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Belize doesn't have the crafts tradition of Guatemala or most other Central American countries, and few quality items are available. However, you can find attractive Maya baskets, slave carvings and some nice carvings from zircote, mahogany and other local woods. Good souvenirs include Marie Sharp's hot sauce (in mild, hot and fiery-hot versions), recordings of punta music (an electrified  Caribbean sound native to southern Belize) and Belizean rum. A few Garifuna crafts may be found - dolls or other folk art, primarily, though you may be lucky enough to encounter some ceremonial objects for sale. Look for rain-forest products and natural remedies that are sold in small labeled jars (try one of the jungle salves for bites and stings - they work). Guatemalan and Honduran crafts, such as textiles, weaving and leatherwork, are available at some gift shops in Belize. Avoid purchasing items made from black coral, sea turtles or other endangered species.
Shopping Hours: Generally Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm, though smaller shops close for lunch. Many shops are open Saturday mornings, and some close on Wednesday afternoons.
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