Seriously: The Ten Best Shops for Holiday Gifts in Berlin
Somehow, the 2020 holiday season is even more important than any other year. It might be because it's literally the only cheerful thing going on in our lives. I for one have definitely enjoyed thinking about what to gift, may it be small baked goods for my neighbors or more conceptual packages for my loved ones. So why not share my trusted sources in the city?
Honestly, this was tough to decide, because there are so many more good shops for gifts in Berlin. So if you don't find what you need in this list, I want to recommend this new pdf I just published – the Stil in Berlin Shopping Guide 2021 in which I included over 200 shops all over Berlin (and online). Click here to read more and get it for 5.90 euros.
Oh, and yes, almost all of these stores also have an online shop to make up for their Covid-reduced opening times. Happy local shopping!
Interior
Hallesches Haus
One of my favorite places for almost everything, this one's a great place for gifts. They have very practical things, just very nicely designed. Like cutting boards, but made from marbled Terrazzo or watering cans, but in brass and elegant shapes, or house slippers, but made out of shiny emerald green velvet and so much more. They constantly update their selection, so there's always something new to discover. And they stock popular brands like Studio Arhoj, Kinto, Serax, Boy Smells, and more.
Tempelhofer Ufer 1, 10961 Berlin Kreuzberg, Wed–Sun 11:00-19:00, hallescheshaus.com
International Wardrobe
The selection at this small store in Mitte is so unique, you'll have a hard time finding any of the items somewhere else. The owner, historian, and stylist Katharina Koppenwallner travels the world to bring back unusual home decor items and fashions from tiny manufacturers: embroidered bags from Romania, rhinestone Christmas trees from Bohemia, marbled ceramics from Bulgaria, and brocade cushions from Vietnam. Just stunning.
Almstadtstraße 50, 10119 Berlin Mitte, Wed–Sat 12:00–19:00, internationalwardrobe.com
Parkhaus
If you love elegant little (and big) things, this one's for you. Brass bottle openers in the form of a snake, linen napkins, or bookends in the shape of an apple – their assortment changes often, depending on the current likings of the owners, so it makes sense to check the actual store or the online shop often. My favorite is the cashmere knit hot water bottle covers. The brick-and-mortar store also has selected furniture and lighting options.
Schröderstraße 13, 10115 Berlin Mitte, Tue–Sat 11:00–19:00, parkhausberlin.de
The Botanical Room
Plants are deservedly having a moment for their ability to make homes more beautiful and pleasant to live in. The Botanical Room doesn’t only sell greenery, but also fun pots by independent artists, seed sets, watering cans, and more useful accessories for your home-grown jungle. And who doesn't love to receive a plant, really?
Manteuffelstraße 73, 10999 Berlin Kreuzberg, Tue–Fri 13:00–19:00, Sat 12:00–19:00, thebotanicalroom.com
Culinary Gifts
Asia Markt Lee
How about packing a box full of your own favorite ingredients and gift that? I personally would love that, and many people do prefer consumable gifts instead of dust catchers. Asia Markt Lee not only has almost every ingredient to cook almost every East-Asian recipe, but it also has super helpful customer service in case you have no idea in which aisle to look for what.
Dircksenstraße 100, 10115 Berlin Mitte, Mon–Sat 09:00–20:00
Amore
You’ve probably seen Amore’s signature shirts around town, declaring their love for everything Italian. This Alimentari carries everything from Piedmontese roasted hazelnuts (my fav), Sardinian Fregola pasta, and pistachio pesto, to the best balsamic vinegar, as well as selected design items, socks, and housewares. So yummy.
Sanderstraße 12, 12047 Berlin Neukölln, Tue–Fri 12:00–19:00, Sat 12:00–18:00, amorestore.de
Harb GmbH
This family-owned shop has been providing the city with Lebanese essentials for more than 30 years, including some of the best tahini, nuts, figs, and dates, many of which are also offered in bulk. After a renovation, the store looks more chic, now with added cosmetics, pillows, and more, plus an impressive wine selection. Don't just gift an Ottolenghi cookbook, get the key ingredients here as well!
Potsdamer Straße 93, 10785 Berlin Schöneberg, Mon–Sat 10:00–18:00, harb-gmbh.de
Kochtail
Having the right tools makes cooking and baking so much more fun. The best place to get those in Berlin is this one, thanks to the staff who knows everything and then some. Really, they got advice on every tool and appliance and make the best suggestions. I have never been unhappy with any item I got here.
Invalidenstraße 150, 10115 Berlin Mitte, Mon–Fri 11:00–19:00, Sat 11:00–18:00, kochtail.de
For Pets
Sonnenberg
Berliners love their dogs more than their neighbors, so no wonder they enjoy spoiling them rotten at this shop, boasting extra-friendly staff, a grand selection of sustainably sourced feed, plush beds, fashionable collars, fun toys, and all the treats your pup could want.
Lietzenburger Straße 62, 10719 Berlin Wilmersdorf, Mon–Fri 10:00–18:00, Sat 11:00–16:00, sonnenberg.berlin