Nordic Christmas Gift Guide: Adopt the Nordic style with these beautiful gifts from Internationally awarded designers in Sweden, Finland and Denmark.
Sweden is and will forever be a beloved country to me. I lived there for almost 7 years, learned the language, the traditions, the beautiful culture of lagom and fika, and of course Nordic design, characterized by its minimalism. Today I am really excited to share with you the art of living in the Northern part of Europe through this Nordic Christmas Gift Guide, for which I selected iconic Nordic designer items to decorate your kitchen. Please take a tour and enjoy!
1. LAGOM: THE SWEDISH ART OF EATING HARMONIOUSLY. This book definitely needs to be on your Christmas list this year. Lagom is a Swedish word meaning “just the right amount”, a word for a lifestyle that encourages balance and mindfulness in everything that you do. Dive into the Nordic diet using seasonal produce from breakfast to dinner, and don’t forget a little fika (coffee break) once in a while!
2. MARIMEKKO TEAPOT I’m in love with this teapot designed by iconic Finnish designer Marimekko. Its simple and minimalist design featuring a black spotty pattern and a wood handle makes it a beautiful gift idea for both the everyday dining & special occasions. Side note: I would like it as a gift to myself!
3. MARIMEKKO TRAY. I was in Finland last summer and was surrounded by Marimekko everywhere (in the kitchen of our little house, in coffee shops, and even in the plane!). If you never had Marimekko before, start with a classic featuring the Unikko pattern (wide flowers), and add a modern touch with the pastel colors (beige, white and blue) used for this tray instead of the vivid ones traditionally used.
4. DESIGN HOUSE NORDIC LIGHT. Candleholders are a classic in every house around Christmas in Sweden, a beautiful tradition I have always loved. Indeed, this foldable candleholder Nordic Light with four arms from Scandinavian designer Design House Stockholm has now become an icon and I am lucky to have one myself, in red though. It definitely sets up the mood for Christmas!
5. CHEESE SLICER or the art of slicing cheese, the Nordic way! Yes, we slice hard cheese with a special knife in Sweden and around, using a cheese slicer that provides an easy and elegant way to thinly slice semi hard and hard cheeses. I find this one both easy to handle and elegant.
6. GROW GREENHOUSE. A very good friend of mine offered me this tiny grow green house last spring and I had to share it with you too. Isn’t it adorable and a smart invention? The bottom part holds the soil and the plant while the top part is a lid equipped with a spout, allowing it to be used as a watering can. Now you just need to find your perfect plant to grow inside!
7. DALA HORSE THROW PILLOW (VERSION 1) and VERSION 2 . I couldn’t choose between those 2 pillows featuring the iconic Dala Horse from Sweden. So I shared them both! I find them very Swedish yet crafted in a modern way. Hint: it’s on my Christmas list too!
8. CHRISTMAS ROLLING PIN. This is such a beautiful wooden object to make Christmas cookies! Made from durable, moisture-resistant hardwood with engraved Christmas deer pattern can help you make nice cakes and pastries for your friends, kids and family. It is also a pretty housewarming gift!
9. SCANDINAVIAN BAKING COOKBOOK. You know how much I love baking Swedish pastries and breads, and if you want to explore a little bit further, here’s one about Danish baking this time that I found absolutely beautiful!
10. SAGAFORM WHITE WINE CARAFE . It’s a personal favorite of mine. This elegant and minimalist carafe with a solid oak stopper found its place in my kitchen years ago in Stockholm and I have so many memories around it. It also makes a very beautiful present for your loved ones!
11. DALA HORSE SERVING BOWL. Forget the famous wooden carved Dala Horse – symbol of Sweden – and go for this Dala serving bowl from Scandinavian designer sagaform. It’s an amusing way to serve snacks and sweets, and make a beautiful present too!
12. MARIMEKKO BLACK & WHITE PLATE. Matching the teapot I shared earlier, this beautiful plate from Finnish designer Marimekko will bring the Nordic design to your house. I wish I had dozens of them!
13. SAGAFORM STORAGE JAR (LARGE). I absolutely need this gorgeous and large stoneware storage jar with an oak lid from Sagaform for all my granola recipes and I know you need it too! Don’t wait any longer and add it to your Christmas list.
14. SAGAFORM STORAGE JAR WITH OAK LID (SMALL). If you need the big one, you need the small one too! Just because they would go hand in hand together on a shelf or a countertop, and also because we always have so many things to store anyway: nuts, sugar lumps, snacks…
15. STELTON COCKTAIL SHAKER. I fell in love with this beautiful cocktail shaker designed by Internationally awarded Danish Tableware Stelton. The shaker comes with an integral sieve, brass-coloured lid and a beautiful measuring cup with two measures. Let’s go make some cocktails!
16. ECO-FRIENDLY BUTTER KNIFE. In Sweden, there is the art of slicing cheese, and there is the art of spreading butter, usually with the use of a handmade wooden knife. Although this one is not designed by a Nordic designer, it is the closest one I have found for you in both its shape and material. And I love the fact that it is eco-friendly too. Obviously. Sometimes, small gifts are the most precious ones.
17. SAGAFORM CANDLEHOLDER. I can’t get my eyes out of this candleholder. Really it goes with any style in your house, whether you are on the traditional or minimalist side. Designed by Scandinavian Sagaform, this clean design candleholder features a glass plate over the oak base to keep wax or water off of the oak. Also, it can be used as a candleholder or for plants. Genius!
18. GOTLAND THROW BLANKET. For making the best of these long cold winter days, what’s better than loving ourselves on the sofa with a hot cup of tea, a great book, and a throw blanket to keep us warm and cozy. This one is originated from the Swedish island Gotland (that you need to add on your bucket list by the way, it’s beautiful!) and 100% made with pure Scandinavian wool. Let it snow!
19. BRAIDED KNIT HAT. Nothing to do with the kitchen this time but we remain in the Nordic style with this braided knit hat from Fjällräven. Isn’t it the cutest?
20. SAGAFORM OAK BED TRAY TABLE. I need this one so badly! Breakfast in bed is one of my favorite fantasy, although it never happens… at least until now! What about adding it to your list and wake up on Christmas day with some warm buns prepared by your loved ones? I don’t know if it will ever happen but let me dream!
I hope this Nordic Christmas Gift Guide inspired you and somehow made you travel to the Nordic countries. For even more gift ideas, you are welcome to check my shop, where you will find some exclusive items for the kitchen. Happy shopping!
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Trop beau bisou
All of these are so cute but the horse bowl has to be the cutest.