buy anything. The colours in India are just so vibrant and shocking…. entire stores filled with bangles. I just love the atmosphere of it as well.
It sounds like a place that must find it’s way on to my travel list. I appreciate you sharing this vibrant picture of shopping in India!
Well India is like no other really. It literally is an assault on all your senses. You could walk outside your hotel room, glance up and down the street and see more in any day than you would in any other destination. It never fails to amaze, to shock, to sadden, to force your eyes wide open to the dichotomy of it all. It is travel on super steroids. You just have to go and see it. An easier route is to hire a a driver and even a guide for yourselves. Many do it this way for a week or 2 week trip.
Travel on super steroids. Yes a guide may be the way to go! I have heard one has to be really prepared for the diversity of stimulation!
I suggest lots of research as to where, choosing fewer destinations, slower travel and a mix of budget and slightly higher end accommodation for some needed pampering along the way. I did it with my dad who was getting older with a driver/guide (the guy did both) and we did Rajhastan and it worked very well. We had flexibility with our itinerary so could stay longer if we want etc.
Sounds like some excellent advice! I will keep you in mind for more suggestions should we get serious about India as a destination.
I usually go for a charm. When my parents owned what is now our RV, my mom would buy charms and hang them on a chain which stretched the entire length of the slide. Sometimes it was an actual charm, sometimes a small keychain. She bought scads of small blankets in Mexico and they now serve as the curtains in Waldo (the RV) Since we are also going to be moving into Waldo full time, we tend to be very careful with what we buy. It has to be small or have multiple functions. Neat link to Souvenir Finder. My one weakness is a shiny rock, but it must be one I find, not one I buy.
I so appreciate you sharing with me. Those Mexican blankets seem to be a popular one for many people. i love the idea of finding a special rock. When my Dad was alive he loved receiving rocks from around the world for my parents rock garden.
I don’t like spending money on something that will end up in a drawer.The best buy I ever made — and an unexpected on — was my silk duvet and pillow. <3 <3 When I was in Mexico almost 20 years ago, I did bring back one of those clay sun faces, which years later ended up in my garage sale. Tsk. Tsk.
I always try to bring home something I would use daily, like a dish or a piece of pottery…..
Love those tourquoise bracelets, too!
What I hate are those souvenirs that end up in a drawer , forgot for ever!
I so agree that one has to give some serious thought as to what is practical yet serves as a beautiful reminder. Thanks for sharing!
I know! What’s the point? Finally, someone understands me. 😀
We think alike , it seems !
Love the idea of the duvet and the pillows:such a clever investment !
😀 !
How-deeeeee. Hard to pass up something functional and well priced. 😀 😀 😀 I had already been planning on getting a new pillow before my trip and voilà…
Tess I remember reading in your blog post about that purchase. It’s not a souvenir I ever would have thought of so good thinking on your part. Yes the thing with traveling is often at the time something looks fantastic until you get home. 🙂
I don’t like extraneous ‘stuff’. I did luck out with my souvenir. Who knew? Not me. <3 <3
.
I think it was a brilliant idea!
Some functional things are just worth taking home. 😀 😛 <3
I couldn’t agree more Tess. 🙂
Ha ha ha ha ha.
I’m a T-shirt hound but not just any T-shirt…. has to be cute, soft, and cut for a gal. When all else fails, jewelry will hit the spot and doesn’t take up much room. That pottery would be tempting though 🙂
Ingrid I imagine in the RV you would want to be very selective. A t-shirt sounds like a great idea and of course it’s hard to go wrong with jewelry. I agree those colorful pots and dishes just lure one over. 🙂
Loved this post. Indeed very excellent recommendations! Whenever I go to Mexico I bring back souvenirs for myself even though it’s my hometown! But since I haven’t lived there since 2008, I love bringing back things. A few things I’ve brought in my last couple of trips were a sugar pot, a salt shaker and a tortilla press. I would love to bring back more pottery ware. One thing I always bring that you didn’t mention is sweets! Traditional Mexican sweets and coffee are great souvenirs, this is what I bring myself as well as my friends. In fact I just started working on a Mexican candy post 😉
Mani thank you so much for the kind feedback and the additions. I am so grateful to have your suggestions. Yes coffee and sweets are definitely good ideas. Have you had any issues with getting food through customs?
No, I have not have any problems with customs and I usually declare them. 🙂
Great to know Mani. I appreciate you letting me know. I’m always one to declare everything too.
As a wearer of clip earrings, I was always able to find a variety of silver ones in Mexico….lovely, portable and useful souvenirs.
The perfect souvenir Mom! I have found jewelry from other countries is often a conversation starter too. Thanks so much for sharing!
I usually look for something that is useful around the house, like as you said blanket or the pottery. I like the pottery for some gambas al ajillo. Yum!
I will be straight over for some shrimp in garlic! So fun to serve food in dishes that take us back to a memorable place we have visited. I appreciate you sharing your favorite souvenir.
Oh, Sue, I was practically crying (with laughter, you’ll be pleased to hear) reading this. A 3 foot Crucifix….offended Ceramic donkey etc etc… ?
Sue as I think I have mentioned before I am always happy, more like relieved, when someone mentions my humor. Otherwise I sit back thinking, did anyone get that?. Kind of like if a tree falls in a forest…. You made my day. 🙂
Excellent! Always glad to make someone’s day! We really must meet up one day ?
I would like that very much Sue. Feel free to email me at traveltalesoflife@gmail.com to let me know where you live. I can put it on our travel radar. 🙂
Ooh, will do!
I’m obsessed with buying fabrics wherever I go – so nice having a blanket / throw / cushion covers to make when you get back home 🙂
For someone who loves to sew a perfect souvenir! Thank you very much for sharing that with me. 🙂
I don’t often bring back souvenirs for myself. But for my first trip in Ecuador, I brought back a lot of fabrics (mainly scarves) and I don’t regret it. I’m still using my scarves, my blankets and my bags !! 🙂
Those sound like practical pieces. I have a very favorite scarf that I bargained in Turkish for at the Grand Bazaar. Love wearing it. Thanks for sharing your souvenirs!
I prefer to buy practical pieces than souvenirs that could break down in the backpack
Totally makes sense! We have brought back some little fragile pieces on occasion but try to only buy such things at the very end of a trip.
I love the bright colors of everything!
I’m always drawn to such beautiful colors too. 🙂
after too many years of travel and bringing home “STUFF” we avoid the local momentos like the plague.
however if we are on a road trip we have made the odd major art purchase, but now that we have run out of walls, even that’s sorted!
the most memorable was a whole day haggle in the middle east over a carpet – it was during ramadan and when the sun went down the party started – we bought the carpet!
love the post- isn’t everything just SO vibrant in that part of the world ‘reaches for sunglasses’
anne
It sounds very similar to our carpet shopping in Turkey. It was an afternoon of ‘refreshments’ and we arrived home to meet our two Turkish rugs that had been shipped. 🙂
Thank you so kindly for sharing your thoughts and stories on souvenirs. Indeed bring out the sunglasses!
Love all the colourful fabrics, I’d have to bring some home 🙂 All the souvenirs remind me of what’s on offer in Peru.
Annie I will soon be able to compare first hand. I love the colors too. Just call me a magpie. 🙂
I love posts about souvenirs! I always bring my Mom home a Coca Cola from wherever I visit provided it’s from somewhere outside of the US. 🙂
https://bulldogtravels.wordpress.com/2015/03/19/relics-of-trips-gone-by/
I remember this post. What a great idea to bring your Mom a coke from around the world! The bottles and cans are so different!
Thanks!
I love the ideas! I’m always drawn to smaller things that fit in suitcase and be bought in quantity (for co-workers) like keychains, shirts, or fridge magnets. Thank you for the ideas!
You are most welcome and I really appreciate you sharing what works well for you as a souvenir. Space is often a big determinant isn’t it?
Yes it is. Excess baggage fees are ridiculous!
I detest those costs!
During our year in Mexico I found that my favorite souvenirs were silver jewelry and pottery. We befriended a third generation silversmith and I took home some lovely pieces of his.
LuAnn how fantastic not only to have the silver pieces but to know the artisan who made them. That type of souvenir is tops in my books! I appreciate you sharing.
Souvenir Finder = BRILLIANT!!
I also got a bit of the pottery and jewellery when I last visited, and am so glad I did now – most of my meals are served up on the plates I bought on Isla Mujeres, and it brings back the best memories every time 🙂
I agree that Kristin’s site is superb! What a find! I love the idea of dinner on plates you brought home as souvenirs. Adds joy to what can be a ‘chore’ of making meals. Thanks for the idea. Much appreciated.
I think I got the best “souvenir” and she is still with me 32 years and counting!
That is such a fantastic and sweet thing to say Roger. How the years have flown. Dave wants to know if C says the same about her Canadian souvenir? 🙂
I think she does. She is still with me!
I think that says it all! 🙂
Such beautiful souvenirs in Mexico. Don’t think I’d buy the ceramic for fear of them smashed into smithereens on the rest of my journey, but will probably go for the cloths and bags. Yes, for a young person like me, I like the bags… 😉 In general I don’t go out of my way to get a souvenir from a trip or a town I visit. Usually I’m more focused on taking in the sights and taking photos 🙂
Mabel I appreciate you sharing your thoughts as one of my younger readers. Glad to know I’m on the right track with the handbags. Photos really are the best souvenir of all from trips prior to blogging I can’t believe how few I took.
And you certainly are in tune with younger people fashion, Sue. You’re certainly young at heart 😉 On a normal two or three hour stroll in my own city, I can take up to over a 100 photos. I don’t want to think about how many photos I will take when I’m traveling next… But I’m sure you beat me at photo taking 😀
I don’t know Mabel it sounds like you may have me beat on the photos. We are actually taking less and getting better at deleting the mediocre ones. We found once home from a trip we would have a thousand or more. Choosing which ones went into posts became daunting.
A thousand photos on a trip. You set the bar high. I hope to smash that. I tend to not delete the mediocre photos especially if they aren’t blurry – for me cropping a photo makes it look better 🙂
Over the last year I have gotten into editing a bit so yes besides the number of photos there is the editing process. The thousand photos would be over three weeks. It seems to count up fast. 🙂
Postcards, I always bring back postcards! There is not much effort involved in buying postcards!
Of course! Small, easy to pack and full of memories. I bet you love shopping Andrew. That’s what I have heard anyway. 🙂
Hate it Sue – a waste of holiday time!
I think I recall you mentioning that once or twice or a hundred times. 🙂
interesting and colorful things 🙂
Thank you Joshi. Mexico is definitely full of Colorado!
Lovely post, Sue. I think we’re all programmed to be drawn to brightly coloured things, and these markets can be such a temptation. Hubby is my voice of reason when I hanker over buying this, that and everything else. I usually end up buying something very small but quite special for myself, and a couple of unbreakable items of local handicrafts to give to family. Your post has reminded me that I used to have a pair of Mexican silver earrings and a rather pretty ring. I wonder whatever happened to them. 😕
Sounds like your Hubby and mine play a similar role Sylvia. We usually go for the very small although we do have a Starbucks mug collection from around the world. Definitely a break to that rule! I hope you find the jewelry. 🙂
Okay, I have my eye on one, or more, of those neat handbags and I’m kind of partial to the idea of having a mexican rug, or two. Oh, and a pair of those cute little bed socks. I am notoriously terrible at gift shopping when travelling. I can never make up my miind what to purchase. This is a brilliant post. I now know exactly what I will purchase should I head off to Mexico. Thank you.
It’s hard to be decisive when faced with so many colorful choices! Glad to hear I helped with some ideas for the next Mexican Market shopping spree. 🙂
Gorgeous, colourful, thoughtful post !! Love every bit of fabric, jewellery, silver and ceramic…hard to choose ONE souvenir I would buy, if I travel here. I do tend to collect a useful souvenir though – which I would use in my kitchen or bedroom, rather than a decorative table piece.
Thank you so much Veena. I agree that if a souvenir does not fit a purpose it can easily find it’s way into storage. For us it is really thinking about where a decorative piece would go if that is what we are choosing.
Sue, this is a great list of meaningful and beautiful souvenirs from Mexico! I’ve never visited but your descriptions of the beautiful wares makes me feel as if I’m shopping there!
I personally love pottery and jewelry as souvenirs… And when traveling to Italy, I would always pick up a bottle of wine for family but once I forgot about carry on restrictions and it got confiscated: ( Otherwise it’s a nice gift!
Thanks again for this interesting post!
Thank you Lia for your ongoing enthusiastic support and comments. I so appreciate it! Sorry to hear about the loss of the Italian wine. So sad and agreed makes a lovely gift.
Very colorful and happy pictures. I love Mexican pottery and always have a hard time resisting to buy another flower pot when we visit a Mexican market.
I am like a magpie for those bright colors I must say. So hard to resist. 🙂 Thank you so much for the kind feedback and sharing what you like to shop for.
Oh I could spend days wondering through markets like this. I always wish I bought more when I get home, especially the fabrics & scarves. Your pictures are wonderful, the perfect thing to take my mind off the fact I cannot feel my toes. It was -7 this morning, and a delightful 9c now. BOOOO!
I saw there was snow on the ground in Tasmania this morning. I shall enjoy spring over here on your behalf. A trip to Mexico sounds like just what you need for some warming up! Thanks so kindly for your feedback and sharing your favorite things to bring home from traveling.
I wanted to go there 20 years ago, and it is still out of my budget 🙂 Wonderful presentation, Sue. I love the jewelry and purses you’ve captured.
Thank you Paula. That purse in particular really caught my eye. We are fortunate to live on the same continent as Mexico and there are often good flight deals. We have friends living there so a couple of trips we have stayed with them including this one.
Wonderful ideas, Sue! I love the vibrant colors! 🙂
Thank you so much Linda. Hard to resist those vibrant hues. 🙂
What beautiful pictures! It makes me want to shop when I see your photos laid out in such wonderful colour, but I think I’d lose interest if I had to jockey around a crowded marketplace and haggle over prices. And that’s excellent advice about the black coral – even though I’m not likely to encounter it, it’s still helpful to know that not all “souvenirs” are kosher with customs.
Diane I don’t watch much TV but there is a border patrol reality show based in Australia and it astounds me what people try to take home. Yes good to know the rules.
These photos were taken this winter in Manzanillo and the market wasn’t very crowded. Always nice when one doesn’t have to elbow old ladies and small children out of the way. 🙂
Hope your cold has taken its leave.
I am nuts about all the color too!!! Great photos!
Thank you so much Diana. So wonderful to see the bright colours indeed.
Beautiful colors of souvenirs! I have been to Mexico and we bought Mexican clays 🙂 no regrets, they are awesome products. Great tips, Sue!
Oh Indah I am delighted to know you have some of these colorful clay pieces in your home. The markets are full of such beautiful and vibrant hues. Thanks for sharing!
Excellent souvenir shopping advice, Sue! Your photos express the bright colors and quality items nicely, and I really appreciate the nod to conservation of coral and tortoise as well. 😀
Jet it amazes me that this exploitation of a country’s natural gems continues in so many parts of the world. Thank you for the lovely feedback on the photos which I appreciate very much.
I know you made fun of donkeys but our favourite souvenir from Mexico was a carved and painted one from an off the beaten track market. We enjoyed the elderly artisan who carved it just as much as well.
Well that makes all the difference! So fantastic when the artisan hands it straight from his talented hands.
Very informative and helpful post Sue. I love Mexican tiles and ceramics (Italian as well) – I really do. But the problem is that they are heavy and fragile, which puts them on my “Do I really want this” list. Also, using these vibrant colors requires using lots of them, or almost none. There’s no in-between. I’ve always wanted a small courtyard (in the Marbella style) with a fountain on a wall covered with ivy and beautiful Mexican tile. ~James
Thanks for sharing the dream souvenir collection for you James. Yes hard to fit in those carry on rolling back packs of yours I’m afraid. We have gotten pretty selective over the years too. We do have a Starbucks mug collections which goes against all rules of practicality in transport. 🙂
On my 10-month trip to Europe and the USA in my 20s, I collected 45 teddy bears.
45!!?? Might I ask how one gets 45 teddy bears in a suitcase? 🙂
By having one’s parents visit one whilst in London and having said parents take as many as possible home in their luggage. Or under an arm (one was rather large).
To be fair, they weren’t all large. Some were small, cheap ones bought merely as souvenirs of locations rather than for their collectibility.
One of these days I must write a post about my little teddy bear hunting expedition through the UK. 🙂
Parents can be so helpful. 🙂 I very much look forward to the post!
I remember my uncle and a friend of his driving down several times through the years from their home in California to somewhere in Mexico.They would come back a week or two later with the bed of the truck filled with furniture and decorative woodwork to furnish their place with. Their was some beautiful stuff, as I remember. Don’t know if this qualifies as a souvenir, though..
Well that sounds like a souvenir on steroids! I wonder if such a thing would be possible today? Thanks for sharing that memory Emilio. I can imagine wonderful color and wood.
Lots of wood! And some pieces were decorated with hammered silver, as I recall.
Sounds marvelous!
oh my! i’d probably go crazy in there. love the colorful fabric and potteries! another great post and shopping tips, Sue! thank you.
My pleasure Lola. It was so beautiful at this market and not very crowded. Thanks for your lovely comment and letting me know what caught your eye!
I love them!…. ?★?… Being latin american we are used to this kind of stuff over here…
But the mexican approach is cooler as there is a whole mythology behind figures and even potteries…
Sending hugs dear Sue 🙂 All the best to you!, Aquileana 😀
Loving this enthusiastic comment! Thank you Aquileana and also appreciate you sharing the post on Twiiter. 🙂
I’ve always loved Mexican pottery items, they’re so cheery looking. In fact I would like my whole kitchen done out like that, that sort of rustic Mexican look with those bold colours.
When I buy souvenirs I usually try and go for something useful, and when I say useful I mainly mean edible – that’s what I mostly buy for gifts anyway, then you’re not lumbering the person with something to keep from a place that probably doesn’t have much meaning for them because you visited it, not them. For myself I quite like fridge magnets, I know they’re a bit tacky, but they’re small and you can look at them on your fridge and remember 🙂 I sometimes make the mistake of buying some local clothing, which always seems such a good idea at the time when you’re in the mind zone of the place, but then totally impractical when you get back home.
Vanessa thanks so much for sharing! Yes fridge magnets are so portable. I always bring my Mom one from wherever we go. As you say I have arrived home with a few clothing items and the ‘What was I thinking…or possibly drinking…at the time I bought this?” It is tough to go wrong with an edible choice, as long as it is all right to get through customs of said country. Potential for many blog stories there.
It’s jewelry for me! And always perfect for gifts. But I love the colorful pots as well.
Hard too wrong with jewelry although I have bought a few things over the years that seemed beautiful while away and became ‘what was I thinking at home.’
Thank you so much for the introduction to Kristin! A great tip. And thank you for perking me up with all the color in your post! Satisfied my color addiction for the day!
You are most welcome. Kristin was one of the first bloggers I met and did so much mentoring in my first year. She has an amazing blog.
Tortoise shell jewelry is not actually made out of tortoise but out of sea turtle, normally from the endangered hawksbill sea turtle. We wrote a guide on how to identify this type of shell, as it sometimes can be focused with other materials. Here is the guide, hope your readers find this useful.
https://www.travel4wildlife.com/identify-sea-turtle-shell-souvenirs/
Cristina
Thanks for the information Cristina. Much appreciated.