These are a few of their favorite things...

Referencing the von Trapps is fun, and even more so when talking about buying touristy Chilean kitsch.  The following items are supposedly things you absolutely cannot leave Chile without purchasing, although I'm pretty sure some of them are strictly for tourists--as I've not seen them in the homes we've visited.  Nonetheless, while I didn't complete the entire list, I made a valiant effort to get as many of them as my husband would allow me to charge.  I'm pleased to share that almost all of our bags are packed, and we didn't even have to purchase an extra suitcase!  Enjoy!

1) Lapis Lazuli:  This brilliant azure semi-precious stone is said only to be found in Chile and Afghanistan.  Stores abound all over Chile with Lapis carved into jewelry, vases, clocks, figurines, candlesticks, letter-openers, and basically any item you can think of where the stones might be placed.



2) Copper:  Chile is the largest producer and exporter of copper in the world. As a result, items made with copper are relatively inexpensive when purchased locally.  Copper cookware, jewelry, maps of Chile, roses, animal figurines, and a variety of other items can easily be found all over the country.

3) Wool:  This material abounds in standard items such as sweaters, socks, scarves, blankets, and table runners.  I personally love the Mapuche-woven textiles.  There are a lot of alpaca items as well, but the price is a bit more steep.  There is a process called wool-felting, and I am in awe of so many of the artsy pieces I've seen stemming from this process.  The dolls, figurines, pillows, and even scarves that I've seen using this process are captivating.  They are also kind of expensive, but the designs are so intricate, it's easy to see why.

         

4) Wine: This might be one of my favorite things about this country! I've yet to have a bottle that is anything less than great, and it is incredibly inexpensive!  It is actually difficult to find a bottle in a restaurant that is more than $20.  And in the grocery stores, our average bottle has been about $8.

5) Chilean Ceramic: There are many stores all over Chile selling items made of this material.  The ones I've seen the most are blue and white ceramic animal figurines.

 

6) Indio Picaro: This is probably the tackiest item I've seen in Chile, and difficult to avoid because they're sold everywhere.  The Indio Picaro (Teaser Indian) is a wooden statuette of a Mapuche Indian with a cheeky smile.  The grin supposedly stems from the "surprise" that occurs when you lift him up.  This is a relatively family-friendly blog, so I'll let you look up the surprise on your own.    



 7) Greda: This is Chilean pottery that is often used as cookware, and it's ability to retain flavor is on par with cast iron.  It also sits out in many homes as decor.    

    

8) Aji Merken: This is a Chilean spice made from smoked chili peppers.  I don't know why we don't import this back home (or do we?), because I think it's fantastic!  It has just a hint of sweetness to the spice that flavors food wonderfully!
   
I could happily continue to list more, but my kids are complaining of hunger pains, so I guess I'll stop talking about shopping and make them something to eat.

PS - this is Pat I MADE DINNER!!!!!!!