If you’re looking to find unique gifts with a Latino touch, this carefully curated guide is for you. From customized domino tables, jewelry that celebrates Caribbean islands and eco-friendly fashion that supports local craftsmanship, this list has a presents for everyone on your list.
Cheers to giving gifts the celebrate nuestra hermosa cultura.
Carry All Witty Bags: $15.00
The whimsical bags handmade by Seattle artist and writer Rita Cidre, a San Juan expat, make a great gift for anyone who loves Puerto Rican culture. The bags feature popular Rican aphorisms and carry pretty much anything—from cash and coins, to make-up, or school supplies. Made from cotton canvas and featuring a fabulous gold zipper, each bag is uniquely screen-printed to order. Hello Guaynabo! Hola Ponce and San Juan! I adore the bag with the saying, "Me importa un pepino," which literally translates to "I don’t give a cucumber,” an expression for "I don't give a darn." From ANDAPAL
Tortilla Warmers: $15.00
Casita del Pueblo’s store in Whittier, California is a treasure trove of the good stuff. The shop’s carefully selected items celebrate Mexican and Latin American design, crafts, and decor. The handmade 100 % cotton tortilla warmers designed for lotería, lucha libre and Day of the Dead fans will brighten up any kitchen while keeping the corn tortillas at a perfect temperature. From: Casita del Pueblo
Basquiat Skateboards: $500.00
Coast the streets in style with these vibrant skateboards featuring the beautiful artwork of the late artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat, a native New York Boricua and Haitian virtuoso who elevated street graffiti into a new art form. The three skate decks are made from Canadian Maple and feature the image of Basquiat’s 1981 work, “Untitled Skull.” From: MoMA Store
Domino Tables: Starting at $155
Handmade from the finest woods and customized to your personal cultural taste, these domino tables are uniquely crafted for your budget and artistic flavor. Choose from the original artwork that celebrates Caribbean and Latin American culture—from images of borícua boxing champions to cockfighting. Playing dominoes at the next family gathering will be taken to a new level. From: Domino Sam
Hand blown Pitcher: $54.99
This gorgeous glass pitcher was hand blown using traditional Mexican techniques and features a lime green chamber for ice so you can chill the sangria, juice, or water. The pitcher is sold by UNICEF’s USA online store, which carries a treasure trove of works from artisans from around the globe. With every gift you purchase you are also contributing to the wellness of the nation. This Fresh Lemon pitcher for instance will provide polio vaccinations for up to 68 children in Mexico. From: UNICEF
Mexican Muralism: $40
For lovers of art, and specifically, public murals, the collection of essays featured in “Mexican Muralism: A Critical History” will make a great gift. The essays examine the works and contributions of the great muralists—Diego Rivera, Jose Clemente Orozco, and David Alfaro Siqueiros and the impact they made around the world. The paperback edition sold through the art collective, SoHarlem is autographed by one of the authors, Cuban American art scholar and poet, Alejandro Anreus. From: SoHarlem.org
Gorgeous Business Card Holder: $20
You can get flasks, posters, and beautiful greeting cards emblazoned with the lush work of Los Angeles based artist Anna Alvarado, whose work in wood celebrates Hispanic women. The card cases however are a standout and will be a conversation starter. Made from corrugated metal, the vibrant pieces hold up to thirty cards. And you can choose from over two-dozen original images. From: ArtbyAnnaalvarado.com
Luxurious Rebozo: $340
Designer Carla Fernandez is one of fashion’s new darlings known for showcasing the exquisite work of indigenous artisans and creating one of a kind fashion statement pieces that both celebrate the wonders of the past while keeping things fresh and modern. This 100 % cotton rebozo is hand dyed in Chiapas by artisans in the town of Tenango and it is inspired by the legend of Tecuán. According to lore, the dance of the Tecuán is the dance of the jaguar, which terrorizes villagers and can only be tamed when the entire town unites. From: Carlafernandez.com
Caja de Muerto Cuff: $168
Erika Peña’s jewelry channels her Dominican and Puerto Rican roots and is worn by A-listers from Hollywood to Miami and New York. This is luxurious jewelry with cultural flavor. Each piece is hand crafted by artisans in Bali. The Caja de Muerto cuff is inspired by the mangrove island off the coast of Southern Puerto Rico. From: erikapenadesings.com
Organic Handwoven Oaxacan Tote: $150
When you shop on Adriana Pavon’s Mexican Culture and Pride online shop you are buying eco-friendly items that are handcrafted by indigenous men and women who will get a portion of the proceeds. The work celebrates ancient embroidery traditions and modern design. This handmade organic wool tote is hand dyed in Teotitlán, Oaxaca and has a waterproof interior. From: Mexico Culture & Pride