Before embarking on a shopping adventure in this country you are advised to study carefully all the available options in terms of prices especially those of handicrafts as they might vary from place to place. Solid insight into what you are likely to encounter when seeking out traditional Latvian goods is essential regarding prices and real value. To this end a good shopping companion might be a prudent choice as well as a decent guidebook. One of the more detailed booklets is available at most  Riga bookstores and is a very good  option if you know exactly  what you are after.

More affordable and worthwhile items to buy in the country include the Laima candies which also have their own brand of chocolate. A popular gift under the Soviet regime this item makes a great history-laden present to take home with you. Yet another interesting purchase is the national liquer of Latvia, the Riga Black Balsam. Apart from this jewellery and leather goods are among the country’s most popular buys. The prolific amounts of Baltic amber exquisitely crafted by artisans and artists into delicate pieces are probably the most satisfying purchase. Latvia boasts numerous stores selling exquisite examples of amber jewellery.

Latvia is also world-renowned for its music. Here you'll find exclusive bargains such as  CD recordings of a recent National Song Festival. These CD series offer samples of traditional Latvian folk music at unbeatable prices. Those interested in classical music can find recordings of their favourite international composers as well as works of well-known local composers such as Jazeps Vitols. Pop music is wide spread in music megastores as well as in smaller shops and even in grocery stores. You are strongly advised to take home a CD by Latvia’s most popular songwriter, politically conscious Raimonds Pauls.

The best starting point for all shoppers is definitely Riga. in and around the capital’s Old Town you can run across a variety of unique shops and curiosities. Outside the main city area there are also a number of large shopping malls. Mostly located in the suburbs and on major highways these malls offer the typical array of world brand names. The main shopping street in Riga is Audeju, well-equipped with designer shops. Centrs, the city's oldest shopping mall is also worth a try. Souvenirs and antiques can be purchased at almost any market. If buying antiques make sure you pick up a licence from the Inspection Board for History and Culture and the Protection of Monuments. This procedure is required anytime you purchase any valuables you wish to export.