Thrifty Christmas shopping at markets

Jose and I went Christmas shopping this weekend at our local market. This is a place to find everything! Clothes, food, things for your home, jewelry, purses, shoes, boots, a ton of stuff, and usually on the cheap (both in terms of price and sometimes quality, you have to be careful). Though there are some things I am somewhat leary of, like 10 thongs for 2 dollars, if you have the inclination (and the time) you can find some good, not so creepy deals.

I would equate this weekly market to a flea market or bazaar (in the U.S.) with mostly gypsy people doing the selling. Going can sometimes be intense since the stalls are placed in tight rows and the vendors are constantly shouting to get your attention. It is definitely a cultural experience walking through and non-native speakers are definitely tested linguistically . The vendors catchlines are hilarious ("I must be drunk to have these prices," "Take it all, take it all," "The newest styles, get them here") but mostly they just shout their prices. "3 euros, 3 euros, 3 euros." You need to pay attention while walking around and shopping as well as counting your change since some people get tricky. Jose doesn't have the best time while we are there but we did get some gifts crossed off our list. I appreciate his patience.
 
Here is part of our haul:


First we bought my niece 2 adorable hair ties with cute little animals on them. They were being sold 2 for 1 euro. Steal! They will go in the mail back to the U.S. soon.


Next we picked up a few scarves for my in-laws (2 for 3 euros). If you don't know, people here in Spain wear scarves all the time. Partly it is for style but also when you don't have central heating in winter, keeping your neck covered is a good idea.

We also got this wine colored dress for 12 euro for my mother-in-law. I found matching tights at another stall. Total: 15 euro. Plus it matches the scarf we picked up earlier. Now we are finished with her Christmas gifts and all frugally.

Apart from these gifts there was also a stall selling last season's clothes from some popular labels here in Spain like Zara, Bershka and Blanco. The vendors will buy a lot of stock at once when they change out the stores. I got some pants for work for 3 euro a piece that originally cost 26 (with the tags still on them!). It takes a while to sift through things but I swear it is worth it. For me in Spain this kind of shopping is like going to a thriftstore (something I have never seen here).

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