From any trip, it doesn’t matter whether to Africa or Asia there is a way, you want to bring something that would remind you of the country you have visited. In our century of globalization, you can buy clothes and shoes from leading brands in your own country.
Is there anything that is produced only in this country and nowhere else? Of course, yes, and avid shopaholics know this. In this article we will share with you the secrets that you can bring from Sweden.
This country is similar in nature and lifestyle to other Scandinavian states. But still in Sweden there is its own identity. How does it affect souvenirs and other goods?
Unspoken Symbols of Sweden
Scandinavian countries are quite expensive for shopping. Some travelers can only afford small souvenirs. But if a T-shirt sewn in China with the words “I love Stockholm” doesn't appeal to you, consider other suggestions.
As a symbol of Russia is a nesting doll, so Sweden is a Dalekarly horse. Images of this cute animal are replicated in the form of plush toys, wooden figures, prints on t-shirts, patterns on knitted sweaters.
The second symbol of Sweden is an elk. The choice between sokhaty and Dalkeklyskoy horse is yours. Peppy Long Stocking is as much a symbol of Sweden as the two previous animals.
Locals are very proud that their Viking ancestors plowed the oceans. It is rare to find a souvenir shop in which there are no horned helmets or figures of ancient warriors. Swedes love their legends about fairy monsters. Figures of gnomes and trolls will also be wonderful souvenirs from Sweden.
What else to bring from this country? Warm winter clothes and shoes. The price for it is high, but also the quality. Unlike similar products made in Western Europe, Swedish winter clothing is designed for real frost.
Where to shop
Shops and shops located near tourist attractions and museums set unreasonably high prices for their goods. The same, but much cheaper, can be found in shopping centers. There, by the way, they issue the necessary receipts for VAT refunds.
If you are looking for what to bring from Sweden to Stockholm without hesitation, head to the City area. It is crossed by the large Drottninggatan street, filled with large shopping centers, medium and small shops and representative offices of international retail chains.
If you are interested in antiques and jewelry, immediately go to the Stockholm area of Ostermalm, where luxury boutiques are concentrated. To purchase crystal and glassware, head to Birger Jarlsgatan or Kunstgatan.
To experience Sweden in the language and the sky, take a look at the capital's food markets of Hetershalen and Ostermalmshalen. In Gothenburg, the shopping area is limited to Sedra Larmgatan, Kunsgatan, Wallgatan and Magasingatan streets.
In Malmö, head to Lilla Tori Square for shopping and wander along the shopping streets of David Hall and Engelbrekstgatan.
What to bring your girlfriend
Sweden is famous for its environmentally friendly, hypoallergenic and effective cosmetics. In other countries, Oriflame works according to catalogs, which is why many women doubt the quality of the products. But in Stockholm, this company has a large official store.
The flagship of Swedish cosmetology is Weleda. The care products of this company are even sold in pharmacies. The manufacturer IsaDora specializes in decorative cosmetics, but the company's shadows, mascaras and lipsticks do not contain fragrances and artificial colors.
Another company, Curiosa, is also famous for the effectiveness of its products. Skin and hair care products of this company are in demand in Western Europe.
And if you are serious about your beloved and decide to offer her a marriage, use your trip to Scandinavia in order to purchase jewelry decorated with runic signs.
What is brought from Sweden from precious metals? The latest fashion is white gold, stylized as birch bark.
Gift for beloved guy
Girls know that men like it when they admire their strength and courage. Therefore, it is easy to guess what young guys are brought from Sweden. Of course, the horned Viking helmets!
The main thing here is to make sure that the young man is doing well with a sense of humor. Or, delicately explain that the horns on the helmet are not quite what he was thinking.
If the guy is not superstitious, he can bring as a gift funny figures of trolls and other Scandinavian evil spirits. An amulet with ancient runes will be a great present.
Gift for a bosom friend
It is best to tell a friend about the sights of Sweden under a glass of Absolut vodka, eating a moose pate or fermented herring. If your friend values beer more than distillates, give him a few bottles of local foamy drink.
What is brought from Sweden from alcohol? Pripps Brewery is the oldest in the country. You can buy the classic light "Pripps Bla" - it is considered the best. As an original gift, you can present bottles of beer with the addition of the most unusual ingredients - dried fruits, berry juice or spices.
Of the dark varieties, opt for the Carnegie Poster. In winter, it is customary in Sweden to warm up with mulled wine. This hot wine drink is also sold in bottles, the mixture can only be heated.
Of the mulled wine, Blossa Glogg is considered the best. If your friend is a heavy smoker, bring him snus. This is a special Swedish tobacco. They do not smoke him or even sniff him, but put the packaging under his upper lip.
What is brought from Sweden to children
There is an opinion that the best chocolate is produced in Switzerland, Belgium, Italy. But it is not so. Indeed, the chocolate of the local company Marabu is eaten even by members of the Swedish royal family.
Scandinavian national cuisine often uses jams and preserves. And they are prepared from northern berries, such as cloudberries, blueberries, lingonberries.
The Swedes are very proud that it was on the roofs of Stockholm that Carlson lived, as well as other characters who came out from under the pen Astrid Lindgren, for example, Peppy Long Stocking. The child will be happy to receive a book about them or soft toys depicting a cheerful girl or a mischievous person with a propeller. And if the baby is completely tiny, the Dala wooden horse will delight him.
Parents should note that in Sweden all toys are made from high-quality and non-allergenic materials. Everything is aimed at the safety of children. Therefore, toys do not use harmful dyes and glue.
If the girl is old enough not to drag the doll in her mouth, you can give her a porcelain beauty dressed up in a national Swedish costume.
For parents
In Sweden - the country of victorious and realized socialism - they produce very effective and effective medicines. Unfortunately, without a prescription you can’t buy anything except dietary supplements. Great supplements from Great Herts are also greatly appreciated.
The Veleda company already mentioned above, in addition to caring cosmetics, also produces various ointments (from dermatitis, burns, wound healing). Older people often rely on traditional medicine. They will surely enjoy the herbal preparations that are sold in tea salons and pharmacies in Sweden.
And in addition to them, get warm coarse knitwear with Scandinavian motifs for the elderly. By the way, if it doesn’t occur to you what to bring from Sweden as a gift to someone, then cute socks, sweaters, hats and mittens will be appropriate presentations for all, without exception.
For colleagues
This category is the most numerous. Therefore, they are presented with some cheap trinkets. Want to pin up your colleagues? Then give them souvenirs in the form of a road sign "Caution, moose!".
If you are afraid that your colleagues will react badly to a hint, present them key rings or magnets with the image of Vasa, the ancient Viking ship.
For home, for family
Sweden, in addition to practical winter clothes and shoes, produces wonderful products from crystal and glass. You can bring from this Scandinavian country both a banal vase and an original figurine or lamp.
The best manufacturers in this area are Costa Boda and Orrefors. A good gift for the wife would be a special knife for slicing cheese.
You can also purchase clogs - traditional Swedish shoes with painted leather tops and wooden soles.
What to bring from Sweden from products
Local cuisine is very original. Where, if not in Sweden, can you try elk or reindeer meat paste? We have already mentioned chocolate and berry jams.
The most original edible gift will, without a doubt, be a jar of "surstremming." This is a fermented herring, specially cooked. The Swedes mix the delicacy with potatoes and onions, wrap in a tortilla, and wash it down with milk.
But if you are not a fan of gastronomic experiments, and still think about what products to bring from Sweden, then opt for slicing red fish, a jar of caviar, gingerbread cookies.