A big part of strolling through Old Town Santa Fe is shopping – really isn’t finding just the right souvenir part of just about every trip. But, don’t let your search for the ideal memento become an all day hunt. There’s just so much to see and do in Downtown – from museums to dining to the Margarita Trail – the best shopping day let’s you find the perfect thing, feel good about your purchase and gives you time to see all that Santa Fe has to offer.

Here are our tips for souvenir shopping in Santa Fe:

What to Buy

Santa Fe souvenirs run the gamut from fun, heritage kitsch to fancy upscale statement pieces.

For Kitsch :

• • Ponchos (though these can also be super high end)
  • Kiva Ladder
  • Cow Skulls
  • Pepper Decorations (take special care when traveling with these)
  • Blankets
  • Katsina Dolls
  • Woven Baskets

For High End :

• • Jewelry
  • Art (so much art)
  • Cowboy Boots & Southwestern Wardrobe

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Don’t Bargain Hunt 

I am the biggest proponent for price comparisons, but I just about ruined our afternoon in downtown Santa Fe while hunting for ‘just the right price’. It was a poncho. I wanted a really great poncho that would last a few years, and went to visited every nook and cranny to find the perfect one. I nearly killed Jade and Augustine to wander from store to store for over an hour. While some stores do charge more, the price difference isn’t worth as much as your time. If you find something you like, go ahead and buy it and move onto your next exciting experience.

Know What You’re Getting

Most of the touristy keepsakes come in two versions – functional and durable. Just because there might be a fancier version doesn’t mean others aren’t right for you. For instance, a $40 poncho might look great, but it’s not going to be as comfortable or warm as a $150 poncho. That said, most people don’t really have a need for a full llama wool pancho. The same goes for figurines – more durable dolls and figures are typically more expensive, but, if you are careful with the less expensive options, they can last just as long.

Shop Local-er

Old Town Santa Fe is definately the #1 destination for vacation keepsakes, but it’s not the only place to shop. A great alternative is the weekly Farmer’s Market and adjacent Railyard Artisan Market. Vendors here are traditionally more connected with their wears and many artists are also there to talk about their work. All in all, these are great places to get quality items and most likely save when compared to Old Town prices.

Think Different

If you are someone who likes mementos that don’t scream ‘I went to Santa Fe!’, try hitting up the gift shop at Meow Wolf. We found an eclectic mix of artistic souvenirs that reflected our overall experience in Santa Fe without hitting us over the head with postcard-style iconography. (We also loved the t-shirt selection that showcased Santa Fe in unique ways.)

The Native American Artisans Portal Program

Walking through the plaza in Downtown Santa Fe, you can’t miss the row of vendors spread out along the walkway by the Palace of Governors (officially not a ‘walkway’ but a ‘portal’). These artisans are part of a program through the Museum of New Mexico that works to promote and protect traditional Native American art and artists. Over 1500 artists representing 23 tribes or nations are currently registered with the program which is overseen by a committee of fellow vendors that ensure quality and authenticity.

The vast majority of the work spread out across colorful blankets is jewelry that was either handmade by the vendor or people back in their nation, and all vendors must showcase technical mastery of their craft before they are allowed to sell at the portal.

A Word on all the Art

Santa Fe is one of the largest art markets in the US with over 250 galleries spread throughout the city. Actually, it more than just a sheer number – Santa Fe was designated as the first US UNESCO Creative City. While the vast majority of the art found in Santa Fe is all inspired by the Southwest landscape and lifestyle, the expressions here run the gamut from classic to subtle to very modern.

It can also be very expensive to shop for art in Santa Fe. So make every purchase worth your while by figuring out a few things before you go shopping :

• Budget
• What size is appropriate for you space
• How will it get back home (galleries can help arrange all of these details)

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind statement piece, make sure to visit Canyon Road (literally across the street from Downtown Santa Fe.) One of the oldest areas of the city and home to 100+ of the total art galleries, an afternoon here will show you just about everything the Santa Fe arts scene has to offer.

Summer is also a fantastic time for visiting Santa Fe is you’re an art lover – with season markets taking over the city nearly the entire season.

Don’t Forget the Food

If you know anything about Santa Fe, you know that food is as big of an attraction as any other site in the city. The Southwest’s signature blend of flavors is something that just can’t be found in most of the rest of the world. So, consider bringing some home. For us, we bought local honey from the Santa Fe Honey Salon, blue corn pancake mix at The Chili Shop & salsa from Cafe Pasqual’s.

Shop in the Shoulder Season

Many of the popular wardrobe souvenirs are seasonal (I’m looking at you ponchos). Finding a wool poncho or cowboy shirt in the summer can be limited in selection but easily save $10-$40.

Pack Carefully or Carry-On

As you prepare to take things home, put anything breakable (including any pepper artwork) in a special area of your carry-on. We like to put our special mementos in a plastic bag (the hotel’s dry cleaning bag works great), then wrap them individually in shirts, and put them in a part of our carry-on that we treat extra special (it goes towards the back of the overhead bin -or- nothing is places on top within the car).

A Few Shop Recommends

A few shops that stuck out to us were :

• Guatemaya Imports – most more affordable wardrobe items and a really friendly owner.
• For a Fistful of Dollars – High Quality clothing and great designs
• Shops on the Corner of Old Santa Fe Trail and Water Street – Good collection of kitschy souvenirs
• Santa Fe Farmers Market – Awesome for chili pepper sculptures.
• Sissels – Our favorite jewelry store with more affordable prices.