Here’s our guide to some festive gifts for the Scandi-lover in your life – or to add to your own list for Santa! Featuring many of the great brands and people we have discovered and / or spoken to.
Books
What better way to treat someone (or yourself) than with some brilliant Nordic books to read! Orenda Books but ever since our minds have been blown with the incredible talent they have. If you need somewhere to get some seriously brilliant Nordic Noir fixes than look no further than here!
But perhaps you are Nordic Noir-ed out? If you’d prefer something different, like poetry or more contemporary Nordic fiction, then head over to Nordisk Books. It’s here we discovered the brilliant Inland by Elin Willows and the heart breaking Transfer Window by Maria Gerhardt.
Films
We had to be a bit patient for some of the great Nordic films to come out this year – but they finally did come and hopefully there will be plenty more in the future.
We can’t see anyone’s Christmas being complete without a copy of Thomas Vinterberg’s Another Round.
If you want something with a little more action (but just as much Mads) then we recommend Riders of Justice.
Want to surprise your Nordic-loving friends with a movie they may not have seen? Then get a copy of Wildland – a hidden gem that was released earlier this year – or perhaps Iceland’s excellent The County.
*The links above will take you to Amazon via an Amazon affiliate link – all this means is that if you make a purchase via this link, Nordic Watchlist receive a very small referral fee from Amazon at absolutely no charge to you. This helps keep us going – thanks for your support 🙂
Over at Antiworlds you can get hold of some more controversial pieces of Nordic cinema, such as Finland’s Dogs Don’t Wear Pants and director Isabella Ekhof’s Holiday. Probably not the most Christmassy of presents but for those that like their Nordic movies with a bit of a graphic twist, then this is the place.
The limited edition blu-rays are quite a find, with a lot of extras plus booklets, including interviews with the directors, stars, and more.
ScandiKitchen
Scandikitchen is the home of Scandinavian food in the UK, where you can buy tasty treats from Sweden, Norway, Demark and Finland both in their store in London and online.
Find all your food favourites including sweets, chocolate, jams, condiments, drinks and even meats and cheeses! Why not make a little food hamper as a Nordic Christmas gift? www.scandikitchen.co.uk
Little Hygge Co.
We were inspired by the story behind the creation of this online retailer bringing a little hygge into homes around the UK. We spoke to its founder, Kirsty Gibson, who started the company after moving house and being made redundant during the Covid pandemic in 2020.
Selling stunning Scandinavian home accessories, The Little Hygge Co. has everything you need to decorate your home ready for Christmas and buy some special festive gifts for friends and family, while supporting small independent businesses.
www.thelittlehyggeco.com
Herno Gin
Hernö Gin is a must-try for any gin lover. Produced in Dala in Sweden, it’s an organic handcrafted gin, created with inspiration from the surrounding Swedish nature, with a delicious flavour and all packaged in a very cool brand.
Find out more in our interview with Hernö Gin founder Jon Hillgren, and at their website www.hernogin.com. Can be found online or in many gin retailers, including Waitrose in the UK.
Svensk Husman Socks
Celebrate Sweden’s unique food and fika culture with these bright, bold and fun unisex socks. Designs such as the famous Swedish meatballs, cinnamon buns, and the Dala horse, are among our favourites. https://svenskhusman.se/
Scandiborn
Anyone looking for a stylish gift for kids, Scandiborn has it all. Scandinavian-inspired children’s design, decor, essentials, toys, accessories and more – you’ll find everything you could want all in a wonderfully designed and easy-to-navigate website. Have a browse at www.scandiborn.co.uk, and read our interview with the founder.
Nordic Christmas gift guide compiled by Alex and Claire Minnis
