Forget that partridge in a pear tree. With the jolliest time of the year upon us, why not fill your shopping list with products handcrafted in Costa Rica? Here are our top locally made picks for holiday shopping: the products we noticed at art fairs, farmer’s markets, artist interviews and other events throughout the year, and couldn’t stop thinking about. Many are available online, and some ship internationally (as noted).
12. Adelfa – These colorful hand-painted ceramic mugs, teacups and plates brighten up their surroundings with whimsical illustrations of all sorts of animals. Available at the Mercado Tropical, Dec. 18 – 20 at the Mercado Antiguo, Ciudad Colón. Free. 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Holalola captures beloved sights of Costa Rica. [Via Facebook]10. National Parks of Costa Rica – This gorgeous coffee table book from Gregory Basco and (yes, we’re biased) The Tico Times’ own Robin Kazmier is a great gift for people on your outside-of-the-country gift list who’d love a little Costa Rica in their mailbox, since it’s being sold on Amazon. For those of us eager to peruse its gorgeous images in a Costa Rican bookstore, it is expected to hit shelves early next year; until then, here’s a preview. Available on Amazon.
Tierra Viva’s organic sodas would make a scrumptious stocking-stuffer. [Via Facebook]7. Fuscaldo Arte en Vidrio – Each one of these beautiful stained glass pieces, which range from decorative trinkets to plates, pots and key chains, is one-of-a-kind. Based in La Guácima, Alajuela; products available on the company website.
Carry Costa Rica with you thanks to Cueropapel&tijera. [Via Facebook]5. Elha – This beautiful jewelry line features rare and unique silver shapes along with a vast selection of semiprecious stones. Available on Etsy and at the Mercado Tropical, Dec. 18 – 20 at the Mercado Antiguo, Ciudad Colón. Free. 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Urban streetwear. [Via Facebook]2. Ximena Esquivel JoyerÃa – Designer Ximena Esquivel creates a wide range of statement pieces that merge silver with semiprecious stones including druzies, amethysts, quartz, and agates. Available on Etsy and the company website; links are here.
Ximena Esquivel’s original designs. Alberto Font/The Tico Times
1. The Tico Times – Give the gift of a journey through Costa Rica with “The Green Season,” by former Tico Times reporter Robert Isenberg. A thoughtful collection of stories about the people and places Isenberg encounters during his first year in the country, “The Green Season” covers everything from indigenous ceremonies and surfing lessons to San Jose bus drivers and World Cup glory. (Also available on Amazon.) Happy shopping, and Happy Holidays!
Wishing you a slothful end-of-year celebration. Alberto Font/The Tico Times