When traveling, we always like to find something unique and local to bring home. On our recent trip to Spain, we spent a long time searching for the perfect souvenir. So armed with all that information, we have a full list of all the different types of local souvenirs you can bring home. Another thing to consider is that Spain has a lot of local markets that feature different artisans, which are great places to search for the perfect souvenir.
An important thing to remember when looking at bringing home food is to consider and review your country’s laws about importing food. For the USA specifically, you cannot legally bring in meat or produce from Spain. There are limited USDA-approved facilities in Spain that can import ham or salami; otherwise, all other meats will be seized. More airports have dogs that will sniff out the food, so I wouldn’t risk it.
Cultural Souvenirs from Spain
One of the best types of souvenirs would be something that represents the Spanish culture. There are a variety of things that can represent different areas of Spain or important aspects of Spanish culture.
Casteรฑuelas
A staple for flamenco dancers, casteรฑuelas are made of wood and make the trademark clacking sound you hear during flamenco dances. They are kept in the flamenco dancer’s hands and used to add to the drama of the dance. Throughout Spain, you’ll find many different sizes, colors, and designs of casteรฑuelas. They are a great souvenir to use as decoration or for the dancers in your life.
Flamenco Dresses
Along with the Casteรฑuelas, you can also bring home Flamenco dresses! In the Rastro market in Madrid, there were several stands selling these dresses in all colors and sizes. You can also find them in many other stores, especially in Sevilla. When we were in Madrid, we saw so many ladies wearing these beautiful dresses. One interesting aspect is that different regions of Spain will have different cultural flamenco dresses. There is a lot of meaning behind the different dresses and outfits.
Anything Gaudi Related
The most influential artist in Spain is Anton Gaudรญ. You’ll explore many of his works and buildings while in Barcelona (check out our itinerary here). You’ll find a plethora of Gaudรญ-themed souvenirs all over Spain, with Barcelona being the hotspot. These can be anything from a postcard to a full print. You’ll even find Gaudรญ-inspired Christmas ornaments, tiles, and even mugs. There are many options!
Caganers Spain Souvenir
A traditional Spanish souvenir is the caganers. These are little Catalan Christmas traditions and make some lighthearted gifts for kids or anyone who enjoys toilet humor. They are men with red hats that are pooping. There are full caganer stores with lots of famous figures pooping.
Apparel & Homewares from Spain
There are many cool fashion brands and many well-known Spanish brands. You’ll be able to get some cheap shopping in at Mango or Zara. There are also famous shoes and clothes that are originally from Spain. You can also find amazing antiques while shopping in Madrid or Barcelona.
Espadrilles
Spanish espadrilles are world famous. You can get them in every color and price. Walking throughout Madrid, you’ll see many alpargata or espadrille shops. You can even get little keychains that are these little shoes. The straw and jute used to make the rope for the espadrilles are also used to make beautiful hats, purses, and baskets. Some of the most popular places to get espadrilles are Alpargaterรญa Casa Hernanz or Castaรฑer for luxury espadrilles.
Fans or Abanicos
Whether a tacky souvenir or a work of art, fans can be an amazing Spanish souvenir to bring home. You can display them at home or even use them on a hot day. Given how warm it gets in Spain, it’s no wonder they are so easy to find. For some truly amazing and handcrafted abanicos, head to Casa de Diego in Sol, Madrid.
Embroidered Shawls or Mantillas
Spain is known for some of its beautiful Mantillas or lace shawls. They can be worn as a veil for a wedding or for church. Some are nice for fancy dinners. You’ll find many cheap imitations of the shawls, but you’ll want to look specifically for mantillas, not shawls, in order to find the beautiful lace handiwork. While some are lace, others are embroidered.
Toledo Jewelry & Ceramics
Toledo is a must-see region near Madrid. It is a great day trip from Madrid. Not only is it known for its marzipan (a great souvenir from Spain), but here you will also find amazing ceramics. The traditional Oropesa and Talavera de la Reina are both well known for their premium ceramics and embroidery. Another famous place for ceramics, pottery, and jewelry is Sargadelos in Galicia.
Porcelain
Llardo is Spanish porcelain. It is exported all around the world. However, buying it in Spain is much cheaper, and you can find many designs that aren’t available elsewhere. It is good quality porcelain and such a great souvenir to bring home as a gift or for yourself.
Leather Goods
In Cadiz in Andalusia, you will find unique and high-quality leather goods. In Ubrique, there is a great leather store. Plus, you get to explore the beautiful town of Vejer de la Frontera. Just like in Argentina, in Spain you will find many exquisite leather goods. I personally like purses and wallets since they’re so long-lasting.
Food to get from Spain
For me, the number one thing you must buy in Spain is food. However, make sure you check out the rules and regulations that your country has about food. For example, you won’t be able to take jamon Iberico to the USA. Because there’s nothing worse than having your gifts thrown away when you reach your homeland…
Saffron
To give paella its distinct color, you’ll want to pick up some saffron from Spain. In grocery stores, you’ll also find paella mixes that you can bring home to try your hand at making this traditional Spanish dish. Of course, you can also buy a paella pan as a souvenir to make it a whole package. Anyway, back to the saffron, one of the world’s most expensive spices. It is picked by hand, so you’ll definitely want to stock up.
Turron
Turron is probably my favorite dessert treat we brought back from Spain. This is a great souvenir because they sell them in all sorts of flavors and sizes. Turron is an almond paste that is sweetened with sugar and made into a block. It is creamy, sweet, and a little oily. There is soft and hard turron. The hard turron keeps the almonds more intact with sugar binding them. I personally love chocolate turron as well. You’ll find many turron shops in your travels to Madrid and Barcelona.
Spanish Wine
Spain has its own selection of unique wine flavors due to its location and weather. Jerez is known for its Sherry. And there are many spectacular wineries in La Roja for some great red wines. Near Barcelona, there are many great day trips to wineries where you can taste the wines before buying. Remember, if you are traveling to the USA, you cannot carry on anything over 3.4 oz; however, you can bring full bottles in your checked bag.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
I love Extra Virgin Olive Oil. I know that’s so weird to say, but ever since tasting real, high-quality EVOO, it’s hard not to enjoy it. Spain has some phenomenal olive oil, and it is a great gift to bring home for the cooks in your life. It has a deep and robust olive flavor while also feeling light in your mouth. They sell olive oil with different flavors infused as well, which is cool. We even saw olive oil in a tube dispenser bottle, so you can take it with you on the go.
Spanish Cookbook
After tasting all the delicious food Spain has to offer, it’s hard not to want to go around making it yourself. I recommend popping into a bookstore and picking up a traditional Spanish cuisine cookbook to remember your travels. It’s fun to incorporate the traditional foods you try while traveling into your daily life. It’s a great reminder of the trip. Make sure to look through the recipes so that they include all your favorites (like paella, tortilla de papa, pan con tomate, and so much more).
Final Thoughts about Souvenirs from Spain
Spain is a large country with so many things to offer its visitors. While you’ll definitely see a lot of kitschy tourist places selling the same things, you will find stores off the beaten path that have gems to bring home. With this list of souvenirs in mind, you will be able to bring something home to everyone on your list, including yourself! I also recommend looking for stores that sell the items you may want ahead of time so you can add them to your itinerary and never hesitate to wander into shops as you explore the cities and towns of Spain.
