Find your perfect Christmas present in Tallinn

There is probably no better present in the winter than warm woolly socks, mittens and scarves. Fortunately, there are plenty of shops in Tallinn, especially in the Old Town, where you can buy authentic Estonian knitwear with national motifs and even traditional folk costumes. There is a wide selection available at the Kaarmann Handicraft Centre and the Estonian Handicraft House. You can also visit the Estonian handicrafts online shop.

Did you know that marzipan was invented in Tallinn? You can try your hand at colouring marzipan figurines in the marzipan room at the Maiasmokk café and if you want to share the fun with others you can purchase a set with two figurines and several colours to decorate them. If you're looking for something to go with your marzipan, you can't go wrong with some delicious handmade chocolate. For instance, stop by the Chocolala artisan chocolate shop or visit the shops of Estonian chocolate maker Kalev.

An eye-catching Christmas ornament is a great idea for a present. The ornaments of the Estonian-Norwegian company Shishi have become popular decorations in people's homes and can be spotted on the most beautiful Christmas trees in Tallinn as well. Take a look inside the craft shops, where festive items are made in accordance with Estonian folk customs.

Tallinn's numerous design shops offer a wide selection of Estonian fashion designers and you can find everything you need just by visiting a few. The Tallinn Design House shop and TALI design shop showcase the best of local fashion, featuring everything from sustainable and slow-fashion brands to unique jewellery and high-quality handbags. The majority of design shops have online shops where you can also place orders from abroad.

Museum visits make for a great winter activity when it's freezing outside. Many of Tallinn's museums also have shops selling museum-related souvenirs, such as postcards and books that accompany exhibitions. Museum shops often sell jewellery and other products made by Estonian designers, making them perfect Christmas presents.

If you are interested in seeing handicrafts and applied arts being made in Tallinn with your own eyes, a visit to the St. Catherine's Guild is well worthwhile. The talented artists have set up shop on the charming Catherine Street, which becomes a true wonderland at Christmas. Just a few dozen metres away, you'll find the cosy and inviting Masters' Courtyard, which is also home to master craftspeople and artisans. Textile, silk and felt products, wrought ironwork, sheep's wool items, jewellery of various materials, ceramics, glassware, wooden items and national handicrafts are sold or made on site.