What can I buy in shops in Spain?

Question

Could I buy a fake version of Guess handbags/purses and how much would they be?

What else could i buy for souvenirs,on a budget?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Lots of stuff made in China, much like here.  In fact, a lot of what you find on the streets (flea markets and the like) is also made in China.  For the real deal, you have to check what you have.  You'll do best by KNOWING that the artisan is right there in the shop, for that).

As for your guess products, I never saw any, but I wasn't looking for that brand.  I know you can find Louis Vuitton knockoffs.  If you go to the Rastro, you can probably find knockoffs of any brand of purses you want.  I saw some really pretty scarves in the Rastro for a good price, you could get those in every color for your friends.  

Just remember, no matter WHAT the price, it's likely to seem high to you (if you're US) because the dollar is so weak!  If you're British (as the use of the word "handbag" hints) you won't find it so bad.  But we are getting hit REALLY hard (of course, 30 years of the dollar being high, we're pretty spoiled!)

Depending on the region, there are many local handcrafts.  In the south, as mentioned above, leather is a big commodity.  Fans and Andaluz hats, flamenco dresses (never cheap, but fun) and bullfighting costumes.  Ceramics are popular all over the country.  Every province has their own distinctive designs and color sets.  In Granada, inlaid wood (marquetery) is popular.  You can go right into the Talleres (workshops) and speak to the craftsmen...then you know...In Toledo, it's Damascene work.  Again, if you see the guy doing it right there, you can get the real thing, otherwise it's probably done by machine stamp in China.  In Castilla-León, there's a lot of basketwork.  

My friend went into Corte Inglés' food department and found three-packs of varieties of olive oil for very cheap (little, like one or two-ounce bottles) that she brought back for all the people at work.  She also bought chocolate bars, but you don't want those sitting around for more than about a month...they actually went bad that quickly on me!

Happy Shopping!

Answer 2

Spain is a wealthy European country, and the range of shops is about the same as anywhere else in Europe. Just as you can buy them just about anywhere from street vendors and out of the way shops, you can buy fake designer purses in Spain. They would make  poor souvenirs as they were undoubtedly manufactured in China.

Spain is known for leather, and there are fine quality leather shops, including shoe shops, in all bigger places. Prices are not low, however. Metal work is also a specialty as are pottery, tiles and glass, again they are not inexpensive and they are rather heavy to carry. Some good quality jewelry is available, including cultured pearls for which Spain is famous. Antiques used to be cheap in Spain, but I fear they are no longer. There is some high end designer ware made in spain.

Suggestion, especially given the current value of the dollar, save your money to buy just one or two really good quality items to bring back. Forget knock-offs , you can buy them in the US and Canada, probably cheaper than in Europe.