7 Unique Souvenirs To Bring Home From Spain

Yes, there’s air conditioning in Spain, but if you want to stay cool like the locals, pick up a traditional Spanish fan. With fans available in every size and color, you can grab an affordable one at a cheesy souvenir shop or fork over some cash for a handcrafted, handpainted, or even vintage fan.

Spanish fans are simple to use and store—stick them in your backpack, pocket, or purse while closed, then zap it open (yes, there’s an art to doing this just right) and move it back and forth when a wave of perspiration hits or you want to shield your face from the hot Spanish sun.

Where: Head to Seville, one of the hottest cities in Spain.

Best for: That person in your life who’s always overheating, or your favorite relative in Arizona.

This traditional goatskin bottle was used by shepherds, who would sip wine from it during long days of herding. Wear the bag crossbody, then sip by pouring the spout into your mouth. Share with fellow herders (or travelers or friends) by pouring wine into your mouth without letting the spot touch your lips—this is how it was once done.

This would make a fun prop for a bachelor party or special event, or any instance where you may want to take your wine along with you, but not necessarily in your water bottle.

Where: The Basque Country, where this particular portable wine carrier hails from.

Best for: The party animal in your life, or simply your best friend.

Alpargatas, also known as espadrilles, are summery shoes with a sole and base made from a special Spanish grass that’s threaded like a rope. Both men and women wear them, and options range from basic, flat shoes topped with thin strips of fabric to canvas-covered elaborate wedges.

Once used as peasant footwear, nowadays, they’re worn throughout Spain and around the world for any and all occasions.

Where: Many say they come from Catalonia, but you often find deals shopping in Alicante, a city known for its footwear manufacturing.

Best for: Your mom, your sister, or yourself.

If you’ve become enamored with flamenco dance while in Spain, bring home your very own flamenco outfit. Often coming in bold and vibrant colors, large polka dots, and flamboyant ruffles, this outfit would make for the perfect Halloween costume.

Flamenco dresses come in all shapes and sizes, but are an especially cute gift for little children who love to play dress up. Adult dresses can be found at any budget, but some of the most elaborate designs that locals wear in Andalucia for the yearly Feria celebrations can run into the thousands.

Where: Andalucia, where flamenco originated.

Best for: Children (or adults who love costumes).

Related: How To Spend One Week in Andalucia

This pooping statue is a small figurine of a person squatting and defecating, usually placed in a Christmas nativity scene. While it may seem baffling and gross, it’s tradition in certain regions of Spain, like Catalonia, where it's known as a symbol of fertility, prosperity, and wealth.

These days, children and adults alike love to place these figurines in nativity scenes. While the traditional caganer is a man wearing a traditional red Catalonian hat, you can also find versions featuring famous people squatting, such as soccer players, politicians, actors, and more.

Where: Catalonia, where the tradition began.

Best for: Kids, your brother, your dad, or anyone who loves gag gifts.

Toledo, a medieval city, is famous for its sword-making, using a special technique to work with the metal and sharpen the swords. Even today, the tradition continues, as it’s been passed down through many bladesmith families.

Buy some wooden swords and shields for kids, or adults can take home artisans’ swords, shields, and other metal wonders, handcrafted using classic methods.

Where:Toledo, a medieval destination.

Best for: Wooden ones for kids, real swords for adults.

While you can find saffron in other parts of the world, buying it in Spain means you can make authentic Spanish rice dishes seasoned with this valuable spice from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Though paella hails from Valencia, Spain’s best saffron is grown, harvested, and roasted in the Castilla de la Mancha region. It’s easy to pick up a beautiful tin box of the spice to stash in your suitcase and take home with you.

Where: La Mancha, where it’s grown and harvested.

Best for: Yourself, or your favorite chef.