For cowboys and cowgirls
There are many establishments in Texas that still practice traditional artisan techniques for making cowboy boots and hats, as well as the rest of the typical outfit. There are also chains of western wear brands that are less authentic but still faithful to traditional fashion. The most important elements of the outfit are the boots, such as the famous Casey Boots, and the hat, such as a handsome Stetson Hat, but also Wrangler jeans, a vaquero jacket, leather belt and western shirt. Hats come in a variety of styles, including straw and felt. One of the styles seen in Westerns is the ten-gallon hat, recognizable by its very high crown. The Stetson Hat, the most common style, is sold in all major western wear stores. Worn by James Dean in the film Giant, this hat continues to fascinate. If you want a real one, expect to pay at least $130 USD for a new one. For boots, you can find second-hand ones in very good condition. Stetson also makes the best-known style of boot: the Casey Boot, but expect to pay around $300USD. There are also cobblers who will custom-make them for you, such as Ramblin Trails Custom Boots in Fort Worth. For more affordable budgets, go to Maverick's Fine Western Wear or even Academy.
Latin American handicrafts
Hispanic culture is felt throughout Texas, particularly in the larger cities and regions of the Southwest. With this comes a whole assortment of objects from this culture, particularly from the neighboring country of Mexico. From Catholic-patterned pendants to sombreros, you'll find pearls of Mexican craftsmanship, as well as fun and unusual trinkets. Several destinations are open to you, such as the Historic Market Square or Pulquerios in San Antonio, and the Casa Ramirez in Houston, as well as the border town of Del Rio. These destinations will take you to another world, where merchants speak almost exclusively in Spanish. The colorful hand-embroidered dresses are unique and typical of women's fashion, and make great gifts. There are also emblematic ceramics and fabrics.
Amerindian handicrafts
You'll find more Native American crafts in New Mexico than in Texas. Particularly prized is Native American art, known for its handmade techniques handed down from generation to generation. Fabrics, baskets, jewelry, gemstones, sculptures, ceramics, dreamcatchers and more. Turquoise is certainly the most exploited and coveted stone. Combined with silver, it can be found in numerous jewels, sold on every stall in the country. You're sure to come across vendors in Santa Fe Indian Market and in the streets of Santa Fe, as well as at the Taos Pueblo.
Southern flavors
There are many products characteristic of Texan cuisine. Tex-Mex, inspired by Mexican cuisine, is one of the most widespread, with products found in every local supermarket. Guacamole, chili con carne, American cheese, salsa and tacos are just some of the products you can take home. If you're looking for more specifically Mexican products, head to a supermercado. You'll find products imported from Mexico that are very hard to find in France, especially at these prices. Many corn-based products, such as tacos, are easy to pack and store. To meet the merchants, visit theAzteca Farmers Market in Houston, with its stalls of spices and herbs, fruits and vegetables, and other Mexican trinkets that will make great souvenirs. A typical southern ingredient not to be missed, if you can, is hot sauce. You'll find a whole assortment in supermarkets or supermercados. Other typical southern products include corn-based grits, often eaten for breakfast, and beef jerky, which can be bought almost anywhere in packets.
On the road...
On a road-trip across America, the best souvenirs are often found at the roadside. It may seem counter-intuitive to think of the gas station as the best souvenir store. And yet it's the place where you'll find low-end objects emblematic of the local culture. From plastic alligator heads to glitter gun key rings, you've got the best of kitsch! Head to a Buc-ee's, an uncommonly large gas station found only in Texas. Everything's there: barbecue, hot dogs, clothes, popcorn, cowboy hats, children's toys, postcards... If you're crossing Route 66, you'll have plenty of choice too. And if you're looking to venture a little further into deepest America, follow folk art destinations in Texas or New Mexico that are out of this world!
