swedish tourist gifts

30 Swedish Souvenirs to Bring Home With You

We know the struggle is real when it comes to choosing what to buy as a souvenir from Sweden .

What, for instance, will really capture the tussle you had with a moose? The smell of wintery nights and summer days? And why is it so hard to convince the owner of your rental cabin to let you dismantle it, flat-pack style, and bring it back home?

Never fear. We’ve got a list of the 30 souvenirs from Sweden to bring home with you, starting with some traditional options.

Table of Contents

Traditional Swedish souvenirs

1. a dala horse.

As you can see, the Dala horse souvenir is as versatile as it is stylish. If you want to branch out from the traditional wooden horse, you’ll find Dala horses on everything from throws to tea towels in Sweden. 

If you are a traditionalist, by all means, invest in a Dala horse. They can be pretty pricey, but they’re absolutely worth the money.

Authentic Dala horses are hand-carved and painted, so each is unique even if they look similar to the untrained eye. Of all Swedish souvenirs, the Dala horse is the most easily recognizable and quintessentially Swedish.

Available at: Museum gift shops, Skansen, Tourist shops

2. Wooden kitchen utensils

Among the most common and typical Swedish gifts are wooden kitchen utensils. Yeah, the Swedes take the wooden spoon to a whole new level. Knives, forks — if you can eat with them, the Swedes make them out of wood.

The advantages of buying a wooden knife as a souvenir are numerous. Firstly, you’ll never have to put up with torn bread again. Secondly, they look fabulous. This Swedish gift will ensure the safety of your future sandwiches and they’re useful in the kitchen. It’s a win-win.

Tip: for super fancy designs, head to Royal Design .

3. Scented candles

One of the first things I look forward to when I land in Sweden is the familiar smell of cinnamon, pinewood, and coffee. If like me, you can’t get enough of these yummy scents, your perfect Swedish souvenir to keep your wanderlust at bay could be a scented candle!

Insider’s tip: Scandi lifestyle books will tell you that scented candles are a no-no. They’re right, but that fact is at odds with the overwhelming selection of scented candles available in Sweden! My favorites are cinnamon, birch, and pine .

Tip: Head to Lagerhaus (there’s at least one in every city) for money-savvy alternatives

4. Candleholders

While we’re on the subject of candles, a candleholder is another contender for the position as the quintessential souvenir from Sweden. Swedes certainly love their candles, but fairly often it’s what’s holding them that takes center stage.

What I love about this option is that it caters to all tastes and price ranges. If you’re a bargain hunter, you should head to warehouse stores like Lagerhaus or Rusta . The charming gingerbread lady (above) comes in at just 100 SEK ($10).

You can also go for more bespoke alternatives such as iron, gold-plated, or even crystal candle holders, so the choice is pretty much yours!

5. Kosta Boda crystalware

If you’ve ever wondered what products Sweden is famous for , here’s your answer. Fans of fancy tableware will already know that Swedish brand Kosta Boda is one of the world’s most famous crystalware companies. And if “fancy” is how you’d like to describe the Swedish gifts you return with, then there can only be Kosta Boda! For 200 years, Kosta Boda has made the world marvel at their designs which sparkle and glitter. You’ll find everything from tumblers to carafes, vases, and even candy bowls made in the finest crystal.

Don’t assume all of these products will break the bank, either: there’s a fabulous outlet store in Gustavsberg , just half an hour from Stockholm’s city center. Easily accessed by bus, car, or ferry. Otherwise, look out for their products sold at Cevera , RoyalDesign , and NK .

6. Guest hand towels

The Swedes always have guest hand towels in their bathrooms. Wow your own guests at home by choosing a Scandinavian guest hand towel as your Swedish souvenir! 

Many Swedes favor Marimekko for their fanciest guest hand towels, aka Finnish designer Maija Isola. Of course, you can also opt for Swedish designs featuring native Swedish animals or even Christmas themes. Get yours at most Hemtex or Åhlèns stores (also available online).

Wearable Swedish souvenirs

7. happy socks.

If you’re looking for a practical Swedish souvenir, a pair of Happy Socks might just be for you. What better way to say “these made me think of you” than the gift of some crazy, colorful socks? Happy Socks have been making the perfect gift for people who already have everything since 2008.

The quality of Happy Socks is unmatched, and they’re available to buy in box sets so they’re easy to transport and gift wrap. Bring home some iconic Swedish sock designs by checking out the Minecraft box set , Swedish Edition collection , and Pippi Longstocking range. Tip: Happy Socks are sold at Åhléns , MQ & online .

8. Viking jewelry

You don’t need a doctorate in Viking history to appreciate how awesome it is. As terrifying and grizzly as their era was, all you need to watch out for these days is paying too much for inauthentic Viking Swedish souvenirs.

If you fancy pulling off Viking fashion, you can look as formidable as Thor, Loki, and Oden by picking up a Viking pendant of a rune or Mjölnir, Thor’s hammer. They come in pewter, bronze, and iron varieties, and each is unique.

The runes also come with translations, so no chance you’ll wander around wearing a rune that says something like “hot dog” without knowing it!

Tip: Authenticity is key when it comes to this type of souvenir, and I can highly recommend you pay Handfaste a visit if you’re visiting Gamla Stan, Stockholm. The shops surrounding it can be super-touristy, but this one is an elegant gem.

9. A pair of Nudies

Don’t be scared off by their name, Nudie are a jeans company from Gothenburg, western Sweden. They’re also one of the most sustainable and fashion-conscious denim brands out there.

Sure, you can find them on sale all over the world, but there are more upsides to making a pair of Nudies your Swedish souvenir.

Firstly, there are repair shops all over the world that’ll fix your Nudie jeans free of charge to ensure them the longest lifespan possible. Secondly, they’re made with sustainable fabric and they’ll last for years! Available at: Nudie stores (and online)

10. Lovikka mittens

It almost goes without saying that some of the products Sweden is famous for were been born out of necessity. Case and point: Lovikka mittens. A pair of 100% wool mittens in the Lovikka design will keep your fingers snug and warm as you navigate Sweden’s snow-covered streets — or enter into a snowball fight.

Lovikka mittens were first designed and made by the indigenous Sámi people, and the best quality ones to be found in Sweden will have their origins in the region of Norrbotten. Tip: Many museum shops (such as Skansen ) sell Lovikka mittens, and if you’re in Stockholm you can get yourself a pair at Svensk Hemslöjd on Norrlandsgatan 10 or online.

11. Fjällräven accessories

The must-have accessory for any budding traveler is the Kånken backpack from Fjällräven , the Swedish brand favored by everyone from school kids to hikers.

If a backpack is a little out of your price range for your Swedish souvenir, don’t worry — they’ve also got some pretty sweet accessories! Fjällräven has everything you need to equip you for harsh climates, so if you know it gets chilly where you live then this might be a great option for a souvenir from Sweden. The largest store selling Fjällräven attire, Naturkompaniet, is located on Kungsgatan 26 in Stockholm. You can also find them online by visiting fjallraven.com .

12. Caroline Svedbom jewelry

This recommendation is mostly for my fellow magpies. If you can’t resist going for a glittery souvenir from Sweden, I recommend taking a trip to Caroline Svedbom’s sparkling jewelry store in Östermalm, Stockholm. 

Caroline Svedbom specializes in jewelry designs containing crystals of dazzling colors, from pale lilac amethysts to turquoise topaz.

Although this falls into the category of luxury Swedish souvenirs, it’s something that can be worn and cherished as a Stockholm keepsake for many years to come. Hard not to think of the dazzling lakes and snowdrifts when wearing opals and crystals, am I right?

Tip: You can also find Caroline Svedbom jewelry at some Åhléns stores.

Edible Swedish souvenirs

13. lingonberry jam.

Classic Swedish dishes such as pancakes and meatballs just aren’t the same without a dollop of lingonberry jam. Of all the Swedish food souvenirs, this one is particularly unique and can help conjure up some very fond memories.

There are a few options to consider when getting your lingonberry jam souvenir, depending on how much effort you want to put into procuring it.

Firstly, you can choose to go foraging for the berries yourself. Towards the end of summer and the beginning of fall (August through October), Sweden’s forests start teeming with lingonberries. If you’re a novice, ask a local or use Google to help you find a great spot and sort the Lingon from the poisonous berries!

If you’d rather not risk it, you’ll find ready-made lingonberry jam in just about every supermarket in Sweden. You can even get a squeezy bottle so no need to worry about shattered glass in your bag.

Recommended brands: Önos , BOB

14. Swedish crispbread

A delicious, healthy snack? Sign us up! One of the best edible souvenirs you can bring back from Sweden is crispbread. The most renowned brand is Leksands, and it’s available in rye, wholewheat, and linseed varieties.

Crispbread is a snack that’ll bring you back to that post-hike euphoria or sitting in front of a crackling fire after cross-country skiing. Why not prolong that feeling by swinging by a supermarket and getting some crispbread?

Available at: All major Swedish supermarkets

15. Flavored chips

Before you skip ahead thinking there can’t possibly be anything different about Swedish-flavored chips compared to your own, stay with me. If you’re looking for Swedish food souvenirs but hate cooking, this might just be for you. 

Swedes, like everyone else, love their flavored chips. Favorite flavors include dill, sour cream and onion, and cheese. Even the sour cream-flavored chips in Sweden are vegan-friendly, but be sure to check the ingredients on the back before you buy if that’s a concern for you.

Dill-flavored chips are pretty unique to Scandinavia, and their tangy flavor is so unique that you might even get away with serving them as an appetizer or a snack while you watch sports. That is, if you manage to not eat them all on the flight home.

Available at: All major Swedish supermarkets, Pressbyrån, 7-11

16. Tubed caviar

Ever heard the phrase: champagne lifestyle, lemonade wage? Well if that’s you (or someone you know) a humorous and low-priced souvenir from Sweden could be one of the nation’s favorite sandwich toppings: caviar. In a tube.

Looks like toothpaste, and tastes like salty, fishy tomato puree, but it’s a classic. Kalles Kaviar is a Swedish souvenir that is guaranteed to take you back to topless sandwiches and listening to Swedes insisting this stuff tastes great.

If you know a Swedish expat, it’s possible you’ll see them lose their minds and all dignity if you show up at their house with one of these (even if they have a secret stash in the house, which many of them do).

Available at all Swedish supermarkets.

17. Marabou chocolate

Last but certainly not least on our list of Swedish food souvenirs is Marabou chocolate. A bar of this creamy milk chocolate is the ultimate easy-peasy Swedish gift if you’re low on cash but big on love. After all, who wouldn’t want a bar of chocolate in Swedish flavors such as Daim or, if you’re feeling brave, salty licorice?

There are also more conventional favorites like Swiss hazelnut, orange zest, Oreo, and peppermint. Don’t let anyone tell you these aren’t just as delicious. 

Available at: Major Swedish airports, supermarkets & convenience stores

Swedish Christmas souvenirs

18. a christmas goat.

Nothing says it’s Christmas in Sweden quite like goats made of straw. Whether the sight of it makes you giggle or it conjures up happy festive vibes, a Julbock of your very own might be the only Swedish souvenir you need.

Available at: Most Christmas markets (see end of article) and Cevera

19. Hanging advent stars

With Santa just next door in Lapland, Finland, it figures Sweden has some iconic Christmas decorations besides straw goats.

In Sweden, Christmas decorations center around a julstake (Christmas candelabra) or an adventsstjärna (Star of Advent). This souvenir from Sweden will have you feeling more festive than usual in no time!

You can obtain candelabras or hanging advent stars in most stores in Sweden around Christmas time. If you live outside Europe and you’re worried about needing electricity adaptors, don’t worry, you can find battery-operated versions too.

An alternative is to buy the shell of the advent star (flat-packed, naturally) which comes in many colors and unique designs. Then all you’ll need is a light bulb. Genius.

Available at: RoyalDesign.se , Designtorget

20. A Pärlans advent calendar

One of the best gifts from Sweden you can give has to be anything from the Stockholm-based confectionary store, Pärlans . Kick it up a notch by gifting someone (or yourself!) an advent calendar with 24 different flavors of caramels made lovingly by hand. Of course, tradition dictates that you’ll get to keep this box for 24 days as you make your way through it but…we won’t blame you if you eat it all in one go. Just don’t tell Santa!

21. Julmust & Glögg

If you want to put on a Swedish smörgåsbord-style Christmas buffet at home, you’ll need something delicious to wash the food down with. Coincidentally, the two traditional options make excellent Swedish souvenirs – Julmust or Glögg .

Julmust is a bit of an acquired taste, but it’s a true classic for Swedish kids at Christmas time. It’s a soda drink with the same consistency and color as cola. I’ve heard it described as “medicine-like” in flavor – and needless to say, I disagree.

Love it or hate it, it’s certainly not available anywhere else! Glögg is the grown-up alternative to Julmust, and is the Swedish equivalent of mulled spiced wine. Tip: Available at most Swedish supermarkets or Systembolaget

Swedish souvenirs for kids

22. swedish-themed coloring books.

I won’t tattle tale if you buy one of these for yourself instead of a kid. After all, adult coloring books are still growing in popularity.

However, if there are little ones expecting you to bring them the best gifts from Sweden, I’d recommend this coloring book themed around Sweden’s varied and beautiful wildlife. It’s got 35 pages of moose, lynx cats, owls, and more to teach tiny travellers about Sweden!

Available at: Designtorget & adlibris.com

23. Plushie forest friends

Moose, reindeer, and hedgehogs aren’t the cuddliest of real-life friends so maybe it’s just as well that it’s frowned upon to try to persuade them into your luggage. Fret not, there are heaps of choices when it comes to finding high-quality, adorable plushie animals perfect for young ones in Sweden.

Notable brands to look out for include Bukowski and Teddykompaniet, both have earned their reputations as excellent plushie makers. Why not opt for animals modeled after the Swedish forest, such as the moose , fox , or reindeer ? 

Available at: Åhléns , Teddykompaniet.se & Bukowski.se

24. A game of Kubb

On your list of things to buy in Sweden should be a humble set of Kubb blocks.

Kubb is a game that will bring all your friends and family together and if you’ve spent Midsummer celebrating with Swedes, then you’ll already know how these innocent-looking pieces of wood can make you want to scream in frustration — in the best possible way. 

Tip: You can get a set of your own or as a gift from Jula , Clas Ohlson , or even larger supermarkets.

25. Swedish puzzles & games

For some brain workout Swedish souvenirs that can involve the whole family, take a look at some of the puzzles and board games on offer.

Check out the Stockholm City puzzle , which will help you reconstruct your memories of the Swedish capital – and look stylish on your wall if you frame it when you’ve completed it. Of course, you can always pick up a game of Swedish Monopoly (check to make sure there are rules/instructions in English before you buy!)

Alternatively, bring a little bit of  Swedish “mys” (coziness) to your home by opting for the Hygge game . This little box contains questions that you and your nearest and dearest can ponder together as you wrap up warm and munch on cinnamon buns. Bliss!

Available at: Designtorget , Åhléns

Miscellaneous Swedish souvenirs

26. arvid nordquist coffee accessories.

Spend any amount of time in Sweden and you’ll realize it’s coffee that’s keeping the country fuelled.

If you love coffee as much as the Swedes (or you know someone who does) the perfect souvenir from Sweden could be anything related to coffee. If you’re not fond of the filter coffee that Swedes swear by, why not opt for some coffee accessories instead?

Arvid Nordquist began selling coffee in the late 1800s, and today he’s revered as one of Sweden’s top coffee brands. Keep your coffee fresher for longer in Swedish style by opting for an Arvid Nordquist coffee tin as your Swedish souvenir. There’s also a pretty stylish thermos available too!

27. Swedish city totes

Show off every time you go to buy groceries by picking up a tote with your favorite Swedish city on it!

Alternatively, if you’re going Swedish souvenir shopping, you might as well have somewhere nice to put your goods. Whether you’ve fallen in love with Stockholm, Malmö, or Göteborg, let everyone know about it when you get home by using one of these tote bags from Designtorget .

28. Eco beauty products

Being kind to the Earth and its creatures doesn’t have to mean neglecting your beauty regimen. Finding the perfect Swedish gift or souvenir could be as easy as visiting a local pharmacy before you hit the airport.

Sweden has been at the forefront of revolutionizing the beauty industry by using less harsh chemicals and advocating for animal rights and the environment.

For hair care, check out Maria Nila and Sachajuan for cruelty-free products. Some are suitable for vegans, too! They also smell amazing and contain fewer chemicals than many other big brands, it’s a win-win! If skincare is your concern, look no further than Björk and Berries or Estelle & Thild . They’re made with locally sourced, natural products straight from Sweden’s abundant forests to keep you soft and smelling great.

Also worth a mention is Löwengrip . Created by Sweden’s most famous beauty blogger, Isabella Löwengrip, her products are cheaper but no less classy.

29. ABBA Memorabilia

Listen. Whether you want to admit it or not, I’m guessing many of you will have the ABBA museum on your itinerary while visiting Stockholm. It might even be the reason for your visit.

That’s okay. If there’s a lack of iconic ‘70s band merch/memorabilia in your home, then a trip to the ABBA museum gift shop is what’s needed to help you get your fill.

 It has everything from key chains to mugs, tees, and vinyl records for Dancing Queens and Super Troupers alike. The only question is Voulez-Vous some tips? Personally, I’m obsessed with this magnet of the band wearing catsuits . I’m out of puns, but check out their website to see the full array.

Tip: The ABBA museum is located in historic Djurgården, which is also where you’ll find all of Stockholm’s other main museums and attractions. It’s a stone’s throw away from the shopping districts of Gamla Stan and T-Centralen too!

30. Reindeer products

Lastly, northern Sweden (Lapland in particular) is famous for its large population of reindeer. These are cared for and herded by the indigenous Sámi people and are the main source of income in the area. 

You’ll find reindeer products ranging from meat to fur, as well as leather and everything in between for sale in Sweden.

Just a word of warning, however. Before you buy some reindeer jerky or a classy reindeer hide rug, it’s worth finding out what your customs rules are on bringing animal products through border security. Reindeer are protected and so products derived from them can be extremely expensive. 

Available from: Major Swedish airports, LovefromLapland.se

Sweden souvenirs online

Buying souvenirs from Sweden online is now easier than ever. Depending on where you are in the world, you might have the option to select shipping to your home country from the links provided here.

Failing that, there are business-minded Swedes around the world dedicated to getting some of the above to you without having to make the trip to Sweden yourself! 

Australia : Aussies (or Swedish expats in Australia) can get their Swedish souvenirs or gifts from Nordic Fusion or FIKA Swedish Kitchen . No need to miss filter coffee or dill chips with these two around! 

United Kingdom : ScandiKitchen , located in London, is a cafe and online business that supply Scandinavian favorites to the U.K market. Owner, Brontë Aurell (as well as being a lovely person) has written the ultimate Scandi cookbooks covering Fika and Christmas. United States : Sweden’s Finest do an excellent job of delivering all the Swedish souvenirs and gifts you could need from Fort Myers, Florida. They sell everything from Swedish calendars to Dala horses (and of course, food!).

Christmas Market info : Stockholm: Gamla Stan or Skansen . Göteborg: Liseberg . Malmö: Svaneholm Castle .

Whatever you love about Sweden, there’s a tiny piece for everyone to take home as a souvenir and cherish. Whether it’s the food, interior design, the quirky design, or the games Swedes play, it’s here on our list of 30 souvenirs from Sweden to bring home with you.

What did you pick up in Sweden the last time you visited? Let us know in the comments below! Also read:

• 30 Things Sweden is Known and Famous For
• Nightlife in Stockholm: 12 Bars and Clubs to Party the Night Away
• 21 Scrumptious Swedish Desserts to Try at Fika Time

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Top 25 Swedish Souvenirs and Gifts to Bring Home: the Ultimate Guide

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My fascination with Sweden started back in the US with my many shopping trips to Ikea.  Wandering the miles of paths winding through the store, sitting on Swedish designed furniture and dining on princess cake and Swedish meatballs in the cafe made me eager to visit to find the best Swedish souvenirs.

Finally, on a very frigid trip to Sweden in December (I recommend only the hardy and cold weather tolerant attempt such a visit) I was able to explore Stockholm and find my own unique Swedish souvenirs.

My visit To Sweden was short, part of a multi-city European Christmas market tour, so my souvenir search was limited to Stockholm, the gorgeous quaint capital city. I found all the Swedish souvenirs by shopping in the heart of the city.

For the tourist short on time, Stockholm is an ideal souvenir shopping city, as it’s pretty easy to find souvenirs from all over Sweden here. I hope to visit more areas of Sweden in the future and delve deeper into the regional artisan crafts and traditional souvenirs.

The perfectly preserved historic district of Stockholm, Gamla Stan, is an absolutely magical area to wander and shop.

The cobblestone streets of Stockholm started to darken at 3 pm when I visited in December.

Best Unique Souvenirs to Bring Home from Sweden

Here’s my list of what to buy on your next trip to Sweden. If you have more ideas, please share in the comments.

1. Dala Horse Souvenir

I’ll start with the souvenir that I think of first when I think of Sweden– the wooden Dala Horse ( Dalahäst ), often used as a colorful accessory in Swedish decor.  Although the originals are hand carved and painted in the Swedish city of Dalarna, you can find Dala horses in shops all over Stockholm. While known as a symbol for good luck, it does have potentially controversial (and sinister) origins– read my blog post here.

2. Swedish Sami Lapland Jewelry

I absolutely loved the gorgeous Sami jewelry (from the northern Lapland region) and took home a souvenir bracelet for myself.

Sami jewelery from the northern Lapland region is typically made from reindeer leather and silver, often with braided designs.

These Swedish lapland bracelets look great when worn stacked several at a time.

3. Swedish Slotts Mustard

One thing you’ll notice if you visit any of the Nordic countries is that hot dogs are a very popular snack. So it’s not too surprising that the top hot dog condiment, mustard, will also be a popular food item. Sweden is no exception, with a dizzying offering of mustards available at the local supermarket.

When I visited the local Swedish supermarket, this bright yellow tube caught my eye– Slott’s original mustard, established in 1919. This grainy and zesty mustard from Skåne in southern Sweden has a nice bite to it, perfect to make the mustard crust on the Swedes’ Christmas ham (and for leftover ham sandwiches). ( See more Swedish grocery store finds here ).

Swedish mustard, the perfect condiment for everything from ham to hot dogs.

4. Swedish Candy Cane souvenir

My visit to Stockholm was timed with the Christmas market season, so I wasn’t surprised to see candy cane-like sweets sold everywhere. But in Sweden, candy canes (called Polkagris) aren’t just for the holidays, they are popular year round.

I found polkagris far tastier than American candy canes, the peppermint is more subtle and the flavor more balanced.

Polkagris, the Swedish version of candy canes– a big upgrade from American versions.

5. Swedish Candlesticks, a Hygge Souvenir

If you’re a regular reader of my website, you may have noticed that my selected souvenirs aren’t always typical. I try to keep an eye out for unexpected items that get overlooked in those boring “top souvenirs” lists that all list the exact same obvious items.

I wrote all about the Swedish hygge culture (long before anyone even knew what the word meant!) and felt like the beautiful candlesticks I saw absolutely everywhere represented this cozy sentiment well.

6. Chockladboll Souvenir

These Swedish confectionaries are known as “chokladboll,” and are a mash up of oatmeal, sugar, coffee, cocoa, and butter. You’ll see these irresistible Swedish sweets stacked up in sweet shops and markets. They travel easily and make a great souvenir to bring back home for your sweets lover.

You have to try these Swedish rolled log candies.

7. Smoked Reindeer Meat

I really didn’t want to try reindeer (I couldn’t get Rudolph out of my head) but it was actually tasty. (Note: not customs friendly for my US readers).

Samples of smoked reindeer meat.

8. Swedish Christmas Ornaments

If you happen to be in Sweden for the holiday season, you have to visit the spectacular Christmas markets (check out my posts on the Swedish markets here and here ).

Shopping the Swedish markets is one of my favorite memories. I always think of Germany as home to everything Christmas-y so I was surprised at how gorgeous and beautifully made the Swedish Christmas ornaments were. Be forewarned though, the Swedish Christmas markets are not a place to hang out on frigid evenings– they close up early in mid afternoon.

9. Swedish Glog

While at the holiday markets, you’ll see stands for warm glog (tasty and fun to say). I loved the where-the-wild-things-are take home bottles as souvenirs.

Glog to go in “where the wild things are” bottles. (My review of the Gamla Stan Christmas Market).

10. Knäckebröd (Swedish Crisp Bread Souvenir)

Crisp bread, a flat and dry cracker made mostly of rye flour, is popular throughout all the Nordic countries (Denmark, Norway, Finland) . Crisp bread was first baked in Sweden in 500 A.D. and for most of its history was considered a poor man’s bread.

In modern times, crisp bread, with its high fiber content, has enjoyed a renewed interest from the health food crowd.

Although you’ll find many crisp breads back home, the variety on offer in Sweden is astounding. They make a great Swedish souvenir because they keep forever and can be eaten with pretty much anything (cheese is my favorite topping).

I shopped for handmade crispbread at the markets.

I loved the colorful packaging on the Swedish supermarket version.

11. Swedish Silver Jewelry Souvenir

Silver is a traditional (and affordable) metal used in Swedish jewelry design. I shopped for a gift for myself and brought home this silver ring designed with traditional Swedish heart (about $60 US).

Swedish heart ring in sterling silver, my souvenir. Note my lapland bracelet too.

12. Lovikka Mittens Souvenir

I saw adorable mittens all over Stockholm but didn’t realize they were a bona fide Swedish souvenir until after I got home. These signature mittens are made in Lovikka in the region of Norrbotten, and generally have cute tassels on the cuff.

A warm souvenir you’ll use all winter long, Swedish mittens.

13. Carved Wooden Utensils

I saw lots of beautifully designed wooden kitchen utensils. This is an easy souvenir to pick up for those who think they won’t use their souvenirs back home.

Can you ever have too many wooden spoons? I think not.

Interestingly, wooden butter “knifes” are traditional in Sweden. I loved this knife and cutting board set.

14. Vasa Replica Ship Souvenir

After gazing at the formidable Vasa ship, ship lovers may be tempted by one of the Vasa shop’s handmade ship models– pricey, but beautifully made. No room for a delicate model ship? Take home a pack-friendly hand-embroidered Vasa ship ornament like I did.

15. Swedish souvenir brushes

To be honest, I’m not sure if brushes are a “thing” in Sweden. I can tell you I saw beautiful handmade brushes of every type in handicraft stores, so I suspect they must be. While not exactly glamorous, I can’t think of a more useful souvenir than a well made dustbin brush.

16. Swedish Souvenir Wool Sweaters and accessories

Like most chilly nordic countries, Sweden excels when it comes to woolen goods.  Look for colorful sweaters, scarves and blankets with traditional folklore designs.

Toasty and very Swedish.

17. Dishtowels

18. Salty Swedish Black Licorice

Love it or hate it (I hate it, it still hasn’t grown on me) Nordic black licorice is a thing. Although as I am personally not a fan I’m not sure how Swedish licorice differs from Norwegian or Icelandic. But I can assure you that licorice fanatics will appreciate a gift of this very distinct licorice.

Swedish black licorice, a version filled with cream.

19. Swedish Version of Nutella

While Nutella– the hazelnut spread most of us are familiar with in the US– is Italian, I find that most European countries have their own version of this tasty hazelnut spread.

20. Pepparkakor (Ginger Biscuit Cookies)

Swedish Thins (“Pepparkakor” in Swedish) are known all over the world for their delicate crispness.

A wonderful mixture of spices – cinnamon, ginger and cloves – these ginger biscuits are very popular at Christmas but can be enjoyed all year-round just as well, paired with cheese and fruit, or just taken with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.

Pepparkakor cookies are the perfect foil to coffee, tea, or warm glog.

21. Falsterbotofflor (Swedish Clogs Souvenir)

Swedish clogs are unlike Dutch clogs, as instead of an all wood design, they have leather uppers and wood soles.  They originate from Flasterbo, but can be found all over Sweden.

You can find traditional clogs that are handmade and handpainted with classic Swedish designs. Or you can go for a modern version like those made by Hasbeens (easier to wear without looking costume-y).

22. Swedish Green Princess Cake

I wrote about delicious Princess cake here! Princess cake (prinsesstårta in Swedish) is a traditional Swedish layer cake, first made in the 1930’s. The base is a sponge cake, with alternating layers of jam, custard and whipped cream, then topped with a striking green marzipan dome and a rose bud.

Ligonberry jam

23. Swedish Meatballs

Swedish meatballs are different from the Italian style meatballs most of us are used to. Instead of a blend of three cuts of meats (pork, veal and beef), Swedish meatballs are generally a 50/50 mix of beef and pork.

Swedish meatballs are also diminutive when compared with their gargantuan counterparts and easily distinguished by their seasonings (spices like allspice and nutmeg) and creamy sauce. Top them off with some lingonberry jam (see next entry below) and you’ve got a yummy souvenir.

While I recommend making your own Swedish meatballs with an authentic souvenir recipe,  it is possible (if your customs rules allow it) to bring home ready-made Swedish meatballs. I saw both frozen and  canned versions in the supermarket but cannot personally vouch for the flavor.

24. Lingonberry Jam

Lingonberries, also known as “mountain cranberries” grow in the Swedish forests. They match perfectly with classic Swedish dishes like meatballs and potato cakes.

Look for small batch jams

25. Surströmming (Fermented Herring)

Fermented herring comes in easy to transport cans and is customs friendly. But it also is known for its strong smell and flavor, so taste test at your peril.

What’s your favorite Swedish souvenir? Did we miss anything here? Tell us in the comments!

Monday 18th of October 2021

Hi! I'm visiting Sweden for the first time in a few days and I absolutely fell in love with these Sami jewelry you showed. Do you happen to remember which town in Sweden these were, or maybe even the shop? Thanks in advance!

Kristin Francis

Sunday 3rd of July 2022

I found these at a street market in Stockholm.

Friday 22nd of January 2021

sorry, but smoked reindeer is from Finnish lapland and not sweden

Thursday 15th of April 2021

Hi Matilda, I appreciate the tip!

Saturday 17th of October 2020

I love all of your ideas they are wonderful. Growing up in a very Swedish family that clung to traditions from the “old country” my mother and grandmother had table top wooden Christmas trees 🎄 that could be put together from two pieces so they were 3 dimensional and self standing. And held tiny real candles like the traditional Swedish trees. I wonder if they have them over there still. I think they would be fun. 😍

Hi Lynda, thanks for writing in! Those trees sound magical, I wonder if they are a "thing" and can fit in a suitcase? Love the idea.

Rolling Harbour

Wednesday 23rd of January 2019

Ligonberry Jam! It's been years since I had that. Now I have to get some. Thanks Kristin!

Thursday 31st of January 2019

haha are you going to try your hand at making Swedish meatballs :)

Travel with Alaine

Tuesday 22nd of January 2019

Smörkniv, on my last trip, I finally picked up a wooden butter knife. I also got a pair of Viking symbol earrings. But most stuff I bring back with me are ingredients like pearl sugar for my chokladbollar. I wrote a cookbook on chokladbollar written in English. It’s available online on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Adlibris, waterstones, etc and on my website

Thanks for checking in! Curious if the wooden butter knife is more functional than a regular one?

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What to buy in sweden — 26+ must-buy souvenirs, gifts & best things to buy in sweden.

Sweden is always famous as a green destination in the eyes of international tourists, because of the fresh air of nature and the gentle lifestyle of the indigenous people. Coming to Sweden, visitors always feel a sense of peace and serenity, different from the bustle and hustle of a modern Europe. Sweden is a wonderful country to visit, with tons of attractions, rich in culture and history, and the Scandinavian lifestyle of Hygge. As we become more connected, both via the internet and through global travel, it’s become easier than before to find Swedish souvenirs or gifts that you can only buy here. So, what to buy in Sweden, what is Sweden well known for, what products is Sweden famous for, what is famous in Sweden for shopping, what should I buy in Sweden, what to buy in Sweden for gifts? Let’s check out our suggested the list of 26+ best gifts from Sweden, best souvenirs from Sweden, best things to buy in Sweden, cheap things to buy in Sweden, things must buy in Sweden as well as where to find them to figure out the answer!

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Here are 26+ things you can only buy in Sweden and best places to find them.

What to buy in Sweden: Fashion clothing, footwear and sportswear

Clothes and footwear (shoes, sandals) with their excellent quality are sold throughout Swedish cities at very reasonable prices. So, underwear, leggings, tops will cost around 50 Swedish Krona (SEK) each. Pants and skirts, blouses and coats cost about 150 SEK and more. “High-end” jeans will cost from a few hundred SEK. Such prices are not relevant for expensive stores, but even there you can “snatch” a branded item for as little as a few cents, if you think about hunting them on big sales events. Especially, Swedish sportswear which come from brands such as Hestra, Tretorn, Polar Skate Co., WeSC, Sandqvist… are also in the list of top sportswear brands of the world.

Sweden also has many well-known fashion brands. Here are we introduce some famous Swedish fashion brands you can refer to such as: Acne Studios, Our Legacy, Très Bien, Sun Buddies, Eytys, L’Homme Rouge, Stutterheim, Filippa K , Nudie Jeans, Tretorn, Fjällräven, Hestra, Arket…

What to buy in Sweden: ABBA Discs

ABBA is considered one of the most successful bands in the history of world music in general and Sweden in particular. The 4 members with the same name as the first 4 letters of the ABBA group include Agnetha Faltskog, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni Frid Lyngstad. Together, they created a legendary name that to this day, still has a certain influence on generations of music lovers. And of course, coming to this land of musical legends without buying some ABBA’s original records would be a pity. In addition, you can also buy ABBA band related-souvenirs items such as T-shirt printed its members, mugs, posters, bags, dolls…

What to buy in Sweden: Julbock (Straw Goat)

You’ve probably heard of the Gävle goat (Gävle town’s giant straw Christmas goat, placed in the main square every year) and the locals trying to burn it before Christmas comes. It’s been a battle of wills for years, with the wannabe masterminds often winning, and you can also have your own a miniature version of Julbock (Christmas Goat, Yule goat) to play with and take it home, and also perhaps burn it in the fine Swedish tradition. You can find them at most Christmas markets in Sweden, with Skansen in Stockholm possibly is the best place.

Must buy in Sweden: Cosmetics

Cosmetics and other beauty products produced by the Swedish beauty industry are distinguished by their natural and hypoallergenic ingredients. For example, the products of the famous Oriflame brand and other brands will help you choose genuine products and cheaper than buying in your country, and the risk of encountering a fake is completely eliminated. With a few hundred SEK you can buy a good facial, body and hair care set. You can buy it for yourself or give it to your loved ones.

You can refer to some best Swedish cosmetic brands as follows: Isadora, Idun Minerals, Maria Åkerberg, Face Stockholm, Make Up Store, Maréna Beauté, Apolosophy, Oriflame, Pixi by Petra, & Other Stories…

Must buy in Sweden: Swedish Vikings souvenirs and figures

The Swedes, also like the Danes, are always proud of their military past. Tourists who can’t decide what to buy in sweden for gifts, best things to buy in Sweden as well as cheap things to buy in Sweden are advised to buy one of the historical souvenirs, figures of Viking Age such as a model of a battleship, a helmet with horns or a funny Viking figurine. It will cost from 30 SEK and more.

Must buy in Sweden: Handmade wooden kitchenware

Swedes love a good wooden kitchen tool, utensil, cookware, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a Swedish kitchen that doesn’t have at least four or five such wooden utensils. They are hand-carved and often come with traditional hand-painted designs. You can use them every day and they will last for years. You can buy sets of wooden spoons, bowls, cutleries… which come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, all kinds of woods and designs with multi-purposes.

Best souvenirs from Sweden: Parlan’s Konfektyr

Pärlan is not an usual confectionery store. Right from its name (Pärla means ‘dear’) to the mid-20th century feeling that decided to set up shop itself, you know when you walk into this store you’ll discover something different. It’s dedicated to make deliciously smooth and buttery caramel and delectable caramel sauce.

The legendary Swiss caramels (try out the vanilla and sea salt) are the result of wanting everyone to enjoy the sweet all year round, not just at Christmas, as has been happened for years. Let grab a few beautiful boxes of caramel, or its unbelievable caramel sauce, and surprise everyone when you come home with these most anticipated Sweden gifts.

Best souvenirs from Sweden: Swedish interior design products

Stockholm is known for its Scandinavian style and this affects everything from furniture and wallpaper to coffee pots. The city has great designer shops, especially in the city center, and there will always be something to suit every budget.

Beyond the legendary IKEA, some notable Swedish homeware and interior design brands such as Normann Copenhagen, &Tradition, ferm LIVING, Design House Stockholm, Domo Design, Skagerak, MUNK.

Best gifts from Sweden: Princess cake (Prinsesstårta)

Referring to Swedish pastries, Prinsesstårta (Princess cake) is probably considered the national spirit because, unlike many other cakes that neighboring countries have to argue about the origin, this splendid cake is completely from Royal.

Today, bakers have created many new varieties of Princess cakes in different designs and colors, but a classic Prinsesstårta is a round cake, slightly puffed on top and covered with an elegant light green color layer of marzipan.

The princess cake is designed with a lovely and elegant appearance with many fresh green almond shells, alternating with sponge cake, cream, and jam. This is a traditional Swedish pastry. In the past, princess cake was a special dessert for Swedish royal family. Cakes have a harmonious taste, eye-catching colors, so they are often used as desserts in luxurious parties and are especially suitable for bringing back as gifts.

You can find this Swedish tourist gift in cafes, bakeries, sweet shops, try Princessan right on the Lidingö Bridge at Centre Lidingö (Lidingö centrum): Address: Friggavägen 30, 181 32 Lidingö, Sweden/Hours: 10AM–7PM; Sunday: 12–4PM). This classic cafe is known where make the best these princess cakes.

Best gifts from Sweden: Hasbeens Shoes

Swedish shoe manufacturer Hasbeens Shoes produces classic shoes with a modern twist. These are shoes made in pursuit of sustainable fashion. They are completely handmade and use materials that respect the environment. A pair of Hasbeens shoes would be the perfect way to get a Scandinavian look while at the same time you know you’re doing some good in our crazy consumer world.

Best things to buy in Sweden: Lovikkavantar

Lovikkavantar (Lovikka Mittens) is made in Norrbotten county, northern Sweden. They are only available in white and gray and you can recognize them by the distinctive yellow, blue and red tassels and embroidery. These gloves will keep you perfectly warm when visiting Sweden in the cold winter days. It’s definitely a must-buy item before leaving Sweden.

Best things to buy in Sweden: Heidi Book Series

The image of a sweet little girl wearing a milking dress, with twin pigtails with a kind heart has become a Swedish character that is known and loved all over the world. Introduced as a series for children and those who love children, the Heidi book series is a meaningful gift not to be missed, especially for your children.

Best things to buy in Sweden: Snaps

Swedish snaps sometimes confuse visitors with schnapps. It’s a strong alcoholic beverage, a type of vodka with herbs and spices added. Each region of Sweden has its own flavor of different unique snaps that represent those locales. When it comes to the Swedish experience, while you can buy larger bottles at local stores of Systembolaget (a government-owned chain of liquor stores in Sweden), it’s more fun to buy a pack of 6, 8, or 12 bottles, which includes a variety of different flavored mini bottles which is perfect for dinner parties with friends, all accompanied by delicious local beers.

Best things to buy in Sweden: Candle Holders

If you are wondering what to buy in Sweden for gifts, you should know that Swedes love candles and it is one of the indispensable things for their Hygge lifestyle, so they also have beautiful candle holder designs. In winter, there is very little daylight, so Swedes or Scandinavians make use of candlelight to get light and create a warm and cozy atmosphere. Whatever the reason, if you go into any design store you will always be able to come across exquisite candle holder designs.

What should I buy in Sweden: Swedish Crystal

Swedes are very fond of products made of glass, especially crystal. The most popular crystal making region is in southern Sweden. People call this place “the kingdom of crystal” with 15 villages specializing in making glass and crystal products. Here you can admire the artisans blowing glass or you can blow it yourself.

Swedish crystal is very popular in Europe and is distinguished by its high quality and weird shape. In the province of Småland in southern Sweden, there is even a craft center called “Glasriket” (The Kingdom of Crystal). It consists of 15 villages with glass blowing workshops, where visitors can not only watch the creation of artistic masterpieces but also buy products at attractive prices.

The most famous Swedish crystal brands are considered “Orrefors” and “Kosta Boda”, their products have a distinctive mark of quality and traditions of century-companies. You can buy crystal products not only in the Kingdom of Crystal as mentioned above but also at the usual souvenir shops throughout Sweden, but keep in mind that the prices there will be very “unpleasant”. Cheapest product from 200-300 SEK. Tourists can purchase candle holders, wine glasses, vases… and even their artistic glass sculptures.

What should I buy in Sweden: Akvavit

Akvavit, also known as Aquavit, is a distilled spirit that produced mainly in Scandinavia in the Nordic region since the 15th century. Akvavit is also known as “water of life” in the Old Latin language, with the root word is “aqua vitae”. Like Vodka, Akvavit is made from potatoes or grains. After distillation, it will be combined with spices, herbs and flavorings such as cinnamon, anise, dill, cardamom, etc. In Sweden, on important occasions such as Christmas or New Year’s Eve, families often gather together to drink Akvavit, sing traditional Swedish songs and then take a commemorative photo together.

What should I buy in Sweden: Canned Swedish Pickled Herring

Among the Swedish delicious dishes, specialties, the pickled herring Surströmming is always impresses all diners. Because of the ‘smelly’ taste, it has become a favorite dish for those who have experienced it. Surströmming is made from herring from the Baltic Sea and left to ferment in dilute brine for at least… six months. Also thanks to being soaked in salt water, the fish meat is not damaged and has a salty taste that is suitable for many side dishes such as bread, potatoes, red onions, chives and sour cream.

For a long time, Surströmming is famous worldwide for its distinctive and unforgettable taste. This dish is even included in the Museum of Disgusting Food in Malmö, in Sweden, enough to show the unique and great attraction as well as exotic of Surströmming.

If you have experienced it and can stand the smell of this special pickled herring, you should buy a few cans as gifts.

What is famous in Sweden for shopping: Coffee

Scandinavians know a lot about good coffee. They even created the world famous Fika coffee culture. Of course, you won’t find coffee plantations in Sweden, but the Swedes are the best in Europe who know how to process coffee beans and make high quality products out of them. Some coffee brands you should refer to are Gevalia , Arvid Nordquist , Zoega. You can buy Swedish coffee at supermarket chains such as COOP, ICA, HEMHP or at any coffee shop.

What is famous in Sweden for shopping: Textile products with Scandinavian-style patterns

Scandinavian-style patterns first became known to the world since 1950. These patterns can be found on everything from pottery to pillows, aprons, tablecloths, scarves and scarves… So don’t forget to shop for a textile product from one of Sweden’s favorite print designers like Linn Warme, Anna Viktorson and Littlephant by Camilla Lundsten, or from family stores like Hemtex, Designtorget, Granite and Iris Hantverk all have loads of great textiles.

Polkagris literally means “polka pig”, is a Swedish stick candy invented in the town of Gränna in the mid-1800s. Polkagris comes in a variety of flavors, with the most traditional being white and red and flavored with mint. If you happen to be passing through Gränna (in Skåne), you can go to the candy store and buy yourself some sweets.

You may think this is a normal candy but this is a completely different level of candy. If you come to Gränna (in Skåne), you can go to its shop and buy freshly sweets. Enjoying a piece of candy will bring you into the land of Swedish cuisine.

What is famous in Sweden for shopping: Swedish Caviar

Not just for special occasions, caviar is everywhere in Sweden. It is served at breakfast, lunch and dinner and is sold in tubes at supermarkets. There’s even a special tool that takes every last drop from your caviar tube. And because it’s sold in tube form, it’s become one of the most portable item for tourists, and you should never leave Sweden without a few tubes. Kalles, a cod roe in a tube, is perhaps the most popular brand name and comes in a classic flavor with dill or cream cheese. Also, there is also herring caviar which is worth to buy.

What is famous in Sweden for shopping: Glögg

Hot red wine adding some herbs and sugar make up a drink that the Swedes especially enjoy during the Christmas season called Glögg or “mulled wine”. The taste of Glögg is also different from the mulled wine of some neighboring countries because in Sweden it is customary to put a few almonds and raisins in the bottom of the glass before adding Glögg.

Glögg is usually served in a small glass with a handle because Swedes often bring their glass from one Glögg party to another during the weekends leading up to Christmas. The soothing warmth from the sweet drink spreads and warms hands in the cold season. That’s why you should bring it as a gift.

It is prepared with the addition of different spices, served in warm and sold in both large and small bottles from 30 SEK.

What to buy in Sweden for gifts: Absolut Vodka

Absolut Vodka is a Swedish Vodka line and today owned by Pernod Ricard France (which acquired Absolut in 2008) is the third largest brand of spirits in the world after Bacardi and Smirnoff, sold in 126 countries. Absolut Vodka was founded in 1879 by Lars Olsson Smith, in Åhus, in the south of Sweden.

The point that makes Absolut quality is that it is completely fermented from natural ingredients without any added sugars (sugar added during fermentation to increase alcohol content). The water used for production is taken from deep wells in Åhus (which ensures less impurities) and winter wheat (the best quality for alcohol making). In farming, fertilizers are minimized to the maximum extent.

Absolut Vodka can be enjoyed in many different ways such as neat drinking, making a cocktail base, a simple way at pubs when it added orange juice and then chilled, it is also quite interesting. The price is from 100SEK.

What to buy in Sweden for gifts: Falsterbotofflor

Falsterbotofflor means ‘wooden clogs from Falsterbo’, a beautiful town in southern Sweden where the famous Falsterbo Horse Show is held each year. These clogs are handcrafted, hand-painted and come with a wide range of motifs and patterns. The most famous clogs are those painted with a goose surrounded by flowers, which both men and women wear while gardening.

What to buy in Sweden for gifts: Handicrafts

Traditional handicrafts are some of the best and meaningful souvenirs to buy in Sweden. Some famous Swedish handicrafts are Cuckoo Clocks, Cowbells, etc. In addition, there are a number of other items that visitors can buy such as hand-carved wooden toys, furniture. hand-blown glass products, textiles, chess sets and music boxes, and more. Check out the street shops, flea markets and open-air markets for truly unique souvenirs.

Toiniberg Jewellery

Toini Berg is an up-and-coming designer among Swedish jewelry designers these days, but her unique and limited-version designs are quickly gaining a huge fan following. Inspired by his native Gotland (Sweden’s largest island), Toini creates her jewlry in metal and stone, creating daring and embolden earrings, rings and bracelets that appeal to art lovers. Surely, at each Toini Berg shop, you will find Swedish travel gifts that you will love.

What to buy in Sweden for gifts: Marabou Milk Chocolate

There are several famous chocolate brands in Sweden, one of which is Marabou. It’s famous for its milk chocolate bars. This Swedish company has been making chocolate for over 100 years. Chocolate made by the Marabou brand is somewhat pricey, but tourists who bring home chocolate souvenirs from Sweden can tell their friends that this chocolate is a favorite delicious treat of the king of Sweden! You can find it at supermarket chains such as COOP, ICA, HEMHOP, Pressbyrån kiosks.

Cheese slicer

This may sound like a strange gift, but in Sweden, supermarkets or shops only offer cheese in blocks, so a tool to cut cheese (cheese slicer) is very important. In a typical household here, the frequency of using this tool can be up to 3 times a day because in any of their meals, cheese is the main ingredient for cooking.

A cheese slicer is exactly what we mean, this is a tool designed to cut cheese. The Swedish cheese slicer shaves thin slices off the block, perfect for those very special Swedish cheese sandwiches for breakfast. You can find them pretty much everywhere but in NK department stores (in Stockholm and Gothenburg) offer something really special ones.

Swedish Army Knife

One of those handy pocket tools that have been around for years, the Swedish army knife is considered a unique gift for your loved ones – especially those who love fixing things. Army knives come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and come with many other handy tools like screwdrivers and small pliers.

What to buy in Sweden: Storage Shelf

A shelf might seem like nothing out of the ordinary, but Swedish has brought this item to a whole new level and becomes a decorative piece for your home. Two great places in Stockholm to find totally unique shelves, trays are Design Torget and Svenskt Tenn. The Design Torget has more affordable products on display, while the Svenskt Tenn will be a bit more expensive but you’ll only find Swedish gifts with unique designs here.

Happy Socks

The socks or underwear will be a very unique gift for your loved ones. Happy Socks is a famous Swedish brand that specializes in providing socks and underwear for both men and women of all ages. Almost Swedes often wear black and neutral outfits, so they want to improve and refresh their outfit with happy socks. This is something special that you can only see in this country.

What to buy in Sweden: Dalecarlian Horse

Also known as the Dalecarlian or Dala Horse, the Dalahäst is a traditional hand-carved wooden horse from the province of Dalarna. What was once a children’s toy is now not just a symbol of Dalarna, but of Sweden itself. The classic Dalahäst comes in red with a white, green, yellow and blue motif, and while there are factory made ones for sale, spend a bit more and get a classic one that only made in its hometown Dalarna.

In any souvenir shop across Sweden you can find a lot of souvenirs featuring painted Dala horses. Usually, red is used as the main color, but sometimes they also use blue, green or pink. In addition, delicious horses are made especially for those who like sweet, for example, made from chocolate.

Lingonberries

Lingonberries are “cousins” ​​to American cranberries but the flavor is slightly more spicy, the berries are slightly smaller, and the way they are made into jams and sauces differs only slightly. The jam is loose and not too sweet and pairs perfectly with bread and other meats, as well as cheese and also spreads on your morning toast.

You can find specialty homemade versions of Lingonberries at food markets, as well as factory-made ones at local grocery stores. Even better, go out into the woods and pick your own lingonberries, then make your own jam.

Swedish football team shirts

Two of the biggest sports in Sweden are football and ice hockey. To show your support and be a loyal fan of your favorite Swedish football team, why not choose some vibrant Swedish football team shirts to bring back.

Some of the world’s finest jeans are made by Swedish designers. Acne Studios, Nudie Jeans and Cheap Monday are all from Sweden. So obviously this is one of the things you should buy when traveling to Sweden, right?

What to buy in Sweden: Swedish Moose-inspired gifts

The elk (moose) is considered the main symbol of the country and is the most beloved animal in Sweden. And this is not surprising, because here is the largest concentration of these animals in the world (in the summer their number is about half a million individuals, and every year, despite being hunted, it’s still evolving). As soon as you step into any souvenir shop, you’ll find plenty of souvenirs featuring an elk such as T-shirts, caps, mugs, plush toys and horns, badges, figurines of these animals, refrigerator magnets, license plates and road signs “Beware, moose!” and much more! There are really a lot of souvenirs! Furthermore, Elk is one of the mainstays in the forest for the Swedes, their meat, milk, and cheese are used (all of which can also be purchased in the store), and their hides and horns are used to decorate the house.

Other souvenirs

If you still wondering what should I buy in Sweden, what to buy in Sweden for gifts, things must buy in Sweden, best gifts from Sweden, best souvenirs from Sweden, best things to buy in Sweden, you can shop for electronics here such as phones, cameras, keychains, T-shirts, refrigator magnets… with very good quality. The price is also quite affordable. Or you can also buy glass products, canned reindeer meat as gifts.

Where to shop in Stockholm and Sweden

Östermalm shopping district.

This is the place where most of the famous international brands and prominent Swedish fashion design stores are gathered. In addition, this place is also a paradise for choosing Stureplan, All Blue, Tiffany on Birger Jarlsgatan street. The area bordering Sibyllegatan, Ötermalmstorg, Karlavägen, Stureplan and Strandvagen has a number of reputable interior design stores. If you come here you can buy jewelry or small furniture. Ötermalm is one of the places you should go to shop while in Sweden.

It is the district where many high-end fashion boutiques of international brands are located, and where you can find the famous jewelry items of Stureplan jeweler and others on Birger Jarlsgatan street.

World-famous brands and famous Swedish fashion stores are mostly concentrated here. Besides, this place can be considered as the capital of designer jewelry stores. You will be amazed when you arrive here and cannot take your eyes off the delicate, sparkling jewelry. To reveal more, if you want to find Swedish specialties, this place is the best place.

This place gathers large chain stores, come from many world famous brands. Fashion design mainly for young customers with affordable prices. When coming here, you should visit all the large and small department stores such as: PUB, Illums Bolighus or NK. Here you can choose for yourself fashionable clothes and accessories at not too expensive prices. Normalm is chosen by many tourists as a cheap shopping destination in the Swedish capital of Stockholm.

It is the most beautiful area of ​​the capital where there are small cobbled streets and alleys with many shops and stores selling souvenirs and crafts such as: ceramic furniture, glass, crystal, wooden toys, jewelry, designer textiles unique, etc. This place is the most bustling and most crowded shopping destination in Stockholm. You will fall in live with very delicate and valuable stone crafts. This is one of the most popular shopping places in Sweden.

Dubbed the tourist souvenir avenue, Gamla Stan is the most prosperous and busiest shopping place in Stockholm. Here you will admire the unique arts and crafts. If you walk along Köpmangatan and Österlånggatan streets you will find many specialty shops and gem stores.

This is a district and island in central Stockholm which was voted one of the best places to come in Europe by Vogue magazine in 2014. The island is where you can find everything: from big-name fashion boutiques like Carin Wester, Minimarket, Hope, to vintage stores like Emmaus, Beyond Retro and Smiley Vintage to second-hand stores.

There’s also the SoFo neighborhood with its cozy cafes, the Hornstull district with its weekend food market, and the Slussen district with the island’s distinctive gourmet shops and pubs. This place gathers a lot of shops selling all kinds of Swedish specialties. Here you can also easily find yourself finely crafted handicrafts, specialty shops and gems. If you want to buy Swedish specialties, this is a great place.

In addition, you can also visit many other shopping places in Stockholm such as:

• Drottninggatan: This is a shopping district mainly for pedestrians. Here you can buy a lot of different items with many famous Swedish brands.
• Gallerian: The contemporary retail complex offering brand-name stores, services & trendy restaurants & cafes.
• Bromma Blocks
• Skrapan: Where you can find a wide and appealing mix of retail, restaurants and cafés.
• Nacka Forum Shopping Center
• Sturegallerian: The sophisticated shopping center with boutiques, restaurants, cafes & bars, plus a posh, storied spa.
• MOOD: Local cafes & boutiques compose this modern indoor-outdoor shopping mall with art & Wi-Fi.
• Farsta Shopping Centre: Built and put into operation in 1960, with a large area, you can find all items in all 3 buildings of the center. Eye-catching fashion items, super-beautiful bag accessories, unique technology items, etc.
• ReTuna (ReTuna Recycling Mall): It is a famous Swedish shopping place specializing in second-hand and refurbished items. The store is arranged with 15 specialized booths for different types of items from home appliances, furniture, computers, audio equipment, clothes, toys, plants, garden tools, materials construction, bicycle…
• Westfield Mall of Scandinavia: Maybe you don’t know? The Mall of Scandinavia is the second largest shopping center in the Nordic countries. Visitors here can easily search for the items they want to buy, from fashion, technology, home appliances, beauty products and many other items. Not to mention, the Mall of Scandinavia is luxuriously designed, which will be a very interesting virtual living place.

Sweden shopping guide: Some notes before shopping

• The Swedish Krona (abbreviation: KR; ISO 4217 code: SEK) has been the Swedish currency since 1873 (plural form is kronor). One krona consists of 100 öre (coin equivalent). The Swedish krona is also circulated in the Åland Islands alongside the official Finnish currency, the euro.
• Prices in stores in Sweden are among the highest in the world. Moreover, for both really high-quality goods and the simplest items. In Finland, for example, you can buy clothes of the same brand for much less. Swedes often take advantage of this to shopping in neighboring countries.
• You can save about 19% of your money by getting a tax refund on goods purchased in Sweden. To do this, you need to make a purchase for at least 200 SEK and meet some other conditions.
• Stores in Sweden are open Monday to Friday from 10am — 6pm, Saturday from 9:30am — 2pm or until 4pm, some open from 12am — 4pm on Sunday. The big stores in Stockholm can stay open until late at night. On New Year’s Eve of the holidays, almost all shops close early.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Copenhagen you can refer to

• Copenhagen Card
• Copenhagen Panorama Guided Sightseeing Bus & Boat Tour
• Copenhagen Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Boat Pass
• Copenhagen City Walk Tour
• Copenhagen Canal Tour
• Copenhagen City Train Tour

Are you looking for more Copenhagen travel guide and top things to do in Copenhagen: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: 1 day in Copenhagen — Copenhagen 1 day itinerary & how to spend 24 hours in Copenhagen pefectly?  and c heck it out here .

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29 BEST Souvenirs from Sweden (From an Expert)

Looking for authentic and unique souvenirs from Sweden? Having grown up in Canada with a Swedish mom and grandparents, I was surrounded by some treasured Swedish items that were proudly displayed and used in our home.

It wasn’t until I got older that I realized how unique some of these items are to Sweden, and how hard they can be to find elsewhere.

As I’ve grown up, I’ve gained an appreciation for these Swedish goods and products. I have visited Sweden during many summers and have come back with many of my own Swedish products that remind me of Sweden and that are special in my home.

Swedish souvenirs can add a nice Scandinavian touch to your home, whether its foods, spices, Swedish made products and decorations, and more.

I’m going to share with you what to buy in Sweden, so you know what to look for.

Souvenirs from Sweden

1. a dala horse.

A Dala horse is one of the most iconic images of Sweden. It originated in the province of Dalarna, and in the old days was a toy for children. Nowadays, it isn’t commonly used as a toy anymore – but its a symbol of Dalarna and of Sweden in general.

You can buy Dalarna horses, but the price of authentic handicraft ones may surprise you. Depending on size, they can range from $20 to $100, depending on size.

Keep in mind, they aren’t always red in colour. The original horse is red and that is the most ‘classic’ design, but there are also some softer colours, like whites and light blues. See options and prices on the Swedish Wooden Horse company website.

Another option is to buy objects and souvenirs decorated with the dala horse – they are very common, since the dala horse has become so associated with Sweden.

These Dala horse salt and pepper shakers are made of ceramic, and super cute.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a creative gift for kids from Sweden, look for a blank wooden horse that hasn’t been painted yet. You can find them in many souvenir or craft stores.

2. Fika supplies

One thing you may notice about Sweden is it’s coffee culture, which is called “fika”. Fika refers to the act of sitting down, enjoying coffee with baked goods with family or friends.

Swedes believe in taking pleasure in the simple things in life; one of which is taking the time to sit down and relish in a good coffee, cinnamon bun and cookies.

I grew up with fika, but realize now as an adult how special and important it is. My reletives in Sweden typically have seven different types of cookies . Cinnamon buns are also very common.

So, I recommend bringing something from Sweden to recreate the idea of fika back home. It could be:

• Swedish coffee
• Cookies or cinnamon buns
• A Swedish style coffee mug or serving tray
• A cute wooden Fika sign to hang in your kitchen

3. Swedish club game

I was first introduced to klubspel (club game) in during a trip to Sweden. It’s popular among Swedes and its such a simple and fun outdoor game to play in the backyard.

You line up the rectangular pieces of wood, and then you have to aim by throwing the cylinder blocks of wood at them to knock them over.

I brought a game of it home as a souvenir – and I will warn you – it’s heavy, so it would add a lot of weight to your luggage. But its a unique souvenir from Sweden, and something fun to do at home.

You can also buy klubspel online here .

4. Sweden-sported clothing

I often look for T-shirts, hats, and other clothing items when I visit new countries. Part of what is unique about Sweden-decorated clothing is the blue and yellow colour scheme.

Very few countries have blue and yellow as their flag colours (Ukraine is the only other European country) so its a nice, bright and unusual colour scheme that will instantly remind you of Sweden.

Another thing you may see on clothing is the three crowns. (As seen in the picture above.) Some of the Sweden clothing will say Sweden, or it may say Sverige , which means Sweden in Swedish.

You can find clothing for kids or adults; mainly in Stockholm in other major cities too.

5. Glögg or a glögg drink set

Glögg is Swedish for mulled wine. Mulled wine has become very popular in recent years, but my family has been drinking it at Christmas for as long as I can remember.

Glögg is not drank from large mugs – but rather in very small glass cups. They come with little spoons so you can stir the raisins and sliced almonds which are often added to it.

So, a good souvenir from Sweden would be to bring back a glöggsät (glogg set with culps and little spoons) or the glögg itself if you don’t mind bringing home a liquid.

Pro Tip: Although its not a typical Swedish thing to do, I usually add sliced oranges to my glögg, which is something I learned in Vilnius , Lithuania at Christmastime

Saffron is known as the world’s most expensive spice , and is easier to find in Sweden than elsewhere.

The world’s largest exporter of saffron is Iran, but it arrived in Sweden in the 1300s during trade with Asia. It is to this day very commonly used in Swedish baking and cooking, especially at Christmas time when we make lucikatter .

Saffron can be almost impossible to find abroad. I see Swedish people living in Toronto are pretty hard-pressed to locate any of it.

It can be tricky to buy, even in Sweden. It can come in ground (powder) form, or as strips of saffron. You may have to ask the shop keeper, as sometimes it is not sold over the counter.

7. Swedish candy

The Swedes love their candy – they consume more of it than any other country in the world. And in my (and my husband’s) opinion, Swedish candy is the best.

My favourite Swedish candy (by far) is called bilar , which means cars. It’s hard to describe the taste – but it is a type of marshmallow candy. I find it addictive, but it may not be for everybody.

But if you don’t like bilar , no worries – there are countless types of Swedish candies. Some popular types are – Haribo Nappar (comes in many flavours), Sockerbitar (which are even more marshmallow-like than bilar) and Lakridsfiskar which is Swedish fish.

There are also Swedish chocolate bars which I’ll get into below.

8. A Swedish hockey jersey

Hockey is the most popular winter sport in Sweden. You can get jerseys from the SHL (Swedish Hockey League), the Olympic team Sweden, or there are smaller regional team jerseys that may be unique to the one you’re visiting – such as the one below.

MODO Hockey is based in the high coast of Sweden, near where my grandparents are from, so we have lots of their hockey jerseys. You will able to find Swedish hockey team jerseys regardless of where in Sweden you travel to.

9. Swedish chocolate

In addition to candy, Swedes also break records with regards to how much chocolate they consume!

When buying chocolate in Sweden – there are two ‘types ‘big names’ that you should look for – Daime and Maribou.

Maribou is a favourite in Sweden, which you can’t buy it in North America. It has several flavours – mint, orange, black liquorice, and Daim.

Daim is another specific kind of chocolate, and you can find chocolate bars everywhere. I’ve noticed that the IKEA in Toronto has started stocking Daim, but only the a bag of mini bars – as seen below.

In Sweden, you can get large Daim chocolate bars.

You can find Swedish chocolate bars in check out aisles at grocery stores, candy stores, and even some souvenir shops will carry them.

10. Swedish skincare products

When you live this far north, you need to look after your skin – especially in summer, when the sun never sets.

Sweden has several different skincare lines that are much easier to get ahold of in Sweden rather than having them shipped from abroad. Here’s what to look out for:

Verso is a premium brand , with great anti-ageing properties. It uses simple, minimalist white bottles. The products are not cheap – they range from $40 to $150 per bottle depending on what the product is. But they are very popular worldwide.

One of my favourites is Estelle & Thild, which use all organic ingredients, and make a range of products, including baby skincare.

There are several others, such as Kerstin Florian (luxury spa brand), ACO, True Organic of Sweden – read more about all your Swedish skincare options here .

11. Tomtens

Gnomes have become very popular at Christmastime in North America in recent years, but in Sweden, gnome type figures are the standard santa.

The Swedish Santa is called “Tomte” and he is a small elf, with a big nose, long beard and long hat. There are entire Swedish Christmas songs about “tomte.”

When I was younger, I had to explain to my friends why we had tiny elf-like santas in the home at Christmas. Scandinavian style Christmas has increased in popularity and now I see them quite often.

You can find some tomte in Sweden that have the pointy hat pulled over his eyes, with a big nose and long beard – but there are also many little crafts (pictured above) with non-bearded tomte-like figures which are very popular Christmas decorations in Sweden.

It would be easier to find them during Christmas markets, but you may still find them in local handicraft stores and souvenir shops.

12. Lignonberry jam

Lingonberries are abundant in Sweden, growing in the summer months in the forests in low shrubs.

Lingonberries are a staple in Swedish cuisine. Similar to how cranberries are used at Thanksgiving and Christmas in North America, lingonberries are the equivilent in Sweden.

Similar to cranberries, lingnonberries have somewhat of a tangy taste – but they are good. You can eat them on top of pancakes, desserts, smoothies or even porridges.

Sometimes there are rules about bringing home seeds, or fresh fruit home with you from another country. But in jam form, you should be safe to bring a few jars home in your checked luggage.

In addition to tasty and common in Sweden, ligonberries are also healthy – high in antioxidants and promote heart health. Read about health benefits of lingonberries here.

13. Swedish signs

In shops around Sweden, you will find signs with some Swedish sayings printed on them. Sometimes they are hand-painted on wood, and its also very common to see them crocheted.

Here are a few of my personal favourites, which I’ve seen in many Swedish homes:

• Välkommen- Welcome
• God Vän Är Altid Välkommen – Good Friends are Always Welcome.
• I Jesu namn till bords vi går. Välsigna, Gud, den mat vi får .. – The Swedish version of “grace”. Common to hang in a kitchen

14. Pippi Longstocking souvenirs

Pippi Longstocking books were written by Astrid Lindgren in, so as you can imagine she is a very popular Swedish character.

You can find many Pippi souvenirs in Sweden, mostly aimed at kids. Pippi dolls, backpacks, clothing, lunchboxes, toys, books and so many other things.

You can buy books about Pippi; usually in Swedish, but many bookstores (especially in larger cities like Stockholm) have English language books too – so keep your eye out for Pipp!

You can see many examples on the Astrid Lindgren website here

15. Swedish textiles

Textile making has a long-standing heritage in Sweden. The capital of textiles is in Borås, in west Sweden where there is a textile museum. But you can find unique and quality textiles all over.

You can get some gorgeous Swedish-made textiles – it can be linens and cloths, table runners, handbags and other items.

16. Tunnbröd (thin bread)

Tunnbröd, meaning “thin bread” is one of my favourite things to bring home, (or buy imported) from Sweden. It’s basically a Swedish flatbread.

My mormor used to make it growing up; as a child I ate it constantly. While flat breads, pitas and things similar to it are common, the Swedish tunnbröd is hard to find, and uncommon outside Sweden.

You can easily find tunnbröd in most grocery stores, often tied in a plastic bag, similar to how wonderbread is packaged.

It comes in slightly different variations of size, level of thickness and shape. It’s also pretty common to make it at home from scratch. (I miss my mormor’s tunnbröd very much.) See a typical Swedish tunnbröd recipe here .

17. A bread holder

Swedish dinner tables often have a wooden bread basket in the centre of the table for bread. Sometimes there are a few different breads – tunnbröd, as mentioned above – hard bread, and dinner rolls.

This would be a compliment to any dinner table where you’re entertaining.

And don’t worry – it doesn’t have to say ‘bullar’ on it like ours was ( bullar means buns in Swedish.) You can get some that are wood-carved, and others that are more of a woven basket. Both add a cute, minimalistic touch to a dinner table.

18. A Swedish cookbook

Swedish cuisine involves meat – often fish or red meat – root vegetables, and lots and lots of baking .

My mom has more Swedish cookbooks than we can count, and I’ve grown up with Swedish traditional recipes, such as janssons, cabbage rolls, and stewed spinach egg.

Of course, most cookbooks will be printed in Swedish, but you’ll find English-versions of Swedish cookbooks in bookstores (in the English section) or in souvenir shops. The Nordic Cookbook is a popular Swedish cookbook in English, that we own.

Personally, although I have Swedish heritage, I have to admit that Swedish food isn’t my favourite because I’m a vegetarian. However, vegetarian diets have become very popular in Sweden in the last 10-15 years, and there are increasingly more Swedish cookbooks with all recipes made vegan or vegetarian. I recently bought a Vegan Swedish cookbook called The Nordic Baker. It has all the classics that my Swedish grandmother used to bake – but vegan.

19. Candle holders

Swedish winters are long, and candles add a hint of hygge – which is common in Scandinavia for making your house cosy.

My Swedish grandparents had candles all over their house. To this day, I include candles at all of my family celebrations, because it doesn’t feel the same without them.

Look for local handicraft candle holders in boutique and souvenir stores. Styles can vary. Generally, Scandinavian styles of decor are minimalistic, which is one thing I personally love about them.

20. Dolls or figurines wearing traditional Swedish outfits

The Swedish national dress is called folkdräkt, and it is the blue and yellow colours of the Swedish flag.

Each province has their own regional dress too but typically, you will see the yellow and blue dress on dolls, or designs on Swedish souvenirs.

Similar to with the Dala Horse, you don’t have to buy the Swedish costume on a doll – often you can find many things decorated with it; fridge magnets, serviettes, etc.

Trolls are common in Norse mythology – in fact, they originated in Norse mythology. Trolls are also connected to nature in Sweden, living in mountain caves, or moss-covered forests.

So, this is why trolls are a common Swedish souvenir that you will see in shops. You can see some examples of collectible trolls here.

22. Swedish kron a

Although Sweden joined the EU in 1995, they haven’t yet adopted the Euro as their currency. Sweden is one of only six EU countries that still use their own currency.

As I do a Google search, it seems that there are no concrete plans for Sweden to adopt the Euro , but it doesn’t seem like its completely off the table.

For this reason – a Swedish kronor bank note makes a good souvenir. I have a couple of them in scrapbooks and photo albums.

If they do decide to change over to the Euro some day- you’ll have a momento of your time in Sweden when they still used the kronor.

23. A box of blueberry porridge

When I was a kid, my mom used to make blåbärsgröt (blueberry porridge) which came from a box that we usually bought at Swedish fairs in Toronto .

Swedish blueberries are slightly different from blueberries found elsewhere.

Blåbärsgröt is usually eaten for breakfast or dessert, although I often had it for lunch as a child!

So, as a unique souvenir from Sweden, I recommend looking for a box of blåbärsgröt at the grocery store. If you can’t find it, there are many recipes online that teach you how to make it yourself.

24. Moose stuffed animal

Moose are a common animal in Sweden; there are said to be between 300,000–400,000 of them in the wild every summer.

Funnily enough, moose are a common Canadian souvenir too. Moose stuffed animals from Sweden though, will have the Swedish flag, or maybe a scarf or hat with Swedish colours.

25. Lucia souvenirs

When you’re in Sweden, especially if you visit anytime during the winter, you may see a lot of Lucia crafts, gifts and souvenirs.

Lucia was a saint from Italy , but she is worshipped in Sweden. She is said to bring light into the darkest day of the year, with her iconic crown of candles.

You can watch a video of a Lucia procession in Sweden and here more about its significance here .

Lucia is a symbol of Sweden, mostly associated with Christmas. You can find Lucia dolls, but also Christmas decorations on serviettes, tablecloths of Lucia.

26. Midsummer souvenirs

After Christmas, Midsummer is probably the biggest holiday in Sweden. It’s an age-old tradition that dates back to at least the 1500s. (Also, it is nowhere near as creepy as the movie makes it look.)

I’ve been lucky enough to spend Midsummer in Sweden a few times – there is typically a Midsommar Stång (the may pole) that we dance around, singing songs.

Similar to Lucia, you can find Midsummer decorations and supplies in Sweden. Even if you don’t celebrate Midsummer back home, these kinds of souvenirs are unique to Sweden and look ‘summery.’

27. Swedish ceramics

Sweden has a tradition of pottery and glassware going back hundreds of years. My mom’s home is filled with pottery from Sweden.

Some of it may have Sweden-specific designs, while others are more subtle.

“Less is more” is the philosophy behind most Swedish designs on pottery, glassware and ceramics – so you can find a lot of nice minimalistic designs that look modern in your home.

Some Swedish ceramic and glassware designers to look out for are:

• Ingegard Råmen
• Anna Elzar Oscarson
• Monica Förster

28. Swedish jewelry

Jewelry specific to the country you’re visiting usually makes a nice souvenir.

One of my favourites jewelry brands from Sweden Jonna Jinton jewelry, which has designs that are based on Swedish nature such as reindeer antlers, northern lights, and forest- based designs.

Check out other Swedish jewelry brands here.

29. Snus (Chewing tobacco)

Chewing tobacco is called snus in Sweden, and it even has its own special verb in Swedish – snusar. It’s very common, particularly among men- several of my family members in Sweden enjoy snus.

I’ve never tried snus and I don’t use tobacco at all.

A few interesting facts about snus:

• It is regulated as a food product under the Swedish Food Act 
• The history of snus in Sweden dates back to the 1600s
• You can read about health implications of snus here

If you do want to try snus , it’s not hard to find at all. It can be found in most common grocery stores and convenience stores. Of course, since it’s a tobacco product – be sure to check how much (if any) you’re allowed to bring home.

Cheap Souvenirs from Sweden

Many of the items suggested above (except maybe the food products) can be pretty expensive in Sweden. Here are some ideas of souvenirs you can get in Sweden that will cost less than $10

• Swedish flags and banner It’s pretty common in Sweden to decorate desserts, birthday cakes, and even the Christmas tree with Swedish flag. They are also often used for Midsummer. Best of all, you don’t need to buy them in Sweden – they can be found on Amazon .
• Fridge magnets – fridge magets can have typical designs and symbols of Sweden – I like this one here that shows the whole county, plus main cities

What to Buy in Sweden FAQ

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about choosing which Swedish souvenirs to bring home

What is a traditional Swedish gift?

Some traditional gifts in Sweden are wood-carved utensils such as a butter knife, a dala horse, Swedish glassware, crystal or ceramics.

What is Sweden famous for making?

Sweden is famous for producing its candies, it’s wooden products (which are used for furniture, home decor and even games like klubspel ), and other minimalistic home decor items such as cande holders, glassware, ceramics and textiles.

Final Thoughts on Swedish souvenirs

By now you know some of the best souvenirs from Sweden to bring home from your trip. I am certain that any of the ideas above will not only serve as a momento for your trip, but enhance your life by bringing some of the Swedish mindset of taking it easy and enjoying the small simple things.

16 Must-Buy Souvenirs in Sweden

Photo: Shutterstock

We all love to bring home souvenirs and gifts to ourselves, family members and to our friends as a way to show some appreciation and also give them a taste of the country that we’ve just visited.

Sweden is a great destination when it comes to souvenirs since there’s a lot of nice things to buy that varies from delicious candy, nice decor, things that are actually useful, and just some nice nicknacks if that’s your thing.

If you’re going to travel to Sweden, and if you’re not sure what to buy in Sweden for gifts,  then you should check out this list of the 16 must-buy souvenirs in Sweden!

Here’s the list of 16 must-buy souvenirs in Sweden:

Table of Contents

Lovikkavantar (Lovikka Mittens)

These mittens are the most famous mittens in Sweden. Lovikkavanar is made in Lovikka in the region of Norrbotten in the northern part of Sweden and is recognized by it’s yellow, blue and red embroidery and tassels.

These knitted mittens come in both white and grey color – One of the best Swedish gifts to someone who lives in a cold country!

Cheese Slicer

A cheese slicer is just what it sounds like – a slicer that slices cheese. In Sweden, people love to have cheese on their sandwiches for breakfast, so they can’t survive without their cheese slicer. It’s a great invention, and also one of the best souvenirs from Sweden for someone who loves cheese!

This is, in my opinion, the most disgusting of all Swedish souvenirs that you can eat or drink haha (many Swedes love it, just not me). Snaps is a Swedish (also a Danish) word for a small shot of strong alcoholic beverage taken during a meal.

In Sweden, we drink snaps during both Midsummer, Christmas, and Easter while singing songs and shouting ”Skål!” (Skål means cheers in Swedish) out loud before taking the shot. The beverage is called Aquavit and can be bought at Systembolaget (the only place where you can buy alcohol in Sweden).

Note that you have to be 21 or older and have an ID-card to buy a bottle of Aquavit.

Cloudberry Jam

Cloudberries are one of the most sought-after berries in Sweden. The berries grow in the wild and are tough to cultivate, but their golden yellow color makes them distinctive and is therefore quite easy to find in the forest.

The cloudberries have a special place in every Swedes heart and are often used in desserts or at special occasions. We often have cloudberry jam on our waffles together with whipped cream – it’s super delicious and something you have to taste while you’re in Sweden.

We also enjoy it together with the Swedish cheesecake that originates from Småland – the land of IKEA, Astrid Lindgren and lush forests with wild mushrooms and berries!

Wooden Butter knives

Swedish people love their wooden butter knives, and in the souvenir shops around the country, you’ll find these great utensils. Often you can find the wooden butter knives with different kinds of hand-painted motives as well!

Salt Liquorice

One of the best (in my opinion) and strange (many tourists opinions haha) flavors that you can find in Sweden is salt licorice (saltlakrits). It’s a Swedish candy that many Swedes love, and myself craving every other day while traveling. It has an unusual taste, so it’s something you either love or hate.

In Sweden, you can find this salty flavor in both ice cream, chewing gum, and candy. You can buy all of these in any supermarket around Sweden. It’s a great Swedish gift to bring home to your friends and family so they can get a little taste of Sweden.

I can highly recommend candy from the pick and mix “loose” candy shelf in the supermarkets, and also the famous Djungelvrål (translation: jungle roar), which is the saltiest candy of them all haha!

Polkagris is a Swedish stick candy that was invented in the town of Gränna 1859. This is a traditional candy and comes in several different flavors (salty licorice as well haha). The traditional polkagris candy stick is white and red and is peppermint flavored.

If you ever go on a road trip in Sweden from Stockholm to the Skåne (the southern part) I recommend you to stop by Gränna and buy a couple of Polkagrisar! At this famous place, you can also see how they make polkagrisar in their store.

Translation of Polkagris is Polka Pig in English.

Absolut Vodka

Many people don’t know that the famous Vodka ”Absolut Vodka” comes from Sweden. But if you take a closer look, you’ll actually see that it says ”country of Sweden” on it. Absolut Vodka is a great Swedish souvenir to bring back home, and it’s always fun to collect their limited edition bottles – which some of them are very cool!

Swedish Design

Sweden is famous all over the world for its design. The Swedish people love interior and design, and their passion for it has resulted in great designer stores where you can find some unique interior.

If you travel to Stockholm, I can highly recommend you to visit NK and Svenskt Tenn. Designtorget is also an excellent store that you’ll find in several cities around the country.

Dala Horse – Best and most traditional of the souvenirs in Sweden

The famous Swedish Dala Horse was from the beginning a toy but has over the years become a symbol of Sweden. This horse originates from Dalarna (a region in Sweden) but is now a symbol for the whole country. This is one of the souvenirs that many Swedes have themselves in their homes since it’s a nice decor.

You can find cheap versions of this horse for around 5-10 euro in Stockholm souvenir shops and other towns around the country, but the real handcrafted/handpainted are much nicer and the smallest one cost you around 30 euros (yes it’s very expensive).

This is one of the best souvenirs in Sweden!

Sámi Crafts & Jewelry

The Sámi people are indigenous Finno-Ugric people that live in the northern part of Scandinavia. These people are very skilled and make beautiful handicrafts and also jewelry. To get the real deal things, you should head to Jokkmokk in the northern part of the country.

During winter they have a big Christmas market that is fun to visit.

One of my favorite breakfast bread is the crisp bread (Knäckebröd in Swedish). In all Swedish supermarkets, you’ll find different kinds of Knäckebröd with exciting flavors to try. It’s very delicious!

It’s a great gift to combine with a cheese slicer for persons who have breakfast as their favorite meal of the day.

Falsterbotofflor

One of the best souvenirs in Sweden, that you can buy from the southern part of the country is a pair of Falsterbotofflor (wooden clogs from Flasterbo). These are handmade and handpainted and comes in different kinds of motives. The most famous clogs are the one with flowers and a goose in the middle!

Swedish Glass

Sweden produces some fantastic glass and some of the most famous brands are Kosta Boda and Orrefors.

From these brands, you can buy everything from candle holders, bowls and wine glasses in excellent quality and beautiful design. You can find these brands in several stores around the country. If you’re in Stockholm I suggest to check out NK or Åhlens City in the central part of town.

If you’re in Stockholm I suggest to check out NK or Åhlens City in the central part of town.

Pepparkakor (Ginger Biscuits)

Even though we eat pepparkakor mostly around Christmas, one can find these in our supermarkets all year round.

During Christmas, many Swedes bake them at home and cut them into cute shapes (hearts, pigs, stars, men, women, and so on…), glaze them with frosting and eat them, hangs them up in the Christmas tree and also in the windows as a nice Christmas decor (Yes. We are a bit weird haha).

Swedish Candy

Ok. This is, in my opinion, the best of all souvenirs in Sweden! Sweden makes some of the best and most delicious candy in the whole world, and it’s cheap too. In Swedish supermarkets, you’ll find a great selection of Candy, but I highly recommend to bring home a bag of pick and mix “loose” candy – which is the best!!

If you want to buy the loose candy I can recommend you to visit the store Hemmakväll. That store has so many flavors to choose from, but it’s also a bit more expensive.

If you have a sweet tooth or know somebody back home that has one, then this is one of the best souvenirs in Sweden for you to buy!

Hope you enjoyed this article about the 16 must-buy souvenirs in Sweden, and that you got some inspiration before your trip! Happy Day and Safe Travels! ♥

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Useful information for me.Thanks

You’re welcome! I’m happy it helped you :)

Sounds good to me. Can’t wait to try and buy some of these items.

Happy you liked it! Have fun in Sweden :)

Hi I heard about cinnamon bun. Is it really Swedish?

Hi Roya! Yes, it’s Swedish, but it’s popular in other countries as well!

Have you ever tried it? It’s very delicious! :)

Kindest, Christine

Thank you very much!!

Thank you Christine!

My farmor was from Höganäs. I understand Höganäs is known for its ceramics. I will be there at the beginning of my trip. I am thinking of having my ceramic souvenirs shipped to my home. What do you think? Any other items from Scania you might recommend?

Hi! You’re very welcome Amani :)

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What to bring from Sweden – souvenir and gift ideas

“What should I bring from Sweden?” is a question that is often asked by tourists planning a trip to this Scandinavian country.

Quality Swedish chocolate, meat and fish delicacies, souvenirs with famous fairy-tale heroes and Vikings are often brought from there. If finances allow you to purchase something more expensive, then sets of cosmetics, shoes, crystal products are also available.

Let’s take a closer look at what you can bring from Sweden for yourself and as a gift to friends.

Memorable souvenirs from Sweden

Stockholm’s main street, Drottninggatan (Drottninggatan), connecting the Old Town and new districts, is the main hub for souvenir shopping. However it is much more profitable to buy gifts from smaller towns and shops. Some of the best items to bring from Sweden for your loved ones are listed below:

 Elk is the most loved animal in all of Sweden. Every souvenir shop offers diverse variations of it. In Sweden you can buy many products: postcards and magnets, badges and bags, T-shirts, dishes and aprons, oven mitts. Wooden figurines and soft toys in the form of an animal will be a great gift, as well as comic road and car signs “Watch out, moose!” The choice of souvenirs is huge!

Dala Hast is another one of the main characters of Sweden. The Dalekarli horse is also called the Dala horse, Dala Hest, the horse from Dalarna. In all of Stockholm’s souvenir shops, you can find wooden Dalekali horses, most often painted red or blue. A chocolate Dala Hast will be a good gift for people with a sweet tooth, and for your own kitchen you can bring a stylish towel with the image of this character.

Ancient Viking figurines made of metal or wood are gifts from Sweden that are considered classics. But we must remember that in their day to day lives the Vikings did not wear helmets with horns. They wore helmets to protect their head and face in battles. In order to potray vikings are scary and terrifying TV and movie directors often misrepresented them.

Be that as it may, on the shelves of souvenir shops of Stockholm and other cities of Sweden you can find figures of different Vikings. Other than figures one can buy swords, amulets, cups, helmets with horns, jewelry with the corresponding symbols.

Heroes of fairy tales Astrid Lingren

Almost all of us from childhood have known who Pippi Longstocking, Carlson, Kid, Emil and Madiken are. These characters are the works of the famous writer Astrid Lindgren. They are known and loved by children all over the world. Although the cost of such toys is quite high (starting from 100 kroons), is it the best present to bring for children. You can buy them in specialized toy stores (for example, BR leksaker), in the store at the Unibaken Museum or in souvenir shops.

 Klogs (codfish) are medieval shoes of cheerful colors, the sole of which is wooden and the upper is made of genuine leather. Such handmade products can be considered both an original souvenir and a practical thing for everyday use. Swedes often wear this comfortable piece of footwear durig the summers. These shoes were very popular in the 1970s, when members of the famous ABBA band performed in them.

Food items to bring from Sweden

Delicious food items can be brought from Sweden such as:

 The supermarkets COOP, ICA, HEMHÖP (they are in Stockholm and most cities in Sweden) have a fairly wide range of fish products. You can buy canned fish spreads, herring and caviar in jars, delicious salted, dried or smoked red fish. Herring and caviar are sold in small banks, prices start at 10 kroons.

Surstroming

What especially brave tourists can bring from Stockholm is an exotic surstroemming. The name translates as “rotten herring”, and, in general, it is very accurate. Surströmming is a fermented canned herring with a very unpleasant odor. So that it does not spread too much, the canned food is opened under water or with candles. Such a herring is eaten by adding raw onions and boiled potatoes, or they make a filling for pita bread from it. The price of a jar surströmming starts at 50 kroons.

A jar of jam made from northern berries, such as cloudberries, will be a good gift from Sweden. This jam is considered the most delicious here and is included in the daily menu of the Swedes.

In Sweden there are several companies engaged in the production of high-quality chocolate products. The most recognized and popular brand of chocolate is Marabou. The manufacturing company produces a huge range of products, and during the New Year and Christmas holidays, customers are also offered a limited series of thematic chocolate bars.

You should be aware that in Sweden you can buy real Marabou chocolate at Pressbyrån stalls and HEMHÖP, COOP, ICA supermarkets – they offer it at 30 kroons per bar.

Although coffee is not grown in Stockholm, however as compared to other European countries, Sweden is known to learned to process grains and prepare excellent quality coffee products. In the previously mentioned supermarkets, both for yourself and as a gift, you can buy coffee varieties such as Zoega, Gevalia, Arvid Nordquist.

Swedish alcoholic drinks

If we talk about alcohol, then in Sweden they produce “Carnegie Porter” beer, various liqueurs and herbal tinctures as well as the famous Absolut vodka. These drinks can be brought as gifts and for personal use too.

 Aquavit vodka is considered one of the most famous and popular national spirits . It can be infused with dill, cinnamon, coriander, St. John’s wort and other herbs, and it is usually served with smoked salmon. The strength of this alcohol is 38-50%, a bottle of 0.5 liter costs about 200 crowns.

Glogg alcohol is the perfect gift for lovers of light alcoholic drinks. Glogue is a traditional Scandinavian drink made from wine flavored with a variety of spices. In Sweden, you can buy a glog not only in an ordinary 0.5 liter bottle, but also in a souvenir pack consisting of several bottles with drinks of different tastes.  Bottle glosses of the Blossa Glogg brand os always in high demand.

Tourists need to remember that you can buy alcohol in Sweden only at specialized retail outlets, for example, in Systembolaget stores. And one more thing: no more than 1 liter of spirits is allowed to be exported from this country.

Swedish Snus

Snus is the perfect souvenir for smokers – the so-called shredded and moistened tobacco.

Snus does not release a lot of smoke. It is placed under the upper lip and kept there for 5-30 minutes, and then thrown away. During the use of snus, nicotine enters the body, but the lungs are not contaminated with tobacco resins. People around the person smoking Snus are not exposed to any potential damage.

We by no means are promoting smoking or the usage of nicotine but if you need to bring something from Stockholm as a gift to friends who love to smoke them snus is definetly worth a shout.

In Sweden, you can buy different types of snus: regular with a taste of tobacco, or flavored, for example, menthol, mint, raspberry. This tobacco product can be loose – in cans of 40-50 g, and portioned – packed in cotton bags of 1 g. The average price of one can is 20 kroons.

Snus can be purchased in souvenir shops, in Pressbyrån stalls, in supermarkets.

Cosmetics & Perfumes

 Sweden has a wide variety of high quality cosmetics that one can buy for themselves and as a gift to women is cosmetics. The cosmetics that are produced here are hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly, of excellent quality.

The most popular brand is Oriflame. The brand offers perfumes and decorative cosmetics, as well as cosmetics and body care accessories. All Oriflame products are distributed through catalogs, but the company has an official boutique in Stockholm. 

IsaDora is another well-known brand. The company is mainly engaged in the manufacture of makeup products, and for their manufacturing they only use natural coloring substances without perfumes.

Curiosa is also on the list of cosmetics brands popular in Sweden and Europe. The products of this company cannot be called budget, but they are of impeccable quality, especially decorative and care lines.

Swedish crystal products

When planning your shopping in Sweden, and thinking about what to buy as a memorable and practical souvenir, take a look at the crystal. Swedish crystal products have excellent quality. They are in constant demand in Europe and America.

In the south of the state, in the province of Smoland, there is a large-scale craft center for the production of crystal. This center, consists of 15 villages with specialized workshops. It is called Glasriket (“Kingdom of Glass”). The workshops are open for visitors who want to observe the process of creating various products and buy their favorite products.

One of the most famous brands of Swedish crystal is Moleros. They offer multi-colored masks, candle holders, fancy bottles, vases of various shapes.

More expensive brands include Orrefors and Costa Boda. Swedish crystal and art glass are not only amazingly beautiful, but also act as practical gifts, and have a collectible value.

 Crystal shopping can be done in the “Kingdom of Glass”, in the ethnographic museum “Skansen”, in the shops of the Old Town in Stockholm – prices there start at 300 EEK. But you can save some money by buying crystal at Duty Free at the airport – there the minimum price is 200 crowns.

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Top 10 Authentic Swedish Souvenirs to Buy in Sweden

Before ending your adventure in Sweden, be sure to stop in local shops to purchase souvenirs to commemorate your adventure! Instead of settling for the regular souvenir shops for the regular knick knacks made in China, consider purchasing an authentic Swedish gift from a local artisan or local business. If you’re unsure where to start or where to look, continue on to my list of the top 10 authentic Swedish souvenirs from locals!

Sámi Jewelry

The Sámi are indigenous people of Sweden that have their own parliament and political system, while abiding by Sweden’s laws. The Sámi bracelets are usually made of the color of their flag, dark blue, bright red, green, or golden yellow, and are handmade out of braided silver or pewter thread, leather from Caribou, and Caribou antler.

Dalecarlian Horse

The worldwide-known red horse. The Dala Horse was originally carved from wood and painted in the Swedish country of Dalarna. Today, they are made from or painted on a variety of mediums in, approved, different colors. However, the red paint is the only traditional style.

Wool Clothing

When in Scandinavia… Sweden is known for its wool clothing, which was traditionally made to protect from the cold and icy weather. Many shops sell handmade wool socks, sweaters, blankets, etc. that have traditional weaving patterns for the perfect warm gift.

Swedish Licorice and Chocolates

A delicious gift for family, friends, or coworkers. Statistically, the Swedes consume the most candies per year. One of their all time favorites is their salty licorice, which is more delicious than it sounds! If licorice is not your cup of tea, select from the hundreds of hand decorated chocolates to satisfy your sweet tooth.

This is not your typical lambskin… On the island of Gotland, thousands come to visit and shop for the famous curly lambskin fur. These are perfect for throws or decorations, or if you’re looking for a unique wool souvenir. Be sure to check your country’s customs laws for bringing back pelts or lambskins before making your purchase.

Different from Dutch clogs, the tops of Swedish clogs are made from leather, and then are sewn into a wooden sole. This style of clogs originates from Flasterbo, but can be purchased anywhere in Sweden. Stores also sell the traditional handmade clogs that are hand painted in traditional designs.

Lingonberry Jam

Take your tastebuds back to your time in Sweden, while being in your home! Perfect as a topper or side for your breakfasts and desserts, this Swedish jam is made from the fruits of Sweden’s forests. The jam is sold in glass or squeeze containers if you’re concerned about the glass breaking while traveling or taking up too much space.

Carved Wooden Utensils

A big part of Swedes’ culture and one of the most commonly bought souvenirs, the carved utensils are primarily made from Birch, Pine, and Spruce. There are artisans that make the utensils from Pearwood, but these are the most expensive types.

Sámi traditional crafts made by techniques passed through generations. All items are marked with a symbol of authenticity. These handmade products range from smaller items such as cutlery, knives, and leather pouches to larger items such as storage boxes, and water bowls. No item is the same.

The mythical gnome from Scandinavian folklore, which is also referred to as Nisse. Tomte is most popular during the winter and Christmas time, and comes in a variety of designs. Some are handmade, some are mass-produced. They are viewed as the family’s protectors, but can also be somewhat mischievous. If you’re visiting Sweden during the winter months, you will be able to purchase Tomte at the many Christmas markets.

These 10 authentic Swedish souvenirs offer a tangible connection to Sweden’s rich culture and traditions. Whether it’s the exquisite craftsmanship of Swedish design or the flavors of local delicacies, these keepsakes allow you to take a piece of Sweden with you, preserving the memories of your Scandinavian adventure. Planning a trip to Sweden? Visit my complete travel guide !

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From fika to flatbread: 11 must-have Swedish food souvenirs

Traditional Swedish snacks like dried reindeer meat and infamous sweets like salty Swedish liquorice make great food gifts. Or why not learn how to roll the perfect candy cane or bake your flatbread to bring home? Here is a selection of irresistible and interesting food souvenirs for an authentic taste of Sweden.

Kalix Caviar (‘Kalix löjrom’)

The vendace roe from Kalix in Swedish Lapland was the first Swedish food product to receive a protected designation of origin (PDO) back in 2010. Often referred to as “ The gold of the Bothnian Bay ”, Kalix Caivar gets its distinctive taste from the brackish water in the Piteå, Luleå, Kalix and Haparanda archipelagos. It’s caught by fewer than 40 professional fishermen and is said to be one of the most unique ingredients in the world. The most common way of serving Kalix Caviar is on flatbread with finely chopped red onion, dill and crème fraiche. It can usually be found in Sweden’s best restaurants, market halls, well-stocked seafood shops and online.

Reindeer meat (‘renkött’)

Reindeer meat is an important ingredient in the Sámi kitchen, Sweden’s indigenous people who have inhabited the country's northern parts for thousands of years. Reindeer meat is succulent, lean and full of flavour. It’s usually prepared with traditional salting, smoking and curing techniques. ‘Souvas’, meaning ‘smoked’ in Sámi, is the most popular form. In 2003, ‘souvas’ became Sweden’s first Slow Food Presidia product – a culinary preservation listing of local and culturally essential food products. As a food souvenir to bring home, dried reindeer meat may be preferred, best enjoyed with a cold beer.

Västerbotten cheese (Västerbottensost)

Västerbotten cheese is essential during Swedish holidays like Midsummer and Christmas, often served in a quiche. Its name indicates that it’s cheese from Västerbotten county in northern Sweden, and according to the secret original recipe from 1872, it must be made from cow’s milk in the north of Sweden and aged for at least 14 months. The texture is firm and granular, the taste salty and strong. Västerbotten cheese can be found in all major supermarkets and at traditional restaurants, often as a part of the Swedish appetiser S.O.S (‘smör, ost, sill’ – Swedish for butter, cheese and herring). If you are to bring Swedish cheese with you home, don’t forget to buy an ‘osthyvel’, a cheese slicer that is a must in every Swedish home.

Cloudberry jam (‘hjortronsylt’)

Sweet, fruity and mild – or deep and tart. The flavour of cloudberries is challenging to describe to those who have never tasted them. This nutrition-packed delicacy turns the Swedish forests into a sea of gold from mid-July to mid-August for those lucky enough to find them. The amber-coloured berries thrive in sunny marshlands all over Sweden but are more common the further north you travel. In Swedish homes, cloudberries are commonly found in the fridge in the form of jam. Bring a jar home and savour it on waffles with whipped cream. Or heat the cloudberry jam and serve it as a dessert with vanilla ice cream. Delicious!

Flatbread and crispbread (‘tunnbröd’ and ‘knäckebröd’)

Flatbread and crispbread are two different versions of thin, traditional Swedish bread found in every supermarket. While the flatbread can be soft or crisp, made of wheat, barley, oat or rye and is more common in the northern parts of Sweden, crispbread is usually made of rye and is a staple all over the country. Mjälloms Tunnbröd in the High Coast is Sweden’s oldest flatbread bakery. In the summertime, you can book a cooking class and bake your own flatbread or buy a range of flatbread variations in the visitor’s shop around the clock. As for crispbread, the traditional, round-shaped version from Skedvi in Dalarna received a protected geographical indication (PGI) in November 2023. The old factory Skedvi Bröd has recently developed into a gastro destination with a food hall, restaurant, dairy, greenhouse and summer café.

Roasted oat flour (‘skrädmjöl’)

‘Skrädmjöl’ originates from Värmland county in western Sweden. The idea of roasting grains is believed to have started in the 17th century as a way to avoid moulding. Farmers roasted the oat grains in stone ovens before milling them into flour, giving them a nutty flavour. To be called ‘skrädmjöl’, the oat must be grown, dried, shelled and roasted in Värmland. Swedish author and Nobel Prize laureate Selma Lagerlöf (1858-1940) was one of the first to sell skrädmjöl. Today, only a few mills – Stöpafors Kvarn , Björkaholm Qvarn and Femtå Qvarn – produce skärdmjöl, and it can be a bit tricky to get hold of outside the county border, but Swedish online shops sell it. Skrädmjöl boasts both a PGI certification and a Slow Food Presidia listing.

Gingerbread cookies (‘pepparkakor’)

‘Pepparkakor’ are sold in supermarkets year-round, but these spiced and crisp cookies are viral during Christmas. At Christmas markets, you can find them as large, heart-shaped variants with icing. Or do as the Swedes and set aside an afternoon to build and decorate your own gingerbread house. To make your own gingerbread cookies, find a classic recipe and buy forms. The most common shapes are stars, hearts, pigs, men and women, but in souvenir shops, you can find everything from moose to lávvus. Enjoy your gingerbread cookies with a glass of milk or ‘glögg’. They are also delightful with a piece of blue cheese or brie on top. And there’s no such thing as devouring too many – according to an old Swedish saying, eating ‘pepparkakor’ makes you kind.

Candy cane (‘polkagris’)

Another traditional Swedish sweet treat, and nowadays a worldwide Christmas staple, is the ‘polkagris’. These red and white candies were first handcrafted on a marble table in southern Sweden in 1859. Originally peppermint rocks, ‘polkagrisar’ are today mostly known as sticks and come in various flavours. They can be found all over Sweden, but if you’re after the real deal, head to the charming town of Gränna in Småland. ‘Äkta Gränna Polkagrisar’ holds a PGI certification. At the bakery Grenna Polkagriskokeri , you can join the baker and make your own candy while learning the history of these stripy sweets invented by a single mother.

Pyramid cake (‘spettekaka’)

The bigger the cake, the better the party – that used to be the norm in Skåne county in southern Sweden. The crisp ‘spettekaka’ dates back to the 17th century and was traditionally baked on a spit and decoratively drizzled with white or pink icing. The cake itself is made of eggs, potato starch flour and sugar and will melt in your mouth, but it’s not as sweet as one may think. The shape can make the cake challenging to transport, but don’t despair if it breaks. Spettekaka is supposed to be enjoyed in pieces with ice cream and fresh fruit or berries. Today, spettekaka is served at festivities like weddings and holidays such as Christmas and Midsummer. It also holds a PGI certification.

Pick and mix candy

Swedes are crazy for candy. According to sources, an average Swedish person consumes about 16 kilos per year – most in the world. Pick and mix is especially popular, and the selection is so much more than the red Swedish fish – walls of colourful sweets sold by the pound can be found in any supermarket, kiosk or even gas station. Make sure to take some of these varieties home with you:

• Dumle, a chocolate-covered soft toffee, and Kexchoklad, a crunchy chocolate-covered wafer biscuit.
• Ahlgrens Bilar: pink, white and green car-shaped marshmallow-like gummies.
• Salty liquorice: an infamous Swedish favourite that comes in many shapes and strengths where Djungelvrål, monkey-shaped chewies covered in salty liquorice powder, is one of the most popular sorts.

All of the above can also be bought in pre-packed bags.

Swedish fika

No trip to Sweden is complete without a ‘fika’ or two. This delightful custom of enjoying a cup of coffee and a sweet treat with friends is an essential part of the Swedish lifestyle. The most popular fika treat, the cinnamon bun , even has its own day on 4 October. While cinnamon buns are best enjoyed freshly baked, the ‘seven types of cookies ’ concept is far easier to bring home. These tiny cookies can be found in all bakeries, cafés and grocery stores. Or why not go for the classic ‘dammsugare’ (literally translated as ‘vacuum cleaner’), a cylindrical roll flavoured with punsch liqueur and covered in green marzipan and chocolate?

Please note: Generally, food items can be freely brought in between EU countries. Check the specific rules that apply in your home country.

Food explanations

Protected Designation of Origin (PDO): Product names registered as PDO are those that have the strongest links to the place in which they are made. It is the EU’s strongest food trademark. Examples: Champagne, Gorgonzola and Parma ham.

Protected Geographical Indication (PGI): PGI emphasises the relationship between the specific geographic region and the product's name, where a particular quality, reputation or other characteristic is essentially attributable to its geographical origin. Examples: Westphalian ham, Miel de Provence honey and Danablu cheese.

Source: European Commission

Slow Food Presidia: The Presidia sustain quality production at risk of extinction, protect unique regions and ecosystems, recover traditional processing methods, and safeguard native breeds and local plant varieties. Examples: Aged artisanal gouda and Bamberger Hörnla potato.

Source: Slow Food Foundation for Biodiversity

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Swedish souvenirs worth buying

Heading to Sweden? Want to bring back a little reminder of your trip, or a nice gift for someone at home? Never fear: we’re here to make sure you don’t waste your money on crappy clogs, plastic Viking helmets or bags of chocolate raisins labelled ‘moose poo’.

Here are some suggestions for Swedish souvenirs that go beyond the usual tacky trinkets. Some are cheap, some are a little more expensive, and most are easy to track down, regardless of where you are in the country. One thing these souvenirs have in common is that they’re all very, very Swedish.

Design stuff

Swedish design is world famous, but there’s a lot more to the country’s interior styling scene than that big flatpack-furniture place with the easy-to-steal pencils. You could spend thousands on cool lamps, vases, ornaments and posters (especially if you’re in one of the high-end boutiques in Stockholm or Gothenburg ) but there are much cheaper ways to get hold of the latest Nordic trends.

Lagerhaus and DesignTorget both have stores in the big cities and sell Swedish decorations and homeware at reasonable prices. Stepping up a level, the department stores NK and Åhléns  stock everything from Swedish coffee mugs to candle holders and smart-looking notepads.

Salt liquorice

One of the strange flavours you’ll encounter in Sweden is salt liquorice  (saltlakrits) . It’s definitely an unusual taste and one that you’ll either love or hate. Most Swedes seem to be firmly on the ‘love’ side of the debate, so you’ll find the salty flavour infiltrating all sorts of things, including ice cream, chewing gum, snus (see below) and of course candy. If you get a flavour for salt liquorice and want to share the joy with people back home, you can stock up at any sweetshop or supermarket. To really make your friends wince, grab a bag of Djungelvrål (jungle roar) – it’s eye-wateringly salty.

Cool Swedish clothes

H&M is pretty much the same in Sweden as anywhere else, so there’s no need to rush there to stock up on clothes. But there are still a few cool, lesser-known Swedish brands that are only just beginning to make waves outside their home country. Try Weekday (also owned by H&M), which has jeans for guys and girls, and Cheap Monday (yep, this one is owned by H&M too). Our super-detailed guide to Swedish fashion has loads more tips!

Nothing says “I’m Swedish” like a lump of tobacco stuffed under the top lip. There are two main types of snus available – one comes in a kind of tea bag, and the other is loose. If you want to try it for the first time, definitely go for the tea bag option (called ‘portion’), or you’ll end up battling a mouthful of brown sludge. Although it’s widely considered to be much safer than smoking, we wouldn’t recommend getting hooked in Sweden – snus is banned in most parts of Europe, and can be difficult to track down in other parts of the world, too. Tobacco-free versions are available on sites like Amazon .

Sami handicrafts

Sami designs have found their way into souvenir shops in Stockholm’s Gamla Stan in the form of brightly coloured hats and ornaments. These are usually mass-produced outside Sweden; for genuine Sami handicrafts, including pretty jewellery, your best bet is to head to Jokkmokk in the north of the country. Our shopping guide has info on some of the best handicraft places in town .

Yummy cakes and pastries

If you get hooked on the idea of fika in Sweden, make room in your hand luggage for some freshly baked goodies. Most bakeries and cafés will be able to sort you out with a takeaway box if you ask. Need help choosing what to bring home? Our beginner’s guide to fika has pictures of some of the classic cakes and pastries.

A Dala horse

The wooden Dala horse began life as a simple toy but has since evolved into a symbol – not just for Dalarna, the region where it originated, but for the whole of Sweden. This is one of the few typical Swedish souvenirs that you might actually see in a Swede’s house. Tacky, $5 versions are found in tourist offices and gift shops across the country, but a proper hand-carved and hand-painted  Dalahäst from Dalarna will set you back $30 or more – and that’s just for a little one.

No traditional Swedish knees-up would be complete without a few songs and a nice cold bottle of snaps . To get hold of a bottle that you can take home, you’ll have to make a trip to Systembolaget, the government-run chain of shops that has a monopoly on sales of strong alcohol. You’ll find loads of different flavours available, like lemongrass, basil, rosemary and thyme. Some are surprisingly smooth, others burn like hell. Expect to pay 170–400 SEK (US $20–45) for a bottle.

If you’d rather avoid the strong stuff, see this as your opportunity to stock up on a few Swedish beers. The craft beer scene has exploded in recent years, and you’ll find dozens of brews from around the country available by the can and bottle.

Surströmming

At the start of this page we promised that all of the souvenirs we listed here would be very, very Swedish. Fermented herring (surströmming) certainly fits the bill, but might not be appreciated by everyone – and it isn’t especially easy to get home.

The putrid-smelling delicacy been banned from several airlines due to the risk of cans exploding mid-flight and leaving a terrible stink behind. Press reports say that when one couple tried to bring a can of surströmming home to Germany from Skellefteå it exploded in the hold, leaving them responsible for replacing all of the smell-soaked suitcases onboard.

Our advice? Order it online and let someone else take the risk (you can buy it here on Amazon ).

Books from Sweden

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What to buy in Sweden: A souvenirs guide

Sweden is known for its iconic designs, beautiful landscapes , and rich cultural heritage. When you visit this Scandinavian country, it is hard not to fall in love with its charming cities, picturesque countryside, and friendly people. And while you are here, why not take home some of its unique souvenirs that are both practical and stylish? Here is a guide to what souvenirs to buy in Sweden:

The Dala horse is a traditional wooden figurine from the Dalarna region of Sweden . It comes in various sizes and colors and is a symbol of Swedish folklore. However, usually it is red with colorful decorations. It is said that the Dala horse was first made by woodcarvers in the 17th century as a toy for children. Today, it is one of the most popular souvenirs from Sweden.

Sami handicrafts

The Sami people are the indigenous people of Sweden’s northernmost region, Lapland . They are known for their handicrafts, which include jewelry, clothing, and decorative items made from parts of reindeer, as there was an abundance of reindeers in the north. If you want to take home a unique and authentic souvenir from Sweden, a Sami handicraft is a great choice.

Swedish licorice and candy

Sweden has a wide variety of sweets and candies, from Ahlgrens Bilar to chocolate-covered marshmallows (Polly), Swedish candy is a treat for the taste buds. You can find them in any supermarket or candy store. However, the most well-known candy from Sweden is our licorice candy. It is a unique blend of salty, sour, bitter, and sweet flavors.

Swedish glassware

Sweden is home to some of the world’s most famous glassware brands, such as Målerås, Orrefors, and Kosta Boda. They produce high-quality glassware in different shapes and colors, from vases to decorative bowls. These glassware pieces are not only beautiful but also practical, making them a perfect souvenir from Sweden.

Swedish textiles

Swedish textiles are known for their high quality and distinctive designs. From woolen blankets to colorful table runners, Swedish textiles are a perfect way to bring home some Swedish charm. You can find them in local design shops or department stores.

Swedish cheese

Sweden has a long tradition of cheese-making, and you can find a wide variety of delicious cheeses in Sweden. From creamy brie to salty Västerbotten cheese (a type of cheese only made and found in Sweden), Swedish cheese is a must-try when you visit the country. You can find them in most supermarket or cheese shop.

Viking jewelry

Sweden has a rich Viking history, and you can find a wide variety of Viking-inspired jewelry in the country. From Thor’s hammer pendants to Viking knot rings, these pieces are both unique and stylish. They are perfect for those who love history and want to take home a piece of it.

Moose or reindeer leather products

Moose and reindeer are common in Sweden, and their hide is used to make a wide variety of products such as gloves, wallets, and rugs. These natural products are not only practical but also stylish, making them a perfect souvenir from Sweden.

Swedish skincare products

Not many thinks of skincare when coming to Sweden, however, the country has some of the world’s best skincare brands, such as Verso and Oriflame. These brands produce high-quality skincare products made from natural ingredients and sees skincare as a lifestyle. They are perfect for those who want to take care of their skin while also experiencing the Swedish way of life.

Swedish chocolate

Sweden, just like Switzerland, has a rich heritage in chocolate-making, and you can find a wide variety of delicious chocolates in the country. From Marabou milk chocolate to Daim chocolate bars, Swedish chocolate is a must-try and take home when you visit the country. You can find them in any supermarket or candy shop.

Swedish foods

Swedish cuisine is unique and worth taking back home. Some popular Swedish food souvenirs include lingonberry jam, cloudberry jam, kalix caviar, and crispbread. The sheer variety will make you wonder for hours. You can find these items in any supermarket or local food market.

Swedish fashion and design

Swedish fashion is known for its minimalistic and chic style. Some of the most well-known Swedish fashion brands include Acne Studios, Filippa K, and H&M. These brands offer everything from clothing to accessories and are great fit for those who want to bring a piece of authentic Swedish fashion back home.

Swedish music

Some of the world’s most famous musicians are Swedish, including ABBA and Avicii. However, even if you’re not a fan of pop music, there are plenty of other genres to explore. From classical music to folk music, there’s something for everyone. Look for records featuring traditional Swedish instruments like the nyckelharpa or the vallhorn.

Swedish drinks and coffee

Swedish drinks are varied and reflect the country’s unique cultural and natural influences. You can take back some Swedish coffee beans, or traditional Swedish mulled wine (can be alcohol-free) known as Glögg. Other popular drinks include snaps, a type of aquavit, and craft beers with many local breweries producing unique and flavorful beers.

In conclusion, Sweden offers a wide variety of souvenirs that are worth bringing back home. From traditional handicrafts to modern design, there is something for everyone.

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The Ultimate Guide to Swedish Souvenirs: Immersing in the Nordic Charm

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Posted Nov 08, 2023 in Travel Information

Winding fjords, crisp winter air, and vibrant cities—Sweden promises a mesmerizing blend of nature and culture. As you find yourself meandering through the snow-laden streets of a Sweden city in winter, the allure of its heritage beckons. 

Embarking on a trip to Sweden, especially during the colder months, becomes even more memorable with tangible mementos. Delve deeper as we journey through the Swedish souvenir landscape.

What are the most popular Swedish souvenirs?

When you visit a beautiful country like Sweden, it's only natural to want to bring a piece of it back home with you. Swedish souvenirs are not only charming keepsakes but also perfect gifts for your loved ones.

Swedish souvenirs extend beyond mere objects —they're fragments of a rich tapestry of traditions and innovations that define this Nordic nation.

Here are some of the most popular Swedish souvenirs:

Dalahästen (Dala horse)

A tribute to Swedish artistry, the Dalahästen is a hand-carved, meticulously painted wooden horse . Often associated with the region of Dalarna, these horses are not mere playthings but symbols of endurance, strength, and Swedish folklore.

The Dala horse is an iconic symbol of Sweden. These hand-carved and hand-painted wooden horses come in various sizes and colors. They originated in the Dalarna region and have become a symbol of Swedish craftsmanship.

Tomte (Christmas gnome)

A visit during December in Sweden is incomplete without encountering the Tomte—a mythical creature akin to Santa Claus. This festive emblem, believed to protect households, is a whimsical addition to any Christmas decor.

These little bearded creatures are a staple in Swedish folklore, especially during Christmas in Sweden . Tomtar are often seen with red caps and long white beards. They bring good luck and protect homes. You'll find tomte figurines and decorations as delightful Swedish souvenirs.

Swedish crystal

Elegance meets craftsmanship in Swedish crystal creations. From intricate vases to luminous chandeliers, Sweden's crystalware speaks of luxury and artistic mastery . 

Sweden is renowned for its high-quality crystal glassware. Brands like Orrefors and Kosta Boda produce stunning glass and crystal items, including vases, bowls, and figurines. These make for elegant and timeless souvenirs and are revered globally.

Traditional Swedish food

Dive into the gastronomic wonders of Sweden. While meatballs and herring are iconic, delve deeper to discover regional specialties. Swedish cuisine is unique and delicious. Consider bringing back Swedish delicacies such as lingonberry jam, cloudberries, gravlax (cured salmon), or Swedish chocolates like Marabou.

These culinary treats are a tasty way to share Sweden's flavors with friends and family. Enhance your culinary journey with Campervan Sweden's traditional food guide .

Traditional Swedish clothing

Swedish attire, with its elegant embroidery and vibrant patterns, reflects its cultural panorama. Sami duodji (handicrafts), warm mittens, and woven scarves encapsulate the coziness of Sweden in the winter .

While not the most common souvenir, traditional Swedish clothing like a Viking-inspired wool sweater or a Sami hat can be a distinctive and cozy memento of your Swedish adventure.

Where to buy Swedish souvenirs

The Swedish souvenir marketplace, vibrant and diverse, invites exploration. Whether you're nestled in a historical town or a bustling city center, there's a treasure awaiting.

Gift shops in tourist areas

Tourist areas in cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg are dotted with souvenir shops. They offer a wide variety of Swedish souvenirs, making them convenient places to start your shopping.

Most winter holidays in Sweden start with touristy areas like Stockholm's Gamla Stan. Here, 

Museum gift shops

If you're visiting museums and cultural attractions, their gift shops often have unique and educational souvenirs related to the exhibits. It's a great way to combine learning and shopping.

A haven for history buffs and art enthusiasts, these shops offer exclusive items. From Viking-inspired trinkets to contemporary art replicas, these places merge learning with shopping.

Department stores

Modern outlets like Åhléns or NK (Nordiska Kompaniet) present a curated blend of classic and contemporary souvenirs. Whether it's fashion, decor, or gourmet delights, you're in for a treat.

Supermarkets

Surprisingly, supermarkets like ICA and Coop also offer a selection of Swedish souvenirs, including food and beverages. It's a convenient option for picking up last-minute gifts.

Beyond daily provisions, these hubs offer foodie delights like lingonberry jam, cloudberry liqueur, and crisp knäckebröd, encapsulating Sweden's flavors.

Online retailers

If you can't find what you're looking for during your visit, there are numerous online retailers specializing in Swedish souvenirs. This option allows you to browse and shop from the comfort of your own home.

If physical shopping isn't feasible, platforms like Scandinavian shoppe and others offer a vast array of authentic Swedish goods.

Unique Swedish souvenirs

Venture beyond convention and discover souvenirs that narrate lesser-known tales of Sweden's cultural tapestry.

Snus (smokeless tobacco)

While not for everyone, snus is a smokeless tobacco product popular in Sweden. It's a unique and authentic souvenir for those who appreciate its taste and cultural significance.

An age-old Swedish tradition, Snus is more than a tobacco product . It's an integral part of Swedish social rituals, often shared during breaks or fika.

Kanelbullar (cinnamon buns)

Swedish cinnamon buns are a delectable treat. Consider taking home a box of kanelbullar mix, so you can enjoy the taste of Sweden in your own kitchen.

Warm, aromatic, and oozing with sweetness, kanelbullar represents the heart of Swedish fika . A pastry that's more than a snack—it's a moment of joy.

Saltlakrits (salty licorice)

A polarizing delicacy, this licorice is infused with ammonium chloride. While it may challenge your taste buds, it's an iconic Nordic treat worth experiencing.

Saltlakrits is a distinct Swedish candy known for its unique blend of sweet and salty flavors. It's a delightful souvenir for anyone with an adventurous palate.

Rådjurssalami (reindeer salami)

For food enthusiasts, reindeer salami is a flavorful and distinctive Swedish treat. It's a perfect gift for those who enjoy exploring new culinary experiences.

Sourced from the northern wilderness, this delicacy reflects the Sami culture and their bond with nature. Smoky and rich, it's a flavor that echoes the Arctic.

Kaviarbomb (caviar bomb)

Caviar in a tube? In Sweden, it's a popular breakfast item. Bringing home a tube of caviarbomb can be a conversation starter at brunch with friends.

A gourmet's delight, this creamy, salty caviar in a tube is versatile, enhancing sandwiches, eggs, or canapés.

How to choose the right Swedish souvenirs

Selecting souvenirs isn't merely about picking objects. It's about capturing emotions, memories, and experiences from your Swedish sojourn.

Consider the recipient's interests

Think about the tastes and interests of the people you're buying souvenirs for. Whether they're foodies, history buffs, or fans of Scandinavian design, there's a Swedish souvenir that's perfect for them.

Personalize your choice. Whether it's art, fashion, or gourmet, align the souvenir with the passions and interests of the recipient.

Choose high-quality souvenirs

While it's tempting to go for the cheapest option, remember that quality matters. High-quality souvenirs will last longer and be cherished more. Seek authenticity. Prioritize handcrafted items, original designs, and items with a story behind them.

Avoid tourist traps

Tourist areas often have higher prices. If you have time, venture off the beaten path to find more unique and affordable souvenirs . Embrace discernment. Move beyond kitschy, mass-produced items that lack originality.

Set a budget

Shopping for souvenirs can add up quickly. Set a budget to avoid overspending and ensure you have funds left for other aspects of your trip . While it's tempting to splurge, set a realistic budget . This will help you explore a variety of options without financial strain.

Be prepared to negotiate

In local markets, polite haggling can result in more favorable prices. Engage with vendors, understand their stories, and arrive at a mutual agreement.

Tips for buying Swedish souvenirs

Master the art of souvenir shopping with these handy tips.

Don't wait until the last day of your trip to buy souvenirs. Start early so you can take your time selecting the perfect items. The early bird gets the worm. Shopping early ensures availability and more choices.

Compare prices

Before making a purchase, check prices at different stores or stalls. You might find a better deal just a few steps away . From quaint boutiques to expansive department stores, varying prices abound . A quick comparison ensures value for money.

Ask for recommendations

If you're unsure where to find specific souvenirs, ask locals or fellow travelers for recommendations. They might point you to hidden gems. Interact with locals or fellow travelers. Their insights could lead you to hidden gems.

Be aware of customs regulations

If you're buying food or alcohol souvenirs, make sure you understand your country's customs regulations regarding what you're allowed to bring back. Before splurging on gourmet items or artifacts, acquaint yourself with customs regulations to ensure a hassle-free return.

Pack your souvenirs carefully

Ensure your delicate souvenirs are well-protected in your luggage. Consider bringing bubble wrap or packing materials. To prevent damage, invest in bubble wrap or cushioned bags.

Additional resources

 list of swedish souvenir shops.

Stockholm's 'Designtorget', Gothenburg's 'Artilleriet', and Malmö's 'Form/Design Center' are renowned hubs.

Swedish souvenir websites

Online platforms extend global reach, offering convenience and variety. Delve into portals like 'Nordic Nest' or 'Scandinavian Shoppe' for an array of authentic choices.

Explore online stores that specialize in Swedish souvenirs. Websites like Swedish Souvenirs offer a wide range of options and the convenience of online shopping.

Bringing home a piece of Sweden is not only a wonderful way to remember your trip, but also to share the beauty and culture of this Nordic nation with your loved ones. Whether it's a Dala horse, traditional food, or unique delicacies like salty licorice, Swedish souvenirs are sure to bring joy to your world

A trip to remember

Sweden, with its snow-draped landscapes and vibrant traditions, is an experience to cherish. The right souvenirs amplify these memories. 

As you explore, take the roads less traveled. And if you're seeking an immersive winter adventure, consider renting a caravan from Campervan Sweden , turning every moment into a cherished memory.

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Shopping in Stockholm: 18 Amazing Swedish Souvenirs!

If you’re planning some Scandinavian travel, shopping in Stockholm for some awesome design items and Swedish souvenirs might not be the first thing that comes to mind.

However, that would be a serious oversight on your part – and I’m here to make sure that it’s a mistake you don’t make! The capital city of Sweden is actually a prime shopping destination, whether you’re after your typically Swedish products and kitsch ABBA goodies, or whether you’re looking for some stylish Scandi design for your home. You can take it as read that you’ll find plenty of shops in the city center, all containing those perfect items you’ll lovingly place in your house, recreating that cozy Swedish style.

Or you can do what I did, and buy a load of slightly mental Swedish souvenirs involving moose, piles of yummy candy, and a bunch of food items, because that’s how I roll! Let’s face it: design items are all well and good, but everyone wants the fun stuff.

Let’s take a stroll through the best areas for shopping in Stockholm, before we make a grab for perfect Stockholm souvenirs!

Visiting Sweden? Check out my guide on things to do in Stockholm in winter , and where to find the best Swedish meatballs in Stockholm!

Where are the best areas for shopping in Stockholm?

Stockholm shopping can turn into a major part of your trip – especially if you’re a lover of Scandinavian design. The city center, including the area around the central station , and Södermalm with its trendy hotels and restaurants, is home to the flagship store of many a beloved Swedish brand. Department stores are a-plenty, and contain swanky items for your oh-so-chic apartment that’ll rival anything you can pick up in New York or Paris.

Although you probably don’t want to spend your entire trip traipsing around stores, even if they are awesome, it’s well worth checking out some of the main shops when you’re shopping in Stockholm. Design is a big aspect of life in Scandinavia – look how IKEA took off around the world, if you want one obvious example – and so seeing what local artisans have to offer is part of the Swedish experience.

Let’s take a look at some of the best-loved shops, shopping areas, and markets! 

Svenskt Tenn

The interior design shop of Svenskt Tenn is found in Strandvägen 5, and is best known for its luscious fabrics and wallpapers, although it actually started life as a pewter company. Think Liberty of London, but with a cool Scandinavian twist. Understandably, you can find oodles of cool pewter decorations for your home, and if you’ve got a generous weight allowance from your airline, they’re fine items to bring back – who else is going to have one? But the textiles and wallpaper is where its at: gaze longingly at matching floral patterns with are bright, colorful, and definitely not something your granny would own.

Birger Jarlsgatan

Love your luxury goods, and want to do some high-end shopping in Stockholm? Then Birger Jarlsgatan is for you! It’s one of the longest shopping streets in Stockholm, and starts right in the city center – if you’re traveling in by public transport, head to Östermalmstorg metro station. This lovely, tree-lined avenue with stately buildings is home to some of the best shops in Stockholm, including Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and any luxury brand you care to mention. You can even buy a Rolls Royce from their shop at the northern end! The place to go for serious cash-splashing.

MOOD Stockholm

Want the best shopping mall in the city? Then you’ll be wanting MOOD Stockholm! Located not far from the central station, this building is thoroughly devoted to the pursuit of shopping pleasure. The residents of Stockholm are notoriously trendy dressers, and this is by far the best place to pick up some Scandi fashion, with brands such as Rodebjer and Maxjenny leading the way. Exhausted by all that browsing and trying on of outfits? Not a problem: you can relax in one of eleven cafes and restaurants, before hitting the shops again.

Ostermalms Saluhall

A stone’s throw from Birger Jarlsgatan is the Ostermalms Saluhall , a food hall which has stood proudly on this site since the 1880s. It’s most certainly the best spot for food shopping in Stockholm, and a great place if you’re trying to stay on a budget. It’s basically a large covered market, where you can go and grab some lovely fresh food – including seafood which is straight out of those chilly northern seas! Traditional Swedish food is the focus, and you can help yourself to samples – including moose and reindeer meat. Try not to feel too guilty at Christmas…

Although it’s not a shopping district as such, shopping in Stockholm wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the city’s Old Town. It’s by far the best area to grab Swedish souvenirs (which we’ll see in glorious, loving detail below!), but there’s also a few good classy shops for the fervent shopper. Antique shops abound, as well as cute craft stores such as Makeri 14 , wonderful toy shops like Krabat & Co , and affordable outdoor clothing at Slottshemmet . There’s also a number of weird and wonderful places to poke around – need a wig shop, or a store specializing in stetson hats? You’ll find them here.

What are some good souvenirs to get from Stockholm, Sweden?

Okay, on to the main event! As enjoyable as shopping in Stockholm for trendy fabrics and home wares is, scouring the shops for the quirkiest Swedish souvenirs is totally where its at!

All of the below goodies are available in the shops of Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s Old Town (with the exception of a couple of entries), so you won’t even need to go far out of your way. You’ll undoubtedly be heading here and wandering through its pretty streets during your visit, so you may as well load up on your Stockholm souvenirs and Swedish gifts at the same time! How’s that for efficiency?

Let’s take a look! 

1. Viking goodies

What screams “souvenirs of Sweden” to you? Something that reminds you of the country’s friendly people, who chirp “ hej hej! ” when they meet you? Nay; we celebrate their bloodthirsty, plundering past!

Vikings have always been super popular (which says something about humanity), but with recent television series bringing them firmly into fashion, you’ll find Viking-related gifts everywhere in the city. Viking keychains, Viking candle holders, adorable cuddly toy Vikings. But if you want something that actually brings back the spirit of the good old days, check out Handfaste . This deeply cool little shop has everything your pillaging heart could desire, from Viking-inspired jewelry, horn combs, and troll crosses, which you can use to keep trolls away from your house. Useful!

Their items are incredibly well-made, and the jewelry items are genuinely beautiful. There’s also a surprising amount of items that are legitimately useful, such as homewares, and even scissors and nails. Plus it’s cool to take a look at the reproduction weapons and armor, even if your budget might not quite stretch to buying them.

Shopping in Stockholm has never been so much fun!

Food shopping in Stockholm is easy and enjoyable (seriously, I can’t think of another nation which has such awesome supermarkets), and it’s a surprisingly good way to get yourself some tasty Swedish souvenirs. But there’s one item you just can’t miss from your shopping list.

Mustard is one of the best Swedish gifts out there. No, really. For a nation which is so devoted to the pursuit of the perfect hot dog, having top-drawer mustard is a necessity, and you can’t go wrong with a tube of Slotts Senap . Trust me, the mustard-lover in your life will fall to their knees and thank you for introducing them to this stuff.

Slotts is the classic mustard from Sweden, as there’s a few competitors out there. It’s spicy without being too much, and if you want to recreate the hot dogs you might’ve tried during your stay – whether they’re the addictive ones from Pressbyrån , or classier fare from restaurants such as The Hairy Pig – this is the stuff to get. It’s also easy to get hold of when you’re shopping in Stockholm, with no need to go out to some supermarket on the outskirts. Simply pop into the Coop at the southern end of Gamla Stan, and you’ll find a number of varieties there.

Slap it on your hot dogs, take a bite, and be transported. 

3. Swedish meatballs

I have a massive passion for Swedish meatballs, and I feel no shame. I’ve even written a guide on where to find the best meatballs in Stockholm .

Although you might not have considered taking meatballs back home, there’s absolutely no reason why you can’t add them to your list of Swedish souvenirs, as long as you don’t go too crazy! They’re pre-cooked, so you should have no problems with putting a pack or two in your suitcase, and they make great Swedish gifts for any poor unfortunates who’ve never visited Sweden! And I’m totally not going to judge you if you keep them for yourself, because I sure did.

Usually made with ground pork and beef, they’re also another really easy find when you’re shopping in Stockholm. The Coop in Gamla Stan has a good selection, and you can even buy a gravy mix to go with them. The instructions are (understandably) in Swedish, but I whacked them through Google Translate , and found it easy enough to follow!

Want another reason to take these home as Swedish souvenirs? They’re considerably safer to transport than some local delicacies – imagine taking fermented herring in your suitcase. Think about that for a minute. Swedish meatballs all the way? Yeah, me too.

4. Christmas decorations

Going shopping in Stockholm in winter ? Then the most perfect of Swedish souvenirs has to be Christmas decorations!

You can most certainly buy these little beauties with an eye on keeping them for yourself, but they’re also a wonderful gift to receive. Imagine the delight of getting a tree decoration from somewhere far away, and being able to pop it straight on your tree. Lovely, isn’t it? They’re perfect stocking fillers, and even more so when your adorable little decoration is a bloodthirsty Viking!

Yep, although there’s a great variety of decorations available from practically every shop in Gamla Stan, Viking decorations have to be the ultimate in Swedish gifts at Christmas. Trusty Viking paraphernalia shop Handfaste  has the best selection, with traditional winter symbols as well as cute little wooden cut-outs. Otherwise, head to some of the craft shops along Västerlånggatan, such as Made In Stockholm , which holds an impressive array of locally-made crafts (and adorably happy staff!).

Shopping in Stockholm is wonderful at any time of year, but wandering through Christmas markets and getting handmade Swedish souvenirs has to be the ultimate. And Christmas decorations should be at the top of your wish list.

5. Knäckebröd

“What the eff is knäckebröd?”, you may be asking yourself. Well, to answer your question, it’s crisp bread – but you’ll know it best as that delicious stuff you’ve been served alongside your meals if you’ve been eating out in Stockholm! 

The Swedes have been baking crisp bread since 500 AD, and consequently, they’re rather good at it. Rather than serve your meals with boring old normal bread, crisp bread is delivered nice and fresh, and it’s a perfect accompaniment! I had many a meal of Swedish meatballs in Stockholm, and the plain, cracker-like texture is a great contrast to all those exploding flavors. You’ll definitely want to find some to take home with you, and whilst they’re not the kind of Swedish souvenirs you’re going to give to your family, they’re great for bringing a simple reminder of your vacation to your evening meal.

The Coop in Gamla Stan is once again the best place to get knäckebröd (seriously, it’s one of the best places to go shopping in Stockholm!), and you’ll find that you’ve got a choice to make. You can buy a massive wheel of knäckebröd – it’s roughly the size of a platter, but incredibly light – or purchase it in smaller,wedge-shaped packets. I’m personally a fan of the smaller wedges, because crisp bread does tend to go a bit stale quickly after you open the packet, so unless you have an airtight container to store it in, you’re better off buying a couple of wedges instead.

Tip: place it in a plastic bag before placing in your suitcase, otherwise you’re going to be hoovering crisp bread crumbs out of your clothes for weeks. Take it from personal experience. 

6. Lingonberry jam

Ahh, is there any substance that sums up a trip to Sweden quite like lingonberry jam? It might not be quite the same as the fresh,tart lingonberries you’ll have had with your Swedish meatballs, but it’s the next best thing!

It should be illegal to go shopping in Stockholm without bringing back a jar of this (don’t worry about breakages – wrap it in a plastic bag, and a towel, and it’ll be fine). The good people of the city even recognize this as one of the finest Swedish souvenirs you can buy: you’ll find many a shop stocking it. After all, if you’re already bringing back some Swedish meatballs, why not bring back the jam to go with it? The combination of flavors is one of the best I’ve experienced – the rich, gravy-laden meatballs contrast so sharply with the lingonberries, but it just works a treat!

Although any Swedish shop worth their salt should stock lingonberry jam (the trusty Coop in Gamla Stan certainly does), I bought mine from the gift shop at Skansen . This awesome ethnographic park has a superb shop, located outside the gates so you don’t even need to enter the park in order to gain access to it. It stocks a wide range of Swedish crafts, including hand-carved wooden goodies, woven blankets, and a wide range of home wares. More importantly for us, it stocks excellent lingonberry jam, and the kindly staff will wrap it in cardboard for extra protection!

7. Winter woolens

If you’re visiting Stockholm in winter, and you’ve forgotten to bring sufficiently warm clothing, you’ve got a problem.So one of your first stops when shopping in Stockholm should definitely be to get some warm Swedish woolies! Plus they have the added bonus of being excellent Swedish souvenirs; everyone’s a winner!

In particular, you should have a look for some mittens. Sweden really loves its crafts, and Lovikka mittens are at the top of the tree. Hailing from a small village in northern Sweden, these hand-warmers are specifically designed to withstand the bitter cold of a winter in northern Sweden (if you think Stockholm is cold, then you ain’t seen nothing yet). They follow a very rigid design, invented by a woman from a poor background who was a total legend at knitting, and usually incorporate some traditional patterns. Practical, and the most perfect of Swedish gifts – what more can you ask for?

 You can find genuine Lovikka mittens at Svensk Hemslöjd , a shop so awesome you’ll immediately want to throw your credit card at them. And you may well need to, because genuine Swedish crafts don’t come cheap. You can expect to pay in the region of 895,000 SEK for a pair (which works out at about $90 USD), so you’re going to have to make sure that you really, really want a pair.

If, like me, you’re a bit cheap, you can still keep yourself warm Scandi style! Many of the souvenir shops in Gamla Stand sell packs of woolens, containing hat, scarf and mittens – they may well be touristy, but they’re still good quality! I bought a pack featuring a little woven moose, and I’ve been impressed at well they’ve fended off the winter cold. They’re thermal-lined, and definitely a good option if you’re going to be outside shopping in Stockholm!

8. Swedish candy

What’s the primary function of a newsagent? To keep up with the news? To provide essential products such as stamps and the like? Nahhh, forget that: for the hunter of Swedish souvenirs, these places are prime territory for getting delicious Swedish candy!

Swedish candy is famously good. In fact, when my lovely friend Ina sent me a care package of famous Swedish products, sweets and candy took pride of place, and I eagerly devoured the lot. And newsagents such as Pressbyrån and 7-Eleven are the very best place to pick them up; they generally have a better selection even than the supermarkets. Plus you can check out other sweet Swedish souvenirs such as ginger biscuits and Ramlösa carbonated drinks!

So, what candy should you get? Everyone is pretty familiar with Daim bars, probably the best-known of Sweden’s chocolatey output, but be sure to check out Marabou . This chocolate brand has a wide range – including chocolate combined with the Swedish national obsession of licorice – and it’s always deliciously smooth. My particular favorites are the small rolls of mint-flavored chocolate buttons; perfect for stashing in a backpack and snacking on through the day! Dumle toffees come in a bag, and are similarly moreish. 

9. Polkagris

When you’re shopping in Stockholm, be sure to walk down Stora Nygatan and stop off at Gamla Stans Polkagriskokeri . This isn’t just an opportunity for Swedish souvenirs; oh no. This is where you are going the taste the freshest, most wonderful candy you’ve ever tasted in your life .

Polkagris is a wonderfully tasty delicacy, most similar to British seaside rock. It’s hard, peppermint-flavored candy, but the taste is delicate, and gets you just wanting more and more! It’s also a slightly weird name, given that it translates as “polka pig”; there’s also been some speculation that it’s somehow connected to Poland, given that it’s traditionally red and white in color. But frankly, who cares: all we care about is that it’s tasty, sugary, and will keep your favorite sugar lover quiet for hours.

Gamla Stans Polkagriskokeri is the home of polkagris in Stockholm – wander in, and you’ll immediately be assaulted by the scent of cooking candy. Yup, it’s made on site, right in front of your eyes! You can stand by the kitchen and see vast ropes of sugar being rolled out, flavor and color added to it, before it’s snipped out into manageable chunks.

Want to try before you buy? Not a problem; the staff often bring round freshly-cooked samples. I had polkagris which was so fresh, it was still warm and squidgy. I sampled incredibly fresh fudge. You’d better believe that I bought a pack of both, because they were so darn gooooood. This place is basically the sweet shop of your dreams.

10. A Dala horse

Go shopping in Stockholm and wander into any of the stores selling Swedish souvenirs, and you’ll see little red Dala horses. If you manage to find a place that doesn’t sell them, I’ll send you a grand imaginary prize, because these little guys are absolutely everywhere!

Getting a carved wooden dala horse is practically a rite of passage for any visitor to Stockholm, and I have zero objections because they’re freakin’ adorable. Originating from Dalarna, a province located a wee bit north-west of Stockholm and bordering Norway, they were originally little wooden toys for kids to play with. There was a distinct lack of Amazon deliveries back in 1716, so devoted Swedish daddies made the toys with a bit of wood, and a whittling knife. I don’t know about you, but that’s so cute, I may explode. 

They clearly made a lasting impression on all those kids, because the Dala horse rapidly became the national toy of Sweden. Although they come in a variety of colors in the souvenir shops of Stockholm, they’re typically red with a blue, white and green traditional pattern painted on to mimic a saddle and bridle. It’s kind of nice to think that these were originally made with the leftover wood from furniture making, and now they’re among the most quintessential of Stockholm souvenirs!

11. Moose-related gifts

When you’re shopping in Stockholm for Swedish souvenirs, you’re going to see one creature more than any other. Yes, even more than Vikings! And that creature is the humble moose.

Go into any shop in the city centre, and you’ll be virtually assaulted by moose, on every type of souvenir imaginable. Socks? Check. Cuddly toys? Check. Fridge magnets? Check. Nifty thermal blankets? Check. But honestly, I’m not going to complain, because there’s something quite adorable about moose, and seeing their slightly-dopey visage on any number of Swedish gifts never fails to amuse me. They’re also an excellent poster-child for Swedish wildlife, which has far more exciting critters than you probably believed!

Yup, when you’re visiting Sweden, you won’t just be sharing the country with a whole lot of moose – or elk, as they’re more commonly referred to in Europe. The wilder parts of the country are home to brown bears, wolves, lynx, wolverines, and some particularly ferocious squirrels (okay, I lied about the last one; they’re cute as buttons). So getting a few souvenirs showing Sweden’s diverse wildlife is actually a nice reminder that this incredibly modern nation still manages to strike a balance, and keep its natural heritage safe. I don’t know about you, but I think that’s worth celebrating.

Grab a few moose-related souvenirs in Stockholm, and think of their wild cousins!

12. Cloudberry jam

Cloudberry jam is one of the best Swedish souvenirs you’ve never heard of!

Cloudberries aren’t super well-known outside of their northern homelands, as they’re primarily a wild berry. They’re notoriously hard to cultivate, so they’re generally left to do their own thing in the wild before being harvested by eager Scandinavian berry-hunters and turned into jam and alcoholic beverages. They generally taste quite tart, and something like a cross between a raspberry and a red currant. They’re also considered a superfood, as they’re practically brimming with loads of juicy vitamin C!

13. Patterned Sami bracelets

Still in the Stockholm City Hall ? Looking for some traditional Swedish souvenirs for the fashion lover in your life? Something made by hand, which reflects the culture of the country?

Well, you’re in luck! Whilst you’re grabbing your cloudberry jam, check out the stock of patterned Sami bracelets, usually made from reindeer leather and pewter wire. The patterns might look vaguely familiar: the traditional ones, especially the overlapping loops, are so iconic that they’ve been used over and over in modern designs. These bracelets, however, are the real deal!

The Sami people originate from Sápmi (also known as Lapland), and are the indigenous people of northern Norway, Sweden and Finland. There’s still a tradition of making a living from the herding of reindeer, and as a consequence, Sami crafts most commonly use reindeer leather as a basis for their crafts. You can find crafted leather bags, boots, and belts when shopping in Stockholm stores (be prepared to pay an appropriately high price for something that’s handmade), but the bracelets are by far the most commonly sold item. They’re a bit more affordable, and they make an excellent reminder of your time in Sweden!

If the price of a genuine Sami bracelet is still a little too rich for your blood, the City Hall also sells patterned bracelets without the intricate Sami pewter design. They’re woven fabric mounted on reindeer leather, and are a much more affordable alternative!

14. Wooden butter knife

Has all this shopping in Stockholm got you yearning to overhaul your home, redecorating in that cool Scandi design style? That’s completely understandable. But there’s one thing you’re going to need in your kitchen in order to complete it: a wooden butter knife.

At once the most ubiquitous and in-explainable of Swedish souvenirs, you’ll see these absolutely EVERYWHERE. I mean, a lot of Stockholm souvenirs and Swedish gifts are understandable. T-shirts, keyrings, food items – everyone understands that. But why on earth are wooden butter knives such a common things to have to souvenir shops?

Basically, the Swedes really love their butter, and have devoted considerable amounts of effort into making the best butter knife possible. After all, how can you show proper respect to butter unless you have a proper butter knife? Knives made out of metal or plastic just don’t cut it, if you’ll excuse the expression – the butter knife has to be natural, flexible, ensure the maximum amount of smooth spreadage, and preferably been crafted from trees in the depths of ancient Swedish forests. Then, and only then, will you have paid homage to the glory of the butter.

15. ABBA gifts

If you’re heading to Sweden, you’re going to end up an ABBA fan. Sorry, it’s inevitable. 

You’ll get rapidly infected when shopping in Stockholm. You may have never paid much attention to ABBA – you could be one of those people who’s all “yeah, Dancing Queen is alright” – but you’ll come away rabidly devoted. It can be as simple as walking into a shop to grab some Swedish souvenirs, and they’re playing on the radio. You suddenly think, “wow, they were actually really good. They’re so wholesome, and talented, and Swedish.” BANG. They’ve got you. Next thing you know, you’re watching ABBA documentaries on television. It happened to me.

Once you’re in the grip of ABBA fandom, what else to do but go to Stockholm’s ABBA Museum , and stock up on souvenirs which are so cheesy, you’ll love them and hate them at the same time? I Heart ABBA t-shirts, ABBA Dala horses, ABBA lip balms, a charming poster of Bjorn – they’re all here, bright, colorful, and waiting for you to eagerly grab them.

When you’re planning on shopping in Stockholm for some typical things from Sweden, socks might not be an obvious entry on the list.

But it’s true: go into any of the Swedish souvenirs shops, and you’ll see racks and racks of socks. I don’t quite understand it, and I can’t find any anecdotes as to any Swedish obsession with socks, but there we have it. It’s not just Stockholm either; I visited Gothenburg , and found exactly the same thing. Socks everywhere!

Still, who’s complaining? Socks are a practical souvenir (and especially handy if you’ve forgotten to bring enough with you), and a nice, easy Swedish gift to take home for someone else. You can even save them for Christmas; mix things up a bit! You’ll find plenty of multicolored socks bearing a moose motif – because all Stockholm souvenirs have a moose motif – but also some rather nice ones bearing the Swedish flag. If you’re not the sort to shout your love of a place by wearing a t-shirt, you can hide your Sweden love in your socks.

Plus, does anyone ever really need an excuse to buy novelty socks? No, we say!

17. Kosta Boda glass

If you want one of the classiest Swedish souvenirs, keep an eye out for Kosta Boda glass when you’re shopping in Stockholm!

Take a look at their website, and you’ll see exactly what makes this brand of glass quite special. Click on Stemware, and prepare to be amazed by exactly what you can do with a piece of glass! Their glasses have the most colorful, cool designs, and they’re absolutley perfect for any home – there’s genuinely something for everyone. My personal favorite are the Mirage vases, which look almost petrol-colored. I love them!

I’m always a fan of bringing back lovely, well-crafted glass and crystal – I’ve tipped them as souvenirs from Prague and Budapest previously – but the work at Kosta Boda might be some of the most eye-catching I’ve seen! You can find Kosta Boda at a few different shops in Stockholm: Cervera is a good store to look out for, and you can also often find them in branches of Wasa Crystal . If department stores are more your thing, try Nordiska Kompaniet , not far from the central station!

18. Salty licorice

Did you know that licorice hails from warm countries such as India, Iran, and even Italy, but it’s most popular in the colder countries of northern Europe?

It’s true! Go shopping in Stockholm for Swedish souvenirs, and I guarantee that you’ll find a metric ton of salty licorice, the variety of choice in Sweden. There are whole licorice emporiums devoted to it, and as I found, they’re still busy at about 6pm at night. I innocently bought a packet of fruit gums from a newsagent, and was surprised by the black candies actually being licorice, not blackcurrant! (which wasn’t a great surprise for me, because I don’t actually like the stuff.)

But if, like me, you have a licorice lover in your life, you want to head along to a branch of Lakritsroten, which bills itself as licorice paradise – and they certainly have every variety you can think of! Hard, soft, sweet, salty; you’re bound to find your gummy of choice here. If you want to make sure that you’re getting Swedish gifts for your loved one, they helpfully arrange everything by country of origin. So if you fancy some licorice from neighboring Finland or Italy, you can!

It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s definitely very Swedish!

Share this guide to shopping in Stockholm, and Swedish souvenirs!

We’ve reached the end of our article about Swedish souvenirs, and where to find them when you’re shopping in Stockholm! It’s been a long road, filled with many moose-related goodies, but we got there, y’all. You’re now fully informed and equipped to find the best Swedish gifts out there!

If you’ve found this guide useful, or just vaguely enjoyable, how about giving it a share? You can use those lovely social media buttons on the side to share it to your favorite platform, and impress your friends.

Alternatively, how about sharing the below images to Pinterest? That way, this article gets a share, and you’ve got a bookmark back to this website for when you need it! No having to faff around trying to find it again. Perfect!

Btw! This article contains some affiliate links! This incurs zero extra cost to you, should you choose to purchase the product provided, but simply earns this site a little bit of commission which goes towards running costs. Any extra money earned gets spent on moose gifts, because you can never have enough. Thanks for your support!

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Katie Diederichs

Love the Dala Horses and the embroidered Sami bracelets. Oh, and I love lingonberry jam, but funny enough I am from a US state where there are many people of Swedish descent, so it’s easy to find all types of Swedish foods and candies!

I love Swedish lingonberry jam, definitely recommend picking up some! They are also great with waffles for a sweet treat (:

I love how you suggest a lot of food items. Who would have thought – mustard!

Meghan Emcee

My sister brought home a Dala horse magnet from her trip there this past summer. I had no idea there was such an adorable story behind it though! Thanks for sharing!

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Swedish Gift Ideas

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Swedish Culture and Swedish Gifts:

Sweden is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and unique traditions, making it the perfect destination to find distinctive gifts and souvenirs. Whether you're looking for traditional Scandinavian designs or modern Swedish creations, Sweden offers a diverse range of options to choose from. In this article, we'll explore some of the best Swedish gift and souvenir ideas that celebrate the country's heritage and charm.

Exploring Scandinavian and Swedish Gifts

Scandinavian and Swedish Gift Shops Swedish gift shops are treasure troves filled with authentic and unique items that reflect the country's culture and history. From traditional Dala horses to contemporary Scandinavian designs, these shops offer a wide selection of gifts and souvenirs for every occasion.

Best Swedish Gifts When it comes to finding the best Swedish gifts, there's no shortage of options to explore. Whether you're shopping for a loved one or treating yourself, Swedish gifts are sure to delight you. From hand-carved wooden figurines to delicate Swedish ornaments, each gift tells a story and captures the essence of Swedish craftsmanship.

Swedish Souvenirs Bringing home a piece of Sweden is easy with a wide variety of Swedish souvenirs available. Whether you're looking for a classic Dala horse or a unique Swedish coffee mug, these souvenirs serve as lasting reminders of your time in Sweden.

Exploring Swedish Gift Ideas

Traditional Swedish Gifts For those who appreciate tradition, traditional Swedish gifts are a perfect choice. Handcrafted items such as wool sweaters, wooden toys, and artisanal chocolates showcase the country's heritage and craftsmanship.

Modern Swedish Designs Sweden is also known for its modern design aesthetic, with sleek and minimalist creations that are both stylish and functional. From Scandinavian-inspired home decor to contemporary Swedish fashion, these modern designs are perfect for those with a discerning taste.

Personalized Gifts For a truly special gift, consider personalized Swedish gifts. Whether it's a custom-made piece of jewelry or a hand-painted souvenir, adding a personal touch makes the gift even more meaningful.

Tips for Finding the Perfect Swedish Gift

Consider the Recipient When choosing a Swedish gift, consider the recipient's interests and preferences. Whether they're a lover of Scandinavian design or a food enthusiast, there's a Swedish gift to suit every taste.

When searching for the perfect Swedish gift, consider exploring Scandinavian shops or online stores. Look for unique items like Dala horse ornaments or Swedish coffee mugs that capture the essence of Sweden's heritage and design. Take advantage of gift cards or browse collections for gift ideas that suit the recipient's interests. Pay attention to shipping policies and prices, ensuring a smooth purchase experience. Whether it's a traditional Swedish souvenir or a modern Scandinavian design, aim for authenticity and quality. Remember to support small businesses and local artisans, contributing to Sweden's vibrant cultural scene. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply expressing appreciation, Swedish gifts are sure to delight any recipient.

FAQs: Q: Do you offer gift cards for purchase at your store?

A: Yes, we offer gift cards that can be purchased and used for shopping at our Swedish gift shop both in-store and online.

Q: Are there any specific souvenirs you recommend for someone who loves Sweden?

A: If you love Sweden, we recommend checking out our selection of typical Swedish products such as magnets, Swedish candies, wool products, and items featuring the Swedish flag.

Q: Do you have gifts suitable for special occasions like Christmas or anniversaries?

A: Absolutely! We have a range of gift options perfect for Christmas, anniversaries, birthdays, and other special occasions. From Swedish-themed gifts to unique Scandinavian designs, we have something for every celebration.

Q: Are your products inspired by Swedish heritage?

A: Yes, our products are inspired by Swedish heritage and traditions and designed in beautiful Oregon USA. We aim to offer a classic Swedish experience through our unique collection of items.

Q: What are some popular Swedish gifts and souvenirs?

A: Some popular Swedish gifts and souvenirs include dala horses, wool products, Viking-themed items, and Scandinavian design pieces.

Q: Where can I find a unique Swedish gift for a Sweden lover?

A: You can find unique Swedish gifts at specialty shops like Swedish gift shops, online retailers, or stores that carry Swedish brands. Of course, ScandinavianGiftOutlet is a great source for one-stop shopping for all things Scandinavian.

Q: What types of products are typical of Swedish gifts?

A: Typical Swedish gifts include items like magnets featuring Swedish landmarks, handmade wooden items like kubb sets, and sweet treats such as Swedish butter cookies.

Q: I'm planning a trip to Sweden, what are some must-buy Swedish gifts?

A: When in Sweden, make sure to pick up authentic Swedish products like dala horse souvenirs, traditional Swedish wool products, and unique Scandinavian design pieces.

Q: Can I find Swedish gift items on popular online platforms like Amazon?

A: Yes, you can find a variety of Swedish gift items on platforms like Amazon, including Swedish mugs, party favors, and Scandinavian gifts perfect for a Sweden lover.

Q: I want to surprise my Swedish spouse with a special gift, any suggestions?

A: For a Swedish husband or wife, consider gifting a Swedish-made item like a handcrafted mug, a Swedish gift basket filled with Swedish delicacies, or a unique piece of Swedish design.

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Scandinavia Standard

Scandinavian travel, design, culture, and what’s on for locals, travellers and scandiphiles. Based in Copenhagen and Stockholm.

It’s gift-giving season, so it’s time to get out those lists and start checking them (twice, if you can).

Whether or not you celebrate Christmas, the end of the year can be a lovely time to take stock of the relationships in your life and remind those you love that you’re grateful for them. Does that mean you have to give them a present? Of course not! But if you do want to do that, we’ve got you covered.

From the best design gifts to experiences that will give a lifetime of memories, here are gifts at a range of price points that make ticking off the boxes on your list an easy task.

Check out our annual Scandi gift guide for all the best gifts this holiday season:

Experiences

Gifts for People Who Love Scandinavian Design

&Tradition Herman SHY3 Table Lamp

Three strong materials – walnut, opal glass, and marble – come together in a cohesive silhouette with this table lamp from the Danish design brand &Tradition. You’d be forgiven for thinking this lamp was designed in the mid-century period, but it’s actually a modern piece.

This is a lamp that will always look classic and makes a subtle statement with its charming interplay of shapes and organic materials. There’s nothing like Scandinavian lighting to add a touch of elegance to any space.

Bjorn Wiinblad Eva Vase

With a unique look and a charmingly old-fashion vibe, Bjorn Wiinblad’s designs are both absolutely Danish and somehow not Danish at all. This vase is a great choice for someone with more whimsical style, or who wants to add a pop of fun to a more minimalist space.

Alessi Plissé Electric Kettle

There are some appliances you want to keep out on the counter and some that you…don’t. This plisse-textured electric kettle from Alessi is definitely the kind of appliance you will want to keep out on your counter. And what a great reminder that it’s time for tea during the cold months?

Vitra Butterfly Stool

Looking to add something poetic to your interior, but still want to maintain a minimalist look? The Butterfly Stool, designed by Sori Yanagi in 1954, combines Japanese design expression with strong bolded plywood for a comfortable stool that you’ll have forever.

A design classic that never goes out of style and can be moved around the home for extra seating, or spotlighted as an accent piece.

Nordgreen Philosopher Watch

Get 15% off your order with the code SCANDISTANDARD.

Is it too ironic to use the word “timeless” to describe a watch? Well, this one is (except when it isn’t, if you know what I mean). Danish watch brand Nordgreen makes quality, affordable, and beautiful watches that add a bit of polish to your look. This is an every day watch that you’ll feel great about.

Anno Arkiivi Throw Blanket

This fluffy blanket is made from 100% New Zealand wool. The thickness and texture make it ideal for cuddling on the couch during the holidays, or draping artfully over the back of a lounge chair. The checked pattern is playful enough for those who like a bit of fun in their design, and timeless enough to look good in more minimalist homes.

Bang & Olufsen Beolab 8 Speakers

Okay, so these may be a…long-term…wishlist item, but: Look. How. Beautiful!! The Beolab 8 is Bang & Olufsen’s latest speaker, and it’s a high-fidelity speaker that can do it all, whether you want surround sound or a multi-room experience. Top notch sound quality housed in an absolutely stunning case; what more could you want? And you get two for the price so that almost makes it feel like a deal, right? Right?!

Reboco Bed Linen

Swedish brand Reboco takes quality and sustainability very seriously. Their bed linen is hand-dyed, locally, in small batches with their own fabric stock. This ensures that each item has that soft “broken-in” feel, but is still durable and breathable. All bedding is made from organic cotton. If you’re looking for the kind of bedding that makes you excited to dive under the covers, this is it.

Ravensburger Stockholm 1000 Piece Puzzle

For those who love sitting down to a good puzzle, Ravensburger makes great ones for kids and adults alike. Scandiphiles (hi!) will have fun with this 1000-piece puzzle of Stockholm. This is a wonderful gift for someone who loves the Swedish capital, or is planning to travel there in the future!

Tonies Toniebox Speaker

Looking for a great gift for young kids (that’s also a great gift for parents of young kids)? The Toniebox from Tonies ticks all the boxes: fun, screen-free, fosters creativity, and provides endless storytelling. Simply place the “Tonie” on top of the speaker and let it do its magic: you can choose from a range of stories and songs, including Disney, Sesame Street, “The Nutcracker,” and so much more.

JALG TV Stand

Turn your television into a beautiful design object with JALG, a minimalist TV stand that combines Japanese and Scandinavian design traditions into a functional form. There’s a place for your SONOS bar speaker, plus all your cords. If you’re frustrated with the typical look of a television on the wall or a large cabinet, JALG is an excellent alternative that lends a mid-century modern look to your space.

Gifts for People Who Love Scandinavian Fashion

RAINS Long Jacket

This classic rain jacket might feel light, but it’s actually excellent protection against both rain and wind. The material is thin enough, and vented enough, to be breathable so you don’t get that awful plastic-sweat that some raincoats give, but sturdy enough to keep you warm and dry. The jacket runs big, allowing a thick jumper underneath, and hits mid-thigh. For an everyday raincoat that will last for years, this is a great choice!

ASKET Merino Wool Half Zip Sweater

The perfect casual-yet-it-looks-polished item, this knit merino wool sweater is thick, warm, and only gets better with each wear. Wear it over a button up shirt or a t-shirt for a look that’s pulled together and refined, yet totally comfortable. Swedish brand ASKET makes very high-quality and traceable clothes that are meant to last for a very long time. This sweater is an investment worth making.

Brooklinen Wavelength Robe

This thick, cosy Turkish cotton robe has a playful pattern to keep your mornings or weekends of lounging fun. Wear it after a shower or over your pajamas for added warmth. There’s nothing like putting on your favorite robe when you wake up!

Crocs Classic Lined Clog

Are we proud to have Crocs in our holiday gift guide? You bet we are! Despite being considered “ugly chic” by some, Crocs are absolutely one thing and that is: comfortable. Their lined clogs are ideal as a house shoe, or to be worn outside for a quick coffee run or watering the plants on chilly mornings. There are tons of colors to choose from. Reviews of these clogs include sentences such as, “like walking on a cloud,” and “changed my life.” So what do you have against comfort, huh?

Understatement Floral Lace Collection

Buying delicates for yourself or a loved one can be tricky, but you can’t go wrong with Swedish brand Understatement. The collection of sheer floral lace underwear and bras is sexy without being uncomfortable (yes to high-waist briefs!), so they can be worn every day or for special occasions. There is a range of colors to choose from.

HVISK Poke Matte Satin Beaded Bag

Everyone needs a holiday party bag! This one by HVISK is made of 100% recycled and vegan materials. It’s a small satin pouch with beaded details, perfect for your phone, keys, and a few other bits and bobs. Danish handbag brand HVISK makes vegan accessories in chic, on-trend silhouettes and colors. They are well-priced, so you can be a little more playful and creative with your choices than you might be when investing in something more expensive.

ESSEN The Label The Luxe Loafer

Australian footwear brand ESSEN The Label makes contemporary classic for your feet – the best loafers, flats, and boots. Each piece is handmade in Italy, Spain, or Portugal. Items are made to order, so that there’s as little waste as possible, and the brand offsets all carbon emissions for their shipping. The Luxe Loafer is an elevated take of the typical style, with an almost Rococo-like silhouette that still maintains a clean and professional look. It has a short heel, making it an easy choice for the office, going out, or casual daily wear.

ALMAROW Gigi Crystal Earrings

Okay maximalists, we’ve found the jewelry brand for you. If you live for the drama , ALMAROW will be right up your alley. These multi-colored crystal pendant earrings are a great choice for a fun dress-up event, or adding a little sparkle to your everyday outfits. They are mounted on 18K gold-plated backing and have a bit of dynamic movement; you’ll feel like a million bucks. ALMAROW items come in a gorgeous, ribbon-tied box with a velvet pouch inside, so the whole experience is luxe.

Maria Black Carlo 43 Necklace

If more minimalist jewelry is your vibe, there’s something for you too! Danish brand Maria Black makes high-quality pieces that are a little weird and a little classic. Their Carlo chain is made from recycled sterling silver. Wear it on its own for a sleek look, layer it for something more playful, or add charms. This one will never go out of style.

Gifts for People Who Love Scandinavian Beauty

Kjaer Weis Perfect Lip Set in Perfect Red

For fans of a dramatic red lip, it doesn’t get more luxurious than this gift set. Danish makeup artist turned beauty brand owner Kjaer Weis makes satiny, long-lasting lipsticks that wear beautifully throughout the day. This set includes a lipstick and lip liner, so you get the perfect red lip all day (and night) long. Bonus points: Kjaer Weis lipsticks are refillable, so you can use the stunning, substantial packaging for years to come.

The Body Shop Edelweiss Daily Serum Concentrate

Look, we’ve tried all the fancy serums out there, and while lots of them are very good, you don’t actually need to spend tons of money to get great skincare. The Edelweiss series from The Body Shop, particularly their Daily Serum Concentrate, plumps, hydrates, and protects skin with leontopodium acid and rice peptides. Skin is instantly more bouncy, but there’s also a cumulative effect that leaves you with a stronger skin barrier. Just two drops in the morning under your moisturizer and sunscreen, then you’re good to go!

MANTLE Perfume Trio

Cannabis beauty brand MANTLE has teamed up yet again with Swedish fragrance house CRA-YON to develop oils that are part perfume, part CBD oil. Just roll some on your pulse points for you daily dose of calming CBD (no THC) and aromatherapy.

The scents have a slight cannabis edge to them; The Dusk Daze more so than The Fougère Affair or The High Road. The Fougère Affair has strong lavender and cedarwood notes, while The High Road brings together coconut, violet, and lily. In Dusk Daze, cannabis meets geranium and saffron, but the star note is definitely the cannabis.

If you’ve been looking to try CBD oil in gentle way, this is a great start! For perfume lovers, the notes and subtleties of each scent make this trio a winner.

Hairlust Curl Crush Series

Calling all curly-haired folks ! The Hairlust Curl Crush series should be your go-to Scandi haircare move for defined curls (and waves) that are voluminous, soft, and healthy. The series includes a shampoo, conditioner, hair mask, co-wash, cream, gel, and mousse, that can be used in any combination to take your curly head to the next level. We tried this on medium curly-wavy hair and it did wonders, especially when using the shampoo, followed by the hair mask and conditioner.

Gifts for People Who Love Books

Darkness by Ragnar Jonasson

This book is being adapted for TV in the coming year, so jump on it before the show comes out! By beloved Nordic Noir writer (and Icelandic Agatha Christie translator!) Ragnar Jonasson, Darkness is a face-paced crime thriller featuring Detective Inspector Hulda Hermannsdóttir, who chooses to investigate one last cold case before she retires. She chooses the supposed suicide of a Russian asylum-seeker who washed up on the shore of a small Icelandic island years previous, and soon finds out there’s much more to the case than previously thought. Jonasson’s books typically deal with themes of alienation and community; Darkness tackles these concepts with a tight narrative and immersive story. It’s a great holiday read; you’ll tear through it!

Get more contemporary Scandi fiction here .

The History of Graphic Design by Jens Müller

Have a graphic designer, or aspiring graphic designer, in your life? Here’s the perfect gift! This book is as beautiful as it is informative, detailing the history and usages of graphic design, as well as important graphics over time. Sometimes we take graphic design for granted; this book urges it to understand it as a form of art, information, and marketing in its own right.

Love graphic designs? How about fonts? Here are our favorite fonts for the Scandi alphabet .

In Every Mirror She’s Black by Lolá Ákínmádé Åkerström

An exploration of Black womanhood in both the American and Swedish contexts – and how these contexts differ from one another – this novel by Lola Ákínmádé Åkerström tells the story of three Black women as they interact with a white Swedish man and navigate the supposedly progressive society of Sweden.

More is More by Molly Baz

Artist Marina Abramovic may have declared, “more and more of less and less,” but when it comes to cooking, we’ll have to agree with NYT bestselling writer Molly Baz: More is More . With over one hundred recipes all about making the most of every flavor, this cookbook is ideal for people who love to get creative in the kitchen, but aren’t looking for overly-complicated recipes.

Baz is known for her relatable on-camera personality blended with a meticulous and can-do attitude towards making food, and her second cookbook really builds on this; no recipe is boring, and every single one is packed with flavor. Baz’s recipes tend to be salt and acid-forward, so this one is for the savoury-food lovers in your life.

Looking for more cookbooks? We have you covered with the best Scandinavian cookbooks .

The Christmas Orphans Club by Becca Freeman

Need a hilarious holiday-themed rom-com to enjoy with your hot chocolate or hot toddy? This is the book for you. Focused on a group of four friends who have spent every Christmas together in NYC, the story begins as the one of the friends is moving to L.A., making this possibly the group’s last Christmas together. With both queer and straight love stories, snappy dialogue, and a lot of charm, The Christmas Orphan’s Club is a lovely book about how friendships grow and change over time, whether we want them to or not.

Gifts for People Who Want Experiences

Audible Audiobook Subscription

For the bibliophile in your life who doesn’t seem to have the time to sit down and read, or who just prefers listening to their books, Audible is a fantastic gift. They have an enormous range of books as well as other audio content such as podcasts. For those who travel often or have long commutes, Audible is such an easy and fun way to enjoy books. It’s like getting an audio library card for all your smart devices!

A Customized Poem from The Poem Lady

The absolutely perfect gift for the poetry lover in your life: a customized poem from The Poem Lady, Daiva Freidmann.

The Poem Lady works with you to create a wonderful poem for your chosen person, including inside jokes, insider details, and whatever is important to you. She then types it with a vintage typewriter on thick A5 paper and sends it directly to you. So charming, so thoughtful! This will be a gift to remember.

Headspace Meditation App

If you or someone you love is interested in learning to meditate, Headspace app is a good place to start. They have a huge library of both structured and unstructured meditations, as well as hyper-specific ones to help with things like pre-interview anxiety.

Meditation is helpful in reducing stress and can help with calming the mind on a daily basis, or in times of turbulence. Get stressed out over the holidays? Maybe it’s time to try meditation! Purchase a one year subscription for yourself or as a gift and get started.

AIRE Ancient Baths Experience

AIRE is a spa experience like no other, combining the feeling of an ancient water ritual with top-of-the-line spa treatments. The spa has locations in Copenhagen, New York, London, Barcelona, Chicago, Sevilla, Almeria, and Vallromanes; there are lots to choose from!

Enjoy the thermal waters, treat yourself to a massage, or indulge in a couples’ treatment. This is a great gift to do together ; why not?

Donate to a good cause

Children’s Ground Donation

Indigenous rights are currently in question in Australia, with a disastrous referendum failing to enshrine Aboriginal people in the constitution.

Children’s Ground is an NGO focused on amplifying the voices of Australia’s First Nations, and ensuring that First Nations children grow up with healthcare, education, and a strong foundation in their own culture (and specifically, language). It’s a wonderful organisation doing much-needed work.

Donate to Médicins Sans Frontieres

MSF is working to reduce suffering in disaster and conflict zones. Their current focus is on helping those affected in Gaza by the Israel-Hamas war, at a time when medical care can be extremely hard to access. Please consider donating.

Donate to 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.

We wish everyone a season of health, happiness, and peace.

Heads up! There are affiliate links in this post. If you buy through our links, you won’t pay a cent more. You can read more about affiliates in our Disclosure Policy .

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5 Great Scandinavian Gifts & Souvenirs

Scandinavia—comprised of Norway, Sweden, Denmark—has many things to be proud of, including a thriving minimalist chic design scene, happy hygge culture, and a high-end culinary talent. If you're looking to bring something back from your trip or a great gift for a fan of Scandinavia, it won't be hard to find. Here are five great ideas for Scandinavian gifts and souvenirs that range from some neat practical gifts to crafts and typical toys.

Scandinavian Clogs

The number one Scandinavian gift is a pair of wooden clogs. Take a look around. You see people wearing clogs all over Scandinavia, and it is here that the clog has been made popular and comfortable enough for daily wear. Today, Scandinavian clogs come in all shapes and sizes and are available in various materials, from soft rubber to the traditional wooden clog. A popular brand for Scandinavian clogs is Dansko, which was founded in Denmark.

A Norwegian Sweater

Another very popular Scandinavian gift is a real Norwegian sweater, which travelers can find all over Scandinavia. If you want to order online, look for Norwegian sweaters from Selbu and Dale of Norway. Both sell Norwegian sweaters made with great materials and quality from an authentic Norwegian company. Norwegian sweaters are cozy and warm and come in various styles and sizes.

Angel Chimes From Scandinavia

While originating in Scandinavia, angel chimes have made their way around the world and are now available in many places at low prices. The heat from the candles turns the top of the chimes, and the angels move across the small bells attached, making a beautiful—but subtle—tinkling sound. This Scandinavian holiday decoration involves no electricity but lots of tradition and ambiance instead.

A Dala Horse

A Dala Horse is a unique Scandinavian gift inspired by Swedish handicraft. The name comes from its home province, Dalarna, in central Sweden. The favorite ones are the red-orange horses from the little village of Nusnäs near Mora. If you don't have the option of picking up your own  Dala Horse in Sweden , you can find them online as well. They are even available in chocolate! 

Pipes & Snu (Chewing Tobacco)

Yes, even tobacco is a typical Scandinavian gift—but make sure the recipient likes chewing tobacco or uses a pipe. Chewing tobacco is very popular in Scandinavia, and so are pipes. Plus, they're not expensive gifts. Tobacco lovers even buy these as gifts to themselves while in Scandinavia. If you want to splurge, buy a hand-carved wooden pipe (some of which originate back to the Viking days).

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Nordic Gifts Guide: Scandinavia-Inspired Presents for Him & Her

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: October 17, 2023

Looking for a gift for someone special and running out of ideas? This list of Nordic gifts should give you plenty of inspiration for some unique presents inspired by Nordic countries.

In this selection, we feature some traditional gifts from Norway, Finland, Iceland, Sweden, and Denmark , and also fun presents inspired by Nordic folklore, lifestyle, culture, and design.

Whether you are looking for travel-themed Nordic gifts for someone who loves Scandinavian countries and their culture or simply like Nordic motives or Scandinavian design, you’re sure to find some great ideas in our gift guide below.

Good to know: Our hand-picked selection features Nordic gifts for birthdays, Christmas, and pretty much any other occasion. Only a few Scandinavian presents on our list are on the more expensive side; most others are really affordable, and many are also practical gifts that can be used every day.

Some smaller gifts also make good Christmas stocking fillers. And we made sure that our guide has something for everyone on your list – men, women, and children.

Take a look!

READ ALSO: Travel Gifts for Kids

Here’s our selection of Nordic gifts for him and her:

Nordic Wool Socks

No list of Scandinavian gifts would be complete without mentioning Nordic wool socks . It’s a present you truly can’t go wrong with (unless the receiver lives in a tropical climate and has no intention of traveling to the Nordics or other cold places, of course)!

Whether you are looking for a fun affordable gift for kids, teens, women, or men, colorful warm socks with Scandinavian motives are sure to put a smile on their faces!

If you want to play it safe, you can opt for somewhat more traditional colors . Whereas if you are looking for something a bit more remarkable, go for the more colorful designs like this .

It’s a useful gift too, but definitely more special than getting someone a pack of regular socks they’d buy for themselves anyway. And one can never have too many warm socks, right?

TIP: Nordic socks also make for great Christmas stocking fillers.

Amazon has a nice selection of warm Nordic socks for everyone on your list.

Scandinavian Cookbooks

If you are looking for a Nordic gift for someone who loves to cook and likes to try something new, a cooking book can be an excellent present!

There are books focused on the cuisine of a specific country, or you can also opt for a Nordic cookbook or a Nordic baking book that has recipes from different Nordic countries.

Here are some more popular Scandinavian cookbooks in Englis h:

• Scandinavian food: Modern Scandinavian Baking & Scandinavian Comfort Food .
• Norwegian food: Authentic Norwegian Cooking .
• Finnish food: The Finnish Cookbook: Finland’s best-selling cookbook adapted for American kitchens .
• Icelandic food: Homestyle Icelandic Cooking for American Kitchens .
• Swedish food: Traditional Swedish Cooking .
• Danish food: Classic Recipes of Denmark .

Scandinavian Christmas Ornaments

If you are looking for fun Nordic gifts for Christmas, then you can’t go wrong with Scandinavian Christmas Ornaments.

From knitted Swedish gnomes to wooden snowflake ornaments, there are so many beautiful Nordic Christmas decorations!

TIP: Many of the Nordic-style Christmas ornaments are made of wool, wood, or other materials that won’t easily break . So this is a nice gift for anyone with young kids or pets as well.

Take a look at our hand-picked selection below, and see here for many more .

• Swedish Tomte Gnomes .
• Gnome Christmas Ornaments .
• Knitted Christmas Balls .
• Woodland Animal Ornaments .
• Wooden Snowflake Ornaments .

Nordic Delicacies

When you really don’t know what to get someone who has everything, food or drinks can be a good solution. Norwegian, Icelandic, Finnish, Danish, or Swedish delicacies make for some really nice Nordic gifts!

Why not make a nice gift basket containing some of the following foods and drinks with the Nordic heritage:

• Traditional Knäckebröd (whole rye crispbread).
• Swedish jams (lingonberry, gooseberry, cloudberry).
• Danish cookies .
• Annas Pepparkakor (traditional Swedish thins cookies).
• Icelandic lava salt .
• SWEDISH FISH candy .
• King Oscar canned sardines .
• Norwegian traditional gjetost cheese (a surprising, sweet breakfast treat from Norway).

Viking-inspired Gifts

When you think of the Nordics, you think of Vikings . And, of course, there are all kinds of Viking-inspired Nordic gifts: Viking cups and horn mugs , Viking bracelets or necklaces , Viking knives , etc.

Most Viking gifts are meant for men. But there are also Viking cooking books , Viking toys , etc. so you can find a nice gift for everyone on your list.

Icelandic Sweaters

If you are looking for a somewhat more luxurious gift for someone who loves Iceland (or just want to treat yourself), consider an Icelandic wool sweater ‘ lopapeysa ‘.

A quality Icelandic wool sweater is not a cheap purchase. However, if you are certain that the person you’re buying it for will actually wear it, then you really can’t go wrong with this present. It’s a timeless gift that people will use for years to come!

Just be sure that you know what you are buying (as that will also determine the price). There are lots of really nice sweaters with Icelandic designs that only have a bit of wool, whereas the traditional Icelandic sweaters are handmade and consist of 100% sheep wool.

Fjällräven Bags & Outdoor Gear

Fjällräven is one of the most popular outdoor gear brands in the Nordics. This Swedish label is known for sustainable and quality outdoor clothing and equipment.

From the world-famous Fjällräven Känken bags and accessories , travel toiletry bags , winter hats and sun hats , to all kinds of outdoor clothing including some of the warmest winter jackets out there, Fjällräven products make great gifts for women, children, and men.

Anyone who loves the Nordics will appreciate this quality brand! And because their products are so diverse, you can find something for any budget.

Nordic Tales & Mythology Books

Books are always an excellent gift, for young and old.

So if you are looking for a present for someone who is fascinated by Nordic countries and their culture, why not give them a nice book with folktales, myths, and stories from the Nordics .

Amazon has a nice selection of books on Nordic folklore .

Norwegian-style Clothing, Accessories & Home Decor

The Norwegian rose pattern ‘ selburose ‘ (aka Norwegian snowflake design) is somewhat of a symbol of Norway.

This knitted octagram snowflake/ flower pattern wasn’t invented by Norwegians, but it’s something you see everywhere – from knitted Norwegian sweaters and mittens to home decor items such as pillows or blankets, and everything in between.

If you know someone who’s fascinated by Norway , then you really can’t go wrong with a present with a selburose design.

Here are just a few ideas for Norwegian gifts with this traditional pattern:

• Norwegian-style wool socks .
• Norwegian wool sweaters .
• Norwegian headbands and winter hats .
• Norwegian-style knit mittens .
• Norwegian-style fleece blanket .
• Norwegian-style household accessories .

Tomte Gnomes

Tomte (aka Tomten) is a sort of Swedish version of Santa Claus. In fact, it’s more of a house gnome who secretly lives in or near your house and is responsible for the protection of its residents and their welfare.

Finland has a similar elf called Tonttu and Norway – Nisse . Whatever you call it, it’s part of the Nordic folklore and makes for a nice Scandinavian-style gift, especially at Christmas.

There are lots of nice gifts featuring this Scandinavian character, but the most popular are, of course, Tomte books and fairytales .

Books on Scandinavian Lifestyle

Nordic nations are among the happiest in the world. If you want to learn more about their secrets to happy life and well-being, check out some interesting books on the Scandinavian lifestyle .

These books also make a nice present!

• The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living .
• Lagom: Not Too Little, Not Too Much: The Swedish Art of Living a Balanced, Happy Life .
• Fika: The Art of The Swedish Coffee Break, with Recipes .
• Sisu: The Finnish Art of Courage .
• The Nordic Theory of Everything: In Search of a Better Life .
• The Year of Living Danishly: Uncovering the Secrets of the World’s Happiest Country .

Swedish Dishcloths

If you are looking for a practical, affordable, and sustainable Nordic gift, check out Swedish Dishcloths . Invented by a Swedish engineer in the 1950s, these reusable dishcloths are commonly used all over the Nordics instead of paper rolls.

They say that a single Swedish dishcloth can replace 17 rolls (!) of paper towels. It’s no wonder that these eco-friendly dishcloths are quickly gaining in popularity all over the world.

You can find them in all colors, sizes, and designs. And because they are also so cheap, you could even use them as stocking fillers at Christmas. They even have them with Christmas designs .

Moomins are comic characters best known for the Moomin books by Tove Jansson. World-known as an essential part of the Finnish culture (if not a cult), Moomin books were actually originally published in Swedish.

Moomin characters are so cute that Moomin-related products make great gifts for anyone on your list, not just for children. From Moomin books to mugs, socks, and countless other products, you’ll have difficulties choosing!

Here are just a few popular options if you want to join the Moomins family:

• Moomin books .
• Moomin toys and games .
• Moomin cups and mugs .
• Moomin socks .
• Moomin films for kids .
• Moomin jigsaw puzzles (for kids and adults).

Trolls are part of Scandinavian folklore, mainly Norse mythology. So if you are looking for somewhat more unusual and fun Scandinavian gifts, why not take a look at trolls!

From world-known colorful Troll mini-dolls to recent Trolls and Trolls World Tour movies by Dream Works, these make great gifts for kids! These are much cuter than the original hairy Scandinavian trolls featured in Norwegian folk tales or in older movies…

Finnish Sauna Accessories

When you think of Finland, you probably immediately associate it with the Finnish sauna .

A wooden sauna bucket and ladle make a nice present for sauna lovers. In addition, there are other sauna accessories such as sauna hats (although they’re more a Russian tradition than Finnish), thermometers, etc.

Nordic Calendars

If you are looking for a simple, affordable, and practical Scandinavian Christmas gift, you can also opt for a nice calendar with pictures from one of the Nordic countries.

We especially love calendars with pictures from Iceland or from Norway since the landscapes in these countries are amazing! But there are some stunning calendars from Denmark, Sweden, and Finland as well.

READ ALSO: Iceland Travel Guide & Norway Travel Guide

So, this is our guide to some fun Nordic gifts inspired by different Scandinavian countries. I hope that this helps you find something special that will make your friends and family happy.

For more gift ideas, you may also want to check our guide to some travel-inspired gifts or – if you are looking for gifts for children – travel books and destination guides for kids and travel gifts for children .

And if this Scandinavian gift guide has inspired you to visit some Nordic countries, be sure to check our articles about Iceland , Norway , the Faroe Islands , or Greenland .

You can also find an overview of all destinations in our travel destinations guide .

If you found this post useful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Eva Gudrunsdottir

Tuesday 21st of December 2021

Thank you so much for your blog! I love it so much. My favorite one I like to read about is the one about Iceland. Me and my family visit there all the time in the summer. My mom is from there. I was wanting to visit there solo and learn about the language. Is there a good time to travel that it will be warm?

Haha, Iceland is not really a place if you are looking for some warm weather. If you already visit there in summer, then that's as warm as it gets. The rest is luck - some summers are terribly rainy and cold, and some others can be quite nice. Or you can just get lucky with a few warmer days. The warmest I have experienced in Iceland was a few sunny days with temperatures of about 18°C (64-65°F). Some people were walking around in shorts and sandals and our Icelandic friends invited us for a bbq in their garden where they had some 20 people in the middle of the workweek. 'Seize the weather' they told us - which basically means, make the most of it if you ever experience such warm and beautiful weather. :) This was at the end of July of an exceptionally warm summer. But you really can't plan for this unless you keep an eye on the forecast and book last-minute tickets. Thanks for reading and glad to hear that you enjoy our blog, Eva. Happy travels!

Tuesday 7th of December 2021

Great post. Am looking forward to visiting in July 2022. Thanks for all of your informational posts. Merry Christmas!

Wednesday 8th of December 2021

Hope you have a great trip, Vicki. And in the meantime, some of these gift ideas might make the waiting easier and more exciting. ;) Happy holidays!

15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Moscow

Written by Diana Bocco Updated Dec 23, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Moscow is one of Europe's most enigmatic destinations, home to a fascinating history and colorful, awe-inspiring architecture you won't find anywhere else in the world. Moscow might be one of the most populous cities in the world with over 11 million inhabitants, but this hasn't changed its strong cultural and social traditions.

Walk the cobblestone streets of the Red Square or the banks of the Moskva River early in the morning, and it's hard to tell what century you're in.

Tsarist architecture, must-see churches, and glamorous shopping opportunities blend together for a visual experience you won't forget. For ideas on what to see and do while visiting Russia, here's our list of top tourist attractions in Moscow.

1. Marvel at the Size of the Kremlin

2. catch a performance at the bolshoi theatre, 3. shop at the luxurious gum, 4. make your way into lenin's mausoleum, 5. spend an hour (or three) at red square, 6. discover history at the museum of cosmonautics, 7. ride the stunning moscow metro, 8. explore the moscow state integrated museum-reserve, 9. spend a rainy day at the tretyakov gallery, 10. walk up and down arbat street, 11. stop by the vdnkh all-russian exhibition centre, 12. wander around gorky park, where to stay in moscow for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions & things to do in moscow.

Moscow's most recognizable structure is without a doubt the Kremlin, a 15th-century fortified complex that covers an area of 275,000 square meters surrounded by walls built in the 1400s.

The Grand Kremlin Palace -which has over 700 rooms- was once home to the Tsar family and is now the official residence of the president of the Russian Federation, although most heads of state choose to reside elsewhere.

The massive complex also includes many other buildings, some of which are open to the public and can be visited regularly. Aside from three cathedrals (including one where the Tsars were once crowned) and a number of towers, the Kremlin is also home to the Armory building, a museum holding everything from the royal crown and imperial carriages to the ivory throne of Ivan the Terrible and Fabergé eggs.

The Bolshoi Theater is home to the largest and one of the oldest ballet and opera companies in the world . While the theater has undergone several major renovations over the past century-including a recent one in 2011 to restore some of the imperial architectural details-it still retains all of its Neoclassical grandeur.

The Bolshoi Theater you see today opened in 1824, after several older versions burned down. Inside, red velvet, a three-tiered crystal chandelier, and gilt moldings give the place a Byzantine-Renassaince grandiose feel like no other.

Catching a show from the resident ballet and opera troupes is a treat, as the theater often presents a number of classic performances, such as Tchaikovsky's Mazeppa and Rachmaninoff's Francesca da Rimini, both of which originally premiered here.

Moscow's oldest and most upscale shopping center is an architectural marvel. GUM (short for Glávnyj Universálnyj Magazín or "Main Universal Store") was built in the late 1800s in neo-Russian style to showcase a beautiful mix of a steel skeleton and 20,000 panels of glass forming an arched roof.

This was a unique construction at the time, since the glass had to be strong enough to support the snow-heavy Russian winters. The building is just as impressive outside, with all three levels covered in marble and granite.

While GUM is no longer the largest shopping center in Moscow, it's still by far the most beautiful. Home to brands like Gucci and Manolo Blahnik, this might not be the ideal destination for most budget-conscious visitors, but the beauty of the building itself is worth a visit.

On the third floor, there are also great dining options, including a Soviet-style canteen that serves traditional Russian food, and a stand selling ice cream made by hand using an original 1954 recipe originally approved by the Soviet government.

Lenin's Mausoleum, the final resting place of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin, occupies a central spot in Red Square. His body has been in the mausoleum since his death in 1924-and although the original plan was for him to be buried after a short period of public display for mourning, the plan quickly changed.

After over 100,000 visited the tomb over a period of six weeks, it was decided that a new sarcophagus and a more permanent display space could actually preserve Lenin's body for much longer than expected-and Lenin's Mausoleum was built.

Over the years, the mausoleum and its marble stairs also became the main spot from where Soviet leaders would watch parades and events happening in Red Square.

Lenin's embalmed body can still be seen today, lying down in a bulletproof glass sarcophagus as if he's sleeping. While a visit to the mausoleum is certainly unusual, it has become a must-do for history buffs looking to understand how Lenin's legacy truly changed the nation. Come ready to wait, though -there are usually lines to get in.

All of Moscow's main streets start at Red Square, so it's easy to see why this is considered the heart of the city. A massive space of 330 meters by 70 meters, the square is flanked by the Kremlin, Lenin's Mausoleum, two cathedrals, and the State Historical Museum.

In 1945, a massive Victory Parade was held here to celebrate the defeat of Nazi Germany by the Soviet Armed Forces.

St. Basil's Cathedral , one of the most recognizable buildings on the square, was built in 1555. The unique cathedral has architectural details inspired by Byzantine and Asian design, as well as details that resemble those found in famous mosques. There are nine individual chapels inside the church, all decorated with colorful mural art.

Both the square itself and the Kremlin are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites . On weekends, there are sometimes stalls selling souvenirs and traditional items here, such as matryoshka (Russian nesting dolls), at the entrance of the square.

At one point, Russia and the US were toe-to-toe when it came to space exploration. While that might no longer be the case, the museum's amazing collection-which includes over 85,000 items-is still awe-inspiring.

Main exhibits include the space capsule used by Yuri Gagarin , the first human to travel into outer space; a USSR flag with moon fragments; a Soviet spacesuit; and a rocket propulsion unit from the 1960s. A special two-story hall showcases sections of the Mir space station interior, and there are also models of the first sputniks and a replica miniature spaceship.

English-language tours are available, and there's also a Cinema Hall showing subtitled short films about the history of space exploration programs and the first manned space flight.

The museum is located inside the base of the monument to the Conquerors of Space, which was built almost 20 years before the museum opened.

Riding the Moscow metro is an experience all in itself, but even just heading underground to walk through the stations is something no visitor should miss. With 223 stations and 12 metro lines crosscutting through Moscow, however, this can be tricky, so visiting at least a few of the most impressive ones is a good start.

Arbatskaya station was designed by a skyscraper architect, so it's no surprise that it features multicolored granite slabs and impressive bronze chandeliers.

Park Kultury station , located next to Gorky Park, is covered in marble and features reliefs of people involved in sports, while Teatralnaya station is decorated with porcelain figures dancing and wearing traditional Russian costumes.

The metro is open between 5:30am and 1:00am but it's very crowded in the early morning and after 4pm, so it's better to visit in the late morning or early afternoon to really appreciate the architecture without the crowds.

The Moscow State Integrated Art and Historical Architectural and Natural Landscape Museum-Reserve is a cultural open-air museum complex comprised of four different historical sites.

The most important site, the Kolomenskoye Estate, was once the summer residence of Tsars as far back as the 14 th century. The complex, which covers almost 300 hectares, is home to fairy-tale wooden palaces; a tent-roof stone church built in the 1500s; a water tower; fort towers and structures; and the 24-room Museum of Wooden Architecture , which includes the restored dining room of Tsar Alexei I.

Beautiful manicured gardens , riverside picnic areas, and a massive collection of both artifacts and structures make this a great destination to help you see what medieval Russia looked like. English-language tours are available, but you're also free to wander the grounds on your own.

The largest collection of Russian art in the world sits here, with over 180,000 paintings, sculptures, and religious art dating back to over a millennia ago. The gallery, built using beautiful red and white colors from classical Russian architecture, is located near the Kremlin and it was built in the early 20 th century.

Significant art pieces include the Vladimir Mother of God; a Byzantine icon of the Virgin and child dating back to the 1100s; Andrei Rublev's The Trinity icon from the 15 th century; and several works by Ilya Repin, the most famous realist painter in Russia.

On the grounds of the museum, there is also an 86-meter-tall statue of Peter the Great, as well as a number of Socialist Realism sculptures.

Moscow's one-kilometer-long pedestrian street has been around since the 15 th century. Originally a trade route in the outskirts of the city, Arbat Street is now very centrally located, home to posh buildings and lots of places to eat and shop.

Beautiful street lamps and two significant statues-one of Princess Turandot (from Puccini's last opera) and one of Soviet-era poet Bulat Okudzhava-adorn the street, which fills up with both locals and tourists on evenings and weekends.

A great place to pick up souvenirs or sit down at an outdoor café, Arbat Street also offers a chance to visit the former home of poet Alexander Pushkin and the café both Anton Chekhov and Leo Tolstoy used to visit.

Although it was originally designed as a general-purpose trade show venue, this park complex now houses amusement rides , ice rinks , and a number of galleries and other attractions for all ages.

The park's most famous landmarks are the Moskvarium, a marine biology center home to over 8000 species of marine animals, the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art, and a shopping center selling traditional products from former Soviet countries.

There's even a film museum showing Soviet cartoons or even a full-length film (for an extra fee) and an education center offering masterclasses on everything from becoming a barista to video montage (call or write in advance to find out which ones are English-friendly).

Soviet-era pavilions, sculptures, and fountains abound here as well, including the famous Friendship of the Peoples Fountain, which features statues of women dressed in costumes from different former Soviet countries.

Named after the famous Russian writer Maxim Gorky (who was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature five times but never won it) and sitting right across the Moskva River, Gorky Park covers 120 hectares of beautiful ponds and green spaces.

Popular with both locals and tourists, the park offers a variety of things to enjoy-from sunbeds, hammocks, and drinking fountains to free yoga classes and children's playgrounds. There's free Wi-Fi and sockets for charging your phone, as well as many food stands and plenty of wild animals, including deer, rabbits, and pheasants.

Visitors can rent paddle boats and bicycles to explore the park-and from May to October, there is also an open-air movie theater, as well as scheduled presentations by street performers, musicians, and artists. Gorky Park attracts the young and old, so don't be surprised to see a mix of people exercising, playing chess, and sunbathing.

Luxury Hotels :

• Lotte Hotel Moscow is one of the top 5-star properties in Moscow offering the largest Royal Suite in Russia. The trendy rooms and suites here all have contemporary style and great city views. On-site amenities are plentiful. There are two restaurants: one serving contemporary Italian fare, and the other Japanese. There is an impressively lit indoor swimming pool, a well-known spa, and a state-of-the-art gym.
• Another excellent luxury hotel is the Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow . The residential-style property is in the heart of Moscow just next to the Bolshoi Theatre and within walking distance of the Kremlin and Red Square. The rooms and suites have been opulently designed by Tony Chi. The on-site restaurant serves a mix of European and Armenian specialities. There is also a Japanese sushi bar and a rooftop lounge with fabulous city views.
• The St. Regis Moscow Nikolskaya also has a central location just a few minutes from the Kremlin and Red Square. The 5-star property has a mix of elegant rooms and suites, including interconnecting room options for families with kids. There are multiple restaurants on-site including an Italian bistro. Other amenities include the fabulous Iridium Spa, which does a full range of treatments and has an indoor swimming pool, sauna, and steam room.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• Palmira Business Club is a top mid-range choice. The contemporary lifestyle hotel offers well-appointed rooms and suites, including options for families. Suites are quite spacious and have kitchenettes. Amenities here include a complimentary breakfast at the on-site restaurant, a hot tub, sauna, and spa. There is also a fitness center.
• The trendy Mercure Moscow Baumanskaya offers a mix of rooms and suites with contemporary decor. The mid-range hotel can arrange airport transportation and offers baggage storage. Other amenities include a restaurant and room service. The front desk is open 24 hours.
• Boutique Hotel Brighton is about 10 minutes from the city center in a leafy park area. It offers excellent value for money and has charming rooms and suites with sound-proof windows and doors, as well as blackout curtains. A complimentary breakfast is served, and there is also an indoor swimming pool.

Budget Hotels :

• Hotel Ibis Budget Moscow Panfilovskaya is about a 15-minute drive from Moscow's downtown, and it's within walking distance from a metro station that will take you there. The soundproof rooms at this budget property are clean, comfortable, and can sleep up to three people. The hotel is pet friendly, has paid parking available on-site, and also has a salon.
• If you just need a budget hotel near the airport then check out Aviator Hotel Sheremetyevo . Located right at the airport, it has soundproof rooms, including options for families. Amenities include an indoor play area for kids, a sauna and swimming pool, and a free breakfast.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Exploring Russia: Whether you are interested in history, nature, or architecture, there's much to see in Russia. For a good introduction to some of the most fascinating spots in the country, take a look at our article on the Best Places to Visit in Russia . For more on Russia's second-largest city and all it has to offer, check out our piece on the Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in St. Petersburg .

Ukraine war latest: Belarus deploys extra air defence forces to border; 10 Ukrainian prisoners freed with Vatican's help

Ten Ukrainian civilians who had been imprisoned in Russia for years have been released after mediation from the Vatican. Overnight, five people were killed in a Ukrainian drone strike on a Russian village. Listen to a Sky News podcast on Putin and North Korea while you scroll.

Sunday 30 June 2024 08:23, UK

• Five killed, including two children, in Ukrainian strike on Russian village
• Ten Ukrainians imprisoned in Russia freed after Vatican mediation
• Belarus deploys additional air defence forces to Ukraine border
• Your questions answered : Has the West been honest about Ukraine's failures?
• Listen to the Daily above and tap here to follow wherever you get your podcasts

Ask a question or make a comment

We're pausing our live coverage for now. 

You can scroll below to catch up on the latest developments, and we'll be back with our regular coverage tomorrow. 

Six people have been killed in a Russian attack on a small town in the southern Zaporizhzhia region, a Ukrainian official has said. 

A further eight people have been injured, regional governor Ivan Fedorov said. 

Infrastructure, a shop and residential buildings in Vilniansk have also been damaged, he added. 

The strike comes after five people were killed in the Kursk region of Russian due to a Ukrainian drone attack. 

Two young children were also injured in the strike on the village of Gorodishche, around 73 miles (118km) from the Ukrainian border, Kursk governor Alexey Smirnov said. 

Two other people were injured and were in a "serious condition" in hospital, he added. 

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has met one of the men released from Russian captivity earlier today. 

The Ukrainian president met Nariman Dzhelyal who was successfully returned home after three years in captivity. 

"We will bring security to all our people and peace to Ukraine. I thank everyone who is helping. I thank Nariman for this meeting and for his strength," Mr Zelenskyy said. 

Mr Dzhelyal was detained in Crimea in 2021 while serving as the first deputy chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People. 

During his imprisonment, he sent several letters, Mr Zelenskyy said. 

He added that in one of them he wrote: "We are fighting not only for the integrity of our territories but also for the unity of our society, our beautiful, strong nation." 

US officials told Reuters news agency late last night that the Biden administration would provide Ukraine with $150m (£118.6m) worth of weapons and ammunition, including HAWK air defence interceptors and 155 millimetre artillery munitions.

The weapons aid package is expected be unveiled on Monday, the officials said.

Ukraine has urgently requested air defence support as Russia has pounded its energy facilities in recent weeks via aerial attacks. 

The US began shipping HAWK interceptor missiles to Ukraine in 2022 as an upgrade to the shoulder-launched Stinger air defence missile systems - a smaller, shorter-range system. 

The support package will include other munitions and equipment to support Ukraine's defence needs, the officials added. 

The US has provided Ukraine with more than $50bn (£39.5bn) in military aid since 2022. 

We reported earlier on the 10 Ukrainian civilians who were released from Russian captivity earlier today after years of imprisonment (see 8.49am post). 

Watch them reunite with their loved ones in Kyiv's international airport in newly released footage.

A report by the Ukrainian military's centre for strategic communications has found that the country's forces have damaged or destroyed more than 30 Russian military aircraft in the first six months of 2024. 

Most of the strikes against the aircraft have taken place in occupied Ukraine except for a handful of strikes over the Sea of Azov and within Russia, the centre said, as reported by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). 

The centre did not specify what portion of these Ukrainian strikes were air defence interceptions of Russian aircraft in flight and what percentage were strikes against Russian aircraft at airfields. 

The ISW said they were unable to verify the report.

But it said the downing of Russian aircraft, especially critical aircraft like the A-50 and Il-22, has temporarily constrained Russian aviation activities over occupied Ukraine, but added Ukrainian forces "have yet to be able to significantly attempt to contest the air domain".

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has revealed that Russian strikes have resulted in Ukraine losing around 80% of its thermal power and one third of its hydroelectric power.

Discussing the attack in Dnipro, Mr Zelenskyy said it was a reminder to Ukraine's allies that the country needed more air defence systems. 

He said: "This is why we constantly remind all of our partners: only a sufficient amount of high quality of air defence systems, only a sufficient amount of determination from the world at large can stop Russian terror."

Kyiv has also struck back at Russia with its own attacks, which also often target energy infrastructure.

Belarus has deployed additional air defence forces to its border with Ukraine to protect "critical infrastructure facilities" due to increased Ukrainian drone activity, a Belarusian military commander has said.

Belarus, an ally of Russia, said earlier this week it had shot down a quadcopter that had illegally crossed the border from Ukraine "to collect information about the Belarusian border infrastructure". 

The situation in the airspace over the border remains tense, Andrei Severinchik, commander of the Belarusian Air Defence Forces, said. 

"We are ready to decisively use all available forces and means to protect our territory and the population of the Republic of Belarus from possible provocations in the airspace," he said. 

Belarus' defence ministry said earlier today it had information showing Ukraine had been moving more troops, weapons and military equipment to the northern Zhytomyr region, which borders Belarus. 

There was no immediate response from Ukraine. 

Russian elites and oligarchs have reportedly moved from criticising the country's war effort in Ukraine to supporting it, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has reported.

Mikhail Zygar, the founder of the Russian opposition television channel TV Rain, reported that many elites who were opposed to the war in 2022 started to support the war in 2023 because they "believe Russia is prevailing".

Mr Zygar said these people made this assessment due to Russia's slow but steady battlefield gains, a persisting Ukrainian munitions disadvantage, and perceived "waning" Western security assistance to Ukraine.

One anonymous Russian oligarch who previously criticised the war reportedly told Mr Zygar that Russia must win the war otherwise "they won't allow us to live... and Russia would collapse".

The ISW said it cannot independently verify Mr Zygar's reporting but it is consistent with the institute's assessment that this section of Russian society came to heel behind Vladimir Putin in support of the war after his government intensified crackdowns against elites in the wake of the 2022 invasion. 

As Russia announces it has captured a second village in 24 hours (see 12.26pm post), let's take a look at where Russia has advanced along the frontline with Ukraine. 

As well as pockets of advances on the border north of Kharkiv, Russia appears to have captured areas along the length of the front, from the Donetsk region right up to the western edge of Luhansk.

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