If you’re looking for a more authentic souvenir than a Barça jersey or a fridge magnet, this list is for you. We have gathered 15 gift ideas inspired by the Barcelona tradition that you will love for their history, their design and their local flavor. In addition, we tell you where to find them and some curiosities that make them unique. Let’s get started!
1. Figures trencadís Barcino Designs
Inspired by the trencadís of Gaudí, the figures of Barcino Designs were born in Barcelona more than 20 years ago as a tribute to Catalan modernism. Each piece is hand painted and assembled following the broken mosaic technique.
The Classic Collection was the first to popularize the multicolored trencadís among premium tourist gifts. Today there are versions Premium with gold leaf and Flowers with floral motifs.
You can find the B2B Catalog of Barcino Designswith distribution throughout Spain, Portugal, France and the United States.
2. Panot flower of Barcelona
The hydraulic tile with a four-petal flower was first installed in 1906 to pave the Eixample. Today, it has become a visual icon of the city.
If you walk along the Rambla, you will see a mosaic by Miró that integrates the panot as a tribute to Barcelona’s daily life.
3. Catalan Cava
The traditional method of making Catalan sparkling wine arrived in the Penedès in 1872. Today, more than 90% of cava is produced in Catalonia.
The typical toast with cava in includes the phrase. “Salut i força al canut” (health and money in your pocket). (health and money in your pocket).
4. Amatller Chocolate
The Amatller family has been making chocolate in Barcelona since 1797. Their iconic Art Nouveau tins are almost as famous as the chocolate.
The illustrations on the cans are the work of Alphonse Mucha, master of Czech modernism.
5. Glass jar
A 17th century peasant utensil designed to drink wine in a group without touching the spout. To make a good spurt without staining is almost a national sport.
6. Miró style ceramic thimble
Thimble collecting became popular among Barcelona dressmakers in the 19th century. Since 1980, the Fundació Miró has authorized limited series decorated with the artist’s organic shapes and primary colors, turning the thimble into a mini pocket canvas.
7. Catalan spardenyes
Esparto grass footwear used by peasants and sardana dancers since the Middle Ages. During the Festa de la Mercè, thousands of people from Barcelona dance the sardana shoes with espardenyes.
8. Ceramic plate
The tradition of decorative plates dates back to the 17th century, when wealthy families hung Talavera pottery as a sign of status.
In Barcelona, artisans incorporated modernist elements such as the Sagrada Familia, salamanders or flowers.
9. Nougat from Agramunt IGP
Considered the oldest nougat in Catalonia (15th century), it mixes hazelnuts or almonds with honey and wafers. It has Protected Geographical Indication and is produced exclusively in the town of Agramunt (Urgell).
The fair of the Torró i la Xocolata a la Pedra in October attracts more than 85,000 visitors and launches limited editions that sell out before Christmas.
10. Caganer
Figure of the Catalan nativity scene that appears documented in the 18th century. It represents the fertility of the earth. Every year there are versions of politicians and celebrities.
11. Ceramic ashtray of the Sagrada Família
The first ashtrays with the silhouette of the towers of the Sagrada Família appeared in the modernist cafés of the early 20th century, when smoking indoors was a sign of distinction.
Today the design is reinterpreted in enameled ceramic with motifs of trencadís motifs reminiscent of the polychrome pinnacles of the temple.
12. Ratafia catalan handmade
Digestive liqueur macerated with green walnuts and mountain herbs, documented since the 18th century in the farmhouses of inland Catalonia.
Every November the Fira de la Ratafia in Santa Coloma de Farners rewards the best homemade recipe – the winning lot is sold out in days.
13. Notebook with Gaudi’s Salamander
The famous mosaic salamander-the drac of the main staircase of Parc Güell – inspired the first series of illustrated notebooks in 1992, on the occasion of the Olympic Games.
Since then, the recycled cardboard cover with print trencadís has become a must for creatives and students.
14. Fuet de Vic
Cured sausage typical of Osona, documented in recipe books from the 19th century. The Mercat del Ram celebrates every year a contest for the best artisan fuet.
15. “Rajoletes d’ofici”.
Hand-painted tiles depicting medieval trades. Very popular in the 17th century. Collecting traditional professions has become a trend among decorators.
Tips for choosing the perfect gift
Choosing which pieces to incorporate into your store, boutique or concept store is much easier when you have a reliable partner such as Barcino Designs. Our professional catalog includes four different collections with permanent stock and EAN codes ready for your POS. We serve orders to any point of the peninsula thanks to our own logistics and anti-breakage packaging.
If you have a decoration or souvenir business, download the free B2B catalog from Barcino Designs and get access to preferential margins with sample shipments within 48 hours.