Strolling down the streets of Medellín in 82° F (28 ° C) weather can make most Northern Hemisphere expats forget that it’s December. More importantly, we may have also failed to register that Christmas is less than a month away. Yikes!! Time to look for some Christmas gift ideas from Colombia..
If you haven’t started your Christmas gift shopping yet, fear not! We have rounded up for you a selection of more than 10 iconic Colombian souvenirs that you can easily pick up in Medellín as Christmas gifts and pack in your suitcase before you head home. If you are heading home for Christmas.
As the Medellín Gurú, we prefer to avoid collecting any more tacky souvenirs. Things like miniature replicas of the Eiffel Tower and fridge magnets. Frequent moving doesn’t allow for the collection of more material goods.
So, when we suggest a Christmas gift for someone, we choose to buy what I would prefer to have. And right now, that usually only includes items that are culturally rich, highly usable daily, or consumable quickly.
So, with that criteria in mind. Here is our selection of the 15 most iconic Colombian items that could make a perfect Christmas gift for someone:
1. Pergamino Coffee Gift Set
You may be popping into this popular independent coffee roaster in El Poblado some time this week any way. So while you are there, why not pick up one of their popular boxed coffee sets.
You can choose from a variety of options. Go for the single bag box, double bag box, or double sized box with one bag of coffee and a tinto sized metallic mug emblazoned with a Pergamino logo.
We love these gift boxes as they are made of the highest quality materials and include gold engraving. Also, each box includes one of Pergamino’s beautiful postcards that tells the recipient about the delicious coffee they have received. While these look luxurious, be prepared for their prices: a single bag of their Finca Lomaverde coffee starts from $41,900 COP. Premium kits featuring three different origins start from $116,900 COP (Approximately 12 to 30 USD). This price reflects the quality and the current market value of Colombian coffee
For an extra seasonal touch, look for Pergamino’s limited‑edition Christmas blend, which typically starts around 45,900 COP (Approximately 12 USD), or explore their exclusive Geisha offerings for serious coffee lovers. These boxes are sturdy, elegant, and ready to gift, making them one of the most reliable Colombian Christmas gift ideas for expats and visitors alike. This iconic Christmas gift is sure to please any coffee fan.
Where to Get It
2. Tilín Tilín Chocolate
Whilst you are at Pergamino, also pick up some Tilín Tilín Chocolate for your stocking stuffers.
Colombia is one of the top Cacao producing countries in the world, which makes bringing back some chocolate from the region another iconic choice after coffee.
Whilst you can pick up some low-grade bars from the likes of Exito or Carulla, we wouldn’t recommend it. These mass-produced bars are blended with unnecessary additives and many of the cacao beans have been fumigated before roasting.
Tilín Tilín Chocolate is different. It is a small, locally run artisan chocolate bar maker that focuses on providing you with organic, unadulterated cacao in their high cacao percentage bars.
Their low-processed production method helps retain the natural antioxidants characteristic of high quality chocolate. Which in turn, enhances the complex flavors.
The other thing that we love about Tilín Tilín chocolate bars is that they aren’t too sweet. Whilst many chocolate bars today list sugar as their main ingredient, Tilín Tilín allows the natural notes of the hazelnut, berries and red wine found in cacao to predominate. The result is a smooth dark chocolate that is low in sugar with just the right amount of bitterness. This makes an excellent, gourmet Christmas gift for a foodie.
We recently spoke with the founder of Tilín Tilín, Danny Michlewicz, who informed us that they are also offering a super limited edition of larger sized artisan bars that come elegantly gift wrapped in biodegradable packaging.
These elegantly presented hexagon bars, encrusted with whole nuts on top include the story of Tilín Tilín and the importance of chocolate in Colombia. With only 1,500 available, be quick!
Expect premium, artisan chocolate bars (28g-56g) to start from $14,900 COP to $22,900 COP (Approximately 4 to 6 USD).
Where to Get It
3. Wayúu Hammocks
Another iconic souvenir from Colombia is the hammock. Living in the city of ‘Eternal Spring’ means that being outdoors is a regular part of daily life. We are sure that you have noticed that nearly every apartment balcony in the city is strung with one of these woven slings.
While you can purchase a Colombian hammock from one of the many touts that roam the streets in Medellín, we would recommend buying a luxury hammock from Wayúu hammocks instead.
Guaranteed to be 100% Colombia, these high-quality, handwoven pieces are made by the indigenous Wayúu tribe. These timeless pieces, whilst modern in design, still preserve the Colombian heritage and craftsmanship.
These are luxury items, and the price reflects the quality and the weeks of labor required. Expect a genuine, handwoven Wayúu Chinchorro to start from $700,000 COP and range up to $2,600,000 COP (Approximately 183 to 600 USD).
depending on the complexity of the macramé fringes. The price ensures the company does not compromise on quality or on its social responsibility to the artisans.
The pieces are produced in the crafters homes by mostly single mothers. The hammock fringes are made using the traditional macramé technique.
Colombian Wayúu Hammocks are a meaningful symbol of this country’s indigenous heritage. They are an excellent Christmas gift for any special friend or family member.
Where to Get It
To ensure you are receiving an authentic, handwoven Wayúu masterpiece that will make an incredible, unforgettable Christmas gift, we highly recommend purchasing directly from the source. The link below connects you to Hamacas de Dioses, the company dedicated to ethical trade and quality craftsmanship, ensuring your purchase directly supports the Wayúu artisans who create these beautiful pieces.
4. Wayúu Bags
If a luxury Wayúu hammock is beyond your budget, a Wayúu mochila (bag) is a vibrant and practical alternative representing Colombian artisan culture. These brightly colored, handwoven shoulder bags are crafted by the indigenous Wayúu people of the Guajira Peninsula. Recently spotted on the global stage with A-list celebrities, these mochilas combine traditional craftsmanship with contemporary style.
Handmade using ancestral techniques, authentic mochilas feature thick, firm straps (not flimsy) and a distinctive finishing knot (borla) at the bottom center. The tightness and complexity of the weave also indicate the quality and price.
As of today, prices have risen significantly, with genuine medium to large mochilas starting around 120,000 COP and rising to over 180,000 COP (Approximately 30 to $45 USD) for more intricately woven items with thicker straps.
Where to Get It
Vendors around Parque Llarres and Parque Poblado sell these iconic bags. Or if you are headed to Cartagena, pick one up there. And you can buy Wayúu bags online
5. Ceramics from El Carmen de Viboral
Did you know that just an hour away from Medellín there is a small pueblo that is world renowned for producing artisan ceramics? Even the Pope has some pieces from this region of Colombia.
We recently toured the Ceramicas Renacer factory in El Carmen de Viboral and saw first-hand the meticulous care that is put into each piece.
The women artisans hand paint each cup, saucer, and plate without a stencil, using only a previous piece of work as a guide. Nearly all of the pieces are painted in fresh, bright colors inspired by the flower farms surrounding the hillsides of Medellín: pansies, orchids, roses and hydrangeas.
Purchasing such handicrafts in the United States or Europe would cost a fortune. Here we found an exquisite cup and saucer set for just 35.500 pesos (Approximately 9 USD).
Where to Get It
While these exquisite ceramics are a true treasure, they are sometimes harder to find outside of El Carmen de Viboral. For those who want to buy a limited selection of cups and saucers without leaving Medellín, you can visit Creador Cafe. However, to truly immerse yourself in the art and select from the widest array of pieces, making a perfect Christmas gift we recommend arranging a day trip directly to the source.
6. Comuna 13 Graffiti T-Shirts
If you haven’t taken a tour of Comuna 13 yet, we would highly recommend it! This barrio of Medellín was once considered the most dangerous place in the world.
Now it is a vibrant neighborhood exploding with street art, being gentrified with public escalators, and welcoming tourists.
During the tour, you will pass by an outdoor gift shop where a very entrepreneurial local sells images of the most popular street art on posters and t-shirts. For a small fee, a custom t-shirt can be made.
A member of our team purchased a t-shirt for their nephew during our tour. It included an image from the renowned graffiti artist @Chota13. The t-shirt was hand pressed using a hot machine and was delivered to our teams member in person whilst they finished the tour.
A unique item for any age group on your list, but an especially great gift idea for children.
Expect locally-sold T-shirts to range from $40,000 COP to $80,000 COP (Approximately 20 USD) , depending on the quality of the fabric and the complexity of the design.
Where to Get It
Comuna 13. We advise taking a tour from one of the following options:
7. A bottle of Aguardiente
Ok, we understand not every receiver is going to love you for this one, but it is one of the most iconic drinks of Colombia. In fact, it has been the most popular alcoholic beverage in the Andean region since the Spanish era.
For those of you that haven’t tried this potent spirit yet, aguardiente is an anise-flavored liquor. t is derived from the sugar cane popular in the Andean regions and has a fierce 29% alcohol content. To enjoy like a local, it is recommended to shoot it neat. The price range for a bottle is Approximately 52,800 COP (13 USD)
Where to Get It
Aguardiente is a staple in Colombian culture, so fortunately, obtaining a bottle is quite simple. You don’t need to visit a specialty liquor store; nearly every major local supermarket stocks a wide variety of brands, including the most popular ones like Aguardiente Antioqueño and Cristal. We advise looking for the “Sin Azúcar” (sugar-free) variant for the most authentic flavor profile.
8. A Vueltiao Sombrero
For the men and women in your life, choose a Vueltiao Sombrero (Spanish for turned hat).
These white and black hats have become a symbol of Colombia. Originating from the Zenú indigenous people, they are made of a locally grown type of cane. The quality and price of a Vueltiao Sombrero are judged by the number of strips (fibers) woven into it, with more strips meaning a finer, more flexible, and more valuable hat.
A 15-strip hat, known as the Quinciano, takes around three days to make and is the most common and budget-friendly option, typically starting around 85,000 COP (23 USD). A 27-strip hat, by contrast, is a serious investment known as Extrafino. This top-tier luxury can take up to thirty days to make and will cost from 330,000 COP up to 439,990 COP (87 to 115 USD). Generally speaking, the more flexible the hat is, the higher the quality and the higher you’ll pay.
Where to Get It
While you can find street vendors selling hats along Calle 10 in Poblado, we recommend asking about the strip count to ensure you are purchasing a genuine, high-quality piece of Zenú craftsmanship. For guaranteed authenticity and higher-strip options, look for specialty artisan shops or check for authorized online distributors in Medellín.
9. Beaded Jewelry
For the women in your life, choose a piece of beaded jewelry handcrafted by indigenous tribe’s women.
Up and down Calle 10 in El Poblado you will find indigenous tribes women of Colombia making necklaces and bracelets from miniature, brightly colored beads. The designs are incredibly intricate and painstakingly crafted.
We have always preferred, where possible, to buy artisan products directly from the artist. Seeing a piece being crafted in front of you makes it an extra special gift for someone in your life. These incredibly crafted one-of-a-kind pieces are available from $47.000 to $75.00 COP pesos each (Approximately 12 to 20 USD).
Where to Get It
To ensure you purchase an authentic, handcrafted piece and support the indigenous artisans directly, we recommend buying on the street. You will usually find several indigenous women making and selling jewelry on the sidewalks up and down Calle 10 in El Poblado, offering a unique opportunity to interact with the artist.
10. Guava Paste
Medellín is full of exotic tropical fruits. While you can’t bring fresh fruit out of Colombia and into your country, you can bring guava paste.
This sweet, gooey, concoction is available from many shops in a dense brick form. In addition, there are several varieties. The unadulterated form; those with a sugar dusting; and some stuffed with arequipe.
Sliced up and paired with with cheese, and it makes the perfect appetizer. Or buy individually wrapped portions for snacks.
A Colombia treat for the sweet tooth in your life.
Where to Get It
Finding this Colombian treat is simple, as it is widely distributed. We recommend checking the aisle with the nuts, peanut butter, and chocolate in most major supermarkets, where you will find a variety of brands and sizes, including individually portioned blocks perfect for packing.
11. Colombian Emerald Jewelry
Colombian emeralds are nothing short of legendary, the “king of emeralds” worldwide, prized for their vivid, pure green hues and unmatched clarity. Gifting natural emerald jewelry means giving a piece of Colombia’s rich mineral heritage that has dazzled monarchs and collectors for centuries. From minimalist silver rings and delicate pendants to bold, intricate gold-overlaid bracelets, these jewels transform any outfit with an elegant, timeless sparkle. While this is certainly a luxury item, it’s possible to find pieces starting around 150,000 COP (~$38 USD) for smaller stones, though prices can easily climb into millions of COP for high-end, high-carat jewelry.
For an iconic, meaningful Christmas gift imbued with both luxury and Colombia’s cultural soul, emerald jewelry stands unmatched in brilliance and significance.
Where to Get It
Since emeralds are a major investment, we highly recommend purchasing from trusted and certified jewelers. Seek out establishments that provide certification of authenticity for your stones. In Medellín, reputable stores such as Mercurio Joyería are excellent places to begin your search.
12.Gourmet Colombian Food Boxes
Delight your loved ones with a curated gourmet Colombian food box, perfect for sharing the spirit of Christmas through the flavors of Colombia’s most beloved holiday treats. These thoughtfully assembled boxes often include premium roasted coffee, artisan chocolate bars made from fine Colombian cacao, natilla mix for the traditional Christmas custard, and buñuelos pre-mix, letting recipients easily recreate Colombian festivity classics at home. The combination captures the warmth and joy of Colombian holiday tables, making it a heartwarming gift whether near or far. These gourmet boxes are generally priced between approximately 60,000 to 150,000 COP (~$15–$38 USD), making them a versatile and generous choice.
Where to Get It
These comprehensive gift boxes are becoming increasingly popular. To find the best selection, we suggest checking specialty shops in Medellin that focus on local produce and artisan goods, or looking for online gourmet food retailers that specialize in curated Colombian products for easy delivery
13.Colombian Leather Goods
Colombian leather goods are a timeless blend of style, durability, and artisan craftsmanship. From sleek wallets and belts to stylish keychains and handbags, these leather accessories are handmade by skilled artisans who use high-quality hides and traditional techniques passed down through generations. Every piece carries the robust character and warmth of Colombian culture, making them a practical and fashionable gift that’s both useful and meaningful. Prices are quite reasonable for the quality, generally ranging from 40,000 to 120,000 COP (~$10 to $30 USD)
Where to Get It
To find the best selection and value, we recommend visiting the leather shops concentrated in Medellín’s La 70 street area. Alternatively, you can search for unique, handcrafted designs at artisan markets like the Mercado de Sanalejo.
14. Medellín-Inspired Art and Prints
Medellín’s neighborhoods and culture have inspired a vibrant and growing community of local artists creating stunning prints and paintings. Among the most famous inspirations are the colorful, powerful murals of Comuna 13, a neighborhood that transformed from one of the most dangerous places in the world into a renowned open-air gallery celebrating resilience and hope.
These artworks beautifully depict the fusion of street art, urban life, and Colombian spirit. From bold abstract color splashes to detailed portrayals of everyday life and social themes, Medellín-inspired prints make meaningful gifts full of story and character. You can find small prints starting affordably around 40,000 COP (~$10 USD), with original works and large formats costing significantly more, reflecting the artist’s labor and reputation.
Where to Get It
To find a wide array of styles, we recommend visiting the established art galleries and markets in El Poblado. For pieces directly inspired by the city’s most famous street art, look for local vendors and galleries situated within Comuna 13 itself.
15. Traditional Colombian Christmas Sweets: Buñuelos and Natilla Mixes
Gift-ready mixes for buñuelos and natilla enable your loved ones to easily recreate these festive flavors at home, whether celebrating near or far. These mixes capture the authentic tastes and aromas of Colombian Christmas, making them a heartfelt and delicious present that shares Colombian holiday tradition in every bite. Quality pre-packaged mixes are quite affordable, generally priced around 15,000 to 35,000 COP (~$4 to $9 USD).
Where to Get It
These essential Colombian holiday staples are widely available during the Christmas season. We recommend looking for these mixes in the baking or seasonal aisles of local supermarkets, as well as checking specialty food stores in Medellín for more artisanal options.
Medellin Guru's comprehensive Colombian culture series
In Medellin Guru, we love Colombia, and we usually write many blogs about Colombian culture, places to visit, and other tips for all expats to have a reliable guide and valuable and relevant information about Colombia. Read our blogs about Colombian Culture here:
- Top Tourist Attractions in Colombia: Top Things to Do
- Top Things to Do in Medellín and Nearby: Top Tourist Attractions
- How to be an Expat in Colombia: 12 Tips to be a Successful Expat
- Top Things to Do in Cali and Nearby: Top Tourist Attractions
- Celebrating July 20th: Colombia Independence Day
- Norte de Santander: 5 Escapes for a Weekend Adventure
- Unlock Ipiales in 24 Hours: Your Essential Adventure Blueprint!
- Pasto: Discover the wonders of the Surprise City
- Top Popular Colombian Drinks to Try When You Visit Colombia
- Villa de Leyva: A Colonial Gem in the Colombian Andes
- Traditional Colombian Food Dishes You Must Try in Colombia
- Medellin Guru Launch 2023: Gentrification, Tourism and Investment
- Popular Colombian Desserts You Must Try While in Colombia
- Exotic Tropical Fruits of Colombia a Fruit Lovers Paradise
- Popular Colombian Soups to Try When You Visit Colombia
- Día de las Velitas: Day of Candles Tradition in Colombia on December 7
- Things in Colombia That May Be Strange for Foreigners
- Things Colombians Do That Foreigners May Find Weird
- Popayán: A Well-Preserved Colonial Gem in Colombia Worth Visiting
- Tejo: A Colombian Game That Rewards You for Explosions
Other things to see and do in Colombia
- Caño Cristales – the most beautiful river in Colombia, which has also been called the most beautiful river in the world by some people.
- Carnival in Barranquilla – the second largest carnival in the world.
- Cartagena – Oozing history, romance and sun-drenched beaches, the allure of historical Cartagena is hard to resist.
- Ciudad Perdida – the site of an ancient city in Colombia that is older than Machu Picchu in Peru.
- Colombia’s Pacific coast – often overlooked by tourists visiting Colombia but offering untamed nature and undiscovered beauty that is off the beaten path for most foreign tourists.
- Desierto de la Tatacoa – the second largest arid zone in Colombia is Tatacoa Desert, which has surreal desert landscapes and some of the best stargazing in Colombia.
- Guatapé – a picturesque pueblo near Medellín known for its huge rock and lake. And it’s likely the most visited pueblo in Colombia by foreigners.
- La Guajira Peninsula – one of the most visually stunning places in South America, which is located on the northern tip of Colombia where the desert meets the sea.
- Las Lajas Sanctuary – the most beautiful church in Colombia, which has also been called the most beautiful church in the world.
- Medellín’s Christmas lights – Medellín’s annual world-class Christmas lights known as Alumbrados Navideños.
- Feria de Las Flores Medellin – Medellín’s world-famous flower festival each year.
- Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados – a popular national park in Colombia located in the heart of the Colombian coffee region.
- Parque Tayrona – known for its beautiful beaches and the world’s highest coastal mountain range.
- Popayán – a colonial gem in Colombia best known for its white buildings and churches, it’s a city off the beaten path for foreign tourists but is definitely worth visiting.
- Rio Claro Nature Reserve – located about three hours from Medellín, Rio Claro is the perfect place to unplug from hectic daily life and enjoy a picturesque crystal-clear river, canyon and tropical rainforest.
- Salento and the Cocora Valley – Salento is a picturesque pueblo in Colombia’s coffee region and the nearby Cocora Valley is one of the most striking landscapes found in Colombia.
- San Agustín Archaeological Park – the largest group of pre-Columbian monuments and megalithic statues in South America and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- San Andrés – Colombia’s Caribbean island which is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve featuring many beaches, islets and coral reefs that are filled with flora and fauna.
- San Gil – Colombia’s adventure capital that is full of things to do including white water rafting, paragliding, caving, rappelling, hiking and much more.
- San Jose del Guaviare – a hidden gem and eco-tourism location off the beaten path and offering wildlife watching, jungle trekking and delving into Colombia’s prehistoric past.
The Bottom Line: Christmas Gift Ideas
This year, make your gifts unforgettable with a unique piece of Colombia. For an even wider selection of unique, locally-made artisan goods, perfect for family and friends, head over to the two gift shops at Medellín’s Modern Art Museum (MAMM). There you can browse everything from hammocks and beaded jewelry to local t-shirts and toys for children. And remember, your holiday trip isn’t complete without a magical evening viewing the magnificent World-Class Alumbrados (Christmas Lights) that light up Medellín throughout the season.
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7 thoughts on “15 Iconic and Popular Christmas Gift Ideas from Colombia”
Thank you!
How can I order some of these items online?
Many of the products are hard to find online. But online you can buy Wayúu Bags from https://www.mochilabags.com/ and Tilín Tilín Chocolate from https://tilincacao.com/. Note I added those links to the article.
Nice list. And if buying for a significant other you may want to add Colombian emeralds to the list.
I’d definitely take some Colombian Emeralds if someone is buying! They are my favorite stone. Great additional suggestions Tom!
Thanks for the gift ideas. I am planning to buy some Christmas gifts this week in Medellin before I go visit my family for Christmas in the US. And some things from Colombia is what I am planning to buy.
You may want to add Colombian jeans to the list. My sister wants Colombian style jeans that she can´t find in the US.
Paula, Thank you for the additional gift ideas! I need all the ideas I can get at this stage. Happy shopping and safe travels back to the US. Merry Christmas.