Must Buy Shopping Items in Buenos Aires or San Telmo Market?

[Jenny]

I express my gratitude in advance to all fellow travelers contributing to this forum.

I'd like to revisit the topic of "must buys" as several years and the upheavals of COVID have transpired, rendering previous advice somewhat outdated (10-17 years). Many recommended stores may no longer be in existence. My goal is to acquire reasonably priced items to bring back as Christmas gifts for family and friends. Personally, I am particularly interested in finding leather purses, wallets, slippers, and items that are representative of the country and the specific area I am visiting. While I anticipate that Buenos Aires offers more variety than Salta, my shopping time is limited to a few hours.

I will be arriving in BA on Sunday and am curious if it's worthwhile to explore the Sunday Market for shopping purposes.

Once again, thank you to everyone for the valuable advice!

 

[StatusNomadicus]

locals could point you to cultural products, and the veteran members of BsAs can help you with souvenirs, but be warned that 70 years of socialism has made it so import/customs/tariff costs are so high, that normal products you'd find in the EU or USA are horribly expensive in Argentina, and common goods you'd find at Wal-Mart or Target in the USA, like sheets/towels/clothing/household goods are sh*t quality because the majority of Argentine folks can't afford soft towels imported from elsewhere. sad, but hopefully will change. my next trip here will be with a checked suitcase, containing soft towels/sheets/etc.

 

[BuySellBA]

locals could point you to cultural products, and the veteran members of BsAs can help you with souvenirs, but be warned that 70 years of socialism has made it so import/customs/tariff costs are so high, that normal products you'd find in the EU or USA are horribly expensive in Argentina, and common goods you'd find at Wal-Mart or Target in the USA, like sheets/towels/clothing/household goods are sh*t quality because the majority of Argentine folks can't afford soft towels imported from elsewhere. sad, but hopefully will change. my next trip here will be with a checked suitcase, containing soft towels/sheets/etc.

This is true. Most quality local stuff is not that good. We also bring down many suitcases of items when we furnish our properties. We bring towels and sheets from the USA as they are much better quality and lower priced.

The market in San Telmo, boasts a diverse range of items such as crafts, clothing, accessories, and more, making it a sizable and reasonably priced option for visitors.

In Salta, numerous shops and markets offer various souvenirs, with alpaca wool clothing being a popular choice. Additionally, trinkets, charms, textiles, wine, and mate (along with mate drinking cups) are commonly sought-after items.

While we personally don't acquire many souvenirs and believe there aren't any specific 'must buys,' the decision ultimately depends on individual preferences and what your friends and family may appreciate.

 

[Canada Goose]

All your gift shopping needs can be fulfilled at the Sunday feria in San Telmo (not the market). Here are some representative gift ideas from the feria:

• Rhodochrosite jewelry, featuring the ubiquitous pink gemstone, or uncut pieces of the stone.
• Handmade mate and bombilla sets. Even if someone doesn't drink mate, these make excellent decorative items. Check out a favorite seller located on Humberto Primo between Defensa and Balcarce, and you can view their offerings on this Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/santelmates/
• Leather wallets

If you're looking for something for yourself, consider exploring a shop on Defensa, near the corner of San Juan, where you can find excellent shearling slippers. The shop is conveniently located next to Farmacity.

 

[Che Vos]

Fileteado signs are also popular in Buenos Aires to get for tourists wanting traditional gifts in Buenos Aires. You'll see a lot at the feria in various flea markets in San Telmo, Palermo Soho or Recoleta on the weekends.

https://www.instagram.com/fileteadoarg/