Gift ideas Brazil

In the lower town, near the pier, there's a place we often visit before leaving Salvador, in search of gifts. In and around the Market, you'll find handicrafts, T-shirts and souvenirs of all kinds. There are lots of stalls, but the products are much the same and more expensive than in markets in other towns in the Nordeste. Many of the souvenirs are mass-produced and clearly intended to satisfy the demand of tourists alone. Still, it's an interesting stroll.

Along the mythical beach, fairs with a friendly atmosphere make it possible to finalize the gifts. Two addresses on the Avenida Atlântica to buy a myriad of trinkets (wooden sculptures, plastic wallets, drumsticks for caipirinha ...), football T-shirts, paintings (some of them rather successful), of pareos, Havaianas flip-flops... The first one in front of the praça do Lido (before the Porto Bay Internacional Hotel), the second one at Posto 5, on the central square of the avenue (in front of the Othon Palace Hotel). Nice and central!

This is Rio's best-known Nordeste fair. Its origins lie in the massive influx of immigrants from the Northeast to Rio in the 1940s, in search of a better life. The fair attracts more than 60,000 people on weekends, who come to buy handicrafts, cook or dance the forró. The refurbished "Luiz Gonzaga Cultural Space", named after the great singer, is now very well organized. Be careful at night, as the area is not very safe.

As in many places in the world, embroidery continues to be a traditional craft activity. It is in the Rendeiras street (literally street of the embroiderers), in the fishermen's district of Pontal da Barra, that the women who make the filé, a typical embroidery of the state of Alagoas, gather. You can see them making the pieces directly and it is difficult to leave empty-handed. In this popular and pleasant district, you will find many stalls dedicated to this traditional art, at very affordable prices. In short, a "smart" purchase.

This shop is entirely dedicated to the promotion of the federal capital, with its logo or representations on everything that can be offered... or even on what is too kitsch to be offered. But this is a matter of taste of course! Brasilia's design printed on t-shirts, mugs, glasses and other objects. Take home the typical signs of the capital or maybe a L2 Sul tableware! In short, everything that is "made in BSB" can be found here and is available in all its forms. For the latest gift ideas....

In the historic building dating from 1749, a handicraft centre, a museum of precious stones and a cultural space operate. The town council has chosen an architectural modernisation that combines the original structures of the Capuchin monastery with designer structures made of glass and iron. The visitor will be able to see an exhibition of Marajoara ceramics and jewellery made on site. Ideal for an original and local souvenir. This venerable establishment has changed function many times (convent, barracks, prison, town hall and finally museum).

This craft fair in the Savassi district is managed by the Mineira Association of Independent Artists. It consists of an art fair, a vinyl fair, well known to Montpellier record collectors and a "bazaar" shop. Here is a small craft market more arty than the main craft market on Sunday. Ideal to find nice gifts to bring back. DJs looking for rare items may find their happiness here.

The Carioca Athos Bulcao (1918-2008) is one of the most prominent contemporary artists in Brazil. The Athos Bulcao Foundation shop sells a wide variety of objects with designs signed by the artist. This is an opportunity to bring home a decorative azulejo in the same colours as those in the city park or in the small church on the south side. There are also mugs, T-shirts, silk-screen prints and even umbrellas. Beautiful souvenirs that also help to preserve the memory of this great Brazilian master. The foundation teaches underprivileged youth.

Several units of this colonial building are reserved for the sale of crafts of local native Indian tribes (wickers, ceramics, jewelry, hammocks…). Prices for artisanal products are a little high, but they guarantee decent income to the indigenous communities that produce them, since profits are directly returned.

At the Sesc Arsenal, every Thursday from 5 p. m., the «Bulixo», a Brazilian handicraft and gastronomy fair, is held in a popular atmosphere. The opportunity to impregnate the local atmosphere cuiabana.

One comes to the Mercado São José to immerse oneself in the atmosphere of the popular Recife and to admire its French market architecture. More than 500 merchants have their stalls in this beautiful building inaugurated in 1875 and many more in the surroundings. Handicrafts, typical products, food, medicinal herbs, religious objects... the variety is enormous! Probably the best place to buy souvenirs and meet the locals. It is a popular place, so stay discreet, no ostentation, no big bags, no jewels.

Just a stone's throw from the famous Copacabana Palace, Rio Copa Moda offers all kinds of Rio gifts and souvenirs. You'll find a wide choice of products at affordable prices and a warm welcome. The owner is French and will be happy to advise you on your purchases. Choose from traditional Havaianas, Rio stickers, pareos for yourself or as gifts, caipirinha kits, T-shirts for men, women and children. In short, everything you need to bring a bit of Rio de Janeiro home with you.