Gifts from Spain

Excellent pocket knives are produced in Spain (as well as handy items like money clips) and I've never met a man who did not appreciate a nice little pocket knife. I sure love them! For the ladies? I'll leave those gift suggestions for the ladies.

Thank you, Mark. I didn't know that excellent pocket knives were manufactured in Spain. Anyone have any ideas for the ladies?

Those knives are made in Toledo which was making swords since day one. Look for them there for maybe a better price. You can also get in a couple of the mills/factories/whatever they're called.

Marzipan is cheap, but you can find that at good confectionary stores here. Try bringing home some yemas. I've never seen them here, they're inexpensive and tasty, and they're a unique treat from Spain. You can purchase them individually or in gift boxes.

Shops sell small ceramic plates or bowls with colorful designs - they are easy to carry.

The cooks on your list will apprciate good Spanish saffron (D.O. La Mancha) and the wonderful smoked paprika. They sell that in attractive little tins in the grocery section at El Corte Ingles. We brought home a dozen.

I brought back lots of fans. One for myself, black and hand painted, ran 28 euros. In Madrid in the park area near the Prado I found many fans for as cheap as 2 euros and they look good-design (flowers usually) was only on one side but they are well made. Made in Spain rather than China.

If you'll be in Andalucia, you might want to keep your eyes open for items made of olive tree wood (bowls, spatulas, pen holders, etc.). I thought the wood grain was gorgeous, and am still kicking myself for passing up a bowl I saw in Zahara. That was 2 years ago, I really need to get over it. In Madrid there is a great shop called Alambique near the Royal Palace that has some great items (including a few olive wood pieces), and the woman who owns it speaks fluent English and is extremely helpful.

The gold and black jewelry called damascene- not too expensive and small/easy to carry. My last trip to Mallorca I found silver and black, which is cheaper. It holds up well too. I just googled "Spanish jewelry" to check the spelling, so you can look at some pics of it. Lladros are made there too, but look at US prices to get an idea so you don't spend a fortune, there used to be a factory outlet in Valencia and they were cheaper there, and really, I couldn't find the flaws...You can also find Damascene fans in picture frames, or Damascene pictures of typical Spanish scenes-dancing ladies, bulls,etc

As suggested already, definitely smoked paprika (El Corte Ingles has best price - 2 euro per container, I've seen the same here for $15-20) and saffron. I also found mini bottles of Spanish olive oil (they are the world's largest producer) that people seemed to find cool. Toledo had good prices on jewelry as well.

Thanks for this thread...great ideas. But one question. Where is El Corte Ingles? Is it a store? a chain? I will be in the Madrid, Segovia, Barcelona area of Spain
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You will find El Corte Ingles in Barcelona (Catalunya area) and Madrid (near Plaza del Sol). It is a great department store and the food market is not to be missed. Never have I seen such a selection of olives. Love the clothes and scarves too. Bought a pareo for 19 euros at the store in Barcelona. We did not go to Segovia but they most likely have ECI too-Sevilla and Granada had these stores.

And there's a really decent café on one of the upper floors (main building I believe) at the store in Madrid (right next to Puerta del Sol in the center)...good prices and nice selection on the menu. El Corte Inlges is fun for browsing just because it's so huge and has everything under the sun. It's a destination all by itself IMO.

This is great! I am really enjoying reading all of the wonderful suggestions. Thanks everyone!

I have several friends who purchased botas, or Spanish wineskins, in country for themselves and for gifts. They frequently come to parties or picnics with them slung over their shoulder and filled with refreshment. Always a hit and very unique and country-specific. http://spanishfood.about.com/od/drinks/a/botas.htm