The ultimate Costa Rican brands gif guide, Part 1
As you are reading this, I guess you are coming to Costa Rica in a near future or are already enjoying our little pice of tropical land.
Costa Rica is mostly known abroad for our breathtaking beaches, colorful animals and cheerful people :D But there are hundreds of creative, crafty people who build spectacular, one of a kind pieces you can either get for yourself or take back home as a gift. After all, knick-knacks brought from trips are the most valued pieces I have in my house, I hope you are like that.
I’ve separated them in categories for your easier access, and the idea is to update it every few months, so the hunt is still going on.
STATIONARY & PAPER GOODS
HolaLola
Cute, girlie and very well made stationary, all displaying the Costa Rica essence. This brand offers you more than just stationary, you can get from shoes, to mugs, calendars to scarfs.
PuercoSpin
This brand is specially designed for #catlovers, stationary lovers and cushion lovers.
All pieces are designed and sold by Fede and Pablo the owners in their cute little store in San Pedro.
Aroma & Fuego
Seasonal paper goods designed by a talented woman designer that likes to play with natural colors.
They are so pretty you won’t be able to choose.
PaperLab CR
Specialized in tridimensional paper goods, this studio makes jawdropping art. You can get an animal head, flowers, or any idea you want to give out, built in paper!
Live in Paper
If giftwrapping is one of your hobbies, then this brand will be one of your favorites. They design and make eco-friendly gift wrapping paper. You can use them to make or wrap notebooks and be creative!
BAGS & WALLETS
Artefacto
Trendy, minimal leather bags with pieces for the executive and for the casual lifestyle.
Stunning for looks from day to night, with trendy colors. Check them out!
CueroPapel&Tijera
Beautifully colored leather bags and accessories, the founder Sofía Protti is a crafter by heart and loves to promote Costa Rican hand crafts.
Her designs and quality controlled manufacture are ON POINT.
Denaska CR
Color and happiness.
The best description I can find for this purses is: Summer in your hands.
Be the IT Girl next summer with a handmade piece as a part of your outfit.
La Multicolor
Perfect to go on a picnic or to the beach. Even if you are in the city but with beachy mood.
La Multicolor is manufactured in Guatemala with impecable taste for color and quality.
Boza
Backpacks for anyone carrying around a laptop, so anyone.
These mix leather and other fabrics, to give a #buyitforlife item to any traveler who needs space to carry stuff.
Monkey Bags CR
Need space? Like handcrafted goods?
Monkey Bags will be your perfect match then, this tote bags are all hand made, and look amazing with any style you wear.
PERSONAL CARE
Aromas para el Alma
This line features oils and cosmetic products made with natural oils, all the benefits of the organic skincare and aromatheraphy will give you good vibes.
Bananas Tropical
Following the mermaid, unicorn trend from 2018 these products are designed to be super nourishing to your skin and your mood.
GlanzCare
This brand sells European products all focused on delivering organic selfcare, from skincare, makeup and tooth care.
True Basics CR
Hand made soaps with delicious scents and even prettier looks. These are the perfect gift for someone who likes to have nice toiletries.
Apuyantra Orgánica
All organic, fair trade products made by a family.
They have 4 main product lines: oils, butters, incenses and superfoods.
Blé Costa Rica
These are therapeutic pillows made to soothe pains by mixing heat and aromatherapy. This is a women run company and it focus on sustainability.
CERAMICS & POTTERY
Pia Pottery
Made from scratch by an architect woman who isn’t afraid to express her love for the color teal and handmade goods.
Adelfa
Tableware with cute illustrations made by the hand of the talented Macarena Sharpe. They look like from a fairy tale.
Xochilt Lazama
Specialized in experimenting with local materials as well as reclaimed materials. These pieces are made with traditional techniques. And are gorgeous.
Ceiba Design
Gorgeous and useful wooden pieces, with flawless edges and the beauty of the wooden imperfections. Surprise your loved ones with these perfect tabletop goods.
Enraizados
VERY traditional shapes of mugs and coffee makers. These pieces are made inspired in traditional “Gigantas” which are masks people make for carnivals.
Kaba Concrete
Divine contrast between the rough material that is concrete and the shapes and colors that form these beautiful geometric pieces.
Jewelry
Elha Joyería
Collections designed with the overall concept of Organic Geometry, which is expressed through morphology, materials and choice of processes.
Mane Antu
Beautiful pieces inspired by natural, organic and tropical shapes. It’s all made in 925 silver with gemstones.
Ximena Esquivel
She designs for women seeking originality and versatility through jewelry that can be used every day and show how unique, elegant and powerful they are.
Natura Urbana
Would you want to wear an alive piece?
This brand makes all kinds of jewelry with plants and moss. It is a very thoughtful gift.
Octubre Veinte
Focused in colors and textures different from most other brands, Octubre Veinte makes statement pieces for anyone wanting to stand out in a one of a kind piece.
Moonset
With pieces made in 925 silver as well as gold combined with precios and semiprecious gemstones these pieces will make you fall in love instantly
KIDS
Co•Ser
Collections made for the inner kid we all have, they sell from tshirts to DIY dolls, and home accesories. Their designs are SO CUTE.
NoMeLlamo
Lovely and weird little monsters made out of various fabrics. You can order your own custom one by sending a photo of the person you want to shape it after. A custom made doll!
Nanne & Nikki
Fun clothes handmade for kids, with a fairy air to them. They are made of very soft material, perfect for playtime!
Los Chiches del Arbol
They make toys out of reclaimed wood, painted in bright colors for kids to feel attracted.
TigreLobo
Handknitted and loyal, this little pals will be your kids favorites form the minute one. Perfect for babies since they are so soft.
Chispa y sus amigos
These gorgeous soft pets are designed so your kid can draw over it and make it their own. No two little dogs or cats will be the same!