Top ten Swedish Christmas presents

Christmas shopping is a challenge every year. If you're looking for something particularly Swedish with a special touch, it can be even harder. Here is The Local's own guide to top Christmas gifts of the year.

Published: Mon 2 Nov 2015 09:58 CEST
Top ten Swedish Christmas presents
Presents photo: Shutterstock"

It's that time of year again. The sun, when it comes out at all, sets at 2:30pm, and most of the light in town comes from Christmas decorations in every window.

Many expats like to add a touch of their new home for Christmas, infusing gifts to those 'back home' with a little international flair. But drunk elk won't fit into a box, Abba broke up, and meatballs don't package very well.

So what do you give the friends and family to stuff those Swedish stockings? 

We rounded up the top ten gifts that we identify with Sweden - all of which can be ordered (and gift-wrapped) from the safety of your home. 

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1. Dala Horse

We'll start off with the obvious one. There will never be a Swedish present as classic, as tried-and-true, as the Dala horse.

Made painstakingly by hand and with nothing going to waste, the beautiful wooden figures are a classic symbol of Sweden. 

2. Johanna N Jewellery

An elegant piece of jewellery is always an appreciated gift. Johanna N's unique designs are inspired by her roots in northern Sweden, and are overflowing with nature themes such as reindeer antlers, birch branches, and butterflies.

The beautiful brass pieces are all the rage in Sweden - and each piece comes with a one-year guarantee to make sure they are both fashionable and functional. 

Prefer silver, simple pieces? Try out Anna Viktoria, with charming Dala horse necklaces and more. 

3. Fika mug

Coffee, coffee, coffee. Sweet pastries. Cosiness. FIKA. How much more Swedish can you get? This is the perfect option for the Sweden lover anywhere in the world - or who simply needs a bit more caffeine to make it through winter.

Shout your love for fika to the world with a mug imprinted with Sweden's most important word - because why not? There's even a tray to match to carry all those cinnamon buns!

4. Classic Swedish kids toys

Whether you go for the classic teddy bear or a Swedish storybook character like Alfons, these are sure to please. 

Teddykompaniet is a favourite among little ones in Sweden, with little Princess Estelle herself opting for the fluffy teddy. The family-owned company also guarantees good working conditions in their factories, totally safe and EU-approved products, and works with a children's hospital to improve hospital environment. This is a present where everyone wins.

5. Swedish ski hat

Baby, it's cold outside - especially if you're in Sweden. But even if you're not, you can remind a friend or loved one of good ol' Sverige with a cosy knit hat in blue and gold. Or the Swedish flag, or rainbow, or chainmail-reminiscent silver, or pink.

Sätila of Sweden has been keeping Swedish ears (and hands) warm since 1896. If there's anything they know how to do better than anyone, it's surviving the winter - in style. 

6. Snowball candle

Looking for a simple gift for a colleague? Instead of buying for that cookie-cutter jarred candle smelling like factory vanilla again, why not opt for a present which truly suits the mood and season?

Snow may be wet and cold, but you don't have to be to enjoy the warmth of this novelty Swedish candle

7. Skultuna cufflinks

The Swedish three-crown symbol is one of the nation's oldest, dating back to at least the 14th century. Of course, Swedes are also known for their effortless style and clean, classy details. 

Skultuna has been designing fine accessories for Swedish royalty since 1607. In short, Skultuna cuff-links featuring the three crowns are an impeccable choice for the stylish lad who already owns too many socks. They also come in festive red. You can even buy the pair Prince Daniel wore on his wedding day.

8. Hip flask

Right, so Sweden is cold, we've covered that. And there are certain ways of staying warm and cheerful in the dreary winter. Like knitted hats. And other things.

If you want to give a little piece of Sweden which is both humorous and useful, these steel hip flasks engraved with reindeer or moose might be right up your alley. Something for the hunter in your life?

9. Wooden wine corks and kitchen gadgets galore

Popping open the champagne this Christmas? Glugging down the glögg? How very Swedish of you. When you need a break just cork the bottle with a hand-carved, all natural birch cork from Fjällprodukter.

Or if you're planning on spending a lot of time in the kitchen, or need the perfect present for that wild-natured foodie in your life, why not try this reindeer apron?

We can hear them talking now: “What’s cooking good looking in a tanned reindeer apron?” Whether cooking on the grill or in the kitchen, this tanned apron is a fantastic gift for those who love cooking in their own style.

 

10. A cup of cheer

On a small road in the heart of the Old Town in Stockholm, there is a beautiful little candy store where they create amazing hand-made treats. Including delicious tea like this - you can't beat it!

This merry assorment of tea from Polkagris Kokeri’s picturesque 19th century store and candy factory is the perfect beverage of choice to keep your loved ones warm all season long.

 

This article was presented by The Local Brands. Shop here.

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