What to Buy in Madrid: The 22 Best Souvenirs for Adults and Kids

Madrid's history dates back to the 10th century. The bloody times of the Reconquista were when the Spaniards tried with mixed success to regain the lands conquered by the Moors. Their struggle was only successful by the 15th century. The conquerors left, leaving behind an oriental flair of luxury, mystery and the famous Mudejar style of architecture and applied arts.

The Sun is an indispensable part of Spain. Spaniards are passionate adventurers and romantics, conquerors of distant lands and women's hearts. What gifts to bring from Madrid to your relatives to give them a piece of Spanish warmth? Kidpassage has prepared a list of the brightest purchases.

1. Ceramics

Spain today is one of the world's leading producers of porcelain and pottery. And this is the merit of the former Arab conquerors because their pottery traditions were continued and developed by Spanish masters. The most popular products are from the following factories: Lladró, Sagradelos, Nadal, Pordamsa, Ceramica Planas, Graupera.

• Madrid: Family Travel Guide
• What to Do in Madrid with Kids

Oriental multicoloured patterns prevail in painting, although there are collections with typically European monochrome patterns. In addition to pottery, tourists bring ceramic tiles from Madrid.

Porcelain figurines by Lladro are also very popular. The company produces thematic collections of fine handmade items: historical and religious themes and everyday scenes from the life of Spaniards and other peoples.

The best shops to buy ceramics and porcelain in Madrid: Cántaro (C. de la Flor Baja, 8, 28013 Madrid), San Miguel Artesania (Pl. de San Miguel, 5, 28005 Madrid) и Antigua Casa Talavera  (C. de Isabel la Católica, 2, bajo, 28013 Madrid).

2. Clothes

The Spaniards are meticulous about their image, so it's no surprise that several famous European clothing brands come from here. There are many branded boutiques in Madrid and the outskirts, and you'll have no trouble finding the closest one. And to make it easier to navigate, we'll tell you a little about each brand:

• Springfield — produces comfortable and stylish youth clothing, mainly orientated towards men;
• Desigual — a brand that is recognisable at first sight. Stylish and bold solutions for bright images;
• Cortefiel — a brand of elegant and comfortable clothes for women and men;
• Bershka — manufacturer of clothes and accessories for young people, affordable prices;
• Stradivarius — a brand of original and colourful clothes for young girls and teenagers;
• Mango — a world-famous brand of clothing and accessories for the whole family, makes clothes up to size 58; over the years, Mango has collaborated with celebrities such as Penelope Cruz, Mila Jovovich, Scarlett Johansson, Zinedine Zidane, Kate Moss, Gerard Piquet;
• Zara — presents trendy clothes for the whole family at affordable prices.

3. Espadrilles

It is a universal summer footwear worn by people of all ages, both women and men. Light textile slippers on jute soles are very comfortable and look elegant on the foot.

Photo: https://www.facebook.com/LOEWE

4. Guitar

One of the best things you can buy in Madrid as a gift for a musician is a six-string Spanish guitar. This instrument was not invented in Spain, but this country became one of the popularisers of guitar music. Local manufacturers are not among the best, but the quality of their products is much higher than, say the Chinese. Here are some of the most famous Spanish brands:

• ALHAMBRA — produces flamenco and classical guitars; there are models for adults and children with an extensive price range;
• ALMANSA — the company with more than 100 years of history; most of the work is done by hand, and there are relatively inexpensive models of guitars with solid wood top decks;
• ADMIRA — specialises in classical guitars; many models are handmade, and the body is covered with a special lacquer for better instrument preservation.

5. Alvarez Gómez Perfumes

Alvarez Gomez is a company that was founded in Madrid back in 1899. The company doesn't often spoil its fans with new products — most have remained roughly the same as they were over a hundred years ago! The recipes of perfumes and cosmetics have only been slightly improved to make the products last longer and more effective. Now, more than a hundred years later, the fourth generation of Gomez is successfully developing the brand. The assortment gradually included such products as shower gels, soaps, lotions, deodorants, and bath salts.

You can purchase products from this brand at chain cosmetic shops such as Douglas.

Photo: https://alvarezgomez.com

6. Flamenco wear

The flamenco dance embodies the soul of a Spanish woman. With quick, precise movements and flexible hand gestures, a flamenco dancer tells the story of love and hate, jealousy and betrayal, or loyalty and happiness.

What souvenirs are brought from Madrid for women in love with Spain? Of course, an elegant dress or a blouse with a skirt for dancing. Hair combs and hairpins with lush flowers are also perfect. But it is better to try on dancing shoes — they should fit perfectly on your feet.

7. Spanish Fans

This accessory was so popular that the Spaniards invented a unique sign language. A fan can convey different messages, usually addressed by the lady to the gentleman. For example, "You are behaving indecently" or "I like you". Fans are made of paper, fabric and feathers; the most expensive are made of mother of pearl — extraordinarily colourful models painted with pictures of life in past centuries.

They are sold everywhere, but if you want a handmade exclusive, welcome to the Casa de Diego shop at Puerta del Sol,12.

8. Mantones de Manila

Long ago, Spanish sailors brought their beloved ones from faraway Manila silk Chinese handkerchiefs of excellent quality. Spanish women embroidered flowers and decorated them with tassels. This is how the famous mantones de Manila — the Manila shawl — came into being. Nowadays, it is more of a festive accessory than an everyday one, and it is also one of the attributes of flamenco.

9. Cocktail Hat

In recent years, Spanish brides have been wearing a cocktail or wide-brimmed hat rather than a veil at their weddings. The fashion came from England, where it is customary to crown royal family members in such an outfit. Spaniards decided not to lag behind, and now in Madrid shops you will find a hat even for the most demanding lady.

At Colibri Hats, located at Calle de Castelló, 30, 28001 Madrid, you'll be impressed by the vast selection of hats: you can buy not only fancy cocktail models but also straw and felt hats.

Tip. Madrid shops traditionally open at 9-10 am and work until 2 pm. Then all close for a siesta until 5 pm and continue working until 8-9 pm. Take this peculiarity into account when you plan your shopping.

What should be the best gift for a man?

10. Hats

In Madrid, you can buy excellent quality hats. Check out the oldest shop, La Favorita C. B., at Plaza Mayor, 25. There is a wide selection of winter hats made of felt and summer canotiers made of straw, as well as berets and caps.

Photo: https://www.facebook.com/lafavorita.cb

11. Real MadridCristiano Ronaldo fan

According to FIFA, it is the best football club of the twentieth century. What better gift for a football fan to bring from Madrid than Real Madrid merchandise?

The club's official shop is located at Calle Gran Via, 31.

It sells football clothes, balls, calendars with pictures of Real Madrid players and other paraphernalia. A great place for fans, although sometimes tourists complain that it is expensive.

12. Turron

What to bring your child from Madrid? Of course, local sweets! Turrón is a traditional Spanish treat that used to be made only at Christmas. It contains egg white, honey, sugar and almonds. Nowadays, there are many varieties of turrón. They add chocolate, fruit, popcorn, and airy rice. There are soft Gijon turrón and hard Alicante turrón.

• What to Eat in Spain — 48 Spanish Foods You Must Try
• Spanish Fruit and Vegetables — A Seasonal Guide

Photo: pixabay.com

13. Candied violets

La Violeta has been a tiny shop in Plaza de Canalejas for over a hundred years, at No. 7. They make sweets from violets here. The simplest is candied flowers in the form of small candies.

They also offer chocolate with violets, marmalade, lollipops and caramel. Everything is beautifully packaged; boxes are designed for a particular event in life: baptism, communion and wedding. The treat's recipe has stayed the same for all the time of the company's existence. It is kept secret so you can buy such violet treats only in Madrid.

14. Vanilla scented dolls

The relatively young brand Paola Reina, only 25 years old, has already won children's hearts in 33 countries on five continents. And all thanks to its internationalism and sensitivity.

The company employs a team of designers who carefully consider the appearance of the future doll and its outfit. The face of each master is made by hand, so it looks original and alive.

Dolls are produced in collections. In Paola Reina's range are puppets, dolls, fairy tale characters, and soft stuffed and flexible articulated beauties. They are made from eco-friendly vinyl, and the light vanilla scent emanating from the toys is natural and non-toxic.

Paola Reina produces dolls of different races and nationalities. It allows you to expand the child's horizons and instil tolerance in him from childhood. As a nice bonus, the company separately produces doll clothes and shoes. So, you can bring new clothes not only for your daughter but also for her favourite doll.

15. Caganer

The Spanish have a sense of humour and have even brought it to religion by putting a pooping shepherd behind the crèche with Jesus in the nativity scene.

Over time, the imagination burst out, and now Spain produces pooping politicians, football players, royalty and other celebrities.

What to bring as a gift from Madrid for a friend with a good sense of humour? Find a caganer depicting his idol — it will be an unforgettable gift!

16. Thimble

Are you looking for inexpensive souvenirs from Madrid? Are you tired of key chains and magnets? Buy your friends thimbles. Craftsmen make them from porcelain or metal and decorate them with the finest patterns and beautiful paintings, which turns an ordinary household trifle into a work of art.

17. Bull figurine

Bullfighting is not for the faint-hearted. If you are not one of such people, visit the Las Ventas arena on Alcalá Street. Since 1929, fights have been held here every Sunday, with the season running from March to October. And as a souvenir, pick up a figurine of a bull. They are sold in different sizes and colours in all the souvenir shops.

18. Olive Oil

Spain is the land of olive groves. A bottle of first-class cold-pressed oil here will cost you much less than in your home country. Be sure to stock up on this valuable and tasty product for yourself and your family.

Tip. Kidpassage recommends San Miguel Market for grocery shopping. It works even during siesta; the assortment is vast, and the service and quality of goods are top-notch. In addition, they also sell ready-made food and drinks.

19. Jamon

A dry-cured ham is the most popular meat delicacy tourists bring back from Madrid. Jamon comes in two types — iberico and serrano. There is a significant difference in price and flavour, so it is worth learning to tell them apart.

Iberico is made from a breed of black Iberian pigs that graze in the wild and move actively. Thanks to this lifestyle, the meat has fat veins, giving the finished product a juicy texture.

Iberico takes 8-36 months to mature. Its colour varies from purple to pale red. The price starts from 60 euros per kilo and can reach 300 for some varieties.

To make serrano, the hams of white pigs are used. These animals are kept in a pen and fed mainly dry fodder. The maturation time of this type of Jamon is usually at most 7 months. The colour of the meat is closer to pink, and the price is about 30 euros per kilo.

20. Spicy smoked sausage

In Madrid, you can buy delicious pork sausages — chorizo and fouette. A lot of paprika is added to the chorizo, which makes it bright red on the cut and savoury in flavour. Fouette is dark brown and has a white mould on top. Olives, cheese or figs are often added to this type of sausage.

21. Paella set

With this set, you can prepare a delicious Spanish dish at home! The set usually includes a special paella pan, paella rice that absorbs liquid well and a paella spice kit.

22. Wine

Spain produces excellent wines with a rich range of flavours. The best choice you can get in the following shops:

• Vino&Compania, Plaza de Olavide, 5;
• Lavinia, Calle de Jose Ortega y Gasset, 16;
• Bodegas Mariano Madrueno, Calle del Postigo de San Martin, 6.

Spanish legislation is loyal to tourists and favours the sale of its goods to foreign citizens in every possible way. It is important to follow simple rules to safely pass customs control in Spain.

• Do not export items of historical, national or artistic value.
• Make a declaration for cash in the amount of 2500-8400 euros. Smaller amounts do not require registration; you will need documents authorising export for more significant amounts.
• Keep receipts for expensive purchases, especially jewellery and antiques.
• Remember that alcohol and tobacco products can be exported only by adults. The amount of strong drinks should not exceed 5 litres per person, wine can be brought almost unlimited. However, if it is more than 90 litres, you will need proof that you are not getting it for sale.

The capital of Spain impresses with its southern brightness and warmth. Shopping here is as colorful and varied as the city itself.

And if at first, you can even be shocked a little by the emotionality and loudness of Spaniard's voices in the markets and shops, then with time you realise that they are very good-hearted people who will always be happy to see you again!

Madrid is one of the most beautiful cities on the planet, with many ancient buildings and sights. Proper organisation of your trip will help you have time to see all the most exciting things. Our article about Madrid describes the subtleties of travelling to this city with children.