Mexico Shopping Tips by madamx Top 5 Page for this destination

Arte Mexicano Nopal

The gentleman that owns this shop has stuffed it full of quality hand-crafted items, mostly from Oaxaca. The shelves overflow with distinctive black ceramics, hand-carved masks, copperware, plus other items. Browsing makes time go very quickly indeed, and you must go several times around the store as it seems every time you turn around, there's a new item that you missed.

What to buy: If you're in the mood for wood carvings, it seems he has a huge selection, from rustic containers, to masks. There's also a large selection of cooking spoons made from the Cuachalatate tree that he swears will last 20 years.

Address: Zihuatanejo, Guerrero

Directions: On Cinco de Mayo, across the street from the Tourist Market.

Theme: Local Craft

Sipalito Arte Popular

Sipalito has a gorgeous array of items from all over the Michoacan State. Their jewellry collection of fabulous, and they also have a large variety of rebozos, which are traditional scarves. I found the rebozos, though of high quality, to be only of thin cotton and very bright striped colors, so if you're into something a bit warmer and for more variation in design, hit the local market.

What to buy: The owners have a large collection of items squeezed into a small space; everything from furniture, to straw animals, and giftware. They also have some funky fun items, such as Frida Kahlo-themed straw bags.

What to pay: Prices are not cheap, as these are unique hand-crafted items. You get what you pay for; however, I thought the prices were fairly reasonable.

Address: Patzcuaro, Michoacan

Directions: On the corner of Dr. Coss and Portugal, right by the Plaza Vasco de Quiroga

Theme: Local Craft

Galeria del Arcangel

One of the first quality handicraft stores in Patzcuaro, this huge store offers anything your heart desires. If you are a fan of rustic chic, like I am, you will fight urgings to bring down a shipping crate and fill it up.

There is a large selection of handmade wooden furniture, ceramics, wooden masks, some clothing items, glassware ... you name it, they have it. The staff are very pleasant and helpful and wrap items automatically for travelling. It's almost worth buying something just to get one of their unique straw-handled shopping bags.

What to buy: Have a look at their website, and fall in love like I did!

What to pay: We found they will bargain a little, unlike other high-end crafts stores. They also take credit cards, which is very helpful when items are pricey.

Address: Arciga 30, Pátzcuaro, Michoacán

Theme: Local Craft

Website: http://galeriasdelarcangel.com/english.handcrafts1.html

Lupita's

If you're looking for beautiful, traditional Mexican clothing that is almost heirloom quality, a stop at Lupita's is a must. Lupita Bravo de Whitehead has handpicked handmade cotton clothing from the Mexican states of Guerrero, Oaxaca and Chiapas, as well as the city of Guadalajara and Mexico's neighbor, Guatemala

She also has a wide selection of chunky jewellry, traditional scarves, purses, and other accessories. The shop is tiny, but she has a suprisingly wide range of items. The downside is that Mexicans tend to be small, so I would say if you are more than a US size 12, you may be disappointed. The gracious Lupita will help you hunt for an item you are looking for, or her assistant Gaby, who is very helpful. They also do hemming on short notice as well.

What to pay: Prices are not cheap; these are hand-made, often one of a kind items. I purchased an embroidered Oaxacan dress, and it was approx $143 US . She does not take credit cards.

Address: Zihuatanejo, Guerrero

Directions: On Calle Juan N. Alvarez just before the corner of Calle Vicente Guerrero on the first street parallel to the waterfront in downtown Zihuatanejo.

Theme: Women's Clothes

Website: http://www.zihuatanejo.net/lupitas/