LEATHER
Fine quality shoes, belts, purses at bargain prices.
BEST PLACES: Guadalajara · León · Monterrey · Mexico City
TEXTILES & WEAVINGS
Thousands of years of tradition go into hand-woven shawls, dresses, blankets, scarves, baskets, and reed mats.
BEST PLACES: Jocotepec · Pátzcuaro · Mérida · Veracruz · San Cristóbal de las Casas
SILVER
Being the world leader in silver production, Mexico crafts exquisite jewellery; always look for the ".925" stamp (meaning 92.5% pure) to ensure quality.
BEST PLACES: Taxco · Tlaquepaque · Mexico City Zacatecas · Guanajuato
CERAMICS
From simple trinkets to colourful masks, to massive works of art; the creations of several artists, Sergio Bustamante, for one, are world-famous. NOTE: Ceramicware is often decorated with leaded paint and should not be used for food and drink.
BEST PLACES: Puebla · Puerto Vallarta · Oaxaca · Guadalajara · Tonalá · Guanajuato · Dolores Hidalgo · San Miguel de Allende · San Cristóbal de las Casas
WOODWORK
Now in vogue in the U.S., Mexico's whimsical and colourful carved animals (alebrijes) are prized souvenirs. The best pieces are found in Oaxaca. Also popular are lacquerware, carved masks, furniture and guitars.
BEST PLACES: Oaxaca · Michoacán State San Miguel de Allende · Guadalajara · Tzintzuntzán · Guerrero State
POTTERY
Excellent craftsmanship from centuries of experience; often hand-painted and utilising unique techniques. Green and black pottery of Oaxaca is an example. NOTE: Pottery is often decorated with leaded paint and should not be used for food and drink.
BEST PLACES: Oaxaca · Guadalajara · Tonalá · Tlaquepaque · Puebla
RESORT CLOTHING
Several European designer and Mexico-born chains are found in most beach areas, including ACA JOE, Bye-Bye, Guess, Valentino, and Polo.
BEST PLACES:
All major beach resort areas
REGARDING BARGAINING
Some haggling over prices is acceptable in certain settings - open air markets, and with beach/street vendors.
It is not appropriate in resort shops and stores.
Prices generally include the 15% Value Added Tax (10% in Baja and Quintana Roo states). |