Velkommen til julemarkedet!
2021 Gift Guide
Image by Mattea Bertling
Each year in late November and December, Norway comes alive with Christmas markets,
bringing a special kind of holiday cheer.
In this tradition, we bring you our own Jukemarked, a selection of Nordic and Nordic-inspired gifts that we think will make Christmas a little more special for you and your loved ones.
We also are bringing you new feature content to learn about new products and to inspire you to make some of your gifts together this year, including delicious recipes from our Taste of Norway section. And then there is also our monthly Barneblad column, to be enjoyed by young and old alike.
From all of us at The Norwegian American, we wish you a wonderful holiday season, with much health, happiness, and love.
1. A Voice from Norway book
This little book of poetry by Ottar Løvoll in the Nynosk language with English translations is a rare gem for anyone who loves Norway. With its beautiful full-color photography, explore the language, landscape, and culture of western Norway.
BookBaby $17.95 + shipping
store/bookbaby.com/book/a-voice-from-norway
2. Songs from the Heart cd
It was the dream of Edvard Grieg that his songs be performed in English. Now, his dream has come true with this groundbreaking CD, with translations by William H. Halverson, soprano Melissa Holm-Johansen, and Stephen Swanson on the piano.
Norway House $15 + shipping
3. Dale Christmas Sweater
Christmas sweaters for the entire family from Dale of Norway. These classic garments feature motifs from timeless Norwegian Christmas traditions: reindeer, Christmas trees, and falling snow. They will keep you warm throughout the holiday season.
The Nordic Shop $125 – $250 – free shipping
4. KITschy Cat Cards
Are you looking for something for a Norwegian cat lover, or do you simply want to make someone laugh? Perhaps you need a unique holiday greeting card? Nothing is cuter than a cat dressed up like a Viking. Check out these funny cards and smile!
KITschyCatCards $3 – free shipping
5. Traditional Sølje Earrings
Nothing is more traditionally Norwegian—or more beautiful–than a genuine piece of sølje jewelry. Wear it with your bunad or dress up another outfit for a special occasion. Brooches and necklaces are also available and make lovely gifts to be treasured.
Nordiska $56 + shipping
6. NAHA Gift Membership
Give the gift of history with a one-year gift membership to the Norwegian-American Historical Association. Benefits include a subscription to quarterly newsletters, 25% off NAHA publications in print, and discounts for NAHA programs, events and tours.
Norwegian-American Historical Association $55
7. Silver filigree pendant
This stunning pendant has a “rosette” motif for a completely modern interpretation of the classic jewelry historically made and worn with a Norwegian folk costume—a true heirloom piece to pass down through the generations.
Elentari Handverk $299 – free shipping
etsy.com/shop/ElentariHandverk
8. Two-fingerhole birch cup
In Scandinavia, these beautifully handcrafted birch cups were traditionally made to carry at-the-ready on one’s belt. Sealed with vegetable oil, they’re unique and useful 4-ounce drinking vessels and a lovely converstaion piece.
Ingebretsens $49 + shipping
9. Mini Kransekake
A four-ring genuine Norwegian kransekake in mini-format for the holiday! It’s the real thing, perfect for entertaining or as a gift for someone you love. Packaged to perfection with the option to enclose a personalized gift card.
Mandel $12.95 + shipping
10. Nisse Mask
Embrace your heritage this holiday season with a perfect gift for Jul 2021. This festive mask is made in the United States of the highest quality materials to meet all health requirements. It’s a wonderful way to say Merry Christmas!
Norse Mask – free shipping
11. Gift of Knekkebrød with Love
The perfect gift for food lovers. This beautiful silver designed cookie tin comes filled with delicious, crispy, wholesome and completely addictive crisp bread. Norwegian Baked is both delicious and healthy for your holiday feast and all year round.
Norwegian Baked $24.99 + shipping
12. Sissel – Reflections CD set
She’s been Norway’s songbird for over three decades, and now she can take you through the year, with 50 of her favorite long songs, recorded to celebrate her 50th birthday—a true collector’s item for the music lover. Three CDs in a gift box.
SISSEL NOK 1.990 (about $229) + shipping
13. The Arts and Crafts of Ancient Scandinavia art book
This book is a must-have for anyone interested in the Vikings and their way of life, with 36 vignettes by National Geographic TV artist Sven Lindauer.
Lindauer Fine Art $49.95 + shipping
14. Christmas Wreath
This traditional twig wreath measures about 8 inches in diameter, making it the perfect decoration for your front door or Christmas tree—or anywhere! Simply adorable with a little nisse boy and little nisse girl to bring you Scandinavian holiday cheer!
Scandinavian Butik $22 + shipping
15. Mug with Rosemaling
Wheel-thrown stoneware mug with hand painted rosemaling. 4 1/2 inches tall x 3 inches wide. Comes in both Os and Telemark rosemaling styles.
This beautiful collector’s mug is only available from Vesterheim, the National Norwegian Museum.
Vesterheim $36 + shipping
16. Films of Norway
Share a gift of Norwegian language and culture all year long with an annual subscription to the Films of Norway streaming service. Enjoy Norwegian-language cinema, including classic films and documentaries with English subtitles.
Films of Norway $41.90
17. Christmas Marzipan Pig
Jul isn’t Jul without Norwegian marzipan and chocolate, and Scandinavian Specialties has an amazing selection for the holiday season. The Nidar Julemarsipan Pig is a favorite among the many varieties to be found—vær så god og God Jul!
Scandinavian Specialties $6.49 + shipping
18. Magnus the Troll book
Fall in love with Magnus the Troll, written by Gwen Workman and illustrated by Robert Arista. Magnus is a lonely old troll and just wants a friend. He meets Peder, a lost Norwegian boy and they develop a friendship. A perfect gift for little ones.
The Wooden Spoon $5 + shipping
This article originally appeared in the Nov. 19, 2021, issue of The Norwegian American. To subscribe, visit SUBSCRIBE or call us at (206) 784-4617.
