Oaxaca is a top place in Mexico for handicrafts and local foods. The city’s markets and workshops offer items that are made by hand and tied to regional traditions. This guide covers souvenirs you can find across the city, not a single street or shop.

These picks focus on things that represent Oaxaca, pack well for travel, and let you check quality without expert knowledge. I also include tips on where to look and how to bring them home safely.

1. Rebozo (handwoven shawl)

• Why it’s worth buying: Rebozos show local weaving techniques and natural dye work. They are functional as scarves, wraps, or table runners.
• Where to look: Independent shops that sell textiles and artisanal clothing.
• Price range: $30–$180
• How to spot a good one: Look for even weave, straight selvedges, and tight knots at the ends.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Roll a rebozo and tuck it in your carry-on pocket to avoid creases.

2. Barro negro pottery (black clay)

• Why it’s worth buying: This pottery has a distinctive dark finish and a long regional history. Small pieces show the clay’s shine without being fragile.
• Where to look: Markets where local ceramicists bring finished pieces.
• Price range: $8–$60
• How to spot a good one: Check for a smooth surface, uniform color, and no hairline cracks.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap pieces in soft clothing and place them in the center of your suitcase.

3. Alebrije (carved and painted wooden figure)

• Why it’s worth buying: Alebrijes combine carving skill with bright hand-painting, giving each piece personality. They make memorable tabletop decorations.
• Where to look: Markets or co-ops that represent regional carvers.
• Price range: $15–$120
• How to spot a good one: Paint should be detailed, with clean edges and steady brushwork.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Remove any fragile attachments and pad the base well for transit.

4. Filigree or silver jewelry

• Why it’s worth buying: Handcrafted silverwork shows regional metalworking and can be lightweight and wearable. Pieces often use traditional motifs.
• Where to look: Galleries that carry local metalsmiths’ work.
• Price range: $20–$150
• How to spot a good one: Solid solder joints and consistent finish indicate careful metalwork.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Keep jewelry in a small, soft pouch inside your carry-on to avoid tarnish.

5. Leather huaraches (handmade sandals)

• Why it’s worth buying: Huaraches are sturdy, simple footwear made from local leather and traditional patterns. They break in easily and can last years.
• Where to look: Independent shops that focus on leather goods.
• Price range: $20–$80
• How to spot a good one: Check for even stitching, smooth edges, and a comfortable sole thickness.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wear them on the plane or pack between clothes to keep shape.

6. Mezcal (local spirit)

• Why it’s worth buying: Mezcal is emblematic of the region with diverse flavors depending on agave type. Bottles come in many small-batch varieties.
• Where to look: Food halls that include distillery stalls and specialty liquor sections.
• Price range: $20–$80
• How to spot a good one: Choose sealed bottles with clear origin notes and a distillery name.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Use a padded bottle sleeve or ship the bottle to avoid airline restrictions.

7. Mole paste (shelf-stable sauce base)

• Why it’s worth buying: Mole paste captures complex local flavors in a compact package for home cooking. It’s an easy way to recreate local dishes.
• Where to look: Markets selling packaged foods and spices.
• Price range: $5–$20
• How to spot a good one: Read ingredient lists for whole chiles and nuts rather than fillers or preservatives.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Keep jars upright and sealed; wrap in clothing as cushion.

8. Oaxacan chocolate (tabletas or bars)

• Why it’s worth buying: Local chocolate often uses roasted cacao and traditional spice blends, offering authentic flavor. Small bars travel well.
• Where to look: Food halls that showcase regional producers.
• Price range: $4–$15
• How to spot a good one: Prefer bars with few ingredients listed and clear cacao percentage.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Store in a cool part of your luggage to avoid melting.

9. Coffee beans (local roast)

• Why it’s worth buying: Oaxaca grows highland coffee with distinctive notes; roasted beans make a practical gift. Bags are light and durable.
• Where to look: Co-ops that sell producer-packed beans.
• Price range: $8–$25
• How to spot a good one: Look for roast date and single-origin labeling for fresher flavor.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Keep sealed bags in your checked luggage or carry-on if you prefer.

10. Linocut or screen prints

• Why it’s worth buying: Prints capture local scenes and artisan design in a flat, lightweight format. They’re good for framing later.
• Where to look: Galleries that feature local printmakers.
• Price range: $10–$60
• How to spot a good one: Check for crisp lines and consistent ink coverage on quality paper.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Slide prints into a rigid folder or tube to prevent creasing.

11. Hojalata (hand-painted tinware)

• Why it’s worth buying: Painted tin items show folk motifs and are light, decorative, and inexpensive. They work well as small gifts.
• Where to look: Co-ops that carry traditional decorative crafts.
• Price range: $8–$40
• How to spot a good one: Paint should be continuous without flaking and seams should be smooth.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Stack flat pieces between soft layers of clothing for protection.

12. Woven palm bag or basket

• Why it’s worth buying: Palm weaving is a local craft that creates useful, lightweight carriers for daily use. Small baskets are decorative and durable.
• Where to look: Independent shops offering handmade accessories.
• Price range: $12–$60
• How to spot a good one: Tight, even weaving and finished edges mean better longevity.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Collapse flexible baskets and nest them inside your luggage.

Quick buying tips for Oaxaca

• Carry small bills because many stalls accept only cash, not cards.
• Bargain gently at markets where haggling is part of the price conversation.
• Wrap ceramics and fragile items in clothing for extra padding during flights.
• Ask vendors about shipping if you want souvenirs sent home instead of checked.
• Look for a maker’s name, town, or “handmade” tag to show made locally.
• Pack food and liquids sealed and follow airline rules for carry-on liquids.

Where to shop in Oaxaca

Shopping spreads across central streets, markets, and museum shops, so it’s worth walking different districts. For traditional crafts and food items, visit market days and the cultural museums’ retail areas.

• Zócalo and historic center for small galleries, artisan stalls, and everyday crafts near landmarks.
• Mercado 20 de Noviembre for prepared foods, mole paste, and local chocolate vendors.
• Mercado Benito Juárez for textiles, leather goods, and bargaining with stallholders.
• Tlacolula Sunday Market for regional handicrafts and direct purchases from visiting artisans.
• Museum shops at major museums for curated prints, books, and quality design objects.
• Waterfront or plaza craft fairs during festivals for seasonal pieces and live demonstrations.
• Local co-op stalls that represent communal producers, ideal for coffee and packaged foods.

What to skip (common tourist traps)

• Cheap, glossy trinkets near the main square because they are often mass-produced.
• Items labeled “silver” without a stamp, since plating and alloys are common.
• Textiles that are acrylic-dyed imitations rather than natural fiber handweaves.
• Unlabeled mezcal appearing very cheap, which may lack clear origin information.
• Food sold unpackaged without ingredients listed for carry-home safety concerns.
• Very light, poorly painted wood carvings that show rushed production and low detail.

If you only buy three things

Rebozo (handwoven shawl): It represents local weaving and is highly versatile.
Mezcal (local spirit): A taste of the region and easy to describe to friends at home.
Barro negro pottery: A compact craft item that shows regional material and finish.

FAQ

1. What is Oaxaca known for making?
   Oaxaca is known for textiles, pottery, wooden carvings, and metalwork made by local artisans. The area also produces distinctive food items and drinks tied to regional traditions.

2. What are the best edible souvenirs from Oaxaca?
   Good edible souvenirs include mole paste, Oaxacan chocolate, and locally roasted coffee. Packaged items with ingredient lists travel best.

3. Are souvenirs expensive in Oaxaca?
   Prices range widely: small crafts are affordable, while large textiles or detailed carvings cost more. You can find quality items at different budgets across markets and galleries.

4. What is the easiest souvenir to pack from Oaxaca?
   Small, flat items like prints or bars of chocolate are the easiest to pack. They fit into carry-on bags and need little protection.

5. How do I know if something is truly local?
   Ask for the maker’s name, town, or a “handmade” tag and inspect materials and technique. Co-op or museum-shop items often include producer information.

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