Old fashioned

Nomads from northern Scandinavia and the Kola Peninsula created clothing to stay warm and to communicate who they were. The Sami people have long been known for donning brightly designed clothes for all occasions.  Today, you can buy many variations of their original fashions, in the form of shawls, sweaters, and boots.

Fashion forward

Perhaps the easiest go-to accessory to pack and bring home from Stockholm is a pair of “lovika” mittens, made of the wool of the same name. The yarn is ideal for both wet and cold conditions.

Check out the narrow streets of Gamla Stan for handicrafts and popular souvenirs. Specifically, the main strip in Stockholm’s Old Town, Vasterlanggatan, boasts plenty of shopping and vendors. But, we suggest hitting side streets which pay lower rents and will offer, therefore, cheaper accoutrements. Prices start at $15 USD at popular discount shops like H&M and can go up to $80 USD for more high quality handmade mittens, sold at boutiques in the area.

While you’re at it…

Catch a school of Swedish fish candy! They provide a sweet treat for the hungry sharks back home. Malaco, the originator of the gummy candy, manufactures their own breed sold only in Sweden; less sweet and more fruit flavored than the fish sold elsewhere.

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Take home prize for bullies-

The violent dance between man and bull has been a custom since prehistoric times, when its beginnings were linked to bull worship and sacrifice. Spain put their footprint on the sport in 1726. Francisco Romero was the first matador (torero) to publicly fight a bull (toro) without riding an animal for assistance. Soon, fancy equestrians were replaced by commoners on foot.

The easiest and safest way to be a bullfighter, without exactly throwing yourself into the ring, is to purchase a personalized bullfighting poster, touting your own name. Stroll up and down Tetuan and Sierpes Streets for a picturesque walk, and to track down posters and flamenco trinkets. Look for the words, Tu Nombre Aqui, on sample posters and put ‘Your Name Here.’ Prices start at €7.

If it’s a real fight you’re after, check out Plaza de Toros’ web site for bullfight schedules.

While you’re at it…

Grab anything with a bull and go. Napkins, beer coasters, pamphlets, ticket stubs. Little items that seem trivial while on the road take on a whole new meaning miles from the bullring. Ole!

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Cheers back home

In 1915, absinthe, sometimes known as the “green fairy,” was banned in France. Pernod Fils and Ricard reformulated a drink without the illegal wormwood using less alcohol and more star anise and sugar. The strong liqueur is generally mixed with water, five parts to one. Clear on its own, pastis clouds when you add water to it. Use ice with caution as the cubes have a tendency to crystallize the pastis.

Though popular all over France, pastis is heavily associated with the lifestyle of southeastern France. You can pick up a bottle at almost any grocery store or supermarket. A 70 cl bottle will cost about €10.

NOTE: Americans may bring home 1 Liter of alcohol without paying any tariffs or taxes. More bottles may be brought back for personal use, but you will have to pay a tax. Read more on the US Customs website.

While you’re at it…

Pick up a bottle or two of rosé wine. With an emphasis on Mourvedre grapes, up to 80 percent of the wine manufactured in the Provence region is the charmingly pink-colored rosé. And don’t worry about rules governing what months are “okay” to drink rosé… it’s always a good idea, as far as we’re concerned!

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We (heart) souvenirs

Created pro bono in 1977 by Milton Glaser for a marketing campaign to promote New York State, the original design for “I (heart) NY” was intended to be in the public eye for only a few months. But locals and tourists alike took hold of the black, white and red symbol. A popular souvenir movement was born.

While finding your own special tee in Times Square or around Soho has its own allure, shops around Chinatown and Madison Square Garden (in the west 30s) offer better deals. Look for street vendors with tables of tees offering crazy deals. Some vendors even sell five shirts for $10. Individual tees go for about $3 to $30, depending on quality.

While you’re at it…

Grab some of the other cheap trinkets available on the vendor tables in Soho and the Fashion District. We’re talking about mini taxi cabs, cityscape snow globes, foam Statue of Liberty crowns, Times Square playing cards, etc. Classic.

Also see: Our recommended budget hotels in New York City.

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