Tijuana is part of Mexico, but the natives pride themselves with being "different". Not American of course, but neither fully Mexico, or from the "El Norte" part of the country.

There are so many ways to describe Tijuana, but there is one way in particular that does it best: Tijuana is where cultures merge, explore, and together create a new way of life, one that includes many colors, music and flavors. There's simply a lot more to Tijuana than simple Mexican piñatas and souvenirs.

Nonetheless, we know many tourist still love to bring to say they visited "Mexico" when passing through San Diego, for example. So, that's why Tijuana has some of the essential (and weirdest) souvenirs tourist can take back home if they're passing through the city.

[/p]

Without much further ado, check out these 10 items, choose your favorite, and carry a piece of Tijuana with you.

1.- Tequileros

Nothing says "Mexico" better than Tequila, and if you drink it from a very special glass (basically a shot glass for tequila), then you'll feel part of Tijuana culture (and a bit drunk too), anyway, you can find these in several designs: Neon colors, Aztec calendars, nice typography, and so on… You can buy these with $5.00 dlls. and are easy to take home.

2.- Títeres (Puppets)

You will see a lot of these puppets while walking through Avenida Revolucion, they may look a bit creepy, but they sure are something you won't find so easily in other parts of the world or even Mexico, some of them even referencing pop culture characters. Take one of these buddies and surprise someone back home.

3.- Baleros

This toy is part of almost every Mexican life, I remember dad being obsessed with them and how he always tried so hard so I'll like them too (thing that happened), and now I can't ignore one every time I see it. They come in different sizes, tiny ones will work perfect, but if you like something more impressive, the big one will make everyone crazy. Prices are from $10.00 dlls to $25.00 dlls

4.- Ponchos

Come on, Ponchos are awesome and there are a great amount of people who make them in Tijuana, designs are a piece of art most of the time, and plus, they keep you warm when the cold air attacks the city. Price: $30.00 dlls.

5.- Morrales (Bags)

These bags are a MUST if you always worrying about changing bags that manage to maintain all your stuff without tearing apart. Designs go from flowers, beautiful colors and the oddest but also kind o f cool, football teams logos. If you're a football fan, then look for the one that says "Chargers" or "Packers", and if not, then just find the prettiest of them all. Price: $20.00 dlls to $30.00 dlls.

6.- Máscaras (Masks)

Lucha libre (wrestling) is one of Mexico's favorite national pastimes, and the traditional mask they use are always in different colors and shapes, really exotic. You can take one of these and wear it for fun or to hang it on your wall. Prices: 15.00 dlls to $30.00 dlls, depending if it's kids or adult size.

7.- Keychains

Keychains make the perfect souvenirs anywhere you go, but the shapes and colors of Tijuana's keychains are definitely what you need to make your keys look original, vibrant and sometimes even funnier. Prices: From $3.00 dlls to $7.00 dlls

8.- Dresses

Let's admit it, traditional Mexican dresses may not look very normal if you ever decide wearing one in the streets, but there's a lot of options you can wear, which includes blouses with embroidery and some long skirts that will be the perfect match for hot days. Every girl looks beautiful in them. Prices from $30.00 dlls to $40.00 dlls.

9.- Sombreros (Hats)

These typical hats are what dreams are made of, they cover you from the sun and you can find them in so many colors, take one back home and show your friends how good you look wearing one. Prices from $20.00 dlls to $30.00 dlls.

10.- Folk bags

These bags are not just another bag, for they are made with real leather by the hands of many artisans of Tijuana. The are perfect for you to keep your most valuable things and carry a piece of Tijuana anywhere you go. Prices range between $20.00 dlls and $40.00 dlls.

But not everything's rainbows and butterflies…

This is a real cow leg which was modified to function as a canteen, they are pretty expensive and definitely there's no glam in its use, but well, if you like creepy stuff and want to take something really impressive with you, this will be your perfect option. Prices go from $100.00 dlls and $200.00 dlls.

Tip: Prices are higher for tourists, but don't miss the chance of trying a little bargain, is very possible they lower their prices for you, just remember to be kind.

You can find most of these souvenirs in Avenida Revolucion, where some shop owners there have worked for 30 years and talked to people from Asia, New Zealand, England, Australia, America and other parts of the world, many of them enjoying the multicultural movement this city has embraced in the last few years that has diversified even the tourist who visit the city.

Do you know any other souvenir you think we're missing?

More news in SanDiegoRed.com

Follow San Diego Red on Facebook and Twitter.

cristina.mora@sandiegored.com

[/p]