What to buy in Argentina: the best gifts

8 January 2025

Argentina is a country that captivates with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. If you're planning a trip to this fascinating destination, you probably have a list already of must-see sights and activities. But do you know what to buy in Argentina? In this article, we present a comprehensive guide for travelers who want to take advantage of the best shopping opportunities in the country of brotherhood.

Let's explore the typical products, the most interesting stores and the essential tips for saving. In addition, we will suggest gifts and souvenirs that will make your trip even more memorable. Get ready to discover the wonders of shopping in Argentina and return home with items that will bring back fond memories of your adventure.

Wine

Argentina is one of the largest wine producers in the world, with regions such as Mendoza, San Juan or Salta offering some of the best Malbec and Torrontés. These wines are perfect to enjoy on a special occasion or they can be given as sophisticated gifts that reflect the country's wine richness. There are also more varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Chardonnay. You can find them in wineries, supermarkets, and specialized wine stores.

Wine is cheaper in supermarkets. However, specialty stores offer a wider range of products and guidance from experienced professionals to help you make the best choice.

Alfajor

The alfajor is an emblematic sweet of Argentina that no tourist should miss the chance of trying. These delicious snacks, made with layers of biscuit filled with dulce de leche and covered in chocolate or icing sugar, are ideal to take home as a tasty souvenir of your visit. In addition, their variety of flavors and presentations makes them the perfect gift for friends and family.

Tip: make sure you try the traditional cornstarch alfajores. They are also delicious and are part of Argentine culture.

Leather

The quality of Argentine leather products is internationally recognized, and travelers can find a wide range of items such as jackets, bags, and shoes. Not only are these products durable and stylish, but they also represent traditional Argentine craftsmanship. Buying a leather item in Argentina is investing in a high-quality, long-lasting piece.

Dulce de Leche

Argentine dulce de leche is a delicacy that enchants all palates, and it is the right gift to take back to your country. This delicious dairy product is used in a variety of desserts and can be enjoyed on its own or as a complement to other treats. Its unique flavor and creamy texture make it one of the best gastronomic purchases in Argentina.

Chocolate

Argentina has a chocolate tradition that competes with the best producing countries. Argentinian chocolate shops offer high-quality products that will delight any chocolate lover. Buying chocolates in Argentina is an exquisite gift that shows good taste. Bariloche is an important center of chocolate production, and the city is surrounded by chocolate shops.

Crafts

Argentine handicrafts, which include everything from textiles to ceramics, are a reflection of the country's rich cultural heritage. These handmade items are perfect to take home, as each piece tells a unique story and represents the cultural diversity of Argentina. Buying handicrafts is supporting local artisans and, at the same time, you are taking an authentic piece of the country with you. Ideal to give to family and friends or to keep it to decorate your home. Local artisans can be found in all provinces.

Football shirt

For football fans, a shirt of an Argentine team or the national team is an essential gift. Argentina is famous for its passion for football and wearing a shirt of Buenos Aires clubs, such as Boca Juniors or River Plate, is a way of sharing that passion. This sports souvenir will be highly appreciated by any football fan.

Chimichurri

Chimichurri is a typical Argentinian sauce, perfect for dressing meats and other dishes. Tourists who enjoy the grill will find in chimichurri an ideal complement to their meals and meats. It is a sauce made with parsley, minced garlic, oregano, ground chili pepper, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper. Buying this sauce in Argentina is bringing home an authentic flavor that will add taste to barbecues.

Oil

Argentine olive oil is of excellent quality, its flavors reflect the regional features of where it is produced. This product is great for those who want to add a gourmet touch to their meals. Buying olive oil in Argentina is choosing a healthy and delicious product that can improve any culinary dish. Mendoza is a large oil-producing province.

Bonus Track: If you are in Bariloche, you can also buy Dulce de Rosa Mosqueta, a must-have that you will find nowhere else. And if you are in Cachi, in Salta, you can buy special paprika from there.

Where are the best shopping options in Buenos Aires?

Markets and supermarkets offer a wide range of grocery products at affordable prices in Argentina. Wines, alfajores, dulce de leche and oil, for example, are items that are generally cheaper in these stores. In addition, exploring the supermarket aisles gives visitors an authentic experience of local cuisine, featuring a variety of Argentine products.

Open-Air Fairs and Emblematic Avenues

Open-air fairs and famous avenues are excellent to buy souvenirs from your trip. Here are some suggestions:

San Telmo Fair: Held every Sunday, the San Telmo Fair is one of the most popular in Argentina. Known for its antiques, local crafts, and live music performances, it's a must-see spot for visitors who want to explore the local culture.
Caminito: Located in the neighborhood of La Boca, Caminito is one of the most emblematic tourist spots in Argentina. With its colorful houses and street performers, it's a real open-air museum. Here, visitors can find a variety of local handicrafts, paintings, and unique souvenirs.
Corrientes Avenue: Known as the "Buenos Aires Broadway", Corrientes Avenue is the epicenter of Argentine theater. In addition, it is a paradise for literature lovers, with several bookstores that keep their doors open until late at night. It is also an excellent place to find clothes, shoes and accessories from Argentine designers.
Florida Street: Florida is one of the most famous shopping streets in Argentina. With a variety ranging from branded clothing to local handicrafts, it is also known for its leather shops, where you can find high-quality jackets, bags, and shoes.

Shoppings

Galerias Pacifico: Considered one of the most beautiful shopping malls in Buenos Aires, Galerias Pacifico is home to 150 stores and a large food plaza. Also, the architecture and artwork on the roof are a separate attraction.

Abasto Shopping: The largest shopping mall in Buenos Aires, Abasto Shopping offers a wide range of famous stores, 12 movie theaters, children's attractions, a mini park, and even a museum, guaranteeing entertainment for the whole family.
Alto Palermo: With three floors filled with shops of renowned American brands, Alto Palermo is especially chosen by women looking for fashion and style.
Patio Bullrich: Aimed at middle- and upper-classes, Patio Bullrich is a luxury shopping mall that offers an exclusive selection of well-known brands, although its products tend to have higher prices.
Distrito Arcos: An open-air shopping center, perfect for family outings, Distrito Arcos has 50 stores and several kiosks with assorted products, offering a unique shopping experience.
Dot: Another shopping mall in the Saavedra neighborhood, with cinema and many leading brands from Argentina. Four floors to tour and buy.