Holiday Shopping

Xtabentún

Shopping for Christmas gifts in Mérida will bring a delight to the senses. There is an incredible array of objects which can be chosen for friends or family.

Some of the things that are unique to Yucatán include finely exquisite gold or silver filigree jewelry, the traditional Yucatecan hammock, honey, Xtabentun anise and honey liqueur, chocolate, artwork, sculpture, clay replicas of Maya gods, chili habanero sauce, henequen baskets, wood carvings of Maya gods, paintings by Yucatecan artists, Ticul pottery, embroidered huipiles or ternos (Maya women’s dresses), hammocks, and the traditionally famous Yucatecan guayabera shirt.

Things from other areas of Mexico that can be found here include vanilla, coffee, serapes, hand woven bedspreads, folk art, masks, Day of the Dead curios, Talavera ceramics, Oaxaca black pottery, miniatures, embroidered clothing, silver from Taxco, pewter, unique furniture, Frida Kahlo images, paintings, sculpture, and Mexican blown glass to name a few. If you love folk art, El Estudio and Artesanaria offer eclectic collections of beautiful Mexican folk art.

There are many places to shop, from specialty stores to markets to art galleries. Two hotels which have special gift stores are Hotel Mediomundo, with art from Michoacan, Guanajuato, Chiapas, and Guatemala. 100% Mexico at Hotel Casa San Angel is a FONART franchise, promoting the production and distribution of varied artisan objects to help the indigenous people of Mexico.

Art galleries offer another way to give a lasting gift and own original art. Galería Tataya has a large choice of contemporary Cuban paintings and prints as well as a unique collection of ¨artesanías¨ / folk art, with special emphasis on ¨alebrijes¨ wood carved animals and monsters. All pieces are one-off. Also metalwork, clay and lacquer. Nahualli Casa de los Artistas has paintings and sculptures created in their original space and gallery. Soho Galleries offers a fantastic selection of original works of art. And don’t forget the Corredor Internacional de Arte, where every Sunday on Paseo Montejo you can find a great selection of local art.

For a variety of shopping experiences in one place, visit one of Mérida’s many fabulous shopping malls. And don’t forget the Plaza Americana adjacent to the Hotel Fiesta Americana, with a wide variety of Mexican handcrafts to choose from. Another place with many options is the Mercado Municipal de Artesanías Lucas de Galves.

How about a gift of relaxation? Consider a gift certificate for any one of the many spas in our area. Speaking of gift certificates, how about a gift of a romantic dinner for two? Or consider a cooking class at Los Dos Cooking School. Another fantastic gift certificate idea would be an overnight package at a special hacienda or hotel in our area. Consult your copy of Yucatan Today for spa, hotel, and restaurant ideas.

Where to shop:

100% Mexico, Hotel Casa San Angel
Paseo Montejo x Calle 49, Centro

Agustín Art Studio
Calle 58-A #483 x 25 y 25-A, Itzimná

Artesanaria
Calle 60 x 55, Centro

Café Orgánico
Calle 33-D x Ave. Reforma, x Cupules y Colón

Carmen Victoria, gallery and framing
Calle 21 #100-A, Itzimná

Casa de Artesanías Mercado
Calle 61-A x 60 int. Pasaje Revolución, Centro

Casa de las Artesanías
Calle 63 x 64 y 66

El Estudio
Paseo de Montejo x 41 y 43, Centro

Guayaberas Jack
Calle 59 #507 x 60 y 62, Centro

Hecho a Mano
Calle 31, Facing Plaza, Izamal

Hotel Mediomundo Gift Shop
Calle 55 #533 x 64 y 66, Centro