Oh the ironic bull-figher ashtray. You didn’t did you?
Marbella is a truly beautiful place and it’s only natural you may want to take a gift home for your loved ones. But when it comes to souvenirs, how do you avoid the tacky and find something truly special?
Here’s a guide to finding the perfect presents in Marbella, even for those who don’t appreciate a kitch flamenco dancer fridge magnet.
Awaken Their Foodie Instinct: Taking Food Gifts Home from Marbella
One that suits most diets and tastes: Extra Virgin Olive Oil
For the friend who loves to cook (or just loves good olive oil), grab a bottle of high-quality Andalusian olive oil. Spain produces some of the world’s finest olive oils, and the bottles you’ll find in Marbella are so much better than the stuff you’d pick up at the supermarket. It’s a versatile and practical gift that’ll transport your friend to the Mediterranean with every drizzle.
Meat Eaters
Two words: Jamón Ibérico. This is only for those who eat pork but if they do, then they will love it. It’s a Spanish tradition after all.
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill deli meat, it’s a melt-in-your-mouth delicacy that foodies worship. Available in vacuum-sealed packs, it’s easy to transport back home. Just make sure to double-check customs regulations as you would with any food product.
Sweet Tooth? Turron
For the sweet-toothed friend, turron is a traditional Spanish almond nougat and it certainly makes for a delicious gift. Whether it’s the soft and chewy variety or the brittle type, turrón is a perfect treat for anyone who enjoys a good sugar rush. Bonus points for picking up an artisanal version from a local market.
For the Fashionista: Outlet Shopping at McArthurGlen in Málaga
Marbella may be all about glitz and glamour, but if you want to grab something truly luxurious at an economical price, head to the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet in Málaga. It’s a fashionista’s dream, offering discounts on high-end brands.
Designer Bags and Accessories
Looking for a Prada, Gucci, or Miu Miu bag? The McArthurGlen outlet has you covered, or if you don’t want to trael to Malaga simply visit one of the designer boutiques in Puerto Banus.
Leather Goods are a Spanish Must!
For something a little more local, Marbella’s old town is filled with artisanal leather shops where you can find beautifully crafted belts, handbags, and wallets. These handcrafted pieces make for stylish, long-lasting gifts that scream sophistication (and won’t scream “tourist trap”).
For the Beauty Buff: Perfume & Skincare
Marbella has Perfumeries Galore! Spain has no shortage of fabulous perfumeries, and Marbella is brimming with opportunities to purchase luxurious fragrances and cosmetics. If you’re shopping for someone who loves high-end beauty products, visit El Corte Inglés, Spain’s iconic department store, where you can find both high-end and affordable perfumes. Look for local Spanish brands or luxury European fragrances.
Skincare Products
Spain is also home to premium skincare brands like Natura Bissé and Sesderma, which are hard to find outside the country. But you can also find international brands very easily in many of the perfumeries such as Sephora in Puerto Banus.
For the Techie
Take a Day Trip to Gibraltar for Tech Deals!
If your friend is more into gadgets than gourmet treats, take a quick day trip to Gibraltar, just a short drive from Marbella. This British Overseas Territory is known for its tax-free shopping, making it a prime spot for picking up tech gadgets at a lower price including Apple products.
So, whether they need a new MacBook, iPhone, or iPad, you can score some serious savings on Apple products in Gibraltar. For the techie in your life, a sleek new gadget will beat a keychain or keyring for sure!
For the Bookworm: Artisitc Coffee Table Books
When in doubt, opt for a beautifully illustrated coffee table book. Marbella has a rich cultural history, and there’s no better way to capture that than with a stunning photo book. Whether it’s one on Andalusian architecture, Spanish cuisine, or the local landscapes, it’s a great way to bring a piece of Spain into someone’s home.
El Corte Inglés in Marbella offers a wide selection of coffee table books on everything from Spanish art to the Alhambra’s breathtaking beauty. These aren’t just books, they’re a conversation piece for the friend who has a refined sense of style (or just loves showing off their travel knowledge).
You can also buy iconic designer coffee table books in many of the fashion boutiques in town.
For the Friend Who Has Everything: Personalized Travel Planning
We all have that one friend who seems to already own everything, and shopping for them can feel like a nightmare. Here’s a fresh idea: Instead of a physical gift, why not offer them the experience of planning their next luxurious getaway?
Swish Marbella specializes in luxury travel and can help your friend plan their next holiday. Whether it’s finding the perfect villa rental, organizing private excursions, or arranging yacht charters, a Swish representative can turn a dream trip into reality. Your friend will appreciate the personal touch (and you can take credit for the idea when they’re sunbathing on the deck of a yacht next summer).
For the Homebody: Spanish Wines & Scented Candles
Spain is home to some world-class wine, and Marbella’s proximity to vineyards means you can find excellent bottles of local wine to bring home. Whether it’s a rich red from Rioja or a crisp white from Rueda, a bottle of Spanish wine is a surefire way to impress your friends. Plus, it’s the gift that keeps on giving.
Scented Candles
For something a little less perishable but just as luxurious, pick up a locally made scented candle infused with Mediterranean herbs like rosemary or lavender. These candles are a sensory experience, allowing your friends to indulge in the soothing scents of the Spanish coast long after you’ve returned.
Souvenirs to Avoid
There are plenty of ideas to find a gift your loved ones will cherish and, when it comes to souvenirs from Marbella, don’t settle as there is no need! If in doubt, recruit your Swish concierge to help find something truly unique.
Happy Shopping and if you really want to, you can of course buy a flamenco inspired fan, we won’t tell anyone!
With love
The Swish team xx
