In Peru for the holidays? Here’s where you can buy Christmas gifts in Lima, starting this weekend.
Have you faced the fact that the first week of December is coming to an end? The holidays are just weeks away and if you’re looking to send a care package from Peru to family and friends overseas well, sorry to burst your jolly bubble, but you’re already cutting it close. So act fast! Here’s where you can buy Christmas gifts in Lima (and a few treats for yourself) starting this weekend.
1. Mercado Cholo
Hosted by Monumental Callao, a cultural center that’s just far away from Miraflores to still be cool years after it first opened, this event will run on two separate weekends in December. Independent brands will set up shop in the charming urban setting, while live music and cultural presentation keep you in the spending—er, holiday—mood. And where else can you buy Christmas gifts in Lima surrounded by colorful murals and the sounds of the nearby ocean?
When: 11am-6pm; December 7, 8, 14, and 15
Where: Casa Fugaz, Jr. Constitucion 250, Callao
2. Naturaleza Creativa
Have you been naughty this year? Do some good and buy from sustainable brands. Have you been good? Then you deserve to gift yourself something from these sustainable (and fashionable) brands. This feria, put together in part with the Municipality of Miraflores, is the conscious brainchild of Peruvian designer Susan Wagner. Some 80 entrepreneurs, designers and artists will offer slow fashion pieces, ethical jewelry, and organic edible and beauty gifts. We’re especially curious to see the hand-painted tees from Luma, Luciana Maresca’s brand.
When: 10am-9pm; December 6, 7, 8, 21, 22 and 23
Where: Av. Jorge Chavez (cuadro 2), Miraflores
3. Tanit Cerámica
Beautiful and useful—is there anything better? Lilly Waller and Chiqui Garcia, the duo behind Tanit Ceramica, are opening their workshop to the public this weekend until the following. Their handmade ceramic pieces, seen in local favorites such as La Panetteria and Jeronimo, come in a variety of colors and uses: coffee mugs, espresso cups, plates, bowls, vases—you get the idea. A few creative friends will get in on the party as well: Valeria Bravo, Valeria Ghezzi and Aurelio de la Guerra, each of whom dominate a different art style to suit each of your deserving loved ones.
When: 2pm-9pm; December 7 (open until December 14, but times will vary. Call for specific times: +51 994348102)
Where: Jr. Ayacucho 275, Barranco
4. Ruraq Maki
This is the motherload of artisan bazaars, and you don’t even have to pay admission. The site claims more than 150 artisan collectives will participate in the latest edition of the annual fair, meaning not even the pickiest of shoppers have an excuse to walk out of there empty handed. Ruraq Maki has played an important role in providing low-income artisans with access to a large market that will pay fair prices for their handmade crafts. Check their site for workshops and classes offered by talented artisans this year.
When: 10am-8pm; December 13-22
Where: Ministerio de Cultura, Av. Javier Prado Este 2465, San Borja
5. El Cacaotal
You’ve gifted chocolate before, but have you ever gifted a tasting box of chocolate? No, the box itself is not edible, but it will lead you through a sensory experience of Peruvian cacao products like no other. Carefully curated cajas of chocolate (excuse our alliteration buzz) were inspired by best sellers at the charming El Cacaotal shop in Barranco. There’s even a box dedicated to 1oo% tree-to-bar chocolate. El Cacaotal, which highlights bars utilizing Peruvian cacao from all regions of Peru, will be revealing the contents of each collection over the next few days, so stay tuned to its Facebook page.
When: TBD
Where: Jr. Colina 128, Barranco
