Gift ideas from Argentina?

There are 21 replies in this Thread which has previously been viewed 254 times. The latest Post (April 15, 2025 at 7:19 AM) was by sts.

    Looking for ideas of what gift to buy and take to Scotland. Reason being we'll be staying with my brother and his wife for a few days during our time back there. He's a retired Merchant Navy captain and although he must have been around the world God knows how many times I don't know if he's ever been to Argentina. Should say I haven't seen him in decades and never met his Scottish wife so a gift is not that important really.

    Not bothered how much it costs within reason but something not too big or heavy would be preferred. I haven't a bloody clue what to take!!

    When I visit home, I buy stashes of alfajores and conitos. They are lightweight and make for a very Argentinian gift. Pay attention to the expiration date, as sometimes I have found that they expire 1-2 weeks after purchase. I just buy the cheapest ones on offer in the supermarket. The best available at the supermarket are Cachafaz, but they are quite expensive, nowadays.
    also, put them in a cardboard box or they will get crushed in travel.

    Second choice are palitos. But finding a decent size bag is impossible in supermarkets, they may be available in dieteticas and moms and pops stores. Always buy the industrial ones which are in a sealed and branded bag. Those repackaged in stores can be soggy or may have sat for too long in an unsealed bag.
    Also light to carry!

    Third, but only for those with a sweet tooth, is dulce de membrillo. It is a solid block of fruit and sugar. Those are heavier (250 g, 500 g, 1 kg) but preserve well and don’t need special care during travel.

    Honey is also an option, but it is a regulated food in some countries, so check if it is allowed in the UK.

    If you are in for something fancier, I have seen mentioned steak knives but, to be honest, nothing you can’t find for less in Europe as far as quality goes.
    If you want something from the countryside, anything made of wood and silver (platería criolla) is also a classic, but it may not be anyone’s cup. Keychains in this style are a small gift that can be easily put to use. Also mate with silver details is a common gift, provided it will be never out to use by someone who doesn’t drink or understand mate.

    Something that is also lightweight but bulky, are alpaca and lama’s wool blankets and ponchos. Could be a suitable option for those living in a colder weather, although in modern times most people prefer technical gears and blankets that can be easily washed in a washing machine and do not require the extra care of wool.

    Something quite unique and nice to put on display are penguin jars. If not used as jars, they can be used as decoration.

    If you are in for something more practical, cheeses from the countryside should be widely available where you live. Again, make sure they are sealed and labeled, as there may be regulations on traveling with cheese at your destination.

    Thanks serafina. :thumbup:

    Had to look up conitos and palitos. Yeah could include some conitos and alfajores. We've discarded silver mates and knives as they're either a love em or hate em gift to get. As ornaments they usally end up sitting about doing nothing but collecting dust...I know the ones we've been given do. The blanket would be good but again a bit bulky to cart about as we won't be going to stay with them until the second week. Penguin jars are a new one to me, don't think I've ever seen them so shall keep an eye out.

    The missus suggested a silver artesan table top type of photo frame you get here. They can be quite decorative plus are light and easy to carry. While there we can get a picture of the four of us together and put it in.

    I like all of your suggestions, serafina . Especially the pengüinos, which we often take home. Although we use ours for wine, the smaller ones are great as milk jugs.

    The Argentine-style photo frame with a group picture also sounds like an excellent gift, UK Man , especially when accompanied by alfajores and conitos.

    I must walk around Buenos Aires with my eyes closed.

    Id never seen these Penguinitos if that’s their name. Then only days ago I saw an American antique-dealer on YouTube trawling antique markets city-wide looking to buy them and ship them to the US.
    I wonder what else is a thing in this city I haven’t a clue about?

    Imwriting , pingüinos are usually seen in older bars and cafes that sell house wine in them. Newer places like La Hormiga and Las Cabras also use them, just for nostalgia, I think.


    We enjoy using them at home.

    Information for travellers entering GB

    From Saturday 12 April, it will be illegal for travellers from all EU countries entering Great Britain to bring items like sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats or milk into the country. This is regardless of whether it is packed or packaged or whether it has been bought at duty free.

    Detailed information is available for the public which sets out a limited set of exemptions from these rules. For example, a limited amount of infant milk, medical foods and certain composite products like chocolate, confectionery, bread, cakes, biscuits and pasta continue to be allowed.

    Those found with these items will need to either surrender them at the border or will have them seized and destroyed. In serious cases, those found with these items run the risk of incurring fines of up to £5,000 in England.


    Full text here: https://www.gov.uk/government/new…-foot-and-mouth

    Well, it says travelers FROM EU COUNTRIES, so maybe if you fly in directly from Argentina, it doesn’t apply? Would not make much sense, but still… it is what it says.

    Quote from serafina

    Well, it says travelers FROM EU COUNTRIES, so maybe if you fly in directly from Argentina, it doesn’t apply? Would not make much sense, but still… it is what it says.

    I'm more interested in bringing goodies to eat out of the UK to here. :D