10 Unique Danish Christmas Gifts to Buy in Denmark
Looking for the perfect Danish Christmas gifts this holiday season? Don’t know what to buy in Denmark? Gotcha, I’m here to help you.
Finding the right gift can be overwhelming as there are numerous options to choose from handmade gifts to classic Scandinavian designs. The best part? You don’t have to struggle to find something special.
As someone who’s spent many Christmases in Denmark, I’ve discovered some truly amazing Danish gift ideas that will help you spread the holiday cheer. You can get them for yourself or gift to your friends, family, and Danes.
Let’s dive into some of the best Danish Christmas gifts.
There’s something for everyone, to bring a little Scandinavian magic home!
In This Post:
1. Royal Copenhagen Christmas Plates
If you’re looking for an elegant and timeless Danish Christmas gift, I can’t recommend Royal Copenhagen plates enough! These classic white and blue porcelain plates have been around since 1775 when Juliane Marie founded the Royal Danish Porcelain Factory. They have remained a beloved part of Danish culture ever since.
Their annual Christmas plates, first launched in 1908, are unique. Each piece is hand-painted and has its own story to tell, marked with the iconic three waves, royal stamp, and painter’s signature.
In Denmark, you’ll often see the Royal Copenhagen collections displayed in homes, adding a touch of luxury and tradition. And if you’re into art collections, definitely join their loyalty club for exclusive benefits.
The flagship store in Copenhagen is an experience in itself, especially during Christmas when it’s beautifully decorated.
2. Hygge Gifts at Christmas Markets
Copenhagen Christmas markets are a perfect place to go Christmas shopping. From meaningful, personalized gifts to classic Danish treasures, there’s no shortage of thoughtful presents.
Some of my top recommendations include candle holders, woolen beanies, mittens, wooden or porcelain Christmas figurines, and handmade mugs for your coffee or mulled wine. They sell a variety of unique, handcrafted items. Also, look out for Danish braided hearts which are my favourite!
I’ve also found beautifully crocheted items, hand-painted ceramics, and even Christmas-themed keychains. Scandinavian Gnomes (Nisses) and Danish flags (Dannebrog) also make wonderful souvenirs that bring a bit of Danish tradition to your home.
I love supporting small businesses, and the quality of the products is high. Plus, these gifts are lightweight and easy to pack, so you won’t have to worry about them taking up much space in your luggage.
3. Danish Candles
Candles are thoughtful Christmas gifts, especially Danish-scented candles! I gifted them to my sister and she adored them. One of my favorite brands is Scandinavisk, which offers different fragrances that perfectly capture the essence of Nordic life.
I also recommend Nortrice Candles and Isæbella. Their candles have unique artistic designs, which are handmade, natural, and organic. The best part? They’re sustainable making them an even better choice for gifts.
Scented candles make your home feel festive and cozy during the Christmas season. Gift it to someone or treat yourself.
4. Sømods Candies
If you’re looking for a sweet and traditional Christmas gift from Denmark, Sømods Bolcher is the place to go! This little traditional candy shop has been handcrafting hard-boiled candies since 1891. and they still use the original recipes and methods.
Each candy is made with its original recipes and methods, with pure crystal sugar and natural flavors, just like 130 years ago. Watching the candy-making process when you visit the shop is a real treat.
As someone with a sweet tooth, I’ve been to their shop multiple times, each visit trying out new flavors from their 70 different varieties. They make perfect Christmas gifts, especially if you want something unique and local.
It’s now run by the fifth generation of the Sømod family, which means you’re supporting a family tradition that’s been going strong for decades. You can feel the tradition and passion that has kept it alive for over a century.
Stop by their shop, and you’ll walk away with a historical Danish Christmas gift that is sure to be a hit. After all, food is a universal language that makes everyone happy!
5. Christmas Home Decor Gifts
For distinctive Danish home decor gifts, I’ve got some great Christmas stores for you to check out! My top pick has to be Akimbo, a charming little shop I discovered, thanks to the Diane in Denmark YouTube channel. It’s tucked away on Strøget Street and a treasure trove for seasonal gifts!
For more affordable options, head to Flying Tiger, a popular shop with all sorts of fun and festive decor. You’ll find quirky and budget-friendly items, ideal for adding a bit of Danish hygge to your home.
Other favorites are Imerco, Illums Bolighus, and Magasin where you can find a mix of Christmas decor, posters, and even jewelry.
Søstrene Grene is a one-stop shop with everything from creative home decor to kids’ toys. I always find something new there, and their items are stylish yet practical.
These stores have diverse collections, rest assured, you’ll definitely find something perfect for your home or as a thoughtful gift. Happy shopping!
6. Danish Christmas Beer & Beverages
Drinks are a big part of Danish culture. The Danish beverages offer a true taste of Denmark in every sip.
When gifting Danish beverages for Christmas, I always love to surprise friends and family with something local and unique.
They are easy to find in Danish supermarkets, and they make an excellent Danish holiday gift. Here are some standout options for Nordic Christmas gifts.
- Aalborg Akvavit – World-famous schnapp since 1469. If you want something extra special, go for Aalborg Jule Akvavit No.42. This festive version even won a gold medal at the International Wines and Spirits Contest—the best gift if you’re invited to a Dane’s Christmas celebration!
- Gammel Dansk is a Danish classic. Made from 29 different herbs, spices, and flowers, it has a balanced bitter taste, unlike anything else.
- Tuborg Julebryg – A Christmas beer. You can’t forget the seasonal beer that is only sold during November and December. It’s a must-try for any beer enthusiast!
- Geranium Gin is a Danish premium gin that has won several awards. It’s a great choice for cocktail lovers.
- Gløgg – A seasonal mulled wine available only during the Christmas season. You can buy them in supermarkets
- Skærsøgaard wine – world-renowned estate winery from Jutland, Denmark.
7. Lego Blocks
Lego is hands down one of the best Danish Christmas gifts for both kids and adults! Originated in Denmark, these iconic interlocking toy bricks have become a beloved part of Danish culture and beyond.
The Lego Group started in 1932 in the small town of Billund in Denmark, founded by Ole Kirk Christiansen, a carpenter who started by making wooden toys. Over time, Lego has expanded into a massive global brand.
One of the reasons I love gifting Lego is because of the variety. From simple sets for young kids to challenging ones for adults, there’s truly something for everyone. When I was invited to a Danes home for Christmas, they gifted me a Lego puzzle and I was too happy to add it to my collection.
I have seen many locals in Denmark buying Legos to keep themselves occupied during the cold winter months. You can easily find them in any Dane’s home. They’re not just toys; they improve your creative thinking.
If you’re considering a meaningful and fun Christmas present to buy in Denmark, Lego is an excellent choice!
8. Danish Board Games
Board games are such a fun and thoughtful Nordic Christmas gift, no matter who you’re shopping for—whether it’s for families, kids, or your best friends. Danes have a long-standing love for board games, and they fit right into their hygge lifestyle, bringing people together in a cozy, relaxed atmosphere.
One of my favorites is Klask—it’s a bar game enjoyed not only at homes but also in Copenhagen’s bustling bars. Another fun game is Bezzerwizzer, a Danish trivia game first introduced in the 1800s that still entertains today. For Monopoly fans, there’s the Danish version called Matador. I have played Catan – a multi-player board game, very popular in Europe. Scythe is another challenging game for pros.
Danes love playing board games year-round, not just during Christmas. They also have some pocket-friendly versions that are great for travel. And if you are in Copenhagen, make sure to visit Bastard Café, a board game cafe packed with people any time of day.
You can pick up a Danish board game at Faraos Cigarer or easily buy one online. A thoughtful, enjoyable gift for anyone who loves a good time and a little friendly competition!
Check out the Facebook group – Danish boardgame lovers if you have any questions or connect with other boardgame enthusiasts.
9. Danish Christmas Treats
Every year, I eagerly await Christmas in Denmark, especially for the festive treats. There’s something so special about Danish Christmas food, and I always make sure to pick up a few gifts for friends and family.
To begin with, Danish butter cookies or Vaniljekranse (vanilla butter cookies) are a classic choice, and you can easily find them at places like Magasin. They’re buttery, crumbly, and just melt in your mouth!
If you’re into sweet delicacies, Konfekt, Snebolde – snowball treats topped with coconut, Danish Christmas jellies, sugar-coated roasted nuts, and marzipan chocolates are some of the festive goodies that Danes indulge in throughout November and December.
Special “Jule” items are sold everywhere. Danes love licorice. While it may not be everyone’s favorite, Lakrids by Bülow is a must-try. It’s a bit on the pricier side, but worth every krone.
If you are not a fan of licorice, try “Poletter” – they are licorice but taste much better.
For more traditional Danish gifts, a pack of Brunkage (gingerbread), Pebernødder (pepper nuts), and are amazing. These are staples in every Danish household during the holidays.
Christmas shopping in Copenhagen is incomplete without visiting local bakeries for their holiday specials. These treats are easy to pack and make amazing gifts for the festive season!
10. Advent Calendar Gifts
Advent calendars are a big tradition in Denmark, and I personally love the excitement they bring throughout December. You can easily find them in supermarkets, and they typically come with 24 small surprise gifts, one for each day leading up to Christmas.
From delicious chocolates to personalized little trinkets, there’s a wide variety to choose from. It’s common to see everyone in Denmark, both kids and adults, getting their advent calendars for the holiday season.
What I particularly love is how creative they can get! You might find some with themed surprises, like beauty products or beers, which make for lovely daily surprises. It’s truly a thoughtful tradition and an exciting way to count down to Christmas. Plus, advent calendars are easy to pack, making them a fun and festive gift from Scandinavia to bring back home!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I gift cash in Denmark?
No. I don’t recommend gifting cash. It is disrespectful to gift cash in Denmark.
I’m invited to a Dane’s home for Christmas. What to gift them?
When it comes to gift-giving, you’ll hardly disappoint a Dane. While gifts are always appreciated, they’re definitely not a requirement—except for maybe weddings. The fact that you even considered bringing something will go a long way. Wine and flowers are solid choices, or even better, something from your home country.
Final Thoughts: Danish Christmas Gifts to Buy from Denmark
And there you have it—a fantastic list of Danish Christmas gift ideas to share a little piece of Denmark with your loved ones, irrespective of Christmas shopping for women or men, kids, or even your home.
No matter your budget or who you’re shopping for, there’s always a perfect gift waiting to be discovered.
So, get ready to surprise your family and friends with something truly special this Christmas season.
Happy gift shopping, and glædelig jul!
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