The broad scope of Estonian design can be seen in small galleries, design boutiques, and fashion stores. You will find many unique, handcrafted pieces from some of the most imaginative designers in Estonia. There is something for everyone: ceramic, textile and fashion, wood and furniture, jewellers and handicraft.
The best places to find quality fashion, shoes, perfume and the like are the elegant boutiques along Old Town’s Viru and Müürivahe streets, also in the Rotermanni Quarter, and the large department stores and malls.
A required stop on any shopping tour of Tallinn is St. Catherine' s Passage. Here in medieval-style workshops run by the Katariina Guild’s artists, onlookers watch as glasswork, ceramics, leather goods, quilts and other items are created right before their eyes.
Favourite gifts and souvenirs from Estonia
Difficult to decide which gifts to buy for your friends and family? Handicraft items such as hand-knitted woollen sweaters with traditional Estonian folk patterns, fur felt hats, colourful glassware or kitchen utensils made from juniper wood are always a good choice.
For something modern, look for Estonian design shops. Beautiful handmade jewellery, wooden bow ties and watches, felt sleeping masks with wild animal faces, leather wristbands, wallets and bags are among the products on sale.
There are CDs of Estonian composers of international acclaims, such as Veljo Tormis, Arvo Pärt, Eduard Tubin, Erkki-Sven Tüür, and several books about Estonia and Estonians. For kids, there are the charming animated stories of the dog girl Lotte, Estonia' s popular, home-grown cartoon character.
In case you just need to buy something simple and delicious, look for chocolate and other sweets by the Kalev confectionery. One of their specialities is handpainted marzipan figurines. Besides Kalev, there are also some unique handmade chocolate brands available.
Handicraft shops
The most uniquely Estonian souvenirs you can bring home from Tallinn are examples of traditional Estonian handicrafts, beautiful, functional items created by hand, following centuries-old methods.
Knitwear of all types is popular: colourful jumpers, scarves, hats, socks, gloves and mittens can be found in a wide variety of patterns. Linen is also widely sold, as are household items made from leather, stone and wood. Keep a special eye out for kitchen utensils made from sweet-smelling juniper wood.
Top handicraft shops in Tallinn are :-
Estonian Handicraft House, Estonian House, Masters' Courtyard, Hää Eesti Asi, Saaremaa Sepad, Allikamaja Handicraft, Oma Asi, Eesti Käsitöö Kodu, Rode Gift Shop.
Continued in part 44
The best places to find quality fashion, shoes, perfume and the like are the elegant boutiques along Old Town’s Viru and Müürivahe streets, also in the Rotermanni Quarter, and the large department stores and malls.
A required stop on any shopping tour of Tallinn is St. Catherine' s Passage. Here in medieval-style workshops run by the Katariina Guild’s artists, onlookers watch as glasswork, ceramics, leather goods, quilts and other items are created right before their eyes.
Favourite gifts and souvenirs from Estonia
Difficult to decide which gifts to buy for your friends and family? Handicraft items such as hand-knitted woollen sweaters with traditional Estonian folk patterns, fur felt hats, colourful glassware or kitchen utensils made from juniper wood are always a good choice.
For something modern, look for Estonian design shops. Beautiful handmade jewellery, wooden bow ties and watches, felt sleeping masks with wild animal faces, leather wristbands, wallets and bags are among the products on sale.
There are CDs of Estonian composers of international acclaims, such as Veljo Tormis, Arvo Pärt, Eduard Tubin, Erkki-Sven Tüür, and several books about Estonia and Estonians. For kids, there are the charming animated stories of the dog girl Lotte, Estonia' s popular, home-grown cartoon character.
In case you just need to buy something simple and delicious, look for chocolate and other sweets by the Kalev confectionery. One of their specialities is handpainted marzipan figurines. Besides Kalev, there are also some unique handmade chocolate brands available.
Handicraft shops
The most uniquely Estonian souvenirs you can bring home from Tallinn are examples of traditional Estonian handicrafts, beautiful, functional items created by hand, following centuries-old methods.
Knitwear of all types is popular: colourful jumpers, scarves, hats, socks, gloves and mittens can be found in a wide variety of patterns. Linen is also widely sold, as are household items made from leather, stone and wood. Keep a special eye out for kitchen utensils made from sweet-smelling juniper wood.
Top handicraft shops in Tallinn are :-
Estonian Handicraft House, Estonian House, Masters' Courtyard, Hää Eesti Asi, Saaremaa Sepad, Allikamaja Handicraft, Oma Asi, Eesti Käsitöö Kodu, Rode Gift Shop.
Continued in part 44