With the Christmas season fast approaching, our minds turn to what to buy for our nearest and dearest. To give you a little inspiration we've put together five of our favourite European cities for buying Christmas presents. Who says you can't check off that list while enjoying a winter weekend away?
If you have a whiskey, scotch or bourbon lover in your family, this is the only place to buy their gift. The Celtic Whiskey Shop is an absolute treasure trove of the finest distilled and crafted spirits made in Ireland and beyond. The team are incredibly knowledgeable and are happy to let you taste some of the spirits to find the right one. If you find the huge choice makes your decision tough, then you can't go wrong with something like Jameson Caskmates which any whiskey lover would be proud to add to their collection.
The Powerscourt Townhouse Centre a great place for shopping any time of year but ideal for picking up luxurious presents at Christmas. From classic antiques to handcrafted knitwear and gifts for green fingered members of your family, there's a huge variety on offer. With an abundance of Irish designers featuring collections in the shops, if you're looking for ornate jewellery or original high-end clothing then this is the place for you.
Amidst the tourist souvenir shops and numerous pubs in Temple Bar, you'll find an array of quirky clothes shops filled with vintage finds and unique accessories. For pre-owned designer clothes, shoes and handbags stop by Siopaella which has a fantastic range of pristine presents for any budding fashionista on your list.
Stay with: Margaret in Rathmines
The famous El Rastro is Europe's biggest flea market which opens on Sundays from 9.00-15.00. You can spend hours upon hours exploring the stalls which sell everything from books to fabric, antiques, art, vintage clothes and handmade leather bags and belts.
If you're looking for gifts for the foodies in your life, then Madrid has plenty of delicious local delicacies to take home with you. If you're in the city during the build-up to the Christmas season, you'll notice all the local bakeries have beautifully decorated cakes in their windows. The Roscón de Reyes is a traditional cake made to celebrate The Three Kings, who bring presents to Spanish children on the 6th January. Watch out for the hidden king figurine in the cake slices, who is said to bring that person good luck for the next year!
Torrons Vicens is a collection of artisan nougat. While turrón is popular throughout Spain, Torrons Vicens is a particularly tasty brand. Established in 1775 they have over 150 varieties of nougat in every flavour from chocolate almond to gin & tonic. The perfect stocking filler for even the hardest person to please!
Find the perfect piece to give to someone special at San Miguel Artesanía. This spot is full of incredible ornate, handmade painted ceramics, so you're sure to pick up some plates, platters or pots to bring back home for gifts with a difference.
Stay with: Charo in Malasaña
Find vintage-themed presents and Portugal's famous handmade soaps in A Vida Portuguesa, favoured by Oprah! This colourful boutique is ideal for present shopping, with everything from pottery to tinned fish all packaged in a quirky, vintage style.
Opened in 1925, Luvaria Ulisses is famous for being Lisbon's smallest shop as it fits only two customers in it at a time. It's the only place to go in Lisbon if you want to buy leather gloves for your friends or family. With every colour and style imaginable, you're sure to see something you like.
Portugal is famous for its cork manufacturing and you'll find more than you ever thought could be made from this wood at CORK & CO. From beautifully crafted bracelets to handbags and even umbrellas there are all sorts of interesting presents on offer in store. Check out the colourful laptop sleeves, wallets and pens if you're short on space in your suitcase.
Stay with: Teresa in Mouraria
Das Neue Schwarz meaning The New Black is a popular vintage shop for locals looking for a vintage find that won't break the bank. The shop is filled with lots of designer labels, many items even still have their original tags on, and they stock a full range of men and women's clothes. A great place to get a once off piece for a special gift.
Oye Records is a treasure chest for those looking for the best or rarest vinyl records. With Berlin having a massive DJ population, you'll find lots of great pop up vinyl shops, but Oye Records is a reliable destination for the perfect vinyl present.
If you're looking for a one stop shop then Friendly Society is it. Where else can you browse German designers' collections, pick up handmade crafts, check out local artist's latest creations and pit-stop for a coffee? There's such a multitude on offer that it's easy to find something for those on your shopping list.
Stay with: Birgit in Kreuzberg
For traditional tweed, tartan and wool there's only one place to go and that's the Tartan Weaving Mill. From field to fabric each 10-metre piece takes an incredible three months to weave so you know it's top notch! The perfect gift for any creative friends, or go one step further and get it made into something for them.
If it's high-quality locally produced gifts that you want, then you have to stop by and visit Cranachan & Crowdie. Ideally located along Edinburgh's famous Royal Mile, this boutique stocks everything from Scottish tweed laptop sleeves to Shortbread, Scotch whisky from the various regions and hampers filled with a collection of local luxury ingredients and produce.
Should you find yourself struggling to locate stocking fillers or thoughts for your neighbours, then pop into Mary's Milk Bar. For chocolate lovers, there's a multitude of impressive selection boxes or caramel collections to choose from and their seasonal hot chocolate blend is also sure to go down a treat. Flavoured with aromatic Frankincense and Myrrh and decorated in gold, it's a deliciously indulgent way to keep warm.
Stay with: Mark in Canongate
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