A Very Scandi Gift Guide 2022

Well, well, well, if it isn’t the end of the year sneaking up on us again! Those gift lists are starting to get long, aren’t they? Not to worry; we’ve got a gift guide for you that will suit everyone in your life, from your design-loving friend to your always-on-the-go niece to your bookworm grandmother.

Scandi gifts at every price point, for every category. Not interested in physical gifts? That’s fine! We’ve got some experience and donation-based ideas as well.

Here’s our annual Scandi gift guide for your gifting pleasure:

Design	Fashion	Beauty
Books	Experiences	Donate

Gifts for People Who Love Scandinavian Design

Social Fabrics Home Textiles

Looking for that perfect tablecloth, pillow cover, or set of placemats? Designs from Social Fabrics, made ethically by artisans in India, are colorful, beautiful, and high-quality. Your table has never been so festive!

Kristina Dam Opal Vase

Known for her minimalist and functionalist style inspired by the Bauhaus, Danish designer Kristina Dam makes products that look simple but feel luxe. Her Opal Vase plays with light and illusion and is great for either flowers or just as as a sculpture on the shelf. Because you can see through it, this would be a fun vase to plant a small bulb in and watch it grow!

Heymat Sand Doormat

Your entryway or hallway shouldn’t have to be only functional space. Even if it’s tiny, spruce it up with a Heymat doormat. They come in a number of colors and designs; we love the Sand version because it’s minimalist while offering a soothing texture to any space. They’re hearty and easy to clean, making the mats ideal for both indoor and outdoor.

Triwa Watch

Swedish watch brand TRIWA makes high-quality watches at great price points. They even support a number of causes through sales, including oceans, gender equality, and peace-keeping (which cause depends on the collection). Whether you’re looking for a metal, bracelet-style watch, something sporty, or something minimalist, TRIWA has the style for you.

Massproductions Silo Winerack

Designed by Chris Martin for Swedish design company Massproductions, Silo Winerack holds four bottles of wine and can be stacked four deep, for a total of 16 bottles. The rack is made from a single piece of wood and are designed with an incline that keeps the wine in constant contact with the cork. If you know someone who is a wine lover, this is the gift for them!

The Puzl Originals Box

Love puzzles but sick of all the childish imagery? Swedish company The Puzl is for you! Their puzzles are created from stunning photography and housed in boxes that fit into your bookshelf. The Originals Box, which comes with five perspective-style puzzle images, is made to look like a library box set. Excellent for minimalist who still like to play!

Carl Hansen OW2000 Egyptian Stool

Created by Danish designer Ole Wanscher in 1957, the Egyptian Stool is great for small spaces. It can act as an accent piece or extra seating when you have guests. It’s also ideal for narrow hallways or desk spaces, and even folds flat if necessary. Designed after a trip to Egypt in which Wanscher became fascinated by the concept of “seats of power,” this stool is a classic that only gets better as it ages.

Pura Utz Beaded Poppy

Danish-Guatemalan brand Pura Utz makes playful beaded jewelry, bags, and other small items. They brand focuses on artisanal and ethical production wherein everyone is paid a fair wage. Tired of getting flowers, only to have them die? Why not get a bouquet (or single) handmade beaded poppy? It will last forever! We love the brightness of the blue, but there’s lots of colors to choose from.

Design Letters Initialled Items

Design Letters makes a number of design and jewelry items using Arne Jacobsen’s hand-drawn alphabet from 1937. Gift idea: give a parent or grandparent their kids or grandkid’ initials on a chain. It’s a lovely, personal gift that the wearer will adore.

Get 15% off your Design Letters purchase with the code SCANDIDESIGN.

Amoln Scented Candles

Crafted from natural ingredients and hand-poured in France, Amoln is a Swedish candle company making playful and refined scents paired with minimalist design. Their gorgeous blue vessels make them a charming addition to any room, and the scents are light enough that even those who don’t typically go for scented candles will love them. These make a great host gift if you’re going to a holiday dinner or party at someone’s home!

Let’s Fucking Date Card Game

Even though the game is called “Let’s Fucking Date,” it’s not just for romantic partners: this conversation-starting card game is really just about getting to know people better by asking in-depth and surprising questions. It’s non-actionable, meaning it doesn’t require any physical involvement, simply talking and listening. Bring it to your next dinner party or date!

Sample questions: “If you were a soup, what kind of soup would you be?” “What’s one thing you’ve wanted to say to me, but haven’t yet?

VEJRHØJ Watches

Want a watch that’s both minimalist and unique? VEJRHØJ is the answer. The Danish brand brings together a steel frame with a wood face for a look that’s both sleek and organic.

Get 15% off your watch with the code SCANDI15 at checkout.

Hugged Weighted Blanket

Not sleeping well? Let a weighted blanket change that for you. Choose 5, 7, or 11 kg to gently drape over you and let you glide into sleep. Hugged blankets are more like duvets, so you can add a duvet cover and keep it on your bed for nightly use.

Gifts for People Who Love Scandinavian Fashion

House of Dagmar Mazzy Knit

A thick, soft knit with a roll-neck made from luxurious recycled wool.

This will be a wear-it-every-day kind of knit; it makes any outfit look sleek and put-together without having to do much.

House of Dagmar focuses on luxe classics in sustainable materials, and this knit is a winter closet essential.

Sleeper One Size Pajamas

Pajamas made for everyone! These ultra soft, silky one size pyjamas from Ukrainian brand Sleeper come in a number of great colors and are so comfortable. It’s the ideal gift for someone who wants a bit of luxury but still likes to keep cosy. These will last a lifetime and can be worn during the maternity period as well.

Acne Studios Asymmetric Leather Tote

The perfect balance between an evening and event bag, and a regular handbag: this small tote does it all. The fun asymmetrical shape keeps it interesting, while the classic black leather means it will be easy to keep in your wardrobe for years to come.

66°North

This Icelandic heritage brand has been producing top-quality outwear since 1926. They first produced clothes for fishermen, then for the Icelandic Association for Search & Rescue (ICE-SAR), cementing them as a company who really knows how to keep a person warm. Want a puffer jacket that will keep you cozy no matter what the weather? This is the brand for you. The unisex Dyngja Down Coat is a solid city life-meets-outdoorsy jacket, and we like that little bit of shine that keeps it from feeling boring.

Vinny’s Townee Penny Loafer

Vinny’s makes high-quality, classic shoes in small batches. Their loafers are a wardrobe workhorse; dress them up or down. Try their timeless Townee Penny Loafer in a slightly unexpected color, such as navy, for a pair of shoes you’ll be wearing year after year.

Stiksen Ventile Baseball Cap

Looking for a baseball cap with nothing on it? No logo, no funny saying? We get it! Stiksen makes great, plain caps that are high-quality and come in number of materials. We love the Ventile, which is water-resistant, making it ideal for rainy days. Choose the color and cut that speaks to you.

Filippa K Bri Knee Boots

Knee boots are back! Or, depending on your style, they never left. A knee-high boot is a classic that may occasionally dip with trends, but overall you’ll always come back to it. These ones made by Swedish minimalist fashion brand Filippa K are top quality and include a mid-size heel with a lug sole, making them ideal for winter. The sole isn’t so thick that the boots don’t look elegant, though; they hit a great balance between dressy and daily wear. If you’re looking for a pair of knee-high boots that will last forever, these are the ones.

Tapis Noir Large Silk Scarf

Elegant silk scarves inspired by classic floral and ikat prints: Danish brand Tapis Noir is all about refined pieces that will look good for years to come. There’s nothing more luxurious than a large silk scarf wrapped around your neck during the winter. Find the color and print combination that speaks to you.

Want more scarves? See our full list of winter scarves.

Gifts for People Who Love Scandinavian Beauty & Skincare

MANTLE Advent Calendar

If you haven’t gotten into cannabeauty yet (beauty products with CBD), this advent calendar from Swedish brand MANTLE is the perfect place to start. Five of their full size bestsellers in one place for a great value; what’s not to like? Their products are hardworking, especially the moisturizers!

Want to learn more about CBD in Scandinavia? All your questions answered here!

Colekt Fragrance

Swedish fragrance and skincare brand Colekt makes elegant, intriguing scents that capture Swedish seasons and natural landscapes in a conceptual way. We recommend Void for autumn and winter, with its notes of warm basil, citrus, and dry wood.
 

ROWSE Night Serum

ROWSE makes plant-based, organic skincare in gorgeous glass bottles. Unlike some “clean” beauty, these products really work, and the night serums are worth the investment. Choose between a regenerative, repair, or purifying serum; all of them will have you waking up with ultra moisturized, glossy skin.

La Bouche Rouge Refillable Lipstick Case

The kind of thing you rarely buy yourself but absolutely love getting a gift! This refillable lipstick case from french beauty brand La Bouche Rouge keeps your lipsticks looking fresh even in the depths of your bags, and you can reuse it for years and years to come. This is the kind of item you remember finding in your mom’s handbag and have been thinking about ever since. Tactile, small, and totally charming.

Maria Nila Stockholm True Soft Gift Set

Vegan haircare company Maria Nila Stockholm make lovely gift sets for the holiday. Their True Soft is a classic for a reason: it comes with shampoo, conditioner, and a aragan oil that adds a great shine and softness.

Gifts for People Who Love Books

The Undesired by Ysra Sigurdardottir

A standalone mystery thriller by the Icelandic queen of Nordic Noir, Ysra Sigurdardottir, the book follows the stories of two families a few decades apart. Ódinn Hafsteinsson is investigating a boy’s juvenile detention centre for possible abuses, while struggling with feelings of guilt for his wife’s death and daughter’s subsequent problems. Back in 1974, the book follows a young girl who becomes infatuated with a boy at the same juvenile detention centre. When he disappears, along with a friend, the result is terrible for the young girl. Later, the two narratives converge in a shocking, ironic twist.

The Complete Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

Given the current activism happening in Iran at the moment, it’s a good time to re-read (or read for the first time) Persepolis, the beloved graphic novel in two volumes by Marjane Satrapi. The books depict Satrapi’s childhood in Iran during the Islamic revolution, her move to Austria for school, then back to Iran where she marries. It’s an intimate, tender, heart-wrenching book that takes themes of political movement down to the individual level.

Share: Conversations about Contemporary Architecture (Nordic Countries)

Talking to some of the biggest names in Nordic architecture, this book explores styles, history, and lessons of contemporary Nordic architecture through the lens of the architects themselves, as well as interviews with author and Noway-based Canadian architect Todd Saunders. It’s a fascinating and in-depth look at architectural practice as it is today.

Black Food by Terry Bryant

It’s a cookbook, yes, but also a testament to the power of food within community. Renowned chef and cookbook author Terry Bryant has complied an incredible array of recipes, essays, poetry, and more in what is destined to be a classic cookbook. Recipes include: Crispy Cassava Skillet Cakes from Yewande Komolafe, Okra & Shrimp Purloo from BJ Dennis, Jerk Chicken Ramen from Suzanne Barr, and Avocado and Mango Salad with Spicy Pickled Carrot and Rof Dressing from Pierre Thiam.

MARPLE: Twelve New Mysteries

Agatha Christie lovers, your time has come! The beloved octogenarian sleuth Miss Jane Marple is back with twelve new mysteries by twelve incredible authors including Dreda Say Mitchell, Jean Kwok, Alyssa Cole, Lucy Foley, and more. These authors lovingly take on the Marple legacy, creating fun new adventures that are both unexpected yet totally familiar. A great holiday read!

Mother Tongue Magazine Subscription

It’s a new take on motherhood: it’s not about children or parenting, but rather how the experience of motherhood is both universal and unique, seeping into every element of life. This magazine, based in the US but with global themes, is a great gift for a new parent or someone who wants a new angle on an old discussion.

Gifts for People Who Love Travel

Bellroy Lite Collection

Bellroy’s well-made, highly functional items can keep your whole life organised, from office to home and everywhere in between. Their Lite Collection are items that can be packed flat and used as needed. Take the duffle at the bottom of your suitcase if you’re not sure how much extra you’ll be bringing home on your next travel, or choose the Lite Sling for long travel days when you need to keep your essentials close. The Lite pieces, despite being so airy, are incredibly hardworking and the zippers do not die, regardless of how stuffed your bags get.

Sophie Bille Brahe Velvet Jewelry Box

If you’re not sure how to travel with your jewelry, especially the more delicate pieces, this small velvet box is just what you need. It’s useful, but also look gorgeous on your vanity or sink when displayed. Functionality and glamor in one place!

Oribe Style and Refresh Gift Box

Oribe sets the gold standard with their excellent dry shampoo, and now their dry texturising spray does the same thing…but even better (as in: more volume!). This set comes with a large version of the texturizing spray, plus a travel size dry shampoo and texturizing spray, making them easy to pop in your bag for occasional hair refreshes on-the-go. The charming, colorful gift box makes the whole thing an ideal package for beauty-lovers.

Gifts for People Who Want a Scandinavian Experience

Hey Captain Gift Card

Let a loved one play at being Captain and take to the seas (Copenhagen’s canals) with a Hey Captain gift card. The receiver can choose from a public or private tour, opting to sail past landmarks, hidden gems, or just to float along Copenhagen’s waterways on a long summer’s day – though a winter trip is just as enjoyable, as the company provide blankets and hot drinks for a true hyggligt experience.

ilovecreatives online course

Want to learn a new online skill, such as building your website or making video content? Ilovecreatives is the place for you! With courses hosted by the tremendously talented and funny Puno, these courses are worthwhile for the actionable skills they offer; you will walk away feeling you’ve really gained something, and you’ll have fun in the process.

Masterclass

Choose from a range of expert-level teachers in specific topics, such as Danny Elfman teaching Music for Film. Some of these classes are better than others, so be sure to read some reviews before you commit to a class!

Gifts that Give Back

If you’d rather show you care by donating money to a worthy cause, there are plenty of organizations and individuals that need donations.
 

Abdorrahman Boroumand Center in Iran

The ABC in Iran is working towards democracy through advocacy and dissemination of information about of human rights in the country. One of the ways that they do this is by documenting all executions and torture, and giving those who have been tortured or had a loved one executed a platform to share their story. They conduct research, archive, and run education programs as well.

Kyiv Independent Newspaper

The ongoing war in Ukraine is devastating; the Kyiv Independent, an English-language newspaper borne when the Kyiv Post was shut down amidst the invasion, has been working hard to make sure that the story of what is happening is told globally.

Journalists working in war zones take an enormous risk so that freedom of press, freedom of speech, and the ability to witness history is preserved. Donate to Kyiv Independent to allow this Ukrainian media outlet to continue their vital coverage.

Médecins Sans Frontieres

MSF is working to reduce suffering in disaster and conflict zones.

Planned Parenthood

Planned Parenthood provides reproductive health care and education for women at the community level. It is particularly important to donate now, when reproductive health care is under attack in the United States.

Happy Holidays! We wish you all a happy and healthy festive season.

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