Mexico is one of those destinations where you can find any kind of souvenir you can dream up, but you need to be careful to buy authentic Mexican souvenirs. The kind you you look at months later and instantly remember the heat, the colors, the smells, and the tiny moments that made the trip special. When I travel, I want souvenirs that feel like the place, not something that could’ve come from an airport shop anywhere in the world.

These are the best souvenirs in Mexico—the ones worth packing space for, carrying home carefully, and actually using once you’re back.

---

Talavera Pottery (Yes, It’s Heavy—and Yes, It’s Worth It)

If you see colorful, hand-painted pottery with intricate blue, yellow, and green patterns, you’re probably looking at Talavera. Authentic Talavera is traditionally made in Puebla, and every piece is hand-painted and kiln-fired.

I love Talavera because it’s both beautiful and functional—bowls, plates, tiles, even spoon rests. My advice? Buy one or two meaningful pieces instead of a full set, and ask the shop to wrap it properly. Many vendors are pros at packing pottery for flights.

If you want to have an entire set you might want to think about having it shipped home instead of taking it on your flight.

I really love getting one special platter to use for serving or get one plate and hang it in a gallery wall with other art.

---

Handwoven Textiles & Embroidered Clothing

Mexico’s textiles are stunning, colorful and lots of fun. Plus no two pieces are exactly alike. Embroidered blouse, woven table runners,  napkins, scarves and more these items are made using techniques passed down for generations—especially in regions like Oaxaca.

Look for:

• Huipil tops (embroidered blouses)

• Handwoven scarves or shawls

• Table linens with bold patterns

These make incredible gifts, but they’re also perfect “wear it and remember the trip” souvenirs.

---

Silver Jewelry That’s Actually Affordable

Mexico is famous for its silver, especially from Taxco. You might feel a little overhwlmed by the sheer number of silver shops in most towns. The good news is you can find everything from simple, modern pieces to intricate, traditional designs—and the prices are often far better than at home.

I love shops that create their own silver jewelry in-house. I think you get better quality and you get one of a kind pieces which is such a great memento from a trip.

Quick tip: look for markings like “.925” and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Many artisans are happy to tell you about how and where the piece was made.

---

Alebrijes: The Souvenir That Feels Like Art

Alebrijes are colorful, hand-carved wooden animals—often imaginary creatures—with incredible detail. No two are alike, and the painting alone can take days or weeks.

I cannot tell you how much I love these, they are truly beautiful works of art in fun and often loud colors.

These are one of my favorite souvenirs because they’re pure joy. They don’t need to do anything. They just make you smile every time you see them. Get a set of 2 or 3 and display them on a bookshelf to remember your trip for years to come.

---

Vanilla, Chocolate & Coffee (The Edible Souvenirs)

I’m a big believer in edible souvenirs—because they don’t clutter your house forever. They are also a great gift to take hom for whoever is watching the dogs, bringing in mail, etc.

Mexico is known for:

• Pure vanilla (especially in Veracruz)

• Traditional chocolate tablets for making hot chocolate

• Locally grown coffee from southern regions

Just be sure everything is sealed and allowed through customs. Most tourist foused shops will be able to show you what is allowed through customs.

---

Leather Goods You’ll Actually Use

Mexican leather is often dyed in lots of beautiful colors and enticing you to come look from every street corner. You can find belts, wallets, sandals and bags. Mexican leather goods are decently made and reasonably priced. They don’t hold up to the leather you will find in Turkey or fine leather shops around the world, but the shoes are well made. If you want premium leather products go to a brick and mortar store instead of a tourist shop.

I always gravitate toward neutral colors and classic shapes—things that won’t feel trendy for one season and then get shoved to the back of the closet.

---

Day of the Dead Art (Even If You Didn’t Visit in November)

You don’t have to visit during Día de los Muertos to appreciate the art. Hand-painted skulls, prints, and folk art celebrating life and remembrance are meaningful, colorful, and deeply rooted in Mexican culture.

These pieces make especially thoughtful gifts because they feel personal and symbolic—not mass-produced.

---

What I Skip (So You Can Save Space)

Not everything needs to come home with you. I usually pass on:

• Oversized sombreros (fun, but impractical)

• Cheap mass-produced souvenirs

• Anything fragile without proper packing

• Things that you can buy at home or on Amazon.

If it doesn’t tell a story—or won’t get used—I leave it behind.

---

Buy Fewer, Better Souvenirs

The best souvenirs in Mexico are ones that you will love and use. If you will adore a pair of $25 silverish earrings, buy them and enjoy. I’m al for buying things thoughtfully and using what you buy. Travel is one of the best ways to create a home that feels like you and reflects your adventures.

If you’re standing in a market debating whether to buy something, ask yourself one question: Will this make me smile six months from now?
If the answer is yes, that’s the one to bring home.