www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Where do you guys recommend I go for souvenir shopping? I always grab something for my god-daughter when I travel. She is 3.

Ricin

Mercado Central, a huge flea market type of setting on Central Ave. Very interesting place to spend the major part of the day where you get a true feel of the local economy. Some great deals to be had and haggling is common place and almost expected.

There is also another place in front of the National Museum. I think they call it The Artists Market. Pretty much the same thing as the Mercado Central without all the food shops. It's just a bit southeast of the HDR. Enter from either side, in between Avenida Central and Ave 2.

I get my stuff there since I don't have to dodge people looking for something to eat. If you don't find what you want at the Mercado Central, try this place. Or try both....

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I aim to misbehave. -Capt. Malcolm Reynolds

Costa Rica is not a place known for crafts - don't know if all is made in China, but there is a limit to what's good to buy down there - since she is likely too young for Ron Centanario Rum, and she probably is not pining for a picture painted on a bird feather, or a stuffed giant frog , maybe a T shirt, or a doll?

One trip to places that sell souveniers - and you will know exactly what I'm talking about - great country - but when it comes to crafts, Mexico or Honduras its not.

Agreed. We went there fo souvineers and was able to haggle to half most of the time.

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Women are Property, treat them as such.

I bought my nieces (3 & 5) some hand-crafted rag dolls made by one of the indigenous tribes at Galeria Namu. (En route from from HDR and HLH.) It's a "fair-trade" store, so the prices are high; but they were really great gifts that the girls liked a lot.

7th Street Books also sells some cool Tico dolphin and lizard bean-bags that the girls spent hours playing with. They were cheap, but really well-made.

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It's faster horses, younger women, older whiskey, and more money--Tom T. Hall
No man is a failure who is enjoying life--William Faulkner

I've gotten several gifts at Galeria Namu----on Ave 7, near Calle 5. They stock better stuff, made by indigenous people using the old artisan's ways. The staff is friendly, with good English, and they'll give you a good education, with handouts, about your purchase if you're interested.

Just don't go to Mercado Central if you're badly hung over. Made this mistake on my 2nd or 3rd trip....the smell of some of the food there can have adverse effects on your stomach, lol.

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I fart in your general direction. Your mother was a hamster, and your father smelled of elderberries. Now go away, or I shall taunt you a second time!

El Ornitorrinco--you are right, the place stinks (was wondering if anyone else thought this). I prefer the Market that "Fieldtech" described in earlier post.

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There's a prettier girl every day...

Thanks everyone for all the advice. I have been away from the internet for a few days.

Ricin

Sarchí can be a nice 1/2 day trip. Stay away from the shop that the cruise ship buses stop at, instead go to the place run by the local artists co-op for better prices.