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With friendly people, wonderful food, and beautiful landscapes, Iceland is a country that will fully appeal to you after just a few hours on land. But don’t miss a stop at the shops, especially in Reykjavík, where there is an ongoing emphasis on skincare, clothing (especially wool and knitwear), and household items that combine Scandic’s modern design. with, at times, a bit out of the ordinary. humor. We’ve rounded up some of the best gifts you can buy on a visit to Iceland, or pick up on Amazon after the fact if your carry-on just can’t fit in something else.
Our best picks
01
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Bioeffect day cream
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If you have a skincare addict in your life, this Bioeffect day cream is an absolute delight. Launched in 2010, this Icelandic brand is used by 30 percent of women in the country, which speaks volumes for its quality. The formula is built around a fundamental ingredient: EGF, a natural human protein that scientists discovered how to bioengineer from barley.
According to the company’s website, EGF encourages the body’s cells to replicate, increasing turnover in the skin and increasing collagen and elastin production for added shine and less visible signs of aging. Sure, the price isn’t cheap, but this is the type of product that will be a part of your skincare routine for years to come, from adulthood to menopause. If you’re looking to really splash out, the company’s serum is also legendary for helping reduce the appearance of fine lines.
02
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OmNom Milk from Madagascar
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If you haven’t heard, chocolate is a big problem in Iceland, like a big problem. Reykjavík-based OmNom Chocolate (originally a converted gas station) uses Icelandic milk and organic cocoa beans for superior chocolate that makes a beautiful gift.
OmNom started when Kjartan Gíslason and Óskar Þórðarson decided to bring the world’s best cocoa beans to Iceland, experimenting with formulas in an attempt to create the best possible batches. We have to say that they seem to have succeeded, with chocolate bars with beans from Nicaragua, Brazil, Tanzania and Madagascar (the latter from industry famous Bertil Akesson beans). If your Madagascar Milk bar isn’t to your liking, there are also lakkris and sea salt, single-origin varieties, and flavors like milk and salted almonds.
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Icewear Elis Sweater
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If you’re looking for a cozy gift, an Icelandic sweater is one of the best things you can give, and Icewear is the real deal. The company dates back to 1972, when it was founded in the village of Hvammstangi, and now creates everything from comfortable sweaters to technical jackets for the outdoors. Their unisex Elis sweater is part of Iceland’s longstanding wool knitting tradition, with all its wool derived from the country’s sheep. The pattern is a classic lopapeysa tricolor knit design, and you can choose between blue and taupe with white, black and gray with white, and a very light gray with black and white.
Icelandic sweaters are naturally breathable, with all the comfort of the inherent wool-regulating qualities of the body and protection from wet and cold weather, plus, unusually, a bit more softness than you might be used to having sweaters from. wool. We love that this sweater is based on traditional materials and patterns while remaining stylish and modern.
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Álafoss Lopi Light Combed wool yarn
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Textile crafts like crocheting, weaving, embroidery and knitting are having a moment, and if you have a knitting in your life, gifting them a skein of Icelandic wool will make your day. Icelandic wool is known for being incredibly weather resistant, with woolen fabrics that protect users from rain and moisture, as well as the most severe cold.
This yarn is 100 percent Icelandic and weighs about 1.7 ounces per 100 meters of yarn. Once it is transformed into a garment, it can be hand washed in warm water. Note that it is a bit rougher and a bit hairier than other wools you might be used to, but that’s part of it – just wear another layer under what your recipient ends up doing with this. The thread is available in gray heather, fuschia, rust, olive green and blue heather.
Continue to 5 of 8 below.
05
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Velas PyroPet Vela Kisa
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These candles started as Kickstarter before becoming a very popular product line. They range from the peculiarly macabre to the mysterious with seven characters, each with their own personalities. It looks like a solid wax candle to begin with, but once lit, each animal shape melts to reveal an internal metal skeleton. Made from paraffin wax, cotton wick, and aluminum, each candle lasts approximately 20 hours and is quite large, almost 7 “x 4.5” x 3 “.
Each animal comes in a variety of colors, and other animals are also available, including fantastic creatures like a unicorn and a dragon. We love that the packaging is cute enough to give away without wrapping paper, just be sure to tell your recipient to put it on a plate once it’s lit so the wax is contained while it burns.
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Kaldi Arctic Mittens for Women 66 Degrees North
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Founded in 1926, 66 Degrees North originally catered to Icelandic fishermen and nature lovers, but now, the company is one of the country’s leading winter clothing suppliers, known for its protective gear and Snaefell jacket. For something equally cozy but a little smaller to pack, go for their Kaldi arctic mittens. Made with a blend of virgin wool, fleece and faux fur, they bring warmth and protection from the elements to the next level. Although expensive, these mittens will last for years.
Users from cold regions of the US like Maine say they are incredibly warm from the wind and snow that the New England winter can bring. For added comfort for someone special, make it a set with the company’s Kaldi Arctic Hat, made from the same virgin wool, with ear flaps for even more warmth.
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Tulipop Fred Tineez Peluche
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Tulipop is an Icelandic company known for its quirky creature characters that are depicted in its toy, homeware, dinnerware, and stationery collections. Founded in 2010 by Signy Kolbeinsdottir and Helga Arnadottir, the company’s products convey a strong message of progress: its characters, each with very human flaws, challenge traditional gender stereotypes and explore respectful relationships with nature and with each other. . Fred is believed to be part reindeer, given his antlers, and while he may appear fierce and tends to hang out alone, he is actually kind and gentle, with sensory superpowers and a genuine connection to the natural world around him (he may even talk to animals). This plush is the perfect soft toy for any child who enjoys flights of the imagination, and we can attest to just how cute he is.
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Noah Sirius Chocolate
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Chocolate is so important in Iceland that I would have been remiss not to include this other brand of sweet products. Founded in 1920, Nóa Síríus is the largest manufacturer of sweets and candies in Iceland, and the company specializes in semi-sweet, bitter and milk chocolate. With this order you will get two extra bittersweet chocolate bars, we won’t tell you if you keep one.
Customers have reported that Nóa Síríus is one of the best chocolates they have ever had, particularly in regards to its dark chocolate which is rich in hints of sweetness. Of course, you really can’t go wrong with any flavor, so you might as well try chocolate sea salt, chocolate caramel, 56 percent bittersweet, milk chocolate, and peppermint chocolate as well.
Our process
Our writers spent 5 hours researching the most popular Icelandic gifts. Before making their final recommendations, they considered 40 different products, selected options from 20 different brands and manufacturers, and read over 50 user reviews (both positive and negative). All of this research adds to recommendations you can trust.
