Toledo swords are a great idea. Marisol Moreno Calle Comercio 30 in Toledo has a great selection of swords, many above the tourist grade. 40 Euros bought a really nice sword in 2004. They make a great conversation piece !

And how does one get a sword past airport security?

Another thought would be small leather wallets, key cases, that type of thing - if you're willing to shop somewhere other than the airport and the larger dept. stores you can usually pick up good quality at half the price - Also, small enough to pack without a problem.

thanks for all the good ideas guys. i didn't think of Olive oil but i know a few people who would love it. the fans are definitely on my list, it's one of the many things that Spain brought to my country (parent's country) which is still used to this day by all women. especially for church or on a hot day. my mom needs a new one and i lost mine, lol

Good question Puna. The shop packed the sword in a special box. The folks at Barajas are so used to tourists carrying around these "sword boxes" that they just scan the box and then check the sword directly onto the plane for you. They did look it over carefully first.

There was no hassle and the security people were courteous, which seems to be the case throughout Spain.

I'm looking for stores that sell those miniature spanish figurines/people that are about 2 inches high. I don't know if anyone knows what I'm talking about but they come in all different typical costumes to just about anything. Anyway, I collect them and would like to buy some more when I go to spain. I don't want to waste time looking for stores in Madrid that carry these figurines since I won't be staying in Madrid but in a town near by and I will only be in spain for about two weeks. Can anyone help me?? Thanks!!!

I'm actually looking for these dolls as well...so if anyone has any ideas please let me know. I know here in the states you can find them at little shops, so I would think it would be the same in Spain. I dunno.