2018 Gift Guide
Our Gift Guide has ideas for everyone on your list, including…
The Norski who has everything
A) Nisse Christmas Card by Nordic Inspirations. This handmade card is crafted in the UK. Each card measures approx. 6” x 4”, comes with a matching white envelope, and is blank inside. $3.97 each. www.nordicinspirations.etsy.com
B) Fred Lammers art prints. Oslo-based artist Fred Lammers, featured in our paper this February (www.norwegianamerican.com/arts/take-wild-ride-fred-lammers) has offered to sell these prints with 50 percent going to The Norwegian American through Christmas (be sure to mention The Norwegian American when ordering!). Thanks, Fred, and god jul! $25-40. www.etsy.com/shop/fredlammersnowsville
C) Marius eyeglass case. Keep your sunglasses safe and stylish at the same time. $23.98. mallofnorway.com
D) Set of 20 vintage postcards. These restored Norwegian postcards will brighten any mailbox. $22 + $3 U.S. shipping www.norwegianamerican.com/shop, or call (206) 784-4617
E) Uff da du igjen doormat by Damn Good Doormats. Art you can wipe your feet on! This doormat tells visitors what you really think of having guests (du igjen translates to “you again”). $45-74.50. www.damngooddoormats.com
F) NAHA membership. A gift membership in the Norwegian-American Historical Association includes a copy of Two Homelands by Odd S. Lovoll; the first issue of the relaunched journal Norwegian-American Studies (Fall 2019); quarterly newsletter Currents; archive access; and discounts on events and publications. Memberships start at $55. naha.stolaf.edu
G) All I Want for Christmas is Krumkake mug. I actually bought this for my mom after Christmas last year, because I saw it too late, and it perfectly sums up how much she krumkake means to me. Don’t make the same mistake I did; order yours now. $17.95. teechip.com
H) Nordic coasters by Hello Lucy. There are so many great options here, you’ll have trouble choosing. Coasters are ceramic and size is slightly less than 4” x 4”. $12 each. www.hellolucys.etsy.com
The hyggelig one
A) Norwegian Krumkake Iron from Nordic Ware. If you don’t already have Bestemor’s krumkake iron, this looks like the next best thing—and a must-have for the holiday season. $100. www.nordicware.com
B) White Wool Pillar Candle. The art of Icelandic designer Hekla Björk Guđmundsdóttir brings a spark of coziness. 5” tall x 4”. $19. www.ingebretsens.com
C) North Wild Kitchen by Nevada Berg. A wonderful introduction to the Norwegian cuisine, by food blogger (and former The Norwegian American contributor) Nevada Berg. $35. Available from many sellers, including www.scanspecialties.com
D) Evergood Kaffe. “The best of the best”—extremely aromatic with a mild bouquet, a hint of acidity, exclusive body, and a finely balanced, elegant finish. 8 oz. bag, ground. $13. store.vesterheim.org
E) Tomte Ornaments Mugs by artist and designer Ruth Vetter. Have a Jul fika with these terrific coffee mugs. $26 for a set of two. scandinavianshoppe.com
F) Nautical sailor knot trivet from Mystic Knotwork. Hand woven nautical trivet turk’s head knot tied in custom cotton rope and worked flat. Each end is tied securely with no glues to melt. Available in multiple colors—and while you’re there check out their coasters and other items! $16. mysticknotwork.com
G) Edvard Grieg’s “Ved Rondane” Blanket from Vingtor of Norway. This blanket’s design is taken from the notes to the solo violin and from the first verse of the poem of Grieg’s famous composition. Brew a cup of tea (or coffee), wrap yourself in the blanket’s fine woolen warmth, and enjoy a private concert! 100% Norwegian wool, 51 x 71”. $195. www.ingebretsens.com
H) A Taste of Norway: Flavors from The Norwegian American. Of all the new Nordic cookbooks to come out recently, our favorite (of course) is the one we put together. Order by Dec. 3 to make sure you get yours in time for Christmas. $34 + $6 shipping (U.S.). www.norwegianamerican.com/cookbook, or call (206) 784-4617
The sportsy one
A) Classic Kubb Game from Kubbspel. Play like a Viking! Great fun for your friends and family. Be the first team to knock down the king to win! For 2-12 players. $84.99. www.scanspecialties.com
B) Sunglasses by Kaibosh. These stylish Norwegian sunglasses come in a variety of styles with catchy names, like A Scandinavian In New York (shown). NOK 1,200. www.kaibosh.com
C) Norway Experience Pullover. Made from 60/40 cotton/poly heathered fleece, with contrast ragland sleeves. Available in S-XXL. $39.95. store.vesterheim.com
D) Winter in Oslo vintage poster by VintageWallGraphics. Bring a little Norway into a skier’s life with this digitally restored print. Available in many sizes. $5.60-$21.60. vintagewallgraphics.etsy.com
E) Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Day Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 18 by Shiseido. “Wrinkle resist” cream may not sound like the most exciting gift, but apparently this is THE moisturizer of Norwegian women. Keep your skin happy while enjoying an outdoor lifestyle? Who wouldn’t want that? $60. www.sephora.com
F) Cornhole set by ColoradoJoes. You can mix and match from the board options available or have one custom made. If you order now… it might be late for Christmas. But cornhole is more of a summer game, anyway. from $199. www.etsy.com/shop/coloradojoes
G) Odin Huginn Pant from Helly Hansen. In Norse mythology, Huginn is one of the pair of ravens that fly all over the 9 worlds, bringing information to the god Odin. A softshell pant that can stand up to this kind of challenge is hard to find as well. $180. www.hellyhansen.com
The crafty one
A) Pewter buttons. Add a touch of Norway to your life with pewter buttons and clasps. Make the ordinary “fantastisk” by adding them to sweaters, hats, mittens and more. Made in Norway. Prices vary. www.183vintagebuttons.com
B) Woodcarver’s Shop Journal by Quiet Fox Designs. Now woodcarving enthusiasts have a handy way to organize their favorite pastime! With a handsome hot-stamped imitation leather cover and lay-flat binding, this sturdy journal makes a terrific gift for any woodcarver. $16.99. store.vesterheim.com
C) Scandinavian Stitches by Kajsa Wikman. Kajsa Wikman’s bright and colorful sewing designs are sure to make you smile. $22.95. www.scanspecialties.com
D) Leather Waist Apron by Hovden Formal Farm Wear. Handmade in Portland, Ore., these leather aprons are built to last and get more beautiful with age and use. Available in two sizes and hem choices. $140-150. www.hovdenformalfarmwear.com
E) Make Your Own Straw Ornaments Kit. Kit has instructions for making sweet, simple angels and stars, plus straw and thread for several small ornaments. $8. www.ingebretsens.com
F) Hand-dyed yarn from Fjord Fibres.Available in many colors and weights, this Norwegian wool yarn comes to you from Bergen. prices vary. www.fjordfibres.etsy.com
G) Santa’s Helper Doll Knitting Pattern from Knitting for Dolls. Fun holiday outfit pattern for any 18” doll like American Girl dolls, for advanced knitters. This pattern has easy-to-follow graph and written directions for the skirt, sweater, hat, mittens, and socks. Pattern will be e-mailed as a file in pdf format for immediate download. $6.95. www.etsy.com/shop/knittingfordolls
The kids
A) The Christmas Wish Anja Doll. Long ago, a brave little girl named Anja wanted to be one of Santa’s elves. So she leaves a note for her family and helps her elderly neighbor prepare for the holiday, then she straps on her skis, and heads out into the snowy landscape. Doll measures 10.3” tall. $25. scandinavianshoppe.com
B) Sharing Christmas with Magnus Gwen Welk Workman and illustrated by Robert Arista. Magnus, once a lonely old troll has become friends with five Norwegian boys. He and his newfound friends, Estelle and Uncle Olaf, decide to teach the boys Norwegian Christmas traditions. $14.95. www.woodenspoonplano.com
C) Fair Isle sweater by Bergenkofter. This handmade Norwegian sweater comes in size childs m/l. $170. www.vikingraids.com
D) The Snowy Nap by Jan Brett. When winter comes, Hedgie tries to stay awake so he doesn’t miss out on all the fun his friends are having. $18.99. store.vesterheim.org
E) Viking Ships Puzzle by Larsen. Olav Tryggvason on board Ormen Lange, one of the largest longships of that time. Made in Norway. Puzzle measures 14 3/8” x 11 1/4” and has 64 pieces. $13. scandinavianshoppe.com
F) Völuspá Board Game by Stronghold Games. In the oldest poem of Norse mythology, the Völuspá tells the story of the endless struggle of powerful gods, dangerous creatures, and forgotten races. In this board game, the players play tiles with characters and creatures of Norse mythology and use the power of these tiles to block, capture, or intimidate to score points. For 2-5 players age 10 and up. $34.95. www.fairyglen.com
G) Munchkin by Steve Jackson. Munchkin is the mega-hit card game about dungeon adventure. You and your friends compete to kill monsters and grab magic items. So, maybe it’s not strictly a Nordic game… but look at that horned helmet! $24.95. www.warehouse23.com
H) Norwegian Blocks from Uncle Goose. Expand your knowledge of Norway and the Norwegian language with this 30 block set. Enjoy the embossed Nordic design elements that surround two letters on each block. Two other sides reveal one number and one animal paired with their Norwegian translations. Two more capital letters make for four complete alphabets in this hand crafted set. $45. unclegoose.com
Wearable gifts
A) Fun hats. Warm 50/50 wool and cotton blend hat, hand-knit, lined with polar fleece, and water repellent. Surprise your Vikings and keep them warm this Christmas. Other styles and colors available. $24.95. www.norskwear.com
B) Shell button keeper. Wear buttons as jewelry without damaging the button. This keeper is made from shell and is accented with a sterling silver bail. It measures 1.5”. $20. www.183vintagebuttons.com
C) Tonttu Christmas Elf Earrings by Designer Pauliina Aarikka. Available in red and gray. 1.5”. long. $34. scandinavianshoppe.com
D) Viking Kitten Adult T-Shirt. If your favorite Viking is a pussycat inside, this is the ideal gift for him or her. Unisex sizes M-XXL. $24. www.ingebretsens.com
E) Hygge Koselig Socks by Sidekick Socks. Comfortable coziness for your feet. 62% cotton, 22% polyester, 15% nylon, 1% lycra. $15. store.vesterheim.com
F) Norwegian slippers. This traditional Norwegian slipper has a soft acrylic knit upper, plush acrylic fleece lining, cushioned insole, and flexible sole. $9.99 for one pair, additionals $7.99. www.carolwrightgifts.com
G) Viking Boots from Grimfrost. Leather Viking shoes based on a find from the Oseberg ship burial in Norway. The tough leather sole is fixed with stable nails, rather than being only sewn on as in the originals. They also come with a rubber sole variant for those wanting extra durability. from $95. grimfrost.com
H) Large Vintage Norwegian Sølje by designer Ivar T. Holth. Sølje is Norway’s traditional silver jewelry. Its dangling spoons once were thought to reflect evil from the wearer, protecting one from trolls and other dangers. $268. www.vikingraids.com
I) Uff Da Visor. At least the sun in your eyes won’t be causing you to say “uff da.” $18. www.ingebretsens.com
Entertaining gifts
A) The Year That Trembled by Scott Lax. “The Year That Trembled is a vivid word picture of the troubling times young people faced living in the Vietnam War years.” Reviewed in this paper on Jan. 8, 2016 (www.norwegianamerican.com/arts/book-review-a-haunting-novel). Lax has generously offered to donate half of the sales price to The Norwegian American AND to sign the copies for you. $19.95 softcover. Call (206) 784-4617 or email naw@na-weekly.com to order.
B) The King’s Choice DVD. The King’s Choice is based on the true story about three dramatic days in April 1940, when the king of Norway was presented the ultimatum: surrender to Germany or die. Reviewed in this paper on June 16, 2017 (www.norwegianamerican.com/arts/film-review-the-kings-choice). Norwegian with subtitle options. $9.99. Widely available
C) The Frostrune. Unravel a mystery inspired by Viking myth and legend in The Frostrune, a classic point-and-click adventure based on ancient Norse culture and environments. Available on PC and Mac. $9.99. store.steampowered.com
D) Thelma DVD. A shy young student leaves her small town and religious family to study in Oslo, but once on campus she experiences what appears to be a violent, unexpected seizure. Reviewed in this paper on Dec. 1, 2017 (www.norwegianamerican.com/arts/film-review-thelma). Norwegian with subtitle options. $14.29. Widely available
E) Journey to Nidaros by Alexander Chapman Campbell. Campbell’s third album of what has been described as “not jazz, not classical, not improvised, but a glimpse of something new,” was inspired by the artist’s journey along St. Olav’s Way. Reviewed in this paper on April 20, 2018 (www.norwegianamerican.com/featured/album-composed-along-pilgrims-path). £8.99 for a CD. www.alexanderchapmancampbell.com
F) The Lace Maker’s Secret (Chloe Ellefson Mystery #9) by Kathleen Ernst. The newest mystery in this series by bestselling author Kathleen Ernst. The Chloe Ellefson series combines history and mystery with a little bit of romance! $15.99. store.vesterheim.org
Norsk jul
A) Glögg Winter Beverage by Grandpa Lundquist. Glögg is the classic Scandinavian winter warming drink. Spiced with cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and citrus, Grandpa Lundquist Glögg is ready to be gently heated and served at festive celebrations or enjoyed quietly by a fire on a cold winter evening. $10.49. www.scanspecialties.com
B) Braided Heart Garland. Classic woven hearts on a string for your tree. $2.75. www.scandinavianbutik.com
C) Oseberg Viking Ship Ornament. The famous Oseberg Viking ship for your Christmas tree. Made in Norway. 2.5”. $13.50. www.ingebretsens.com
D) 2018 Stav Church Ornament—Kvernes. The 27th edition of the ornament features the Kvernes church. This church is located on a quiet Norwegian fjord near Kristiansund, south of Trondheim. Blue silk-screened design on 2.5” porcelain disk with ribbon. $29.50. www.thenordicshop.net
E) Nordic Christmas Santa Bottle Bag. Bag up your God Jul spirits in style. $14.95. www.scandinavianshoppe.com
F) God Jul Luminaria by Open Cupboard Designs. The enchanting luminaria casts a welcoming glow on your doorstep. Use with a battery candle or glass hurricane. Handmade in Minnesota. 5 x 5 x 9”. $17. www.ingebretsens.com
G) Nordic Gnomes gift tags by artist Mia Lotta Arvidsson Mars. A 6-pack of self-adhesive Jul nisse stickers, made in Sweden. $3. www.scandinavianshoppe.com
H) Pepparkakor Jul Wrapping Paper. $4 for a flat pack of 23 x 72”. www.scandinavianshoppe.com
I) Polar animals Advent calendar. Each day has an envelope with a different polar animal, so by Christmas the menagerie will be complete. Scene size is 6.5 x 10.5 x 6.75”. £18.95 (about $24). www.luckandluck.co.uk
J) Ball candles by Løgum Kloster Lys. Pack of four seaweed green candles, burning time 12 hours. $9.99. www.scanspecialties.com
Stocking stuffers and nibbles
A) The Scream Bandages. “Scream” Bandages let you express your pain without saying a word, in true Scandinavian fashion. Tin holds 15 3” x 1” bandages. $6.50. www.ingebretsens.com
B) God Jul Hankerchief from Irene’s Creations. Custom embroidered hankerchief “God Jul” with a smooth border. $10. www.etsy.com/shop/irenescreations
C) Beremeal Barley Oatcakes by Stockans Orkney. Snack like the Vikings with these crackers made from the ancient grain bere barley (as noted by Cynthia Rubin in “Go Viking to Scotland: part two,” www.norwegianamerican.com/travel/go-viking-to-scotland-part-two). $16.95 for 6 3.5 oz. packets. www.amazon.com
D) Ekte Geitost from Tine. This firm, sweet, brown cheese, made from goat’s milk, is boiled under pressure until caramelization occurs. $8.99. www.scanspecialties.com
E-K) Candy! Perennial favorites. Availability and prices on these will vary. Check your local Scandinavian shop or visit the websites of almost any of our advertisers.
E) Kong Haakon—the ubiquitous big box of chocolates
F) Smash!—bugles covered in chocolate; more addictive than it sounds
G) Skipper—authentic licorice
H) Daim—milk chocolate with crunchy toffee
I) Freia Melkesjokolade—Norwegian pure milk chocolate
J) Lohengrin—milk chocolate filled with delicious creamy goo
K) Nidar Julegris—It’s not Christmas without a marzipan pig
This article originally appeared in the November 16, 2018, issue of The Norwegian American. To subscribe, visit SUBSCRIBE or call us at (206) 784-4617.
