I like to buy unique things when I travel, special items that you won't find at a regular souvenir shop. I have an Aboriginal art silk scarf and a hand-painted boomerang from Australia and an embroidered table runner from Santorini. That's the kind of stuff I'm talking about. I mean, there's nothing wrong with touristy souvenirs but I like having one of a kind objects.
When you think of things you can buy in Spain, fans and flamenco dresses quickly spring to mind. But, come on, Spain is much more than that! We have amazing craftsmanship, our food is recognized internationally and we produce the best olive oil in the world. This is what I want to talk to you about today. On this post you are going to find a list of the best gifts to buy for those seeking unique things to help you remember your Spanish vacation that no-one else will have.
Without further ado, here are20 unique things to buy in Spain.
What should I buy in Spain?
20 Unique Things to Buy in Spain: apparel & homewear
Being the capital of Spain, Madrid is the best place for shopping. There's a plethora of gourmet shops, fashion shops and even antiques -you can find a spectacular one in Claudio Coello street- that you can have shipped home. I recommend you do some fashion shopping in Madrid, there are plenty of cool Spanish fashion brands!
Read my shopping guide for Madrid
Speaking of clothes, Spanish espadrilles are world famous. You can find them in ever color, shape and price. From affordable ones you can find in Alpargatería Casa Hernanz, to the luxury ones by Castañer that are all over the internet.
Read about great quality and affordable Spanish fashion brands
Fans(abanicos in Spanish) can be both a tacky souvenir or a hand painted work of art. It all depends on where you buy them. Back home you can display them on your living-room or use them on a hot summer day. How cool would that look? You can find this great fan store in Puerta del Sol in Madrid. Oh, and since you are there, I recommend you check out these two amazing high-quality hat stores in Plaza Mayor: La Favorita and Casa Yustas. The latter has the biggest selection of hats I've ever seen and it even has its own workshop.
Spanish embroidered shawls, or mantillas, can be a work of art. They can look amazing worn over a wedding guest dress or to a fancy dinner when you are back home.
If you are a music fan, or you know someone who is, a Spanish guitar is a wonderful gift.Guitarras Ramírez in Madrid is a family business that has been making guitars for generations.
Toledo is one of the must-see places near Madrid and it's famous for its marzipan which we usually eat for Christmas. In the same region you can find Oropesa and Talavera de la Reina both well known for their premium ceramics and embroidery. Fun fact: Gwyneth Paltrow used to come to Talavera to learn Spanish. Another place famous for ceramics and pottery is Sargadelos in Galicia.
Lladro is a Spanish porcelain brand exported all around the world. Buying it in Spain is cheaper and you can find designs that aren't available anywhere else.
In the region of Cadiz, in Andalusia, you can find leather goodsin Ubrique and there's a great leather store in the beautiful Andalusian town of Vejer de la Frontera, unfortunately I can't remember the name of that one.
When someone mentions La Rioja, you immediately think of wine, right? This may come as a surprise to you but one unique thing you can buy in that northern region are blankets. Ezcaray is a small town in La Roija well-known for its high quality blankets made of angora, mohair, cashmere or wool.
20 Unique Things to Buy in Spain: food
For me, the number one thing you must buy in Spain is food. However, make sure you check out the rules and regulations that your country has about food. For example, you won't be able to take jamon Iberico to the USA. Because there's nothing worse than having your gifts thrown away when you reach your homeland...
Depending on where you are going there are different local delicacies like Manchego cheesein La Mancha,saffron-the spice that gives paella its distinctive color and taste- both in La Mancha and in Granada, gin in Menorca or quesada (similar to cheesecake) in Cantabria. There are other things that you can find everywhere like jamon, turron, olive oil or wine.
If you can, take somejamon Ibericoback home. This Spanish high quality delicacy is made from black pigs who are fed with acorn in the Spanish countryside. Taking an entire leg -and slicing it after- is tricky so opt for a packet of slices instead.
Turron-a.k.a. nougat- is our favorite Christmas treat together with marzipan. The main ingredient for both of them are almonds.
Read how we celebrate the holidays in Spain
Spanish wine and virgin extra olive oil are part of our Mediterranean diet and have unique flavors that you can't find anywhere else. Sherry in Jerez and red wines from the spectacular wineries in La Rioja are a must for wine enthusiasts. As for olive oil, Jaen in Andalusia is the best place to buy it.
Read about the best Spanish wineries
If you have a sweet tooth like me, you must try our pastries.
Tip:buy your pastries from convents. Nuns are famous for making scrumptious sweet treats and you can be sure that they use the best ingredients.
Finally, I recommend food markets to try locale delicacies even though you will consume those goods before you go back home.
Read about the best food markets in Madrid and how to order coffee in Spain
What do you buy when you travel abroad?
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