What are the best Mexican souvenirs that tourists should buy to bring home?
Mexico is a treasure trove of unique and interesting souvenirs. From colorful textiles to intricate pottery, there is no shortage of items to choose from when it comes to bringing a piece of Mexico back home with you.
After taking multiple trips to visit Mexico, from Cancun to Mexico City and many pueblos magicos in between, I have compiled a list of the best souvenirs from Mexico that you should consider buying to bring home.
In a hurry and need a quick decision? The best things to bring from Mexico are Mezcal, Talavera Pottery, and Taxco Silver. Be sure to join a tequila tasting experience to pick the best flavors and qualities of Mezcal!
This list includes a variety of items that are representative of Mexican culture and traditions, ranging from delicious edible treats to handcrafted artisanal goods.
Whether you’re looking for a special gift for a loved one or simply want to treat yourself to a memorable souvenir, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the many options available to you. So pack an extra bag and get ready to shop ’til you drop!
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Best Culinary Souvenirs from Mexico
When it comes to Mexico, there’s no denying the country’s rich culinary heritage. From traditional dishes like tacos and churros to iconic drinks like tequila and mezcal, there’s no shortage of delicious food and beverages to try. And the best part? You can bring some of these flavors home with you in the form of culinary souvenirs.
1. Tequila & Mezcal
Of course, no discussion of Mexican culinary souvenirs would be complete without mentioning tequila and mezcal. Both of these iconic spirits are made from agave, a plant that’s native to Mexico.
Tequila is made from blue agave and has a smooth, sweet flavor, while mezcal is made from a variety of agave plants and has a smoky, complex flavor profile.
Wondering how to pick the best tequila to bring home? Don’t miss out on a tequila tasting experience!
Let the experts guide you through the different flavors and qualities of tequila. You’ll be sure to find the perfect bottle to take home and impress your friends with your tequila expertise.
José Cuervo Tequila Experience
Explore the town of Tequila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover the origins of tequila on this full-day tour. See agave fields and visit distilleries including the iconic José Cuervo facility. Sample the drink while learning about its history and production process.
2. Mexican Chocolate
Mexican chocolate is made from roasted and ground cacao beans and has a distinct flavor due to the traditional methods used in its production. It is often spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, or other spices, giving it a rich and complex flavor profile.
Mexican chocolate is also an important part of Mexican history and culture, with a long tradition of consumption dating back to the Aztecs. Additionally, there are many different brands and varieties of Mexican chocolate to choose from, making it a versatile and interesting souvenir to bring back home.
Overall, Mexican chocolate is a great way to bring a taste of Mexico back with you and share it with others.
3. Molcajete (Mortar & Pestle)
For those who love to cook, a molcajete is a must-have souvenir. This traditional Mexican mortar and pestle is made from volcanic rock and is perfect for grinding spices, making salsas, and even serving guacamole.
4. Mexican Spices & Seasoning
If you’re a fan of Mexican food, be sure to grab some spices from Mexico to bring home such as dried chilies and tajin seasoning, which is a blend of chili powder, lime, and salt that’s perfect for adding flavor to fruits and snacks.
Mexican Jewelries for Souvenirs
I bought a silver bracelet at Teotihuacan for $10 and all my friends thought I was scammed. But after almost a decade, it’s still as bright and beautiful as ever.
While there are plenty of affordable jewelry options in Mexico, be sure to look for Taxco silver if you want the best quality. Trust me, your jewelry collection will thank you.
5. Taxco Silver Jewelry
The craftsmanship of Taxco silver jewelry is exceptional, and you can find a wide variety of pieces, from simple earrings to elaborate necklaces and bracelets.
Be sure to look for pieces that are stamped with “925” or “sterling” to ensure their quality.
I once purchased a silver bracelet from Tiffany’s for almost $100 and unfortunately, after just a couple of months, it became blackened and tarnished.
On the other hand, the Taxco silver bracelet I bought from Teotihuacan doesn’t seem to change at all. The quality of Taxco silver is truly remarkable and definitely worth the investment.
6. Huichol Beaded Jewelry
The Huichol people, an indigenous group from western Mexico, are known for their intricate beadwork.
Their jewelry often features vibrant colors and intricate patterns, and can include necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Each piece is handmade and unique, making it a special souvenir to bring home.
Traditional Mexican Handicrafts
One of the best things about visiting Mexico is the abundance of traditional handicrafts that you can find. From woven textiles to pottery, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the most popular traditional Mexican handicrafts:
7. Talavera pottery
Talavera pottery is a type of majolica pottery that is made in the city of Puebla. It is known for its bright colors and intricate designs, often featuring floral motifs.
8. Wood Carvings
Mexico and particularly Oaxaca is known for its intricate wood carvings, often featuring animals or mythical creatures. These carvings are made from copal wood and are painted with bright colors.
9. Mexican Blankets (Sarape)
Mexican blanket is a popular souvenir choice among tourists visiting the country. Each blanket is typically hand-woven by Mexican artisans, making every piece unique and authentic.
Not only is Mexican blanket a symbol of Mexican culture and heritage, it has versatile usage and can serve many purposes. It can be used as a picnic blanket or a decorative piece over a chair, and also as a scarf or shawl, adding a lively pop of color to any outfit.
10. Huipil
The huipil is a traditional Mexican blouse that features beautiful embroidery, usually in the form of flowers and other intricate patterns.
These cotton blouses are available in a variety of colors and styles, and they make for a unique and stylish souvenir.
11. Otomi Embroidery
Otomi embroidery is a type of embroidery that is unique to the Otomi people of Mexico.
The embroidery features colorful animals and plants, and it is often used to decorate pillows, table runners, and other home decor items.
Mexican Masks & Figurines
One of the most unique expressions of Mexican culture can be seen in the masks and figurines that are created by local artisans. These masks and figurines are not just pieces of decoration or art, but they also have great cultural significance. They can be used for religious ceremonies, cultural festivals, and theatrical performances.
12. Calavera – Day of the Dead Figurines
The Calavera (which means skull in Spanish) is a skull-shaped mask that is usually brightly colored and decorated with flowers, feathers, and jewels
It is commonly used during the Day of the Dead celebrations, a holiday that honors deceased loved ones.
The Calavera represents death, but it is not meant to be scary or macabre. Instead, it is a symbol of the cycle of life and death, and a reminder to embrace and celebrate life.
13. Lucha Libre Masks
Lucha Libre masks are used in Lucha Libre, a form of professional wrestling in Mexico. These masks have become iconic, representing the colorful and dramatic nature of Lucha Libre.
The Lucha mask is usually made of fabric and decorated in bright colors and designs, often depicting animals or mythical creatures. A wrestler’s mask is as important as their personality and is worn as a symbol of identity and power.
Final Thoughts: What are the best things to bring home from Mexico?
Overall, Mexico has a wide variety of unique souvenirs to offer visitors. From textiles to pottery, jewelry to chocolate, there is something for everyone.
If you’re into jewelries, I highly recommend picking up some taxco silvers, as they are generally cheap but come with surprisingly high quality.
For those who enjoy cooking, Mexican spices and sauces are a must-buy. They are a great way to add some authentic Mexican flavor to your meals back home.
And of course, no trip to Mexico would be complete without bringing back some tequila or mezcal. These spirits are world-renowned and make for great gifts or a delicious addition to your home bar.
