Mexico is a shopper’s paradise. With its rich tradition of handcrafts, textiles, and local artisan products, there’s no shortage of unique souvenirs you can bring home. Whether you’re visiting bustling city markets or wandering through quiet villages, you’ll find something special to remind you of your trip. Here’s a no-fluff guide to help you make the most of your souvenir shopping in Mexico.
Ceramics and Pottery
Mexican pottery is famous worldwide for its intricate designs and vibrant colors. Each region of the country has its own pottery style. If you’re in Oaxaca, look for black clay pottery or “Barro Negro.” It’s polished to shine and has a distinctive, deep black color. In Jalisco, you’ll find Talavera ceramics, which are known for their blue and white patterns.
Head to the markets in towns like Puebla or Dolores Hidalgo for quality Talavera. You can also find them in Mexico City, but make sure to ask if you’re getting the real deal, as some markets carry cheaper reproductions.
Mexican Textiles
Mexican textiles are beautiful and varied. From woven rugs in Oaxaca to embroidered blouses of the Yucatán, the options are endless. Oaxaca is a must-visit for textiles. Here, you can visit Teotitlán del Valle, where artisans produce handmade wool rugs—perfect for your home or as gifts.
In Chiapas, head to San Cristóbal de las Casas. You’ll find beautiful traditional blouses, huipiles, and rebozos (shawls) made by local women. Each piece tells a story, and buying directly from artisans helps support local communities.
Leather Goods
If you’re interested in quality leather products like belts, wallets, or boots, Mexico has no shortage of these either. León, in the state of Guanajuato, is known as the leather capital of the country. You can find jackets, shoes, and bags that are all reasonably priced and made to last.
If you’re not heading to León, Mexico City’s markets often have leather stalls offering goods from León. Check out Mercado de Coyoacán for leather goods without having to leave the city.
Jewelry and Silver
When it comes to jewelry, Taxco in Guerrero is the place to go. Known as Mexico’s silver capital, this charming town is filled with shops selling hand-crafted silver jewelry at reasonable prices. Look for the “925” stamp, which means the silver is 92.5% pure, the standard for sterling silver.
If Taxco isn’t on your itinerary, don’t worry; you can find Taxco-quality silver in Mexico’s larger cities. Many shops in Mexico City, Puebla, and Cancún sell authentic pieces directly from the artisans of Taxco.
Local Spirits: Tequila and Mezcal
You can’t leave Mexico without a bottle of tequila or mezcal. Each region has its own specialty, and whether you want tequila from Jalisco or mezcal from Oaxaca, there is a bottle for you. The difference between the two is that tequila is typically made from one specific type of agave, while mezcal can be made from several types of agave.
For a special treat, try to find a bottle labeled “reposado” or “añejo.” These are aged longer and tend to have smoother, more complex flavors. If you’re shopping in tequila-producing areas like Tequila, Jalisco, look for factory tours where you can pick up a bottle directly from the source.
Mexican Chocolate
Mexican chocolate is famous for its rich and grainy texture, traditionally used to make delicious hot chocolate. Oaxaca and Tabasco are especially known for producing quality chocolate. Look for bars made from locally grown cacao and seasoned with spices like cinnamon or chili.
If you’re in Oaxaca, visit Mercado 20 de Noviembre for a wide selection ranging from cacao beans to chocolate blocks. In Chiapas, head to the city of Tuxtla Gutiérrez, where you can find regional variations that carry distinctive flavors.
Frida Kahlo Souvenirs
Frida Kahlo is one of Mexico’s most iconic artists. While you find Frida-themed souvenirs all over the country, you’ll find the best stuff at La Casa Azul, her former home in Mexico City. This museum gift shop is filled with paintings, postcards, notebooks, bags, and more—all dedicated to her art and life.
You can also find themed items in stores like Péndulo or even at local markets in Mexico City, but if you want something high quality, La Casa Azul is a great place to start.
Alebrijes: Whimsical Wooden Figures
One of the most recognizable handcrafted items from Mexico is the alebrije, colorful wooden figures that represent dream-like animals. They originated from the town of San Martín Tilcajete in Oaxaca, and this region remains the best place to buy them.
These fantasy creatures are vivid and elaborately carved. You’ll also find them in Mexico City at the Mercado de Artesanías, but buying them in Oaxaca ensures you get authentic pieces directly from the artists.
Where to Shop in Mexico City
Mercado de Coyoacán
This is one of the most vibrant markets in Mexico City, located in the artsy neighborhood of Coyoacán. You can find everything here, from textiles and pottery to leather goods. Don’t miss the food section–it’s a great place to grab a bite while you shop.
La Ciudadela
La Ciudadela is the go-to spot for crafts in Mexico City. It’s packed with stalls selling traditional Mexican handcrafts from all over the country. This includes everything from woven baskets and blankets to ceramics and alebrijes. Prices here can vary, so feel free to haggle but be respectful.
Mercado de Artesanías, La Lagunilla
If you’re in Mexico City on a Sunday, head to Mercado de Artesanías in La Lagunilla. You’ll find a large selection of vintage items, handicrafts, and Mexican antiques. Whether you’re looking for handwoven rugs, jewelry, or something totally unique, this market has it.
Where to Shop Outside of Mexico City
Mercado Benito Juárez – Oaxaca
This market is the heart of downtown Oaxaca. It’s an excellent place to shop for textiles, alebrijes, and mole paste (Oaxaca’s famous dish). You can spend hours wandering through the stalls. If you buy food products, don’t worry—vendors usually vacuum-seal everything for easy transport.
Tianguis Artesanal – San Cristóbal de las Casas
In Chiapas, this Tianguis is one of the best spots to buy indigenous crafts. Everything here is made by hand, and the sellers are often the artisans themselves. Look for textiles like Tzotzil and Tzeltal handwoven blouses or beautifully embroidered tablecloths.
El Parián – Puebla
El Parián is a well-known arts and crafts market in Puebla. It’s the perfect place to shop for Talavera pottery, which is some of the finest in all of Mexico. The prices here can be higher than in smaller towns, but you’ll find a wide selection and can hunt for discounts.
Tips for Shopping at Local Markets
Always carry cash, especially small bills. Many vendors don’t take credit cards, and it’s easier to negotiate if you have the exact amount.
Don’t forget to haggle. Bargaining is part of the culture, but always be respectful. A good rule of thumb is to offer about 70-80% of the asking price, and work from there.
If you’re buying something heavy, like pottery or tequila, ask the vendor if they offer shipping services. Many markets are used to international shoppers and can help you arrange shipping for an additional fee.
Finally, pay attention to authenticity. Several markets will sell cheap, factory-made versions of popular crafts. To ensure you’re buying a real, handmade product, chat with the vendor about the item. In most cases, artisans will be proud to explain their process.
Final Thoughts
Souvenir shopping in Mexico offers a little bit of everything: from handwoven textiles and authentic silver jewelry to iconic ceramics and spirits. With countless markets and artisan shops around the country, you’ll find that bringing home a piece of Mexico is both fun and rewarding.
Leave a reply