Mexico is not only a paradise vacation destination but a place where you can pick up lots of gifts to bring back home. This is all due to the mixture of traditional and modern cultures.
Tourists visiting the many holiday destinations will have no shortage of things to bring back to the people they love the most. But entering a traditional Mexican gift shop will leave you scratching your head and wondering what to buy to commemorate your time there.
Don’t worry about that, as we’ve got you covered. Our guide will list the best things to bring back from Mexico. Some of these items are unique to specific regions, but you’ll have no trouble finding others.
So, with all that said, let’s start.
Foodie Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
- Best Things to Bring Back From Your Trip to Mexico
- Handmade Mexican Hammocks
- Mexican Sandals (Huaraches)
- Woven Friendship Bracelets
- Lucha Libre Masks
- Mexican Blankets
- Traditional Mexican Pottery (Talavera)
- Mexican Tequila Decanter
- Traditional Mexican Chocolate
- Molinillo Souvenir
- Traditional Mexican Music Shakers (Maracas)
- Day of the Dead Skeleton Figurines
- Sombrero
- Traditional Mexican Carved Wooden Masks
- Wrestling Figurine
- Huichol Colorful Beaded Jewelry
- Things to bring back from Mexico : Conclusion
- FAQ
Best Things to Bring Back From Your Trip to Mexico
Strolling the streets of Mexico is the best way to find cool things to bring back from Mexico. That’s partly due to the sheer number of street vendors. These vendors sell everything from wooden to woven goods.
We’ve been there and present you with a list of the coolest things to bring back from Mexico.
Handmade Mexican Hammocks
You’ll have no shortage of Mexican handwoven hammocks to pick as the best gift to buy for your loved ones. Street vendors and gift shops have them in abundance, making your job of picking the right gift as easy as pie.
You can pick up a handmade Mexican hammock on the cheap. But don’t compensate quality for the price. A hammock is supposed to be sturdy, durable, and strong enough to support your body weight.
Therefore, don’t be a cheapskate, but rather invest in a hammock that will last for years. As a side note, look to buy hammocks from the local Mayans in the Yucatan peninsula – if the road takes you there. But if not, again, there’s no shortage of quality handmade hammocks in Mexico. It will be a memorable souvenir from Mexico.
Mexican Sandals (Huaraches)
Mexicans traditionally wore huaraches sandals before Columbus set foot in the country. These sandals are unique from other traditional footwear as they’re woven. But no one batted an eye until the 60s.
Back then, huaraches were all the rage in the country. So this is one of the most interesting things to bring back from Mexico with you and give huaraches to someone who loves sandals?
The great thing about huaraches is that you can find them everywhere! Not only that, they’re very durable thanks to leather stitching. You can find cheap Mexican huaraches that will serve you well on and off your trip.
Woven Friendship Bracelets
Yet another woven gift to bring back home is a friendship bracelet. This could be the best gift for your friends who impatiently wait for your return from your trip to Mexico. Like most items on this list, there’s one of the most exciting things to bring back from Mexico.
Most street vendors sell them, and they come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. To emphasize and remember your trip, consider a woven bracelet in the colors of the Mexican flag, green, white, and red. Not only are these bracelets cheap, but they’re a thoughtful things to bring back from Mexico.
Lucha Libre Masks
Lucha Libre is the Mexican equivalent of WWE and other professional and entertainment wrestling forms. Some even say the inspiration for WWE is Lucha Libre.
Regardless, luchadores (wrestlers) are highly respected in Mexico as the “sport” goes back ages. The most distinctive characteristic of a luchador is their mask. The Lucha Libre mask is the wrestler’s identity.
These masks are trendy on the streets of Mexico, and you’ll have a lot of fun picking the one of the things to bring back from Mexico. What’s more exciting is the masks come in all shapes and colors. So if you’re a fan of Lucha Libre or know a Rey Mysterio fan back at home, a Luchador mask could be the best gift.
Mexican Blankets
Mexican blankets are nothing like the blankets back home. They’re bigger, bulkier, and do a better job of keeping you warm. Mexican blankets are very trendy. You can find them at local gift shops, and street vendors also sell them and they are really good things to bring back from Mexico for your friends.
They come in all sizes and can be found in every color under the sun. But most importantly, they’re handmade and deserve a space in your luggage. Mexican blankets might be the most traditional of all Mexican gifts.
Traditional Mexican Pottery (Talavera)
Talavera pottery holds a special place in Mexican history. The Spanish introduced this type of pottery to the native Mexicans, and the Mexicans perfected it.
The bright colors and unusual shapes are two distinct characteristics of Talavera pottery. But you won’t find good Talavera anywhere else than in Puebla. Puebla is a city in Central Mexico widely known for its cuisine, architecture, and pottery.
The people of Puebla are master crafters of Talavera, and they make all kinds of pottery – from plates to pepper shakers. If your trip to Mexico doesn’t include a stop at Puebla, you might have difficulty finding Talavera pottery. But if you find yourself at Puebla, pay top pesos for an authentic Talavera piece.
Mexican Tequila Decanter
What better item to bring back home than a Mexican souvenir of Mexican tequila? Of course, tequila is Mexico’s go-to fiesta drink and your go-to drink during your vacation. But you might think, “There’s plenty of Mexican tequila as one of the things to bring back from Mexico.”
While that is undoubtedly true, nothing beats bringing back a bottle of Mexican tequila. Simply put, tequila is cheaper and way better in Mexico. But it’s also an excellent gift for your friends and family – especially tequila enjoyers.
However, tequila is part of the gift. What you should be buying as an addition is a traditional tequila decanter. You can take your purchase to the next level by finding a Taravela tequila decanter.
Traditional Mexican Chocolate
Do you have a foodie friend back home who loves chocolate? If so, traditional Mexican chocolate is the perfect Mexican souvenir to bring home. But of course, everyone who knows their chocolate knows that Mexican chocolate is the finest in the world.
It is a widely known fact that Mexico is the birthplace of chocolate. Therefore, it would be a shame not to go out of your way and buy Mexican chocolate delights. You can buy traditional Mexican chocolate powder, chocolate chunks, and similar sweet gifts for the folks back home.
Molinillo Souvenir
A molinillo is a kitchen tool that works well with the previous item on our list. Molinillos resemble wooden whisks that Mexicans use to stir their hot chocolate. If you’ve had hot chocolate in Mexico, the molinillo is what gives the hot chocolate the beautiful frothy look.
There’s a chance that you might never use a molinillo in the kitchen, but that’s why you’re buying this item as a Mexican souvenir. Whether in the kitchen on display or when making hot chocolate, a molinillo is the perfect Mexican souvenir gift to bring back home.
Traditional Mexican Music Shakers (Maracas)
Mexico loves music, and they have an abundance of unique musical instruments that make Mexican music what it is. Although we all have similar instruments back home, one instrument that takes the cake is the maracas.
Maracas are traditional Mexican instruments most commonly used by Mariachi bands. If you’ve never heard how a maraca sounds, it’s essentially a shaker instrument filled with pebbles, beans, rice, or other seeds that give out a rattling sound (similar to how a rattlesnake sounds).
They’re tiny and perfect as a souvenir to bring home with you. If you have a musician friend, it can be the perfect gift from Mexico.
Maracas are cheap and can be found everywhere around Mexico.
Day of the Dead Skeleton Figurines
Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a traditional holiday in Mexico (originally) and other Spanish-speaking countries, where they celebrate the memories of the dead. If you’re unfamiliar with this holiday, you’ve probably never seen the Disney animated movie Coco.
To say Dia de Los Muertos is big in Mexico would be an understatement. On Dia de Los Muertos, people build private altars for dead family members and place their favorite foods, beverages, pictures, and similar memorabilia to celebrate their life.
The idea is for the souls of the dead to visit the living realm and hear the prayers of the living.
But what makes Dia de Los Muertos fun are the dead figurines. Dia de Los Muertos figurines are usually skeletons with sombreros or other traditional Mexican clothing.
These figurines are authentic and iconic. Therefore, what better way to celebrate your trip to Mexico than to bring back a skeleton figurine as an iconic home decor item?
Sombrero
Speaking of skeletons with sombreros, there isn’t a more famous Mexican souvenir than a sombrero. If you’re living under a rock, sombreros are wide-brimmed hats and a part of the Mexican identity. These hats were, at one point, immensely popular.
The reasons why sombreros were so popular were due to two things. One, the extra wide brim offers protection from the sun, and two, they look super cool.
Men traditionally wear sombreros. It is the sort of souvenir that can commemorate your time spent in the country. You’ll have no trouble finding gift shops and street vendors selling sombreros. They come in various sizes and colors, making them the perfect item to bring home.
Strolling around Mexico City with your new big sombrero will make you feel like a true bandit.
Traditional Mexican Carved Wooden Masks
Before the Spanish colonized the country, there were the Mayans. The Mayans’ customs, traditions, and clothing made them different from every other indigenous people on this Earth.
Mexicans love their indigenous roots, and they celebrate them as much as possible. One way to do that is by wearing beautifully carved wooden masks to symbolize the country’s rich history and folk art.
These masks are very impressively made. Like any other Mexico souvenir, these masks come in all sizes, shapes, designs, and colors. However, picking the right one can be tricky if your trip to Mexico doesn’t include a stop at the Yucatan Peninsula.
The Yucatan Peninsula is widely renowned for its Mayan ruins, Chichen Itza, Ek Balam, Uxmal, and many others. Yucatan is a must-visit region to learn more about the indigenous tribes that inhabited the lands before colonial times. And it is also the perfect place to get yourself a Mayan wooden mask.
Other places in Mexico rich with Mayan culture for souvenir shopping include Riviera Maya, Tulum, Coba, and dozens of others.
Wrestling Figurine
Much like a Lucha Libre mask, wrestling figurines are one of the best Mexican souvenirs to bring home. These figurines celebrate luchadores and the hugely popular sport we all know and love.
The popularity of these figurines has transcended beyond Mexico. Nowadays, you can find wrestling figurines with your favorite superheroes like Hulk, Batman, Spiderman, Iron Man, etc. Wrestling figurines are excellent souvenirs for collectors, fans, and those who want to memorate their trip to Mexico.
They’re even the perfect gift to give your friends or family or keep for yourself. For example, you can find wrestling figurines across Mexico and set up your ring for a match.
Huichol Colorful Beaded Jewelry
Huichol beaded jewelry is the perfect gift to give a loved one. Huichol jewelry is handmade and comes in a variety of colors and styles. In addition, you can find bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and other handmade jewelry all across Mexico.
The biggest selling point of Huichol jewelry is that they’re beaded and handmade. Although quite popular, the best assortment of handmade Huichol goods can be found in the Sierra Madre Mountains – the home of the Huichol indigenous people.
Most of the jewelry designs symbolize their culture and traditions. But the perfect selection of colors and designs makes Huichol jewelry an excellent item to bring home. You can wear it casually or formally or put it around the house as decorations.
Things to bring back from Mexico : Conclusion
That concludes our travel guide on the things to bring back from your trip to Mexico. We hope our guide explains what everyone visiting Mexico should consider buying to commemorate their trip. In addition to our Mexico souvenir shopping travel tips, we wish to learn more about what you think you should be bringing home the next time you’re in Mexico.
FAQ
What Can I Bring Back From Mexico?
The best things to bring back from Mexico are:
- Handmade Mexican Hammocks
- Mexican Sandals (Huaraches)
- Woven Friendship Bracelet
- Lucha Libre Mask
- Mexican Blankets
- Traditional Mexican Pottery (Talavera)
- Mexican Tequila Decanter
- Mexican Traditional Chocolate
- Molinillo Souvenir
- Traditional Mexican Music Shakers (Maracas)
- Day of the Dead Skeleton Figurines
- Sombrero
- Traditional Mexican Carved Wooden Masks
- Wrestling Figurines
- Huichol Colorful Beaded Jewelry
What Goods is Mexico Known For?
Mexico is known for its unique mixture of traditional and modern culture. Therefore, the best gifts should be traditional, handmade, and unique.
What One Thing Should I Bring Back Home From Mexico?
The one thing to bring back from Mexico is a Sombrero. It is unique to Mexico and a gift you will never forget.
Looking for other foodie gift guides?
- The Ultimate Foodie Gift Guide
- Top Foodie Gifts For Him
- The 13 Best Christmas Gifts For Foodies
- The 16 Best Birthday Gifts for Foodies
- The 12 Best Foodie Gift Sets to Get for the Holiday Seasons
- The 12 Best Foodie Gifts for Dad
- The 41 Best Unusual Gifts For Food Lovers
- The 30 Best Luxury Gifts For Foodies
- The 30 Best Inexpensive Gifts for Foodies & The 14 Best Foodie Gifts Under $25
- The 13 Best Foodie Gifts Under $100
- The 13 Best Foodie Gifts Under $50
- Best Foodie Gifts From Amazon
- 16 Best Foodie Gifts For Her
- 17 Best Foodie Gifts For Couples
- 15 Best Things To Bring Back From Italy
- The 12 Best Things To Bring Back From Jamaica
- 20 Best Things To Bring Back From South America
Igor Jovanovski is an aspiring digital nomad, travel blogger and graphic designer who really loves food. He also has a creative side, and he works as a freelance graphic designer in his spare time. He has traveled across Europe quite a few times since he was young and recently started his mission to visit every country in the world! Igor’s favorite thing about traveling is the way he gets to know new people, food, places and cultures.
This exciting experience helps him create his own stories and make memories that will last forever