Top Souvenirs to Buy in the Southwest USA
Distinctive crafts from Southwestern Indigenous Peoples
From the conquering canyons of Arizona to the flourishing flora of New Mexico, the Southwestern landscape emanates a culture as vibrant as a painted desert sunset. And it’s here, amidst nature’s lyrical palette and old cowboy tales, where you’ll find the breathtaking artistry of the Indigenous Peoples of the Southwestern United States. Seriously, folks, some of these works make your macaroni art look like the contents of your Aunt Edna’s junk drawer.
Kicking off the roll call of indigenous wonders are the Navajo people, artisans of the windswept plain, mastering the ancient art of weaving. Picture this: rugs. Now quit your yawning because we’re not talking your run-of-the-mill, mass-produced fluffs that we so disrespectfully tread upon. Navajo rugs are intricately patterned and dyed with exhilarating colors that can make even the most hardened interior designer break into impromptu salsa moves. Inspired by the sweeping vistas and shifting landscapes, these faux foot enhancers showcase such captivating designs that you may just feel guilty for stepping on them. And if you think these are cool, wait until you see a traditional Navajo chief blanket. These masterpieces make your snuggie look like it belongs in a toddler’s tea party.
Next up are the Hopi individuals, who excel not only in throwing pottery but also in throwing puns. It’s a great ‘clay’ to be a Hopi, not just because of their knack for humor but for their distinctive ceramics. This isn’t your typical dinnerware or grandma’s porcelain collection that you’ve accidentally (read: purposely) knocked over one too many times. This is pottery you gaze at in a mix of awe and envy, murmuring, I can’t even draw a straight line.
“”The Christian Divinity, said Haru, is a God of all lands and all peoples.””
~ Hallie Erminie Rives, Slender Swords
With their coiled technique, the Hopi create alluring, multi-dimensional vessels, using mineral-based paints made from bee plant and iron oxide. Then they add intricate details of Hopi life and mythology that are so precise, you might forget their creativeness wasn’t produced by a high-tech robotic arm.
As we’re talking about craftsmanship, we cannot leave the Zuni people trailing behind—talented silversmiths with a flair for precision. Their stunning jewelry work is the stuff dreams are made of. Imagine gemstones arranged in such intricate patterns that the stars themselves would feel embarrassed to twinkle. Who needs a flashy brand name when you can have a Zuni bangle, its turquoise stones arranged like a puzzle that was born to solve your fashion crises? And let’s not forget about their fetish carvings – delightful miniatures that are so detailed they could pass as a shrunken Michaelangelo’s David.
Now wander we must into the land of the Apache with their exquisite basketry. Woven from natural materials like willow and devil’s claw, these baskets have designs drawn from the very lifeline of nature. From birds to bison to your nosy neighbor Susan peering over the fence, these elegant vessels weave stories as diverse and enchanting as the indigenous peoples themselves. And when it comes to creativity, these weavers wouldn’t be caught ‘basket’ handing.
So, there you have it, folks—a small preview into the magnificent, delightful world of Southwestern Indigenous crafts. These authentically American arts aren’t just crafts you bring home from summer camp. They’re the work of master artisans, carrying forward centuries of traditions and captivating tales told through vibrant colors and intricate shapes. And they’re sure to give your living room furniture food for thought and your flimsy, mass-produced decor, a run for its money. So let’s ‘Craft Your Way’ and honor the Indigenous Artisans- one woven rug, pot, bangle, or basket at a time!
Learn More: Distinctive Crafts From Southwestern Indigenous Peoples
Vintage mementos from Route 66
Searching for the nostalgic charm of yesteryear? Then, there’s no playground quite as enchanting as the iconic Route 66 – the ‘Main Street of America’. Unto itself, Route 66 is a wistful homage to the golden age of US road travel; but for vintage enthusiasts, keen to collect kitschy mementos, well, friends, it’s akin to antiquing Disneyland!
Picture this: You’re behind the wheel of a classic convertible, the wind daring to disarrange your carefully coifed hair, the hum of the engine merging with the whispers of history, and the majestic American vista stretching out for miles. Your destination? A land where dusty relics await your discerning eye, where mom-and-pop shops’ beloved merchandise eat your cash faster than a 60s jukebox, and where the ghosts of icons like James Dean and Marilyn Monroe seem just a touch away. Ah, the vintage mementos of Route 66!
First stop, gift shops like the Angel and Vilma’s Route 66 Gift Shop in Seligman, Arizona or the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton, offering an assortment of paraphernalia dripping with mid-century charm – think magnets shaped like chubby Chevys, mini replicas of vintage gas pumps, and Route 66 embossed mugs. These seemingly mundane trinkets are full of whimsy and perfect for the modest collector looking to own a pocket-sized piece of Americana. And remember, restraining your debit card in these places can be as challenging as teaching Elvis Presley the art of subtlety!
For the vinyl addicts among us, Route 66 is a veritable goldmine of vintage music. Pop into Record Alley in Springfield, Missouri or Tumbleweeds Music Store in Grants, New Mexico, and dive headfirst into decades-old LPs. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of discovering a forgotten Frank Sinatra record, the cover art barely resisting the march of time. For purists, the sound of that vintage vinyl crackle is a symphony all by itself, as if Old Blue Eyes himself is crooning from within the grooves.
If your vintage hankering extends to literature, towns flanking the Route 66 corridor offer charming bookshops filled with goodies from the past.
“Having been warned of the approach of a party of French, he attacked them suddenly and completely routed them”
~
Charles Kendall Adams and William P. Trent, A History of the United States
Nagley’s Store in Flagstaff, Arizona, home to a pile of dog-eared Steinbecks or Fitzgeralds, is a bibliophile’s paradise. Memoirs, cookbooks, and nostalgic children’s books – they’ve got them all, their gently weathered pages beckoning you into the cozy embrace of bygone eras.
For something more captivating though, Route 66 flea markets are a trove of vintage treasures, from striking antique furniture and mid-century kitchen gadgets to ornate jewelry and old-fashioned dolls that probably aren’t haunted (we can’t fully guarantee it). Whether it’s the Mother Road Market in Web City, Missouri, the Arizona Route 66 Swap Meet, expect to rummage, haggle, and walk away with a trunk full of time-worn trinkets.
Long-lost treasures abound on Route 66. Capturing history within their designs, these vintage mementos from Route 66 aren’t just mementos, they’re capsules of a simpler time. A time when road travel was a mix of adventure and romance, when the journey mattered as much as the destination, when the deep resonance of Ella Fitzgerald emanated from big band radios, and soda fountains were the neighborhood meeting spots.
Remember, every vintage piece from Route 66 is a fragment of history, lovingly passed on from one generation to the next. So, happy hunting for those nostalgic nuggets of Americana. “Get your kicks on Route 66,” as the old song goes, and while you’re at it, grab a memento or two, and let the spirit of America’s Mother Road carry you away… vintage style, of course!
Learn More Here: Vintage Mementos From Route 66
Artisanal goods from Santa Fe’s markets
Turn on your out-of-office reply, knock the dust off your trusty woven tote, and adjust your sunhat, because we’re off to the dizzying world of Santa Fe’s markets to delve into the treasure trove that is artisanal goods. Yes, brace yourself to be swept into the whirlwind of vibrant colors, intoxicating smells, and the indescribable charm of this Southwestern enclave of charisma and creativity.
In the heart of New Mexico, Santa Fe gives birth to a market scintillating with a wide array of artisanal goods that would turn any minimalist into a compulsive hoarder. From space-saving Kokopelli wall hangings to intricate mosaic turquoise jewelry that will have your friends’ eyes turning as green as the gemstones themselves, Santa Fe’s markets are a tantalizing tableau of local crafts and artifacts screaming to be Instagrammed.
Navigating the labyrinthine Santa Fe Farmers Market, you’ll feel like Indiana Jones in the Last Crusade, hot on the trail of your Holy Grail. But, instead of an ancient chalice, you’re in search of tarnished silver belt buckles, excellently aged balsamic vinegar, or maybe Santa Fe’s infamous spicy chocolate truffles.
Gifted artisans have painstakingly crafted exquisite pottery pieces that transport you to the pueblo era with their elaborate drawings. Each stroke is a story, every curve a testament to the rich history and vibrant culture of the region. Similar as they may seem, it’s the imperfections that give them character, making you realize each piece stands alone in its beauty, just like B-list celebrities.
A stroll through these markets and your nose is forcefully, but gently, steered towards wafts of juniper-laced organic soaps and candles. One sniff and you know you’re not leaving without that lavender-infused body lotion which promises to transport you to relaxation nirvana, or that hand-poured beeswax candle that will have your dining room smelling like a blooming orchard on a spring afternoon.
Santa Fe’s markets are a meandering celebration of the senses.
“Cod-fish, 221; markets for, 222; superiority of New England, _ib._ Cod-liver oil, 222”
~ Thomas Morton and Charles Francis Adams, Thomas Morton with Introductory Matter and Notes
Your fingers will twitch to touch the velvety alpaca wool scarfs, your taste buds will quiver in anticipation of biting into a fresh tamale filled with-lip-smacking green chili and cheese, and your eyes will feast on the visual banquet that unfolds before you.
But it isn’t just the actual goods that make Santa Fe’s markets incredible; the people are just as remarkable. Get chatty with the artisans, for their stories are as intricate and colorful as the wares they peddle. Expect engaging tales of turquoise mining adventures, knitting disasters that turned into unique creations, and encounters with meddlesome squirrels stealing their chili (seriously, the squirrels in Santa Fe know what’s good!).
Then, as the pink and orange hues of the sunset stage a slow takeover from the bright afternoon sun, carry your brimming bags to a snug café and sip on a cup of Pinon coffee as you marvel at the day’s treasured finds. Shopping local not only supports the community but, as you’ll testify, is a spellbinding immersion into the culture of Santa Fe.
Undoubtedly, the artisanal goods from Santa Fe’s markets when mixed with the heartwarming people, radiant ambiance, and a sense of joyful discovery, turn a regular shopping trip into an unforgettable adventure. So, strap on your most comfortable shoes, the markets await!
