Gift & Speciality Shops in San Jose

THE 10 BEST San Jose Gift & Speciality Shops (2025)

Gift & Speciality Shops in San Jose

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What travellers are saying

  • LMA212014
    Los Angeles, CA17 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you are looking for the unique souvenir, this is a MUST place to shop. It is a bit of challenge to find because it's so small but so worth the effort! The guys at the shop were so helpful in describing all the local crafts by region! This is a Free Trade shop which is great to support. I found a hand painted vessel, made from the outside of a local fruit. I collect Christmas ornaments from places we visit and this is one I will be using to remind me of Costa Rica.
    Written May 22, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Blair I
    21 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This store was so cute! I snagged some Christmas cards here. You can get some really cute paper goods- like cards and posters. Reminds me of a local style “Paper Source”
    Written December 9, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tiki1068
    Guadalajara13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It turns out Chema's Bodega is in the process of moving to a new location, so the place is not operating daily. Call ahead of time if you're planning a visit! Next time I'm back in San Jose, for sure I will do the workshop. Thanks for the cold beer, Chema!
    Written October 16, 2015
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • A5293CMjoelc
    Spokane Valley5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This beautiful little shop is located in a questionable part of town, but there is nearby parking, and paying the gentleman 2000 colones to watch your car is well worth the money.

    The shop was charming, clean, and no high-pressure sales. They offered a wide variety of items to choose from, from jewelry, art, clothing, and children’s items. Everything in the store is made by people that live in Costa Rica, so you get a unique gift, and it benefits the local people. Things are a bit pricey, but we felt it was worth it to support local culture.

    I highly recommend this store, but I would only shop there during the daylight hours.
    Written July 15, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • d0m3n
    Celje, Slovenia8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The owner is a really great guy, easy to talk to and has seen a lot of the world, including our small country. :) He tries to work with as many artists as he can, so his shop is really packed with unique and interesting stuff.
    Written March 24, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Karen S
    Fullerton, CA2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This locally-owned shop offers artisanal production of shoes, purses, bags, and belts made of recycled leather. The owner is friendly, environmentally conscious, and will make on-the-spot, custom adjustments. Prices are very reasonable and the quality of her work is exceptional.
    Written September 21, 2016
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • CPhillips
    Barrie, Canada1,044 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Charming cafe with good variety of pastries and daily specials. I love their chai latte made with almond milk. The attached boutique has a high quality selection of leather goods and other crafts from local artisans. Relaxing place to grab a snack.
    Written February 9, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Bark Meow
    New York City, NY8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aside from coffee, the range of high quality items made in Costa Rica is sadly limited. That’s why this shop is a stand-out. A friend and I, both New Yorkers, spent considerable time trolling San Jose’s streets in search of interesting gifts over the course of two separate trips. Each time, we ended up coming back to Pura Vida Souvenirs for our final choice of items to load into our suitcases.

    They’ve got the tchotchkes, yes, but also a great selection of things we didn’t see anywhere else: colorfully hand-painted wood crafts, fabric unisex purses, framed pictures of native birds, well-made embroidered clothing, and much more. They shop is not huge, but the selection is tastefully winnowed down to items that will not exacerbate a condition I call “tacky goods eye fatigue.”

    My favorite part of the shop is in the rear with a nice selection of goods from Guatemala and other Central or Latin American countries. My friend and I loaded up on embroidered Guatemalan bags from that section. My most appreciated gift from Pura Vida Souvenirs though was a lovely hand-painted coffee stand (definitely made in Costa Rica!) and a matching tray.

    Both times I visited this shop, I dealt with the owner’s son, a charming university student studying computer science. Give Pura Vida Souvenirs a try. You could--and probably will--do a lot worse in downtown San Jose. We’ll be going back.
    Written May 12, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Manuel B
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a great store. You can find hemp clothing and it's a CBD dispensary. They have their own brand called Osmosis CBD, a great Costa Rican brand with different natural ingredients. Not only CBD ! Amazing for gifts and wellness. You should definitely check it out!
    Written December 7, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Eli
    Heredia, Costa Rica81 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    yes this is a spanish speaking country, but there are a lot of english speakers here and it would seriously help if the bookstore would bring in more books in english. and most of the books, even in the spanish section, are too run of the mill. and the english section is worse. they do have some good books though.
    Written May 18, 2012
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • oran g
    Curridabat, Costa Rica3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    big variety of articles , something for everyone! beautiful hand made art, all imported from the Holy Land!
    Written April 24, 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mary Y
    Colorado Springs, CO64 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I found this wonderful gift shop online. Since I knew we would not be able to physically go to the shop I ordered a gorgeous handpainted sloth on a feather (framed) and a miniature hand painted oxcart. I asked that the items be delivered to our hotel and NO PROBLEM! Nicely boxed for travel and the items were so beautiful and reasonably priced. I wish I could have met the girl who helped me she was so responsive and ready to help. You have to go if you have time in San Jose. Handmade items by Costa Ricans.
    Written October 1, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Zivela
    Tegucigalpa, Honduras48 contributions
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    It is located in the heart of Downtown San Jose, it is a quaint little kiosk in the park, you can watch the locals going about their daily lives. If you are touring the area it is a nice stop, otherwise it is not worth a trip here just to see this.
    Written June 10, 2014
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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