Here are a few of my favorites by country

I am a habitual traveler, and on every trip I turn into a compulsive buyer whose wallet is rapidly emptied by the handicrafts, edible treats, and other products of the countries I visit. Every time I buy a memento of a certain place, I feel I’m taking some of its essence with me. Because I can’t go everywhere as often as I would like, I often ask a travelling friend to bring me back something special. And Latin America sure has things worth asking for!

Here are a few of my favorites by country:

Costa Rica. I love, in addition to its great coffee, the country’s Gallito confections. The brand is synonymous with candy for children all over Central America, who for generations have succumbed to its guava-filled chocolates, chocolate and peanut “tapitas” that melt in your mouth, and legendary caramel “morenitos".