Gift ideas

24.11.2008

In Tallinn's countless shops and boutiques you can easily find enough gifts to fill a suitcase, or even two. But if it's a real experience you're after, why not try your hand at making a gift for that special someone yourself?

• You can do that by handpainting your very own Marzipan figurine at Tallinn's Marzipan Museum. Legend tells us the story of a journeyman from the Town Hall Pharmacy (the oldest functioning pharmacy in Europe) who first made marzipan as a remedy. Now you have the chance to colour your own piece of happiness and then take it with you as a nicely wrapped, perfect, original gift.

• Traditional handicraft items make great gifts and are just about the most authentically Estonian things you can buy. Look for hand-knitted woollen socks with Estonian folk patterns, carved wooden beer mugs, fun felt hats, juniper coasters and limestone candle holders. You'll find several handicraft shops in the city, most offering a wide selection.

• Original art such as graphic prints, handmade jewellery, colourful glassware and fine ceramics are on sale in St. Catherine’s Passage, a unique place where visitors can actually watch the artwork being made. This romantic lane that runs between Vene and Müürivahe streets is a must-see for every gift hunter.

• CDs featuring music by Estonian composers of international acclaim – Veljo Tormis, Arvo Pärt, Eduard Tubin and Erkki-Sven Tüür – are perfect gifts for classical music fans.

• Dark, bittersweet Estonian chocolate and other local sweets produced by the Kalev confectionery will make any sweet-toothed creature jump for joy.

• The art shop of Bogapott offers a wide variety of Christmas products made at the Bogapott ceramics studio: angels, candle houses, candleholders, odour lamps, beakers for mulled wine, elves and many more original gifts from original artists. Also try the Bogapott cafeteria’s home made hot and cold meals, pastries and mulled wine or just rest your legs in front of the cosy fireplace.

• Olde Hansa shop Krambude is a place for special Christmas presents, as the merchant has assembled suitable 15th-century merchandise from the shelves of Krambude and made nice Christmas packages. These nice Christmas packages contain from Olde Hansa sweet almonds and handmade cinnamon candles to beautiful clay-made wine beakers and snhnaps glasses.