travelchat

I'll be in Barcelona, Granada, Seville, Ronda and Madrid in October and wonder if anyone has suggestions for things to look for in these cities that would interest my grandsons ages 4, 6 and 8. Any ideas? I know, t-shirts - but I remember the lame looks I'd get from my two children when I'd bring t-shirts home as souvenirs from what I thought were exotic places. Went over like a lead balloon.

sparkchaser

Bullfighting outfits.

crosscheck

Soccer jerseys!

Bedar

Soocer stuff and castanets. Bullfighting outfits are not PC plus are too expensive as are girls' flamenco dresses.

Robert2533

Since you will be in three distinct and two divergent parts of Spain; Catalunya, Andalucía and Madrid, you might consider each regions national symbol, the donkey, bull and bear.

Or possibly a jersey from Club Atlético de Madrid, Futbol Club Barcelona, Real Madrid C.F. or Sevilla FC in the First Division, much better than a t-shirt from Disney World. You'd have to travel to San Sebastián to get a jersey from Real Sociedad de Fútbol.

But then again, when I was 8, a gift of Toledo steel would have been just fine.

travelchat

Thanks everyone? Robert2533 - duh, what's Toledo steel?

travelchat

I meant Thanks everyone!

chapla

Toledo is famous for making swords! I can't imagine buying a SWORD or even a letter opener that looks like a sword for a CHILD!!!!!!!!

nytraveler

Not sure that American kids would be interested in soccer jerseys - only you know if the kids like soccer.

I think I would check out local toys that might interest them more.

kimhe

You'll definitely get some ideas in the gift shop at Ronda's famous bullring, the oldest in Spain: http://www.andalucia.com/ronda/plazatoros.htm

I had much fun with castanets as a 7-8 year old. A great little instrument with a very long history and an important ingredience in Andalucian culture. http://www.carmendevicente.com/castanet.html

Here are some professional castanets, but you'll find more affordable versions in almost every souvenir shop in Andalucia and Madrid. http://www.flamencoexport.com/flamen...castanets.html

hetismij2

My 8 and 6 year old grandsons love getting t- shirts.
If you really don't want to go that route then maybe a mug, or some Lego related to Spain, or even just some Spanish sweets.

travelchat

Are you kidding me? Swords are definitely out. We've got three rambunctious boys here. However, they are very up on soccer, as they go to an international school. So, that might work well. I like the idea of the castanets, too. I will be sure and check out the local toy shops/museum gift stores, etc., of course. Gramma's got her shopping shoes ready!

chapla

Soccer is the way to go! Look for the official patches/cards/hats/balls/posters of the soccer teams-they will be the envy of their friends!

kayd

If the kids were girls, I'd suggest flamenco outfits for Barbies. I bought some for a friend's daughters and they were a big hit.

chapla

The OP identifed them as grandsons.............

hetismij2

I'd check with their parents before buying castanets. They have to live with the noise, you don't.

chapla

I doubt the kids will master the castanets............!

hetismij2

They will quickly learn how to make a racket with them. I know I did when my brother brought some back for me when I was a kid. Funnily enough they got lost shortly afterwards.

HappyTrvlr

We bought the soccer and basketball shirts in Barcelona for FC Barcelona,Barca. Our grandson loved when we brought him those team shirts from all over Europe and wore them all the time. Since they are the team shirts, silky material, they were not thought of as tee shirts