The pleasure of shopping is in the hunt and the joy of possession. Here are some products for you to hunt:

Local pottery and glass ware

Be prepared for world-class art. There is a huge variety, including earthenware, handblown glassware, and talavera. Since well before the Spanish conquest, local artisans have been using techniques that up till now is used to produce one-of-a-kind glass products. Techniques include open firing, the use of natural pigments and coil building. At times, small bubbles are placed inside the pieces for added artistic effect.

Silver

Silver galore! In Mexico, you will find a multitude of silver jewelry and products. After all, Mexico is the world's largest producer of silver. The mines in Taxco, Guanajuato, Arizpe, Fresnillo, Zacatecas, Batopilas, and Puebla have supplied the country with an abundant supply of silver. Do try to haggle to get the best price.

Hammocks

Ah, lazing by the sea in a hammock! The hammock stirs up the feeling of being free from all the worries and cares of the world. You can find the ultimate of hammocks in the Yucatan or Mayan Hammock. This is considered the best style of hammock.

The string hammock is probably the best as it is light and handy, making it great when you go sailing, rock climbing or backpacking. This hammock is especially strong and very flexile. It also provides great ventilation for a comfortable fit. The hammock comes in great colors and so is not just utilitarian but also great to look at.

There are hammocks for one and there are also hammocks that can comfortably accommodate two- quite a romantic prospect if you have someone to share it with!

This makes for one fantastic souvenir for you to bring at home and will remind you of your Playa del Carmen holiday even as you laze in your backyard.

Mexican and Mayan Chocolate

A Mayan and Mexican specialty, the cacao bean is round and the resulting dark chocolate is blended with cinnamon and sugar and made into discs. Make this into a delectable drink whenever you feel like it. For a taste of this heavenly delicacy, visit Ah Cacao on the corner of 5th Avenue and Constituyentes. Try their decadent desserts, such as scrumptious brownies that melt in your mouth, chocolate candy bars and mocha drinks.

Tequila

Tequila in Mexico comes in many forms – with differing nuances and complexities. You have the mescal, the gold tequila, the anejo and the reposado, among others. Tequila, at least the top quality variety, is made with blue agave. The core of this plant is used to make tequila.

100% agave tequila comes in three forms:

• Blanco: This tequila has a somewhat herbal and peppery piquancy and is somewhat floral in flavor.
• Anejo: This type of tequila is aged for at least a year but not more than three. It has a mellow, smooth taste and is dark in color.
• Reposado: This has a light to medium gold color and has been aged a minimum of two months.

Mezcal also uses the agave plant but one of a different variety: the espadin. In mescal, the agave is roasted, which gives it a smoky taste.

The Mixto is tequila that is not 100% pure agave. There is the mixto gold (which is not aged but has added flavors and colors). There is also the mixto blanco (which is also not aged but does not have color).

Cigars

Mexico produces some of the high-quality cigars you can buy in the stores. In Playa del Carmen, there are some local and imported cigars.