Highlights from the 2014 Gift Guide
In our annual gift guide, you’ll find great ideas to delight everyone on your list, including knitters, artists, and woodworkers, book-lovers, chefs & bakers, outdoorsy types, kids, and the Norwegian who has everything. We’ve also included the best stocking-stuffers, must-have holiday foods, and decorations to make the season bright.
Only subscribers have access to the 2014 Gift Guide in its entirety. Print subscribers can view the guide in the Nov. 21 issue, and digital subscribers can find it in the online archives. To subscribe and see all the great gift ideas, visit SUBSCRIBE or call us at (800) 305-0271.
The Norski who has everything
Wall Mounted Bottle Opener from HandySam on Etsy. A bottle opener with a little touch of the old country. Also available in many other vintage beers from around the U.S. and the world. $37. www.etsy.com
“Thorvald’s Cream of Lutefisk Soup” Mug. A Norwegian twist on the iconic Campbell’s soup can, for the lutefisk enthusiast on your list. $10.95. store.vesterheim.org
The knitter, artist, or woodworker
Norwegian Knits with a Twist: Socks, Sweaters, Mittens, Hats, Pillows, Blankets, and a Whole Lot More by Arne & Carlos. The book contains over 30 patterns for everything from socks to pillows, with photographs, diagrams, and instructions. Available at your local bookstore. $19.95.
Oseberg Viking Model Ship Kit from Amati. Based on the famous 9th century Viking ship discovered at Oseberg, Norway in 1904, this plank-on-bulkhead model features laser-cut wood keel, frames, and deck. Individual wood strips are provided for hull and deck planking. Wooden mast and yard, sailcloth, cotton rigging line, resin, and hardwood fittings, plus authentic dragon figurehead allow you to outfit your model just like the original vessel. Not for the first-timer. $145. seagifts.com
The reader
Viking Ship Metal Art Bookends from KnobCreekMetalArts on Etsy. Handmade solid steel bookends are heavy enough to hold your books, while looking light enough to sail the high seas. $62.99. www.etsy.com
Norwegian Letter Magnets from DINDINTOYS on Etsy. Spell all your favorite words from a to å. Perfect for the student of Norwegian. $26.88. www.etsy.com
The chef or baker
Lutefisk Chef Hat. Make sure everyone knows who is to blame—I mean, thank—for the staple of your holiday meal with this silly hat. $12.95. www.woodenspoon.ws
Takk for Maten: The Culinary Adventures of an American in Norway by Whitney Love. You’ve read her recipes on NAW’s own Taste of Norway page. Her new book includes more than 70 recipes, from the classics to more modern fare. $19.99. www.thanksforthefood.com
The host or hostess
Taika china from Iittala of Finland. Okay, so this china is Finnish, not Norwegian. But it’s so darn cute that we forgive it, and we think you should too. $14.99–49.99 per piece. www.scanspecialties.com
Barn Rose Bottle Stopper from Sigvat Designs. This design is inspired by one of many barn rose motifs found carved and painted onto barns throughout Valdres, Norway. The bottle stopper is made of a highly polished chrome and hand-crafted fine American pewter. $29.
The outdoorsy one
Red&BlueTooth pants from Loudmouth Golf. Help the golfer or curler on your list to be as stylish as Norway’s men’s curling team by ordering them some snazzy trousers from the same manufacturer. $120. us.loudmouthgolf.com
High-tech snowshoes from Fimbulvetr. As seen on our business page earlier this year, every aspect of these snowshoes has been designed to be the best. The company is Norwegian, but ships to the U.S. Available in Just Black, Snow White, and Rescue Red. $350. www.fimbulvetr.no/#delivery
The kids
Norwegian ABC Blocks from Uncle Goose. It’s never too early to get the kids learning their Norwegian ABCs. Beautiful wooden blocks will make playtime a blast. $39. unclegoose.com
Danish Fox with Hat Toy from Maileg. What can we say? He’s adorable, even if he is Danish. $39. www.fjorn.com
Decoration
Jute Tree Skirt from Scandinavian Traditions. This rug looks equally good sitting under your tree or on the dining room table. $48. www.scandinavianshoppe.com
Mittens pewter ornament. Made in Norway, this ornament will be a cosy addition to any tree. $16. www.ingebretsens.com
Stocking stuffers & nibbles
Norsk Bananagrams. The classic game, now in Norwegian. Instructions and tags are written in Norwegian and English. $14.99.
www.scandinavianshoppe.com
Lohengrin—milk chocolate filled with creamy yum. Availability and price will vary. Check your local Scandinavian shop!
This article originally appeared in the Nov. 21, 2014, issue of the Norwegian American Weekly.
