Buenos Aires is a city with a strong craft tradition and a lively food scene. You can find thoughtful, well-made souvenirs if you know what to look for and how to pack them.

This guide covers items you’ll see across the city — not one street or single shop. It focuses on locally made or closely associated goods that travel well and show how to judge their quality.

1. Mate set (gourd and bombilla)

• Why it’s worth buying: Mate is central to local daily life and culture. A traditional gourd and metal straw make a meaningful keepsake you’ll actually use.
• Where to look: Look in markets and artisan stalls for sets with hand-carved or leather-covered gourds.
• Price range: $12–$45
• How to spot a good one: Check for a smooth rim, tight metal straw fit, and no loose glue or cracks.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap the gourd in clothing and place the bombilla inside to protect it.

2. Yerba mate (packaged loose leaf)

• Why it’s worth buying: Yerba mate is the essential companion to the mate set and varies by flavor profile. Small sealed packages are lightweight and practical to bring home.
• Where to look: Food halls and grocery-style stalls sell a range of local and artisanal brands.
• Price range: $3–$12
• How to spot a good one: Prefer fresh packaging with a clear harvest or best-by date and recognizable producer.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Keep the sealed bag in an outer suitcase pocket to avoid crushing.

3. Alfajores (boxed sweets)

• Why it’s worth buying: These sandwich cookies with dulce de leche are a widely loved sweet from the region. A boxed pack travels well when sealed and offers a taste of local production.
• Where to look: Food halls and specialty confection counters list national and artisanal varieties.
• Price range: $6–$20
• How to spot a good one: Choose boxes with intact seals, ingredient lists, and recent production dates.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Place the box between soft clothes to cushion against breaking.

4. Jar of dulce de leche

• Why it’s worth buying: Dulce de leche is a signature Argentine flavor used in many desserts. A small jar lets you recreate local tastes at home.
• Where to look: Markets and food stalls offer both industrial and small-batch jars.
• Price range: $4–$15
• How to spot a good one: Look for clean sealing, clear labeling, and minimal additives for a more authentic texture.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Double-bag jars and wrap them in clothing; place in checked luggage if heavily packed.

5. Bottle of Malbec (local wine)

• Why it’s worth buying: Argentina’s red wines, especially Malbec, have international reputation and distinct regional character. A single bottle is a practical, giftable souvenir.
• Where to look: Independent wine shops and market stalls carry regional bottlings and tasting notes.
• Price range: $8–$40
• How to spot a good one: Check the vintage, winery information, and a clear appellation or region label.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Buy a wine protector or have the shop wrap it; pack near the center of your suitcase.

6. Leather wallet or belt

• Why it’s worth buying: Argentina has a long tradition of leatherworking, and small goods are useful every day. Pick items with solid stitching for long life.
• Where to look: Independent shops focused on leather goods display many handcrafted options.
• Price range: $25–$150
• How to spot a good one: Inspect edges, stitching consistency, and the leather’s smell and flexibility.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wear bulky leather items on the plane to save suitcase space.

7. Wool scarf or lightweight poncho

• Why it’s worth buying: Textiles reflect regional weaving and are practical for layering back home. Natural fibers hold up better than cheap synthetic knockoffs.
• Where to look: Co-ops and artisan stalls often show hand-loomed or locally dyed pieces.
• Price range: $20–$120
• How to spot a good one: Feel the fabric for even weaving and look for fiber content tags stating wool or alpaca.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Roll the textile to minimize creases and tuck it between clothes.

8. Handmade silver or metal jewelry

• Why it’s worth buying: Local makers combine traditional techniques with contemporary styles, producing sturdy pieces. Jewelry is compact and simple to carry.
• Where to look: Galleries and cooperative boutiques highlight small silver or mixed-metal work.
• Price range: $20–$200
• How to spot a good one: Look for consistent soldering, secure clasps, and any artisan marks or signatures.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Store pieces in soft pouches and keep them in your carry-on.

9. Hand-painted ceramics (small mug or plate)

• Why it’s worth buying: Ceramic pieces show regional color and craftsmanship in manageable sizes. A well-fired glaze resists chips and lasts.
• Where to look: Galleries and artisan markets sell hand-painted or wheel-thrown items.
• Price range: $15–$80
• How to spot a good one: Turn it over to check for even glazing, a fired foot ring, and no hairline cracks.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Pad ceramics with layers of towels and place at the suitcase center.

10. Artist prints and posters

• Why it’s worth buying: Local artists produce limited prints that capture the city’s visual culture. Flat paper goods are economical and easy to transport.
• Where to look: Independent shops and galleries carry signed prints and limited runs.
• Price range: $10–$60
• How to spot a good one: Prefer numbered editions, artist signatures, and quality paper stock.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Roll prints into a sturdy tube or buy a flat folder from the seller.

11. Local condiments (chimichurri, hot sauce)

• Why it’s worth buying: Condiments bring local flavor to home cooking and are small enough to stash in luggage. Bottles from reputable producers keep well if unopened.
• Where to look: Food halls and specialty markets offer regional chimichurri blends and sauces.
• Price range: $5–$20
• How to spot a good one: Read ingredient lists for natural oils and herbs and verify sealing.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap bottles in plastic and clothing; place them in checked baggage or ship.

12. Tango-themed stationery or notebooks

• Why it’s worth buying: Design-forward stationery often features local imagery and quality paper stock. Notebooks are lightweight, useful, and reflect Argentine design taste.
• Where to look: Co-ops and small independent shops stock locally designed paper goods.
• Price range: $6–$30
• How to spot a good one: Check paper weight and binding quality and for a local designer credit.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Keep them flat in a section of your suitcase to prevent bent corners.

Quick buying tips for Buenos Aires

• Carry some cash for small stalls; many places accept cards for larger purchases.
• Politely ask about prices; light haggling is sometimes acceptable for markets.
• Wrap fragile items in clothing and place them in the suitcase center for protection.
• Many shops offer domestic or international shipping for bulky or fragile purchases.
• Look for “made locally” labels, artisan signatures, or a clear producer name on tags.
• Pack food and liquids in sealed containers and follow airline rules for carry-on liquids.

Where to shop in Buenos Aires

Shopping is spread across districts with different strengths: antiques and weekend fairs, museum shops for curated objects, and design neighborhoods for contemporary goods. Allow time to visit a market, a museum shop, and a few galleries to cover different types of souvenirs.

• San Telmo market and streets — antiques, vintage leather, and weekend artisan stalls.
• Recoleta area near cultural sites — museum shops, art prints, and designer stationery.
• Palermo Soho design quarter — independent makers, small boutiques, and fashion accessories.
• Central market halls — packaged foods, condiments, and sweets sold by producers.
• La Boca’s Caminito and surrounding streets — colorful prints, posters, and tango-themed items.
• Seasonal artisan fairs and craft markets — hand-stitched textiles and regional crafts.
• Waterfront promenades and kiosks — small gift items and locally themed souvenirs.

What to skip (common tourist traps)

• Cheap leather souvenirs with glue seams and thin material; they wear out quickly.
• Plastic “tango” trinkets made for tourists rather than items by local craftspeople.
• Unlabeled food jars or packages without ingredient lists or production dates.
• Mass-produced prints sold as “local art” without artist credit or edition numbers.
• Extremely cheap jewelry plated over base metals that tarnish after a few wears.
• Bottles without intact seals; they may be refilled or of uncertain quality.

If you only buy three things

Mate set (gourd and bombilla): It’s culturally meaningful and useful every day.
Alfajores: Easy to share and a clear taste of local sweet traditions.
Leather wallet: Durable, locally made, and practical for daily use.

FAQ

1. What is Buenos Aires known for making?
   Buenos Aires is known for leather goods, handcrafted textiles, and a strong artisanal food culture. You’ll also find many local artists producing prints, jewelry, and design items.

2. What are the best edible souvenirs from Buenos Aires?
   Packaged alfajores, jars of dulce de leche, and local condiments like chimichurri travel well. Buy sealed, dated packages and avoid fragile pastries unless you’ll eat them quickly.

3. Are souvenirs expensive in Buenos Aires?
   Prices vary widely; markets and co-ops often have affordable options while galleries and boutiques cost more. Quality typically matches price, so inspect materials and labels before buying.

4. What is the easiest souvenir to pack from Buenos Aires?
   Paper goods like prints or notebooks are the simplest to pack and rarely break in transit. They’re light, flat, and fit into carry-on or checked bags without special wrapping.

5. How do I know if something is truly local?
   Look for artisan signatures, producer names, fiber or material tags, and clear sourcing details on labels. Ask sellers where and how items were made, and compare similar goods to judge craftsmanship.

Tip: Save your receipts, and keep fragile items in your carry-on.

About the Author 

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!

Let us know in the comments if this has been useful or if you’ve got suggestions we can include