Tesoros Trading Company - Retail Store
Categories: Arts & Crafts, Home Decor, Art Galleries [Edit]
Neighborhood: Downtown209 Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78701 (512) 479-8377
- Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
11 Reviews for Tesoros Trading Company - Retail Store
Looking for a Virgen de Guadalupe, Sacred Heart or other Mexican handicraft? They have it! But, what Tesoros also carries are some of the best books on art and world culture tucked away in the back of the store. They also had some nice woodcut prints and jewelry for those looking for something above the kitschy. And why bellyache that something kitschy is costing you $3 when you think you can get it for .50 South of the Border? Have you seen gas prices lately?
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I really thought this place was waaay overpriced. My little cousin wanted to buy a milagro for her dad for father's day and I couldn't believe they were trying to charge nearly $3.00 for a teeny tiny tin milagro that you should pay no more than $.50 cents. Some of the prints and other artwork were pretty nice, but the majority of this stuff was pretty overrated.
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If you're looking for truly unique stuff from craftspeople in Latin America, this is your place! I was last in Austin back in April and am heading back in July. Every time I'm in town, I hit up Tesoros. This location I believe has moved recently to S. Congress Ave. from its downtown Congress Ave spot, so i'm sure it will be even groovier than its former longtime digs.
Whether it's handmade tiles from Mexico, amazing object'd'art, jewelry, dia de los muertos t-shirts, textiles, or even handpainted coasters (yes i bought some of these, painted in Peru, and on sale at the time half price!), Tesoros will not disappoint.
it's one of the reasons I love Austin... you're closer to Mexico! Viva.
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Tesoros had many things I've never seen before, like Uzbekistani dowry sheets, which take 3-6 years to make, on sale for $300. It's hard to even express the full range of what they sell, but here are some examples: Mexican-themed mousepads, wallets and purses made from aluminum cans, cool paintings on canvas for $100-$300, and lots of tchotchkes and figurines, like the nude, dark-pubed ceramic angel holding a faun's head on a stick that I bought for my friend.
This place is rad, I find the prices to be at or below the value of the items, the staff were really damn cool, etc., etc. Next time you have brunch at Manitas, poke your head in here and have a look around.
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Good place for sovenirs but do check the prices because sometimes they do not really do the justice. I like to come in here and browse around but I've never bought anything from here for unknown reason.
Last weekend I went to visit the store with a friend again and interestingly I found some Chinese porcelain statues about revolutioning the Great China. You could have been executed if this was sold in China 20/30 years ago. Cool crap.
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If you've ever had that person that is hard to shop for b/c they have everything, just come here.. they have all sorts of stuff that no one has. I picked up a health notice poster from India about the "Dangers and Effects of Alcohol". It is the most hilarious poster b/c its meant to be serious, but the drawings and wording of each situation on the poster just look silly. Oh and you can also get a backpack made with soda cans or a knapsack made out of a rice bag! How cool is that?
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There is certainly a bunch of sweet, giftable, crafty Mexican, Indian, and some Asian, jewelry, clothing, knickknackery, and things-to-hang-on-your-wall at this place. I am not the kinda guy who typically goes looking for that stuff, but if you dig those particular artisans-o-the-world and want to get things for people you know who would appreciate it, Tesoros is definitely a great place to go.
I snagged multiple gifts for people here on my recent trip... purses, jewelry box, wack bags, and a bamboo cutting board.
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It looks like with the Las Manitas/Marriott "displacement" that Tesoros is going to find a new home in what may be an even better location (foot-traffic-wise) next door to Guerro's on South Congress.
Tesoros is a unique gift store, you won't find your run-of-the-mill scented candles, picture frames, or Leslie magnets here...nope, instead you'll find gifts from around the world. I always love checking out their oil cloth tablecloths and bags, Mexican wrestling masks, cutting boards, serving trays, art, trinkets, jewelry, and clothes. I've only bought one blouse there over the years but I get a complement every time I wear it.
Tesoros has an eclectic mix of goodies and you're sure to find something to take home...even if it is a tiny, super-secret, spy mirror like the one my sister use to carry around in her pocket to spy on YOU. Plus I can always find a greeting card or postcard at Tesoro's that's sure to please (or confuse)!
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It isn't just Latin American items, true, and I always come here to buy certain special chicas in my life jewelry from Afghanistan (so they tell me). Really cool stuff.
Was surprised by the non-tourist mode inside, given its location, and the jewerly chicks were as helpful as someone can be to a cracker dude, and bent over backwards with service and suggestion without being overbearing. I had a good time here, and wished I could just be all Daddy Warbucks an' shit.
Also some really beautful, kick ass cards, original ones (not copies) from Peru (?) existing as art on its own, so beautiful I couldn't bring myself to write in them.
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great stop for a souvenir or small gift - also an interesting selection of books in the back - and if you forgot something they have a nice website
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Out of all the Mexican / Latin American folk art shops in Austin, I think Tesoros carries the best selection of kitschy home decor stuff. The thing is, the name is misleading - they do not just sell Latin American goods. They also have a healthy inventory of Asian and Indian items.
At any rate, I think they have the best selection of oil cloth bags, bamboo curtains, lucha libre figurines and posters, and just about anything with La Virgen or a vixen 1930s Mexican woman. Actually, they have an awesome stock of Mexican golden age cinema posters, books, and art. Go to Tesoros to get your Jorge Negrete and Maria Felix fix.
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