Mexico

What to Buy in Mexico

Local goods and souvenirs worth bringing home — with photos, typical prices, and where to buy them.

Mexican embroidered blouse

USD 60–250

Hand-stitched floral motifs on lightweight cotton are perfect for the humid coastal climate.

Mexican embroidered blouse
Gift in memory of Elizabeth Ege Freudenheim (No restrictions)
Where to buy: Caravana, boutiques along Calle Delfin

Alebrije Wood Carving

USD 20–300

Intricately hand-painted copal wood figures depict surreal animals born from vivid local folk traditions.

Alebrije Wood Carving
Luisalvaz (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Where to buy: Arrazola workshops

Artisanal Mezcal

USD 40–200

Small-batch agave spirits capture distinct local terroir that industrial tequila brands cannot replicate.

Artisanal Mezcal
Photo by Rodrigo Ortega on Pexels
Where to buy: In Situ Mezcaleria

Molcajete

USD 20–70

This traditional basalt mortar and pestle is essential for grinding spices and making authentic salsa at home.

Molcajete
CC BY-SA 3.0
Where to buy: Mercado Hidalgo

Mayan Hammock

USD 40–120

Hand-woven from fine cotton or nylon, these offer superior comfort and durability.

Mayan Hammock
Photo by Andrés Góngora on Pexels
Where to buy: La Zebra area boutiques or artisan markets in Tulum Pueblo.

Melipona Honey

USD 15–40

Produced by stingless bees, this rare honey has distinct floral notes and health properties.

Melipona Honey
Photo by Deeana Arts 🇵🇷 on Pexels
Where to buy: Local health stores or farmers markets in Tulum Pueblo.

Mezcal

USD 40–150

Smoky agave spirit best sourced from boutique labels not found in home markets.

Mezcal
The original uploader was Jcmaco at English Wikipedia. (CC BY-SA 2.5)
Where to buy: La Contra Roma

Talavera Pottery

USD 30–500

Authentic pieces feature lead-free glazes and complex cobalt blue designs fired at extreme temperatures.

Talavera Pottery
ROberto Carlos Román Don (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Where to buy: Uriarte Talavera

Tzalam Wood Carving

USD 30–150

Carved from dense, locally sourced Tzalam wood, these pieces feature deep grains and lasting strength.

Tzalam Wood Carving
Photo by Léster Lau on Pexels
Where to buy: Tulum Craft Center at the entrance to the ruins.

Hand-woven cotton hammock

USD 40–120

These provide exceptional comfort and are much sturdier than factory-made versions.

Hand-woven cotton hammock
Photo by Corentin HENRY on Pexels
Where to buy: Sayulita open-air market, local artisan stalls near the plaza

Henequen Fiber Bag

USD 20–60

Woven from native agave fibers, these sturdy bags are both sustainable and essential for beach trips.

Henequen Fiber Bag
Photo by Marina M on Pexels
Where to buy: Mercado Tulum in the town center.

Salsa macha

USD 8–20

This crispy, nutty chili oil adds intense complexity to even simple street tacos.

Salsa macha
BurseraLinanoe (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Where to buy: Mercado del Pueblo, local specialty grocers

Filigree Jewelry

USD 50–500

Intricate gold or silver wirework remains a regional craft specialty passed through generations.

Filigree Jewelry
Photo by Tahir Xəlfəquliyev on Pexels
Where to buy: Local jewelers along Calle 60.

Lucha libre mask

USD 10–60

Pick up a professional-grade spandex mask from a dedicated gear shop to capture the spectacle of Mexican wrestling.

Lucha libre mask
StellarD (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Where to buy: Local shops along Avenida Revolucion

Mexican chocolate

USD 8–30

Stone-ground cocoa disks blended with cinnamon and sugar create a distinct, grainy texture.

Mexican chocolate
Photo by Susan Flores on Pexels
Where to buy: Cacao Magico

Oaxacan mezcal

USD 50–200

Small-batch agave spirits from the highlands offer deep smoky flavors missing in mass-market tequila.

Oaxacan mezcal
ProtoplasmaKid (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Where to buy: Don Cu, specialized boutique liquor shops on Avenue Revolucion

Black clay pottery

USD 15–200

Burnished black clay ceramics that reflect light like polished metal.

Black clay pottery
Kar Rajme (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where to buy: San Bartolo Coyotepec artisan workshops.

Ceramica de barro negro

USD 20–100

Artisans use local clays to craft burnished, metallic-finish vessels that define northern aesthetics.

Ceramica de barro negro
Photo by Rhian Sousa on Pexels
Where to buy: Casa de las Artesanias de Nuevo Leon.

Tlaquepaque blown glass

USD 15–120

Hand-blown pieces feature vibrant cobalt and emerald swirls created by local artisan furnaces.

Tlaquepaque blown glass
Vassil (CC0)
Where to buy: Calle Independencia workshops in Tlaquepaque

Chicle gum

USD 2–10

This natural tree resin from the local forest is the traditional base for authentic chewing gum.

Chicle gum
-- Gohnarch░░░░ 12:20, 17. Jan. 2009 (CET) (CC BY-SA 3.0 de)
Where to buy: Mercado Municipal de Talpa