Casablanca, Agadir, Las Palmas, Funchal, & Granada Souvenirs

[srlafleur]

Which of these ports for grandkids souvenirs?

2 grandkids, girl age 8, boy age 3. For obvious (luggage restrictions & $) and other (not a shopaholic) reasons, I want to get souvenirs for the grandbabies from only one of the following ports:

Casablanca, Agadir, Las Palmas, Funchal, & Granada.

 

I need advice regarding which port would possibly be the best/easiest to look for good souvenirs for them. Not too pricey, but not t-shirts/trinkets either. DGD has a collection of international dolls, but is appreciative of arts/crafts as well. DGS is 3, so...? (picked up a soft, stuffed taxi in Barcelona for him last year, fish mobile in Mexico year before).

We may have some shopping time in a few excursions, but generally plan excursions that don't include shopping.

Any advice, ideas?

Thanks.

[John Bull]

Which of these ports for grandkids souvenirs?

2 grandkids, girl age 8, boy age 3. For obvious (luggage restrictions & $) and other (not a shopaholic) reasons, I want to get souvenirs for the grandbabies from only one of the following ports:

Casablanca, Agadir, Las Palmas, Funchal, & Granada.

 

I need advice regarding which port would possibly be the best/easiest to look for good souvenirs for them. Not too pricey, but not t-shirts/trinkets either. DGD has a collection of international dolls, but is appreciative of arts/crafts as well. DGS is 3, so...? (picked up a soft, stuffed taxi in Barcelona for him last year, fish mobile in Mexico year before).

We may have some shopping time in a few excursions, but generally plan excursions that don't include shopping.

Any advice, ideas?

Thanks.

 

Granada - I'm guessing you mean that you'll port in Malaga and take ship's excursion to the Alhambra. Which means you'll have very little opportunity to shop.

Funchal - not been there, but I get the impression its quite expensive.

Las Palmas - probably your best bet for a simple standard tourist-shopping experience & a decent range of options at sensible prices.

Morocco - no need to go shopping, you're likely to be pestered by kids but the stuff they peddle is mainly trashy. But wandering the souks is a big part of the Moroccan experience, and you'll find a wide range of wares, qualities & prices in the shops & stalls. You'll need to hone your bartering skills - I get the impression that's not likely to be your scene, but give it a whirl ;), and you'll probably find this your best value of the entire cruise.

Interesting itinerary, enjoy

John Bull

[srlafleur]

Thanks, John,

You are right in assuming that bartering isn't really my "thing" (would you please just run that new car over the price scanner and forget the games?), but I have done it successfully on vaca. Since we are visiting the Oasis of Tiout from Agadir, I'm guessing there might be a good opportunity there for some real Morrocan something-or-other. The last think I want is some "authentic Moroccan" tchotches actually made in Taiwan!

Question now is, what are the best things? I always have a hard time deciding for the grandkids.

Yes, it is Malaga rather than Granada, but we are foregoing the Alhambra (I know, I know, but the whole ship will be there at once) for a Sierra de la Tejada 4x4 excursion. Adventure (good)! Fun (better)! Food & wine (best)!!!

:)

[Essiesmom]

I would agree with Las Palmas...Lots of decent little shops near the port with lots of crafts. EM

[srlafleur]

Thanks for the info, Essiesmom. It looks like we should have better than an hour after our 4x4 & Camel Adventure (are we sensing a trend?) for shopping, so, close to the port is good. Crafts of many sorts seem a good option. Anything that can be hung on a wall (appreciated by a 3 year old, but out of harm's way) would be nice.

Also the flatter, the better, for packing purposes. Seen any local artists/local artist's prints available in any of my ports? That's often what I like to bring home for myself and the grown kids.

[GrandmaHofmann]

There were rag dolls to buy in the Canary Islands in the linen stores that would be nice for a young girl. In costume of the islands. I also saw small dolls in Madeiran costume in Funchal. There is not much variety in either place of things to buy.

[srlafleur]

There were rag dolls to buy in the Canary Islands in the linen stores that would be nice for a young girl. In costume of the islands. I also saw small dolls in Madeiran costume in Funchal. There is not much variety in either place of things to buy.

 

Oh, good! Those would be a nice addition to my granddaughter's collection.