What are some of the best souvenirs to buy in Argentina to take back home?
So you’ve come to the end of your trip to Argentina, you’ve only got a couple of days in Buenos Aires before you catch your flight back home, and you need to pick up a gazillion souvenirs for your friends, family, neighbour, pet, boss, and hey, maybe even something for yourself!
What should you even buy?
Well, lucky for you, in this gift guide, I’m highlighting some traditional Argentine souvenirs that are easy to find, representative of the country, and will pleasantly surprise your recipients back home.
These Argentina souvenirs are going to include a mix of sweets and desserts that are easy to transport, clothing items that are typically worn by gauchos, an array of leather goods, practical items you can use in the home, and some unique handicrafts. In short, there’s bound to be something for whoever you want to buy a gift for.
Here is my list of 25 souvenirs to buy in Argentina during your trip!
Mate and bombilla
One of the first things you’ll likely notice when you land in Argentina is the locals walking around with a mate and a thermos in their hands.
Yerba mate is a traditional South American beverage that is popular in Argentina and some of its neighbouring countries. It is made from the dried leaves and twigs of the yerba mate plant, which are steeped in hot water to create an infusion.
The mate is a classic Argentine souvenir and you typically buy it as a set: you have the mate which acts as the cup and holds the yerba mate (it is typically made from a gourd or carved wood), and then you have the bombilla which is a metal straw with a filter at the end that allows you to sip the hot mate tea without ingesting the loose leaves.
You can complete the gift by buying a bag of yerba mate in the supermarket. There is usually an entire aisle dedicated to different varieties of yerba mate! Throw it in your checked luggage and be prepared to answer questions about this strange green herb; it’s perfectly legal, but not everybody knows what it is!
Dulce de leche
Dulce de leche is a staple in Argentine cuisine, and you’ll likely be eating it by the spoonful before the end of your visit to Argentina!
So what is dulce de leche? This sweet caramel-like spread is made by slowly simmering sweetened condensed milk until it thickens. Its rich and velvety texture makes it the perfect accompaniment to pastries, toast, cake, pancakes, or ice cream.
If you scan the dessert menu at any Argentine restaurant, you’ll find at least one dessert item featuring dulce de leche, and if not, you can always order it on the side.
You can find dulce de leche in any grocery store, and let’s not forget about all the dulce de leche specialty items – cookies, chocolates, liqueurs and more.
If you’re a true dulce de leche aficionado, I would recommend checking out Dulce de Leche & Co. This is a chain specializing in all sorts of dulce de leche products like alfajores, chocolates, liquors and more.
They have locations across the city in neighbourhoods like Palermo, San Telmo, Recoleta, just to name a few. Plus, they also have locations in other Argentine cities.
This is one of the best Argentina souvenirs for that special someone with a sweet tooth!
Alfajores
Since we’re talking about sweets, another option for an easy Argentine souvenir to take home is a box of alfajores!
An alfajor consists of two soft, crumbly biscuits joined together by a layer of dulce de leche, creating a heavenly combination of flavours and textures.
It can then be dipped in dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, merengue, a sugar glaze – you name it!
The style of alfajor can greatly vary from one province to the next and sometimes from one city to the next.
Havanna, which originated in Mar del Plata, is one of the best-known commercial alfajor brands in Argentina. They have stores all over the country; some of these stores double as cafes, where you can enjoy a coffee and some of their other sweet treats.
If I’m buying alfajores at my local supermarket, Terrabusi Glaseado (coated in merengue) is my go-to. However, if you can, it’s always best to get your alfajores from an artisanal shop.
There are also alfajores that are filled with jams – quince, raspberry, fig, peach, blackberries and other options galore. The jam-filled and glaze-coated variety is especially popular where we live in the Province of Córdoba. These make great gifts from Argentina and are a hit whenever we bring them to family and friends.
Artisanal Chocolates
Chocolates are another great gift idea to take back home for friends and family, and
Artesanal chocolates are especially popular if you’re travelling in Northern Patagonia. In places like Bariloche, Villa La Angostura, San Martin de Los Andes, and El Bolson, you can walk down the main street and hit multiple artisanal chocolate shops!
Chocolates here are sold by weight, so you can select the size of your chocolate box (250 grams, 500 grams, or 1 Kilo!) and then pick and choose the chocolate bars or bonbons you want.
There are countless varieties featuring milk chocolate, dark chocolate and white chocolate with almonds, peanuts, walnuts, caramel, nougat, brittle, and let’s not forget the cream fillings featuring mint, raspberry, strawberry, lemon, banana, passionfruit and more!
If you can dream it, they’ve made it into chocolate.
Artisanal jams
Artesanal jams, jellies and marmalades are another easy souvenir to buy in Argentina.
In fact, you’ll probably get to try some new and unusual flavours as you travel the length of the country! There are all sorts of fruits and berries that are specific to certain regions.
Some unique jam flavours to try include:
- Zarzamora, a type of wild blackberry that is both sweet and tart
- Rosa mosqueta, a prickly sweetbriar rose found in Patagonia that is floral and tangy
- Membrillo, quince which is very sweet with a hint of sour
- Cayote, a type of squash that results in a sweet and fibrous jelly
- Frutos del bosque, local forest berries that are full of antioxidants
So, perhaps along with a jar of dulce de leche, you can also buy a few jars of your favourite jam. This is one of my go-to Argentine souvenirs that my family loves.
Asado tools
As you’ll discover during your travels in Argentina, asado or barbecue is a very big deal! And if you want to take your BBQs back at home to the next level, then why not stock up on the right tools?
This can include a BBQ grill set featuring a shovel, poker, carbon tongs, a grill fork, or a grill cleaning brush. So many tools that you’ve maybe never encountered before.
And then, you have the actual iron grill for barbecuing meat, the disco de arado for hearty dishes, and the a provolone melting pan because gooey cheese is a dish in and of itself around these parts!
Long story short, if you see a store selling asado tools, go in and peruse, because you’ll discover a whole new world of cooking utensils.
Knives
One of the best souvenirs from Argentina that we have bought time and time again is knives. But I’m not talking about just any type of knife, I’m talking about gaucho knives!
Whether you want it for practical use or display is up to you. There are countless types of knives to choose from when shopping for gaucho knives. In the past, some were used for fighting, some for butchering, and some were multipurpose, everyday country knives.
If you go into a shop that specializes in traditional Argentine souvenirs, you’ll find a section featuring knives you can use for asado or barbecue back home, as well as ornate knives that come with sheaths.
The most famous gaucho knife is the facón – if you travel rural Argentina, you’ll still see the gauchos wearing it tucked into a sash on their backside. And yes, back in the day, this one in particular was used to resolve arguments!
But hey, it’s a one-of-a-kind Argentine souvenir and it can come in handy in the kitchen.
Wooden boards and wooden plates
If you’re looking for useful souvenirs of Argentina that you can use in your kitchen, then consider a tabla de madera or wooden board.
The tabla is typically used to serve picada, an assortment of snacks including deli meats, cheeses, olives, bread, peanuts and anything you can snack on before the big barbecue is ready. It’s like Argentina’s version of a charcuterie board.
The tabla is also used to serve the meat once it comes off the grill. You can cut it right on the tabla and then place it in the middle of the table for people to serve themselves, or you can walk around the table with the tabla in your hand, allowing people to select their cuts.
Along the same vein, you can also buy wooden plates to eat the asado. Everyone gets their own individual wooden plate, and you can get them customized with a burned design.
Boina
The boina has a long history in Argentina, closely intertwined with the country’s cultural heritage. The origins of the boina can be traced back to the Basque region, spanning across northern Spain and southwestern France.
Basque immigrants brought the boina to Argentina during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and it gained popularity, especially among the gauchos who found it practical for their way of life as the boina provided protection from the elements, including the scorching sun and chilly winds.
Today, you can buy a boina as a souvenir. You have the cotton boinas for the summer months, which are lighter and breathable, and you also have the wool boinas for the winter months.
For something a bit more elegant, you can also find embroidered boinas featuring floral motifs. One of my favourite Patagonia souvenirs that I got for myself is a green boina embroidered with flowers.
If you’re looking for a traditional Argentine souvenir, this is a nice addition.
Alpargatas
Another idea for souvenirs to buy in Argentina is alpargatas.
The alpargata is a traditional Argentine footwear that has a long history in the country. Its origins can be traced back to the rural communities of Argentina, particularly the gauchos, who were skilled horsemen and agricultural workers.
The alpargata was originally crafted as a practical and durable shoe suitable for their lifestyle. The shoe consists of a canvas or cotton and a sole made of jute rope or rubber.
Over time, the alpargata transitioned from being solely functional footwear to a symbol of Argentine culture. They are also really comfortable, so they’ve gained popularity and can be work by anyone, especially during the warmer months.
I think alpargatas are a nice souvenir from Argentina because it’s a fun way to integrate Argentine style into your wardrobe back home!
My favourite pair of alpargatas I own is from 1813 (they take orders via Instagram). They are handcrafted, made to size, and I love that they have the Argentine coat of arms. When I wear them, I feel like I carry a little piece of Argentina, even when I’m not there.
Poncho and ruana
The poncho and ruana have a long and storied history in Argentina, deeply rooted in the country’s cultural heritage and indigenous traditions. These garments date back to pre-Columbian times when indigenous communities across South America used them for protection from the elements.
The poncho, a rectangular or square-shaped outer garment with a hole for the head, was crafted using various materials such as wool, alpaca, or llama fibres. It provides warmth and insulation against the cold, making it ideal for the diverse climates found throughout Argentina.
The ruana is similar to a poncho, but with an open front, and it originated from the Andean region and was adopted by indigenous communities across Argentina. It was typically woven using alpaca or sheep wool and often adorned with intricate designs and vibrant colours.
Over time, the poncho and ruana evolved to reflect the cultural fusion of indigenous, Spanish, and gaucho influences in Argentina. These garments became iconic symbols of Argentine identity, associated with the rural lifestyle, traditional celebrations, and folkloric dances.
Most shops selling traditional Argentine souvenirs carry both ponchos and ruanas.
Leather goods
Another great Argentine souvenir idea is leather goods! The country is renowned for its quality leather and craftsmanship, so if you’re looking for a souvenir that exudes style and sophistication, and that you can incorporate into your wardrobe and daily life, then Argentine leather goods are a great option.
You can buy Argentine leather in specialty leather shops, leather outlets, and even in the ferias (outdoor markets typically held on weekends). Here you’ll find leather jackets, handbags, belts, wallets, gloves, boots and all sorts of accessories.
I’m a fan of Nimes in Buenos Aires. They have natural and vegetable-tanned leather, and their handbags are divine! I own their Chañar handbag, and I’m always eyeing their latest creations. They are located in the Palermo neighbourhood, just a couple of blocks from Plaza Serrano, so if you’re going to be in the area, it’s a place to check out.
When it comes to buying leather jackets, I think Calle Florida is your best bet. This is a pedestrian street in Buenos Aires that is lined with stores, including numerous leather shops! You’ll especially find a high concentration of leather stores along the 4 northern blocks of Calle Florida once you get north of Tucumán.
I would suggest browsing or window shopping before you commit because there are so many stores and they are all filled with beautiful leather creations in an assortment of colours and styles. It’s good to know your options! I bought a brown leather bomber jacket along Calle Florida that I absolutely love, and it’s still going strong over a decade later!
As a shopping tip, leather should feel soft and smooth, as opposed to rough or stiff to the touch. Also, when in doubt, smell the leather! It should have an earthy, woodsy smell as opposed to smelling like chemicals.
Tango music or vinyl records
Tango is everywhere! During your visit to Buenos Aires, you’ll either go to a tango show or, at the very least, see a couple dancing tango on the street.
Tango music and dance originated in the late 19th century in the working-class neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires, and its roots can be traced back to a melting pot of cultures, including European immigrants, African rhythms, and indigenous influences.
The music is passionate, soulful, and haunting and typically features an orchestra of bandoneons (sometimes confused for accordions), violins, piano, double bass, guitar and drums, in addition to a singer.
If you enjoy tango music, you can take a little piece of Buenos Aires with you by buying some tango music or vinyl records as a souvenir.
Argentine wine
Next, let’s talk about wine, because who doesn’t like getting a bottle as a souvenir?
Argentina is famous for its wine production, offering an excellent variety of wines that have gained international recognition. The country’s diverse geography, including high-altitude vineyards along the Andes Mountains in Mendoza and in Cafayate in the north, provides ideal conditions for grape cultivation and wine production.
Malbec, a red wine varietal, is considered Argentina’s flagship grape. It thrives in the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza and produces bold, full-bodied wines with rich flavours of dark fruits, spices, and velvety tannins. We love the wines by El Enemigo; they are a splurge but well worth it.
Apart from Malbec, Argentina also produces exceptional wines from other grape varieties. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Bonarda, and Tempranillo are notable red wine options. For white wines, Torrontés, a floral and aromatic grape variety, stands out as Argentina’s signature white wine.
These are nice souvenirs to buy in Argentina for friends and family back home. Just watch those weight restrictions and check how many bottles you can bring back into your home country!
Leather BKF chair
Really, a leather chair as a souvenir to bring back all the way from Argentina? Isn’t that a bit excessive and…bulky?
Hear me out!
The BKF chair, also known as the Butterfly chair, is an iconic piece of furniture that originated in Argentina. It was designed in 1938 by three young architects: Bonet, Kurchan, and Hardoy. The name “BKF” derived from their initials.
The BKF chair is characterized by a folding frame and a sling seat made of leather or fabric. The chair’s distinctive shape resembles that of a butterfly, with its gently curving lines and wing-like seat. It provides a comfortable and ergonomic seating experience while maintaining a stylish and modern aesthetic.
And guess what, you can visit the BIG BKF showroom and buy one in person, or have it shipped to you anywhere in the world!
Yes, this souvenir is a bit of a big ticket item, but if you love modern design it can make a great addition in your home.
Argentina football jersey
Argentina is a three-time World Cup champion with a passionate following around the globe. If you count yourself in that group, why not buy an Argentina football jersey?
The jersey features blue and white stripes and three golden stars representing the three World Cup wins: 1986 with a 3-2 win against West Germany, 1978 with a 3-1 victory against the Netherlands, and 2022 with a nerve-wracking triumph against France with 4-2 in penalties following a 3–3 draw after extra time. We were sweating during that last game!
This is a classic Argentine souvenir to buy, especially if you’re a football fan. Plus, you can wear it for every World Cup and cheer on Argentina’s national team from wherever you are in the globe.
You can also find all sorts of other Argentina World Cup souvenirs in the form of t-shirts, magnets, stickers, scarves, caps – you name it!
Bombacha gaucha
If you’re looking for practical souvenirs from Argentina that you’ll actually wear, might I suggest a bombacha gaucha?
Also known as a bombacha de campo, this is a style of pants that’s typically worn by gauchos. It is typically pleated around the waist, then it becomes kind of loose and puffed as it goes down the legs, and it tightens at the ankles.
Now, oddly enough, these pants are originally from Turkey! The story goes that at the end of the Crimean War in 1856, a Frenchman offered Argentina a stock of 100,000 pairs of loose pants that had initially been ordered by the Turkish army.
These pants were soon distributed across Argentina, where the gauchos noted they were super comfortable for horseback riding and doing work in the countryside. It wasn’t long before the bombachas were adopted as part of the gaucho uniform.
My husband loves these pants and wears them regularly, whether we’re in Argentina or back in Canada. I can understand why; you can bend, stretch, or squat in these bombachas without having your movements restricted.
For everyday work pants, Pampero, Ombu and Gaucho are some of the more popular brands.
However, if you’re looking for a special pair of bombachas, go to Aux Charpentiers in Buenos Aires. This store was founded back in 1888, and it has been supplying traditional Argentine riding and work clothes ever since.
Wool and alpaca sweaters
Wool and alpaca sweaters are great souvenirs to buy in Argentina seeing as the country has a long-standing tradition of wool production. The country’s rugged landscapes, provide ideal conditions for raising sheep and alpacas, yielding fine fibres needed for these soft and warm sweaters.
Whether you’re travelling in Northern Argentina or down in Patagonia, you can find wool and alpaca sweaters in local shops and markets and they’re something you can start wearing right away.
Polo-related items
Polo has a long and respected history in Argentina, with the country being recognized as one of the world’s premier destinations for the sport.
Polo was introduced to Argentina by British immigrants in the late 19th century, who brought their passion for the game to the fertile plains of the Pampas. The vast grasslands of the Pampas provided ample space for polo fields to be established, and the sport quickly gained popularity among the local Argentine population.
The combination of skilled horsemanship, the abundance of quality horses, and a favourable climate for year-round play contributed to the rapid growth of polo in Argentina.
The Argentine polo scene began to flourish in the early 20th century, with the formation of polo clubs, the organization of tournaments, and the emergence of talented Argentine players.
If you’re in Buenos Aires, you’ll be able to pick up a few polo-themed souvenirs like polo shirts, boots, mallets and more at Arandú Talabartería. They focus on artisanal products that represent Argentina’s countryside and its lifestyle and they have a big polo section.
Handcrafted jewelry
Argentine silver jewelry often showcases a blend of traditional and contemporary styles. From intricate filigree work to bold and modern designs, there is a wide range of options to suit different tastes.
You can find ‘Silver 925’, which is a precious metal that consists of 92.5% pure silver, or you can also find ‘Alpaca Silver’, which is an alloy that does not contain any actual silver. Alpaca silver is primarily composed of copper, nickel, and zinc, making it an affordable alternative with a silver-like appearance.
Also, keep an eye out for Rosa del Inca, meaning ‘Incan Rose’. This is the national stone of Argentina and it has a beautiful pink colour.
You can shop for jewelry at the outdoor ferias.
Fileteado porteño signs
Next on our list of unique souvenirs to buy in Argentina is fileteado porteño. This is a distinctive and ornate style of art that originated in Buenos Aires during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
It emerged as a decorative form predominantly on the city’s transportation, such as horse-drawn carriages and later on buses, trucks, and taxis.
The term fileteado is derived from the Spanish word filete, which refers to the fine lines and ornamental filigree patterns characteristic of this style. Fileteado porteño is a fusion of various artistic influences, including European art nouveau, Italian Renaissance motifs, and the bold lettering of the Art Deco period.
The origins of fileteado porteño can be traced to the work of immigrants, particularly Italian and Spanish artists, who brought their artistic skills and cultural aesthetics to Buenos Aires.
There are still fileteado artists keeping this tradition alive and even teaching workshops, and you can also find their works for sale in the outdoor fairs – the San Telmo Market is an especially popular place for this!
Pottery
Another idea for souvenirs to buy in Argentina is pottery. This is something you’ll come across a lot if you’re travelling in Northern Argentina.
Skilled artisans create pottery using techniques passed down through generations, and the clay used for these pottery pieces is typically sourced from local riverbanks, known for its high quality and workability.
One distinctive characteristic of pottery in Northern Argentina is the vibrant and intricate hand-painted designs that adorn the surfaces of the pieces. The designs often incorporate geometric patterns, stylized animals, or representations of the local vegetation.
You can find decorative pottery, but it’s also possible to find everyday items you can use in your home, like clay plates, clay serving dishes, and even clay cooking pots.
Just make sure you pack this carefully (lots of padding!) so it doesn’t break in transport. We bought a huge clay pot to bring back to Canada, which we wanted to use to make locro, and sadly, it arrived broken in two pieces.
Textiles and tapestries
Whenever I visit Northern Argentina, I like to browse the local markets for traditional souvenirs – namely, textiles and tapestries.
The northern part of the country has its own distinct style with bold, warm colours and geometric patterns. You can find tablecloths, placemats, serviettes, wall hangings, bed covers, rugs and more.
If you have a thing for interior design and you want to bring a touch of Argentine style into your home, there are many ways to do so with some unique hand-picked pieces.
Books by Argentine authors
Buenos Aires is a city of bibliophiles. In fact, the city has more bookstores per person than any other city in the world! This makes it a great place to buy some souvenirs of Argentina for the book lover in your life.
If you only have time to visit one book shop in Buenos Aires, I would choose El Ateneo Grand Splendid. This is a former theatre turned movie theatre turned bookstore.
For a gift that captures Argentina’s soul beyond the tangible, consider picking up a book by one of the country’s celebrated authors. Jorge Luis Borges is perhaps the most iconic, known worldwide for his mind-bending short stories like those in Ficciones.
This list of the greatest Argentine books of all time is a good one to peruse for inspiration.
Leather-bound journals
I know I keep talking about leather, but there really is so much leather in Argentina that you can get a whole range of leather products.
So, another Argentine souvenir to consider is a leather-bound journal or notebook.
This is something that you could pick up at the start of your trip if you want to document your travels across Argentina by sketching or writing journal entries.
Alternatively, it also makes for a nice gift to take back home, especially if you have someone who enjoys writing in your life.