Best Souvenirs Ideas to Buy in Sao Paulo
If you want to take something more representative of the place, we have prepared a list of items that are part of the daily lives of those who live in São Paulo. In a way, such items are also representative of Brazilian culture in a broader context.
Unlike conventional souvenirs that are for sale in tourist attractions or in specialized souvenir stores, these are easily found in supermarkets, shopping malls and street stores.
Soccer Stuff
Brazil is internationally known for being the country of soccer. The sport originated in England but spread widely throughout the country. Soccer is everywhere in the city, played in clubs, on courts or neighborhood fields, bringing together friends from school, the neighborhood, or work.
Brazilian soccer fans are considered some of the most passionate in the world, cheering not only for the country in world tournaments but also for their favorite local teams.
In the city of São Paulo, there are three main teams: São Paulo Football Club, Corinthians, and Palmeiras. Soccer truly is part of the daily life of São Paulo residents. That’s why something related to this sport can be a good suggestion to bring as a souvenir or gift for someone.
Guarana Soda
Guarana soda is the Brazilian soft drink with a unique and natural flavor. Guarana is a shrub that produces small red fruits, from which guarana soda is made.
Commonly found in the northern and northeastern regions of the country, guarana is a native Brazilian plant, with Bahia and Amazonas being the states that stand out the most in fruit production. However, guarana soda can be found throughout the entire country.
Coffee
Coffee is the most consumed beverage in the world, second only to water. Brazil is the largest coffee producer in the world and responsible for around a third of all world production.
In Brazil, the states that stand out the most in coffee production are Paraná, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, and Bahia, due to their favorable climatic conditions for cultivation. In the production of specialty coffees, each region, according to the type of soil and climate, imparts a specific flavor to the final product.
Coffee is one of the best souvenirs ideas to buy in Sao Paulo. Paulistas enjoy coffee prepared at home, on the go, at bakery, or at work, be it espresso, capsule, or traditional ground coffee. This makes Brazil the second-largest consumer of coffee in the world, trailing only behind the United States.
Havaianas Flip Flop
The Havaianas flip flop are yet another icon of Brazilian culture and a global phenomenon when it comes to comfortable, colorful, and stylish footwear. Created in 1962 by Alpargatas, a Brazilian footwear company, Havaianas were inspired by the Japanese Zori sandals made of straw or rice fabric. Initially, Havaianas were simple, with white soles, blue straps, and a very comfortable rubber sole. With an affordable price, for many years, Havaianas targeted people with lower purchasing power.
The turning point for Havaianas flip flop came in the 1990s when they underwent a redesign in both design and marketing. The product, already known for comfort and durability, was reinvented in a range of vibrant colors that captured a new slice of the Brazilian market. Soon after, the unmistakable design and unique walking sensation also captured hearts worldwide.
Today, Havaianas flip flop offer an immense variety of colors, prints, and models to cater to all tastes and ages. From the traditional monochromatic strapped ones to versions with thematic prints, collaborations with renowned designers, and limited editions, there is a Havaianas for every style and occasion.
In addition to the famous sandals, the brand expanded its catalog to include accessories such as bags, keychains, towels, and even clothing. This strategic move further solidified Havaianas’ presence in the international market and reinforced its identity as a lifestyle brand.
Cachaça
Whether you’re an enthusiast of cocktails or simply someone who appreciates cultural experiences, acquiring a Cachaça and Caipirinha set can be a delightful and souvenir that encapsulates the taste and spirit of Brazil. See more here.
Cachaça is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented sugarcane juice. It’s often compared to rum, but unlike rum, which is typically made from molasses, cachaça is produced directly from fresh sugarcane juice.
The production of cachaça involves fermenting sugarcane juice, distilling it, and then aging it in wooden barrels. The aging process can vary, resulting in different types of cachaça: unaged (white or silver), aged (gold), or premium varieties (usually aged longer and smoother).
Caipirinha Set
Caipirinha is the iconic Brazilian cocktail and it takes just 3 ingredientes, that’s why it is so popular.
Caipirinha sets usually include the essential tools needed to prepare the drink—such as a muddler, a mixing glass, and sometimes even special glasses. Additionally, they often feature beautiful designs and craftsmanship, making them not just functional but also visually appealing as decorative items. Purchasing a Caipirinha set as a souvenir can be a fantastic way to bring a piece of Brazil’s culture and flavors back home with you.
Local Cosmetics Products
Local cosmetics products are a great idea for original gifts. If you are looking for an option like this, it will be very easy to find something of quality, as the stores we highlight here have many products that use nature and Brazilian biodiversity and also they are present in the city’s main shopping malls or on the main shopping streets.
