The season of giving is here! Whether you want to give a small gift or treat yourself (because you absolutely deserve it), buying local is always a great idea.
If you think supporting local in Yucatán is limited only to handcrafts, we’re here to open your eyes to a new universe. Prepare to be delighted by this brief compilation of proudly Yucatecan businesses that craft a wide range of products for all tastes and budgets. If you are looking specifically for handcrafts, though, we have another article that might interest you.
- Carbonyko: Clean beauty
- Corazón de Cacao: Facial, body, and hair care
- Fulgórica: Velas
- Ki'Xocolatl: Chocolate
- Kokokoke: Plants
- Máare Macetas
- Macra Macra: Macramé and crochet knitwear
- NÖUT: notebooks
- Piñuela: Natural Cosmetics
- Sand Bags: Henequen accessories
Carbonyko
Famous for its convenient Bye Baby Hair styling bars, Carbonyko is a popular clean beauty brand—a concept that refers to cosmetics made with natural, plant-based ingredients. Their vegan skincare products are designed to protect even the most sensitive skin.
Using mixtures of botanical extracts, essences, and vegetable butters, along with vitamins and organic acids, they create fresh serums, tonics, and masks for a complete facial routine. Each item has a unique identity, with vibrant colors that make the process of self-care fun. Some of the most beloved products include the 3Needs serum, the Renew That Glow mask, and the Collagen & Tea Tree tonic, all of which help hydrate the face.
Their offerings also include soaps, lip oils, hair oils, and, of course, the aforementioned Bye Baby Hair bars. These help keep hair neatly tucked away when worn up and come in pleasant scents like coconut, cherry, vanilla, kiwi watermelon, chocomint, and mango coconut. Their thematic versions and limited-edition kits can be a lovely gift for the holiday season or any special occasion.
How to purchase their products:
Explore their catalog and find seasonal promotions on their website, where you can place your order. You can also find a selection of their items at Sally Beauty and Amazon. For in-person purchases in Mérida, visit any Yaaxtal branch. —R.Z.
IG: carbonyko
FB: Carbonyko
Corazón de Cacao
Conceived by Carol Aguilar, a pharmaceutical chemist and biologist, Corazón de Cacao adopts a conscious approach, free of animal cruelty and synthetic ingredients, to promote facial, body, and hair care. All their products—from creams and serums to repellents and sunscreens—are backed by scientific principles. Among their star creations are the Rose Water (a refreshing tonic), the Anti-Aging Facial Cream, and Rice Glow (a skin brightening tonic).
Their refill station in Mérida—which allows customers to reuse containers and reduce plastic consumption—is a great initiative that confirms their commitment to sustainability.
What I appreciate most about this brand is that it categorizes its offerings by six different skin types and groups them into kits based on your needs, making the process of selecting the correct product simple and easy.
For this holiday season, the interactive guide on their website is an efficient tool that will allow you to choose specialized gifts for the exact profile of the person you have in mind. As an alternative to simplify your purchase, their site also offers gift cards.
How to purchase their products:
Corazón de Cacao has its own physical store in Mérida. Receive in-person advice at one of their two branches: Colonia Montecristo and Plaza La Isla. Check their Instagram account for the operating hours of each. For online orders, visit their website and let its intuitive design guide you. —R.Z.
Calle 1-G #243-A Local 3, Residencial Montecristo
Fulgórica
This brand is my trusted go-to whenever I want to give a special gift. Founded during the pandemic, Fulgórica believes in the function of candles as portals of energy and tools for setting intentions for our days.
With a concept based on promoting spirituality through aromatherapy, a large part of their catalog incorporates astrology. Several of their candles are inspired by the moon phases and the zodiac signs. Following the idea of using candles to set intentions, they offer kits such as those for birthdays, gratitude, and transformation. These may include journals, quartz crystals, palo santo, incense, or other objects that transform your experience with their products into a ritual of introspection.
Personally, I always look out for their new seasonal candles and special edition releases. Every detail from Fulgórica—from the message that comes with the candle to the presentation and packaging—feels curated with love, making it a great way to give a gift that feels personal yet useful for anyone.
How to purchase their products:
The easiest way to buy and access their entire catalog is through their website, which offers shipping across all of México. If you prefer to make your purchase in person, visit one of their different points of sale, such as Matilda in Centro, Cuarto de Rosas in Francisco de Montejo, and any Yaaxtal branch. Find the complete list of stores on their Instagram account. —R.Z.
Tel. 999 947 3857
IG: fulgorica
FB: Fulgórica
Ki'Xocolatl
Many of us are familiar with Ki'Xocolatl for its wide and delicious variety of chocolate products, from exquisite bars with very Mexican flavors to cookies, baking ingredients, and even mole paste. All of these are wonderful gifts, no doubt, but did you know that Ki'Xocolatl also makes personal hygiene and care products?
Body cream, bar and liquid soaps, and even perfumes and scented candles are the star products in this range. The best part is that all of them are made with cocoa butter. This is the fat extracted from the cocoa beans, which naturally gives them an exceptional aroma. But as if that weren't enough, cocoa butter is also full of natural antioxidants and is so stable that, unlike other moisturizers, it rarely goes rancid or changes aroma or texture.
My favorite product is the pure cocoa butter: highly moisturizing, without being greasy or sticky, and free of artificial fragrances or colorants. But for a touch of luxury with every hand wash, the soaps are not far behind. Whether you choose one of these, both, or their practical mini-kits, you are sure to find a perfect gift at Ki'Xocolatl for those special people in your life.
How to purchase their products:
Ki'Xocolatl has four physical stores in Mérida: Santa Lucía Park, Plaza Galerías, Plaza City32, and Plaza Boulevares (in front of El Pocito). To browse their products online, you can check the Products/Hygiene and Beauty section on their website. —A.N.
IG: kixocolatl
FB: Ki Xocolatl
Kokokoke: Adopt life, love, and good vibes
Some gifts grow with you, and Kokokoke's kokedamas are that kind of piece: living objects that harmonize any space and fill the environment with positive energy.
Inspired by an ancient Japanese technique, kokedamas involve wrapping a plant's roots in an organic sphere and reducing the need for plastic pots. At Kokokoke, each one is handmade using natural local fibers like coconut and henequén, honoring their Yucatecan origin. Each piece is unique, created with intention, care, and love to reconnect the owner with nature and balance their energy.
Gifting a kokedama—or receiving one—is a profound gesture: it symbolizes good wishes, connection, and harmony. Besides being easy to care for, each specimen includes a card detailing the plant's energetic property, its care instructions, and a protective quartz crystal, responsible for absorbing energy and maintaining the vitality of the green being it accompanies.
In their catalog, you will find options for every type of energy and purpose: anthurium to strengthen the romantic spirit, telephone plants that transform negative energy, money trees for attracting fortune, golden rain for prosperity and joy, in addition to species like elephant's foot or desert rose.
And if you want the full experience, Kokokoke also offers workshops where you can create your own kokedama: a moment of connection with the earth, calm, and creativity.
How to purchase their products:
Find them on payday weekends at the Hand Made bazaar at Plaza La Isla. They also offer home delivery, or you can contact them to arrange a visit to their workshop and see their full catalog. —M.R
WA: 553 623 8925
IG: kokokokemid
FB: Kokokokes Mid
Máare Macetas
Inspired by Yucatán's rich history and culture, Máare Macetas was founded in 2020 with the promise to bring "a little slice of Yucatán to your home."
Máare Macetas crafts plant pots and candle holders inspired by the colorful colonial architecture that lines Mérida's historic center streets, available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Their designs also include traditional Maya houses, the "Linda Mestiza" design featuring flowers from the traditional hipil embroidered dress, as well as products inspired by the iconic plaques that adorn several Mérida street corners. My personal favorite is the Yucatán "you and me" chair design, which has space for two small plant pots.
Looking for a personalized gift? Máare Macetas can create that for you. Contact them for a custom-made pot featuring iconic and recognizable Mérida businesses, or a personalized pot with portraits of your pet. Each piece is created and hand-painted with care and attention to detail, making this a truly special and unique gift.
How to purchase their products:
Máare Macetas has a number of sales points throughout Mérida, including the Piñuela store in Centro, Color Amor (in front of Santa Lucía park), El Jardín del Mono (Montebello and Las Américas), Yucachulas (Colonia México), Amora Store (Francisco de Montejo III), and the Chapur stores (North and Harbor Mall).
You can contact them directly via WhatsApp, Facebook, or Instagram to view the full catalog or inquire about personalized products. Products are available for delivery within Mérida for a small fee. They also ship nationally and internationally. —K.B.
WA: 999 509 2581
IG: maaremacetas
FB: Maare Macetas
Macra Macra
Seeking to generate a balance between aesthetics and functionality, Macra Macra celebrates the tradition of handcrafted goods with a variety of products woven in macramé and crochet. Primarily focused on bags, they also make tapestries, coasters, and even shoes in varied colors and textures.
Their Palmina bag is my favorite for Mérida’s climate, as it has a fresh yet stylized appearance. However, their bag catalog has something for every taste. The Akumal bag is perfect for beach getaways, while the Bow bag is ideal for casual daytime events, and the gold or silver clutches are an excellent accessory for an elegant occasion. Their Chunky bags are perhaps the current favorite, with vivid color combinations that adapt to all personalities.
Similarly, if you have an idea in mind but can't find it in the catalog, you can request a customized project through the website. Their sister brand, Awana, focuses on tapestries and textile art pieces, presenting you with infinite options for a gift as small or as grand as you wish.
How to purchase their products:
Check their variety of products and make your purchase directly on their website or by contacting them via WhatsApp. The brand also has a physical point of sale: the Poemática store in Plaza San Angelo, in the north of the city. —R.Z.
Tel. 999 159 2698
IG: macra_macra
FB: Macra Macra
NÖUT
If you are passionate about writing, drawing, or simply gliding a pencil across paper, NÖUT is a brand that will win you over. Their handcrafted notebooks, made in Yucatán, are designed to meet the highest quality standards in the stationery market.
They offer hard and soft covers in various sizes, colors, and formats, with plain, lined, or dotted pages. Their prices (which vary slightly depending on the point of sale) for the softcover range from $65 to $190 pesos; the hardcover (only available in half-letter size) costs $350 pesos. Basically, there's something for every taste and need.
This can be a great everyday gift for that special person, and the best part is that if you buy directly from the website, you can personalize them with their name—starting with one piece for hardcover and 12 pieces for softcover.
How to purchase their products:
To get your notebooks delivered, you can order directly on their website, or visit one of their points of sale distributed throughout the city: Arqline, Arkiarte, Drawink, Sempere, and many more. —A.N.
Tel. 999 748 6058
IG: nout.mx
Piñuela: Natural cosmetics with a social purpose
Piñuela is a social enterprise specializing in natural cosmetics and personal hygiene products, including soaps, body creams, shampoos, conditioners, essential oils, and more.
Piñuela’s core mission is to dignify the work of artisan women in Yucatán who have been victims of violence, providing them with safe refuge and steady employment. Their commitment is recognized through the distinctive ‘Made in Yucatán’ sticker and a UNESCO certification for their handcrafted artisanal products. The entire product line is eco-friendly and chemical-free, featuring many zero-waste options like their popular shampoo bars.
Piñuela boasts a cute and vibrant aesthetic. The bold colors and flavors of Yucatán are reflected in their products, with natural scents including cacao, pitahaya (dragonfruit), bougainvillea, and the native melipona honey. My personal favorites are the rose water spray and cucumber face cream, which are fantastic go-tos for keeping your skin glowy and refreshed in the heat. Their Christmas products are also a wonderful way to gift a small slice of Yucatán. I especially love the Christmas candles, available in scents like pine tree and apple and cinnamon—they deliver a festive glow with an undeniably Piñuela aesthetic.
Piñuela recently began offering workshops for ‘Piñuelovers’ to learn the process behind the products and create their very own soaps and candles. Demand for these workshops is high and spots usually sell out quickly, so keep a close eye on their social media pages if you’d like to get involved.
How to purchase their products:
You can visit Piñuela’s website for their full catalog of products; delivery is available throughout México. They also have a physical location in Mérida’s Centro, operating from 4 - 10 pm Tuesday to Sunday. —K.B.
Calle 60 x 49 y 52, Centro
IG: pinuelamx
Sand Bags: Tradition, style, and you — a unique henequén accessory!
Are you searching for an accessory that perfectly combines artisanal richness with your personal style? Discover Sand Bags, the brand that breathes new life into the noble henequén (sisal) fiber, creating bags, hats, and placemats that are true pieces of art. Each item is hand-woven and designed exclusively for you.
At Sand Bags, every bag, hat, or placemat is a celebration of tradition, durability, and natural elegance. They use high-quality henequén to offer you a resistant, eco-friendly accessory with an unmatched texture, perfect for the beach, the city, or any special occasion.
What truly sets Sand Bags apart is the opportunity to acquire a piece that is entirely yours. You can personalize your Sand Bag with your initials, names, or short phrases, unique color combinations, or, if you prefer, tassels, pompoms, and other details that perfectly reflect your personality.
How to purchase their products:
Since every bag, hat, or placemat from Sand Bags is a customized item, the purchasing process begins by visiting their Instagram profile. There, you will find their catalog and contact information. From there, the Sand Bags team will guide you through the pricing, personalization, and all the delivery and shipping details.
WA: 999 239 5702
IG: sandbags_mid
Por Kate Buckle, Alicia Navarrete, Magali Ramírez D., y Regina Zumárraga
Publicado por primera vez en la revista impresa y digital Yucatán Today, edición no. 456 de diciembre de 2025.
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