7 Cozy Scandinavian Gift Giving Ideas for Christmas

We hear all the time about what Scandinavians do for holiday food and holiday traditions, but have you ever wondered what they get each other? What constitutes Scandinavian gift giving? My guess would be a lot of Nordic sweaters and outdoor gear because they are big into nature and it’s cold! So I did my research and this is what I came up with…

Gift Etiquette Scandinavian Style

Did you know there was such a thing? I didn’t…but now I’m hoping to include these rules in my own gift giving.

• Personal Gift Giving-When invited into someone else’s home, always bring the host a gift. Traditional gifts are liquor, wine, cake, flowers, or chocolates. If children are present, then it’s customary to give them little presents such as toys or candies.
• Business Gift Giving-You don’t give co-workers or business partners gifts. Instead you have a company party to celebrate the season. However, if you close a deal, then you can give them a practical gift such as a book or fountain pen.
• Special Occasions Gift Giving- These occasions include birthdays or graduations. This is when everybody gives gifts whether you are family, friend, or business associate. For children’s birthdays, the family serves them breakfast in bed and sings happy birthday.

Scandinavian Gifts

• Wool Blankets-You can never have too many blankets for a Nordic winter!
• Cozy Socks– Because, hello, it’s a Nordic winter! Need I say more…yes! I’ve linked you to a company devoted to Nordic socks with cute patterns of different varieties.
• Wool Sweaters– Again with the wool, I know, but you can’t beat how this material keeps you warm and cozy in any type of winter. If you aren’t a fan of the material, but you want an authentic Nordic sweater, then I suggest wearing a thin shirt underneath to protect your skin.
• Norwegian Waffle Maker– This is different than the Belgian waffles that we’re used to. These are thin and traditionally heart-shaped. They also use cardamom in their waffle batter to make it extra Scandinavian.
• Aquavit– Now this one is new to me. This alcoholic drink is served at almost every Nordic celebration. It’s actually the National spirit drink so it’s found everywhere. So this would be a good hostess gift to bring even if you don’t drink alcohol, but it is an acquired for most foreigners.
• Sheepskin– Yep, you read that right. Sheepskin is huge in Scandinavia as both for warmth and fashion. Now they come in all sorts of colors and shapes so there’s something for everyone.
• Daim chocolates– These are Swedish chocolates perfect for gift giving. I haven’t tried them yet, but they’re on my stocking stuffer list this year!

Last Thoughts on Scandinavian Gift Giving

I’m sure I haven’t even covered half of what they give each other for Christmas, but I think this is a good start. I love learning about these traditions on a little deeper level. I hope you do, as well. I also hope this gives you some inspiration on your own gift giving journey. Now I know why my Danish mother-in-law still gives me flowers when she comes over to our house. It’s her way of honoring her Scandinavian heritage and I’ll appreciate those flowers a little more next time.

In the meantime…good luck and happy hunting!

Tiffany

P.S. Related Reads

• How My Nordic Ancestors Have Changed My Christmas
• Swedish and Finnish Christmas Traditions of the Past
• How Old Christmas Traditions Can Help With Genealogy