Near gates 18 and 19 in Terminal A, this is the kid-themed souvenir stop
XPLORA KIDS sits airside in Terminal A by gates 18 and 19, so you hit it on the way to many US and regional departures. It runs roughly 4:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., which covers the early bank of flights out of SJO. This is the spot that targets families, with toys, kid-size Costa Rica shirts, and character-style plush animals tied to local wildlife.
Prices skew airport-level: small trinkets and keychains start around a few dollars, while larger plush toys and kids’ hoodies push into the higher end of souvenir pricing. The stock leans heavily into kid-safe, carry-on friendly items you can toss into a backpack before boarding at gate 18 or 19. Expect bright colors, simple puzzles, sticker packs, and branded kids’ mugs more than adult-focused crafts.
It’s all post-security in Terminal A, so you’re not backtracking through check-in or immigration if you forgot a present. Compared with the main gift shops closer to security, XPLORA KIDS spends less shelf space on coffee and liquor and more on toys and small games that can keep a child busy on a 5-hour flight. If you need adult souvenirs too, you may still want to pair this with a quick lap through another shop in A or over in B.
Tip: swing by here after clearing security but before you sit at the gate; it’s easier to choose something when you’re not in the last 10 minutes of boarding for a flight leaving from 18 or 19.