Things to buy in Spain
 

What would you recommend I buy as souvenirs of Spain that isn't just tacky tourist stuff made in China or somewhere? Preferably not large or fragile. I'm travelling mainly in the south, starting from Madrid, finishing in Barcelona, and I'd like to take a little something home for each of my relatives who contributed to financing my trip through a surpise gift of pesetas on my birthday.

I have bought small ceramics which I always enjoy using. Also bought Toledo-ware which is 3 types of metal (gold, silver, ???) hammered onto a larger piece of metal such as jewelery, letter openers, display plates, etc. The smaller pieces are affordable, but the larger ones can get expensive, depending on your budget. It is very pretty and all hand-made. I bought a plate with stand for about $50 (about 5" in diameter) and have it on my mantel.

The ceramics and toledo ware are great - and the toledo ware pins make great gifts -everyone I've given them to really liked them, and they're nice and small and light for packing! Have a super time!

The Toledo ware is great! Very unusual and you will not see it around here. I also bought a mosaic plate that can hang on the wall in Seville. They are again unusual, with brilliant colors and designs and you will not see them again. All the above, is breakable. Lladro is a better deal in Spain but can certainly be purchased in the US.

The black and gold damascene jewelry, etc. is nice, stays nice throughout the years. The pieces we bought 30 years ago are still nice an it's inexpensive. Can get it anywhere. I used to love Spanish leather goods, shoes, gloves, etc., but that was 30 years ago when we lived there....May be expensive now..

I lived in Barcelona for six months last year and my favorite hang-out in the city is Plaza del Pi in the Barrio Gotic. On Sat and Sun mornings, the local artists sell their wares there. I recommend buying some local art work which is very reasonably priced. Placed between two sturdy pieces of cardboard and it is ready for travel - light and not bulky.

Just returned from Madrid. Bought a beautiful warm light wool cape at place called Sesena Capas. They do ship and they were under $200

Just returned from Madrid. Bought a beautiful warm light wool cape at place called Sesena Capas. They do ship and they were under $200

I was all over Spain this year and bought several nice pieces of jewelery. It is easy to carry and fun to wear at home. I agree with the comments about Toledoware. I bought earrings, pins, bracelets. They make nice gifts. Also Marjorrcan pearls. I already had a strand of lovely "pearls" and found matching earings and a bracelet. If you happen to be Catholic, they have beautiful rosewood rosarys. Really lovely.
One word of caution, beware of the Gypsys in Madrid. I almost lost my videocamera bag and wallet, under a young womans cape. Thanks to a more observant tour member, they were tharwted. Enjoy it is lovely.

Definitely ceramics, which are inexpensive and will always remind you of your trip as they can be seen adorning walls all over Spain. Leather is good also--excellent quality bags, purses, wallets, belts.

I did a driving tour of Spain 5 years ago, taking in Madrid, Salamanca, Seville, the pueblos blancos & Granada. The Alhambra was amazing! And I really recommend seeing Salamanca if you are able. I spent the summer studying at the university there in 1990 and have some wonderful memories of this beautiful city. Buen viaje!