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My general recommendation when choosing a remote control to use with MP is to buy one which satisfies the following requirements:

(1) Is described by the seller as "Microsoft MCE compatible" or "Microsoft WMC compatible".

(2) Has "RC6" printed on the remote or packaging ("RC6" is the IR signalling protocol).

(3) Is sold with its own IR receiver which plugs into a USB socket.

Unfortunately it can sometimes be difficult to confirm via the internet that all of these conditions are satisfied.   As to a specific recommendation, you should search online for remotes that you can purchase in your locality.  I just tried searching for "microsoft remote control" on www.amazon.co.uk and found this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lenovo-Microsoft-Center-Control-Receiver/dp/B006TPPVKE/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1455709087&sr=1-2&keywords=microsoft+remote+control

I have the Dell-branded versions of both the remote and the IR receiver, and can confirm that they work without problem with MP.  There is one review that complains about poor range, but most of the reviews on amazon.com seem favourable (so the reviewer who gave the one-star rating probably had a defective unit).  I also found this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/HP-Infrared-Discontinued-Manufacturer-Electronics/dp/B00OE2NM3C/ref=pd_sim_sbs_23_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=41AfWQGA9aL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160,160_&refRID=1H81F1KMHH9MJQASNRMY

I believe that this has been discontinued by HP, but units are still available.  Note that there are several versions of the HP remote: some have the four colour buttons, and others do not.  The one above does not, so you might want to look for a supplier of the version that has the colour buttons (if you want them).  Ebay can be quite a good source for this remote.  I also found this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Windows-Control-Infrared-Receiver-Ultimate/dp/B003ZV3J72/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1455709087&sr=1-1&keywords=microsoft+remote+control

This is actually the Ortek VRC-1100, which is sold under other brand names, including Gmyle (the one above) and Hama (model 00052451).  On Amazon, the Gmyle is slightly cheaper than the Hama, but the units are identical.  In the past I have generally recommended MP users to avoid this remote, as it is not an RC6 remote, and so is more difficult to setup.  However, over the past few weeks I have been using this remote myself (I have been developing a new MP configuration file for it), and I have grown to quite like it.  But you really need to use it with an AutoHotKey script, in order to circumvent some of the remote's quirks.  This is not a problem, as AutoHotKey is freeware, and I have included the necessary AutoHotKey script with the new MP config file; see this post:

https://forum.team-mediaportal.com/threads/mp-1-12-changing-from-centarea-remote-to-generic-hid-how-to-map-buttons-properly.131638/page-4#post-1171343

Finally, you might also consider buying a universal remote, such as one from the "Harmony" or "One-for-All" ranges.  These can usually be programmed to control multiple devices (e.g. HTPC, TV, amplifier, etc.).  I quite like the Harmony 650, and the One-for-All URC-7140.  The disadvantage is that they are not sold with an IR receiver, so the receiver needs to be purchased separately.  This website shows some RC6 IR receivers:

http://www.cohaus-berlin.de/shop/RC6-Infrared-Receiver:::2.html?XTCsid=saqekudd9fotqa1m8s5u2sc1b2

-- from CyberSimian in the UK