Argentina
This pretty little tea box is made of wood and hand-chiseled alpaca, (the metal, not the llama!) Use it to keep packets of mate, manzanilla, té verde, or whichever tea you prefer.
Where to buy it: El Boyero Artesanias Argentinas, $155
Bolivia
¡Qué cute! This ragdoll bunny is made of colorful fabric scraps by fair trade artisans. Traditionally referred to as a “yoyo” doll in Bolivia, he’s sure to be your child’s new best friend. Also available as an elephant.
Where to buy it: Connected Fair Trade, $26
Brazil
You didn’t think we’d leave out our Portuguese-speaking friends did you? ¡Claro que não! This gorgeous square vase is aptly called “Radiance in Red,” and has connections to the same Seguso family of Murano, Italy, that's known worldwide for its glass blowing technique.
Where to buy it: NOVICA, $52.95
Chile
This handmade clay pig isn’t just an adorable little knick-knack for your desk. In Chile these three-legged pigs serve as good luck charms.
Where to buy it: The Hunger Site Store, $7
Costa Rica
__“__Pura Vida," the popular motto of many Costa Ricans, encourages one to take it easy and enjoy all the good, simple things life has to offer. This sign comes to us through a company that started out helping two Costa Rican artisans sell their colorful bracelets, and has blossomed into a full-fledged business that continues to provide work for artisans in Costa Rica and gives back to the community.
Where to buy it: Pura Vida Bracelets, $30
Cuba
Cernuda Arte in Coral Gables, Florida, specializes in fine art from Cuba. Browse their collection in person or check out the selection online. Find a piece you’ve just got to have? You can contact Cernuda Arte by phone for the price and to make arrangements. (Pictured: "Reverencia Matinal" by Giosvany Echevarría.)
Where to buy it: Cernuda Arte, pricing of individual pieces varies
Ecuador
Created by Ecuadorian women living in Ambato, an area where domestic violence and prostitution are prevalent, these table runners made from traditional textiles give the women a way to support themselves. Available as a table runner in raspberry or blue, and as a full tablecloth.
Where to buy it: Hand Crafting Justice, $25 – $85
El Salvador
These small pine boxes are a popular decorative item made by Salvadoran artisans. Painted in the traditional style made famous by artist Fernando Llort, each box depicts a colorful village scene replete with trees, flowers, casitas and various animals.
Where to buy it: NOVICA, $40 for a set of three
Honduras
Woven from dried Junco palm leaves, baskets in this style are traditionally used in Honduras to serve warm tortillas. Mmm!
Where to buy it: Guancasco, $26
Nicaragua
Whoooo would like to check out what we’ve got from Nicaragua? This ceramic owl is actually an ocarina, a vessel flute which originated in pre-Colombian times. When this particular ocarina is played, it sounds like the hooting of an owl.
Where to buy it: Ten Thousand Villages, $24
Panama
Molas are a traditional art worn on the blouses of the Kuna women of Panama. Using a reverse appliqué technique, several layers of brightly-colored cloth and breathtaking skill, molas are created either for traditional use or for sale to tourists as framable art.
This mola features circus elephants, but because each mola is handmade and one-of-a-kind, designs may vary.
Where to buy it: Crossroads Trade, $138
Puerto Rico
Do you hear that? It’s the sound of the Coqui, Puerto Rico’s favorite little tree frog. This soup mug, which features a medallion of the Coqui, is wheel-thrown and lovingly glazed by hand. There is only one of these available, but don’t despair if you aren’t able to get this exact mug; Miri Hardy, the artist who created it, has a whole shop full of beautiful handmade pottery.
Where to buy it: MiriHardyPottery, $28
