Finding a special gift for someone while visiting Peru is an exceptionally easy task. Peruvians are known for being a unique civilization with a combination of traditions and customs from both the Andean and the Incan societies. As a result, there are many one of kind items representing the unique Peruvian culture, which can be bought in Peru and brought home for someone special.

Hand Made Pottery & Carvings

The traditions of pottery and carving of both the Andean and Incan civilizations are still very much alive even in today's modern world. Artisans, whether they live in modern towns or in jungle villages, are still using the same techniques that have been passed down from their ancestors for centuries. The most celebrated piece of pottery is a mug in the shape of a bull. Such mugs were used in ancient traditions for drinking the fresh blood of bulls after a branding ceremony. As for carvings, Peruvians will carve just about anything requested, including wood, granite, and basalt. The most popular carving to purchase while in Peru is one made of stone depicting scenes of everyday life in the Andes. Both pottery and carvings can be found in just about any village or town in Peru, but know that the most authentic pieces are the ones sold at street markets as opposed to those sold in more expensive boutiques.

Authentic Peruvian Rugs & Clothes

The art of weaving has been a popular pastime for centuries among Peruvians, who still today use the same techniques as in ancient Incan times. Both Clothing (caps?) and Peruvian Rugs are popular items to bring home from Peru due to their unique fabrics which result in exceptional durability. Peruvians use Alpha or Llama Wool as opposed to Sheep (caps?) wool to weave clothing, resulting in a fabric softer than cashmere and much rarer. Americans find this fabric particularly attractive; especially when they realize that it is five times warmer than the Sheep wool they are used to wearing. Both Clothing and Rugs can be found in outdoor markets and specialty shops throughout Peru.

Masks

As an integral part of Andean culture, a mask from Peru makes a great gift for anyone. Masks are worn in ceremonial dances during the festival of the Virgin de le Candelaria in the Southern Amazon. If you attend this festival, you will find thousands upon thousands of masks. They are made from all kinds of materials, including clay, wood, leather, and metal, and usually depict angels, demons, Spaniards, and natives.

Jewelry

Around that time, the United Kingdom's inflation rate and unemployment level were the highest among the G-7 members. However, since then it has been an entirely different story. The economy that Mr. King inherited from Sir George (Mr. King was his deputy governor) in 2003 was healthy and flush from over 40 straight quarters of GDP growth. The U.K. had the lowest unemployment rate among the G-8 nations and was one of the only large economies to avoid a recession in the early 21st century. Unfortunately, the future of the economy was not as bright, as sluggish economic data began to emerge from nearly every sector. Eventually in August 2005, the MPC decided to cut the interest rate for the first time in six years to the current 4.50% in order to stimulate the economy.

You cannot leave Peru without picking up some of the amazing jewelry handcrafted by the locals. Peruvian Jewelers are famous worldwide for their silver and gold filigree, a delicate technique of stretching the metals into strands and then twisting the strands into different types of jewelry. The town of Catacaos in Piura is the center for filigree work and is the perfect place to find some beautiful jewelry; however, filigree work can also be found at the museum in Chiclayo or in gifts shops in Miraflores and Lima.

Other Information

All of these items and more can be found in Lima, Peru's capital, where one third of the country's population lives. Because of the large number of people living in Lima, there are plenty of vendors at the markets all competing with each other, resulting in great bargains for the consumers. The markets stay open from noon till dusk everyday with the exception of holidays. If you decide to shop in one of the many boutiques, be sure to bargain with the vendor and be wary of the 18% sales tax.