A vacation anywhere is not complete without souvenirs. Wherever tourists go though they are the target of cheap souvenir hawkers since with the enthusiasm only tourists can have most do not recognize the bad buys and pay for cheap trinkets that fall apart soon after being given to friends and family at home.
Did you ever realize though that by simply knowing what items are really good in a certain country you can actually buy souvenirs that are of quality, and at native prices (as opposed to tourist inflated prices)? Say good buy to junky souvenirs and say hello to the list of wonderful (but not necessarily expensive) stuff you can and should buy when you visit Chile.
Home made chocolates – Who doesn’t love chocolates? When you get home indulge yourself and your friends with real home made chocolate from Chile. Try the Norweisser brand known for its exquisite tasting chocolates. You can choose from a variety of flavors like plain, nougat, banana, rum, coconut, and more.
Marmalade/Ruibarbo – Yes good food again. Ruibarbo (pronounced reebarbo) is marmalade Chile style. Like any ordinary marmalade you can put it in your toast or eat it whichever way you like it. Yum!
Handicraft – Every culture has its own distinct and beautiful handicraft. Choose from small knick knacks to furniture. Just make sure you go for quality. When buying Chilean handicraft it would be better to buy it in local handicraft stores you pass in rural areas since it is far cheaper than in souvenir shops in the city. Ask around for the good local makers and people will surely point out the best in the area. Or you can go to the local handicraft market which is quite a sight to behold.
Wool sweaters – A must buy in Chile is a “chaleco de lana de oveja” or lamb wool sweater. If you don’t want a chaleco you can also go for jumpers or any other alpaca product. Alpaca sweater are not world-renowned for nothing.
Andean Jewelry – Silver or lapis lazuli jewelry that are distinctly Andean in style can be found in Chile for very reasonable prices. Note that I said reasonable and not cheap since anything with lapis lazuli pretty can be pricey. A perfect souvenir that can be surely be used by you or whoever you will give it to. If you don’t want a souvenir to gather dust but to last (unlike food) then opt for jewelry.
Shoes – Women watch out. Shoe lovers should definitely check out the handmade leather shoes and sandals found in almost all local markets. Of course if you visit a shoe shop most likely you’ll come out not only with a pair of shoe but with the proper bag or purse and other accessories sold to match it.
Charangos – For the musically inclined a charango, a ten-string miniature guitar, is definitely a thing you should buy when you visit Chile. The traditional charango is made out Armadillo hide, which is a thing of beauty but not something you should buy since it does nothing for our little animal friends.