Mexican handicrafts are famous around the world for good reason. The country’s robust indigenous heritage comes alive through bright textiles, intricate silver jewelry, handmade leather footwear and unique ceramic pieces.
If you want a keepsake of your trip or a gift for your loved ones back home, you’ll discover plenty of eye-catching items. We’re confident you’ll stumble upon more treasure troves while hunting, but begin with these recommendations for the best souvenirs to buy in Mexico City.
Silver jewelry
Mexico is the largest silver producer in the world, so silver jewelry is ubiquitous throughout the country. You’ll find beautiful pieces, but to minimize your chances of buying fake silver, check for an engraved “.925” marking. The town of Taxco, a three-hour drive from Mexico City, is considered one of the best places in the country to purchase silver. But if you want to stay in the capital, reputable local brand Tane is a great choice for designer jewelry. Its boutique on Masaryk Avenue often makes it on the gram thanks to its iconic cacti-lined wall with a neon sign that reads “México Mi Amor.”
Huarache sandals
Huaraches have been around since pre-Hispanic times but have gained worldwide popularity in the last decade or so. Although these sandals have modest origins, they sell at exorbitant prices in places like Tokyo and Madrid. Grab a pair at a reasonable price on your next trip to Mexico City. They come in traditional nude hues or bolder pastels and metallics. You’ll see them at different markets throughout the city, like the Mercado Artesanal Mexicano in the Coyoacán neighborhood.
Blown-glass tequila shot glasses
The technique used to make traditional mouth-blown glass, or bubble glass, creates one-of-a-kind artisanal pieces. Choose from dozens of varieties of shot glasses on a trip to La Ciudadela Artisan Market. We recommend checking out the ones with agave plants and other figurines inside or those covered in colorful dots resembling confetti.
Hammock
There’s no better way to continue your holiday back home than by purchasing a traditional hammock. Whether you have a deck, porch or backyard, setting up a Mexican hammock will turn the space into your favorite part of the house. While not exclusive to Mexico (they’re found throughout the Caribbean and Central America), hammocks represent a quintessentially Mexican laid-back vibe. La Ciudadela Artisan Market carries colorful versions and more upscale takes. Plus, the market is a safe bet for finding all sorts of handcrafted items.
Vibrant textiles
Originally worn by mestizo women for modesty to enter churches, a rebozo is a traditional shawl or scarf approximately 60 to 120 inches long. They come in different materials, with more upscale versions made of wool or silk. You’ll find stunning versions at Bazar del Sábado, a high-end market in the southern part of Mexico City open only on Saturdays.
Another great textile to take home is an embroidered huipil blouse. You’ll find plenty of variety at Fonart, a government-run shop that promotes fair-trade practices with several indigenous communities.
Black clay pottery
Hailing from Oaxaca, black clay pottery pieces are some of Mexico’s finest home décor items. Whether you decide on an intricately carved vase, a figurine representing the traditional Day of the Dead skull or a set of mezcal cups, you can’t go wrong with something crafted in this sophisticated material. The gift shop at Forbes Travel Guide’s Four-Star Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City carries a nice selection.
