Switzerland

Farm-fresh Swiss Cheese. Try Emmenthaler, Gruyère, Sbrinz, or famed Fromage D' Alpage L'Etivaz, which is made in a small creamery in south-central Switzerland. Look for wheels made fresh by farmers at alpine markets or shops like Zermatt's Josi Cheese and Wine (tel. +41 27 966 24 30).

Wood Carvings. Browse the charming Boutique zur Matze, where 72-year-old Vinzenz Abgottspon crafts Swiss suns, angels, animals, and traditional Lötschental masks out of local timber. Located on Bahnhoffstrasse, these handcrafted keepsakes have been sought by travelers for the past 40 years (tel. +41 27 967 52 50).

Timepieces. Cuckoo clocks are beautiful and boast Bavarian heritage. Look for the handcrafted clocks in Zermatt at Wega (Tel. +41 27 967 21 66).

Chocolate. Daniel Peter of Switzerland invented the first milk chocolate using Henri Nestlé's invention of condensed milk, laying the foundation for other successful Swiss chocolatiers. Candy-lovers can buy these morsels at Zermatt shops like Hörnli (+41 27 967 4457) and Biner (tel. +41 27 967 6167).

Alphorns. Local craftsmen carve and paint these traditional cow-callers. Made exclusively with pine found in the Swiss Alps and with techniques passed down from generation to generation. See alphorns being built by hand at the Atelier fur Alphornbau (Design Studio of Alphorns; tel. 41 41 340 88 40, e-mail info@baertschi-alphorn.ch) in Luzern. The owner, Tobias Bartschi gives group tours; advanced appointments necessary. You can also purchase alphorns here, but must order them advance.

Embroidery. Hand-embroidered blouses, aprons, oven mitts, and hand towels feature scenes of chalets, Alpine peaks, milkmaids, and Switzerland's serene farm life and varying heritage (Bavarian, French, Italian). Browse Zermatt's Bahnhofstrasse boutiques for these refined fashions and linens.