This is such a unique shop with a wonderful variety of local artists! Debi (the owner) was very friendly and knowledgeable. I truly enjoyed shopping here and can't wait to return. read more

Every time we go to Santa Fe we find another little gem we've missed before. This one fits the bill. The building has been around since the 1800's and houses a few *artisan* shops. El Nicho is one of them. No cheap Chinese trinkets here. We saw the work of talented craftsmen using a variety of mediums to create one-off art. Most was surprisingly affordable. A couple of purchases later we left with a plan to return soon. read more

See all

El Nicho is our favorite shop in Santa Fe! Debi has such a great collection of items from local artists that we always find something we love when we visit! It is our first stop when we are looking for unique gifts for friends and family. We highly recommend this shop for both locals and visitors - you are guaranteed to find something to buy! read more

El Nicho - Gift Shops Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

Yesterday, Saturday 9/20, I bought the most elegant and beautiful hand-carved angel by Pete Ortega. My visit to the shop was such a pleasant experience. Not only did I enjoy chatting with other customers, but Debi was wonderful - friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. I highly recommend El Nicho, whether you are visiting New Mexico or if you live here. read more

El Nicho - Gift Shops Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

Debi was such a nice lady to talk to. This shop has so many interesting items to look at and is more reasonably priced than most in the area. b(^!^)d read more

I went to El Nicho after reading the positive reviews. I must say, I did had the pleasure of meeting Debbie. She truly a wonderful, genuine and kind person. I had a wonderful conversation with her. In that time, she managed to prepare a map with points of interest in the city for me. She gave me a lot of good information. I am planning to return at some point. I felt that I walked away with a new friend. I am not from the area but would like to return. At Debbie's store, they support local artists and have their items available. I really liked that. For a great shopping experience, go to El Nicho. You won't be disappointed. read more

Debi is an awesome person and her store is one of a kind!!! She has become a great friend since we walked in her store almost 9 years ago!! Bill & Lisa Tryan read more

Over 30 years ago we purchased a Joe Ortega carving when we visited Santa Fe. We still love it! read more

El Nicho - Howling coyote wood carving. - Gift Shops Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

This place is awesome! The owner Debi is a delight, we stayed enjoyed visiting with her. The things in her shop are so cool, made by local artists. I found so much that I wanted to buy!! Great place to get gifts for family and friends. read more

What a lovely shop. Debbie was so helpful and informative about local artists and craftsmen. Great selection and easy to browse and to purchase! Comfortable and a great experience!" read more

El Nicho - Handcrafted earrings. Very comfortable. Not heavy. Craftsman carved the birds! - Gift Shops Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

This place was amazing the Owner or at least I believe she was Is Great gave so much information on the different jewelry and history of New Mexico. read more

El Nicho - Earings - Gift Shops Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

We stopped in here randomly and discovered the most helpful and knowledgable woman. Bought a few small items (priced very well) and left with a wealth of advice and ideas for how to spend our time on our first trip to the area. Definitely don't miss this shop. read more

Old town Santa Fe could come off much more touristy but for the most part, the area is fairly subdued. Out of all the little art shops we visited, this one was my favorite. The first thing that strikes you is how rustic it is. Located in a building over a hundred years old (young by old town standards), El Nicho's storefront apparently used to be part of a horse stable. What makes this store great? Local artisan wood carvings and plenty of them. Each piece is unique due to the natural source of the carving. I picked out these pretty sweet little carved birds on a "log" (see my attached photo). The lady who assisted us (whom I can only assume is one of the owners) supplied us with plenty of anecdotes of our bird's artist as well as other pieces around the store. Talk about endearing... When you buy something that you wish to cherish as a memory of a travel experience, it doesn't get much better than that. read more

El Nicho - El Nicho is located at the far left of this "village". - Gift Shops Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

See all

Absolutely beautiful and unique sculptures paintings jewelry that I ever seen. It's definitely a must do and must have to visit the shop because you will walk away with something that just loves just have to have it. read more

Best place to find authentic, local art and gifts in all price ranges. Debi is the SWEETEST and most helpful lady in town. I detoured on my way home to Dallas from a two week road trip, three kids in town, and looking every bit the part. Normally when you walk into stores looking like this, you don't get the best treatment. Debi treated me as if I walked in with a million dollars to spend, which i appreciated greatly. I came in for a specific family of artist and she let me know (BEFORE I purchased from her) that they were actually in the square at the Spanish Market! Again, she did not have to tell me this, much less before i made a purchase from her! Additionally, she asked my kids all about their two week adventure and tested then as if they were mini adults. They, too, looked every bit the part of the second Saturday off a two week road trip through five states! She told my oldest daughter all about the artist that made the item she wanted to purchase, which made my fifteen years old excited to buy her first actual piece of art. Side note: I purchased a few things from her over the phone a few years ago, and she described what she had over the phone, then emailed me pictures to make sure I liked the pieces she picked out, then shipped them to me to Dallas. If you want great, personal customer service, local art, unique gifts, do yourself a favor and stop by here! Debi will inform you, guide you, and make you feel good about your purchase no matter how big or small! read more

This place was such a gem! Even in these pandemic times, this shop was welcoming and owner was so above and beyond helpful and knowledgeable. There are many beautiful art pieces from many local artists, I wish I could buy one of everything. If you're in town and need a souvenir for yourself unique gift for anyone, this is your place. read more

Great Family owned business! We got a piece of art from a local artist who specializes in crosses. She carries art from many local artists.

What a Joy to meet, Debi, owner and very personable customer service lady! So well-informed regarding each hand-picked item. They are unique and beautiful.........learning of their origins/history adds so much to their interest and value. Shop for yourself or as a gift, you can't go wrong bringing this memorabilia home with you! A blessing to know such a lovely woman and to support her business. MCH - former Host for Clint Eastwood PBH - former Head Pro/GM for Pebble Beach read more

Hands down, my favorite shop to buy items by the Ortega Family, and other local artists. The owner is one of the friendliest people I have met in Santa Fe. I love this little shop, and visit regularly so that I can see what new things they have in stock. It's a great place to bring (well behaved) children also, so many well priced, small items that a child can appreciate and value. I bring every out of Towner, and "new to towners", to this special store. read more

Really enjoyed finding this place. Debbie is friendly and sweet. purchased one deer carving while there and then ordered a baby deer to match. she called me as soon as it came in and sent it right out. read more

El Nicho - Mom and baby deer carving - Gift Shops Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

One of the best shops in all of Santa Fe!! Great selection of unique works by New Mexican artists. Debi, the owner, is extremely knowledgeable and very enthusiastic about all of the artists she represents. Definitely not a run of the mill tourist shop, El Nicho contains beautiful folk art and jewelry that is memorable and authentic! This is always our first stop when taking out of town guests to the Plaza. read more

My friend and I are traveling across the country and happened on El Nicho. We had already been into a few stores around that area and were a little wary of how touristy they felt. We hadn't done our research on Santa Fe, but felt compelled to stop there and I'm the kind of person who hates feeling pressured or suckered into buying something, especially when I'm out of my element. I cannot recommend this store more highly. It's as if the owner knows each and every piece, as well as the story of the artist who made it. She clearly knows the artists and has a personal relationship with them. Not only that, but she pulled out a map and highlighted a few must-see destinations and other places where we could buy direct from Native artisans. Clearly, this woman cares deeply about New Mexico and has a passion for sharing her love for Santa Fe with her customers. Highly recommend! read more

Locals, tourists, artists, everyone, go to this store!!! It's amazing, and Debbie, the owner is possibly the sweetest person on earth. All of the items are made by local artists. The Ortega families' multi generations of carvers are featured. This place is worth a visit monthly! read more

Happy to support this business that has been family-run for generations. Wood carvings by the Ortega family, many other local artists. Great service too. read more

LOVED shopping here. The owner was pleasant and knowledgeable and genuinely made each person who came into the shop feel welcome without feeling pressured. She gave us directions to other places we would like to visit (we visited them, and we did enjoy them!). Besides the warm welcome, we really enjoyed the unique items here that were truly accessible to every budget. Stop here first when looking for gifts in Santa Fe. read more

This was one of our stops during a 5000 mile roadtrip last year and oddly enough - this little shop and the owner are one of the stand outs in our memories. Great items, amazingly friendly and knowledgeable assistance. Loved hearing details about the artists for the items we bought and the items we drooled over. Loved this shop and wish we lived closer. read more

Debi was absolutely amazing and nothing short of extraordinary in her knowledge of the beautiful carvings by the Ortega Family. Her warmth and willingness in welcoming me to the store made me feel very much a part of the spirit and splendor of the Native American culture. The intimate discussion surrounding the local sights and highlights were very much appreciated and welcomed. This place is definitely a "hidden gem." If you are in the neighborhood, do not hesitate to put this store on your "to do list"...you will not have one ounce of regret. Take care and keep safe, Debi. read more

This is my favorite boutique for santa fe art and gorgeous native america jewelry and art. The prices are fair and you are not being tricked into paying double for being a tourist. Quality and beauty and friendly knowledgeable staff. read more

This store carries one-of-a-kind hand-crafted items. Debbie sent me out an order as well, she's wonderful. Happy to send more people her way. Blessings... read more

My husband & I were doing a cross country trip from NJ and Santa Fe was one of our stops. This is a little shop with authentic pieces of native handy work. The owner Debi ( ha she has the same first name as me) was very pleasant and informative about the Santa Fe area. Please visit her shop you will not be disappointed!! read more

This entire town is filled with history. The people are so educated and loving. Every store we have gone in we walked out making new friends and learning new history. But this little store gave me a chance to take Santa Fe home with me. Debbie thanks for being so lovely. Can't wait to see you in the near future. read more

Many thanks to Debi for sharing her joy and passion for the incredible carvings and treasures of El Nicho! She was incredibly generous with her time and spirit. I made several purchases and appreciate the fair prices and genuine service. Something for every budget. Debi also went out of her way to carefully wrap and package my gifts for safe travel. Thank you! What a wonderful experience! read more

Great gifts of hand carved items, reasonably priced (its original art) and the owner (Debbi) is a delight. What wonderful caring attitude and just an overall nice person. Bought a hand carved St. Christopher that she held for us as we went to do other shopping, When we returned lovingly wrapped securely for our drive back to Oklahoma. Had to get a hand carved angel as well. A great place and wonderful owner with unique creative items. A real treat... read more

My husband and I have been coming to El Nicho for almost 30 years. We always love the beautiful pieces we find there. We must own more Joe Ortega's than anyone else on the planet. Debbie is wonderful. This is a real gem in Santa Fe. read more

This is a great local owner with stories to share. Visit her shop, spend a few minutes with her and you will learn a lot about the great carvings available and a little local history. We loved it and plan to be long-term customers! read more

Amazing gift shop with a wonderful owner! We were able to meet a couple of the local artists on one of our visits! Can't wait for our next trip to Santa Fe to visit!!! read more

El Nicho was a great surprise! My wife and I had a great time in this store. Debi knew the artists and her inventory incredibly well. Talking with her was like spending time with a good friend. The wood carvings at El Nicho are charming and have a great New Mexican handmade character. Some pieces are serious and others whimsical -- from Santos to animated jackrabbits. There are several good shops in the area, so it's worth your time to go there. Parking was fairly easy. El Nicho is a cool little place. Make sure you go in and walk around. Fun stuff pops up everywhere. read more

This is a lovely little store with local wood carvings that are reasonably priced. There are also expensive items in the store , but there is something for everyone's budget. I found a very sweet carved wood angel for a friend of mine who has cancer. While deciding which angel to buy, I ended up relaying my friend's story and health struggles to the owner who was very empathetic. She tucked in a darling carved bird as an extra gift for my friend at no charge. I was touched by her generosity; I don't believe all the talk about Santa Fe being such a tourist trap... This store has a wonderful feel to it and the owner was so professional and helpful. I'll return the next time I'm in Santa Fe. read more