Looking for that perfect gift? Worry not; we’ve put in the hard yards (and spent the cash) to put together the ultimate gift guide from Croatia, no matter what is on the list.
Croatia in a Box Grivica 6a, Rijeka
A souvenir shop with a difference, Croatia in a Box started out with the idea of producing really beautiful gift boxes - decorated with Croatian motifs such as Glagolitic letters, embroidery symbols, gingerbread hearts – and providing the items to fill them with. Lining the shelves is a carefully curated selection of Croatian-designed jewelry, interior-design items, accessories (check out the bags and purses by Mura Pehnec) and boutique rakijas and wines. You can of course buy individual items without bothering with the box, but the fact that the packaging is part of the concept certainly makes present-buying a lot more fun.
croatiainabox.com
Šta da? Užarska 14, Rijeka
The name of this funky little shop that sells original and unique souvenirs comes from the famous Rijeka catchphrase Šta da? which basically means ‘Really?’ Many of the items carry the expression, thus giving it a whole new meaning.
www.stadaweb.shop
Jakšić Gallery Bribirska 10, Split
The gallery is run by the Jakšić family, from Donji Humac, a village located on the island of Brač. The owner and father, Dražen, is a known stonemasonry, the mother Ida Stipčić Jakšić, a fashion designer, their son Lovre, an academic sculptor and their daughter Dina has a doctoral degree in arts. Their ancestors created the first stonemasonry workshop in 1903. The family trade was passed on from generation to generation and in 2008, this extraordinary family turned the ancient workshop into an art gallery, which includes both workshops and studios. Six years later they opened up a gallery in the center of Split. Their gallery contains unique silver jewelry created by Ida, sculptures using white Brač stone by Lovre and oil paintings by Dina.
www.galerijajaksic.com
Limun Studio Mihe Klaića 7, Zadar
If you are tired of mass-produced souvenirs that seem void of meaning, Limun Studio is the shop you have been searching for. Everything is hand-made with love and consideration, and the illustrations are lovely. There is plenty of hand-crafted jewellery and pottery here, so make this darling boutique studio your first port of call on that all-important souvenir hunt.
Limun Studio
Lollobrigida Art Florist, Ivana Mažuranića 7, Zadar
Flower artist Đina Panjol is the brains behind Zadar’s Lollobrigida Art, a fantastic flower shop that provides bouquets and collections for every occasion. Panjol’s passion flows through every collection, and the shop is worth a visit for its aesthetics alone.
lollobrigidaart
The Ancient Glass Museum Shop Poljana Zemaljskog odbora 1, Zadar
Some say ‘a glass a day keeps the doctor away’, and you can pick and choose from a wide selection of authentic drinking glasses and other souvenirs made of glass including a wonderful necklace made by Antonija Gospić.
www.mas-zadar.hr
Gligora Murvička 1 (City Galleria), Zadar
Gligora shop offers a large selection of cheeses, wines, prosciutto, olive oils and jams. The various delicious cheeses are produced by the Gligora family in the town Kolan, located in the heart of the island Pag. The Gligora family has won numerous awards, including the World Cheese Award, Great Taste Awards, Superior Taste Award, etc. for best Croatian cheese - Paški sir - cheese from sheep's milk from Pag island, as well as other well-known cheese.
Also at Hrvoja V. Hrvatinčića 5 (City Market) tel. 70 07 30, Open 07:00 - 20:00, Sat & Sun 07:00 - 13:00.
www.gligora.com
Camille Floral Studio, Trg Julija Skjavetića 1, Šibenik
Floristry can be difficult to shake, no matter your education or academic journey. Nina Blaće knows this, and years of experience and life shimmers with joy at Camille. Blaće cut her teeth in Berlin and has brought her floristry evolution back to Šibenik, creating charming bouquets that enhance any space. Camille floral space and everyday living does exactly what the name suggests, providing romance to everyday moments through fabulous floristry.
whatcamilledoes
Antik & Dizajn, Ljudevita Posavskog 25, Zagreb
Antik & Dizajn is a love letter to the 20th century, with everything from lighting to furniture via ceramics, paintings, sculptures, and more filling the exhibition space. Many of the century’s most influential designers are showcased, everyone from international names like Gio Ponti and Marianna Brandt to local creatives such as Božidar Murković and more. These guys know what they are doing when it comes to restoration, that’s for sure.
https://www.antikdizajn.com/
Boya Shop, prolaz sestara Baković 3, Zagreb
The brainchild of brilliant designer Maja Mesić, Boya is the crayon shop of our dreams. A must for artists new and old, the crayons available are genuinely unique, with edges, peaks, rounded sides, and more. The flexibility of the crayon allows for drawing, writing, and all manner of techniques. We’re not sure why you’d get your crayons from anywhere else, really. All the colours, all the beautiful colours…
www.boyacrayons.com/
Cherry Dear Jewellery, Prilaz Gjure Deželića 36
If you’re looking for a graceful piece of jewellery to brighten up any outfit, look no further than Cherry Dear. The work of Ema Krot Turudić is packed with stories, tales told through earrings, necklaces, pendants and more. The works also happen to be gorgeous, which is always a plus, with some of the earrings standing out in particular. Beautiful stuff.
https://cherrydear.com/,
Industrija Vlaška 46, Zagreb
We do love a second-hand shop, even more so if it happens to be pet-friendly, and that is exactly what we find at Industrija on Vlaška. Well, more accurately you should come here to the excellent selection of clothing and fashion accessories, with both eyes firmly fixed on sustainable fashion. Pick out your summer styles and then see if the pet approves. Here’s hoping!
Industrija
Ulični Ormar Nikole Jurišića 16, Zagreb
The English translation means ‘Street Wardrobe’ and this treasure of a store holds second hand vintage and retro clothes that have stood the test of time. It’s purely vintage with some outstanding items up for grabs. Situated in a small courtyard, only few minutes walking distance from the main square, come and enjoy the atmosphere, music and authenticity of each piece.
Ulični ormar
Art Shop Klovićevi Dvori Jezuitski trg 4, Zagreb
Souvenirs that prove you do indeed have the soul of an artist.
Art Shop Klovićevi Dvori
Saša Šekoranja Gallery Kralja Držislava 10, Zagreb
Famous flower sculptor has a floral gallery which hosts workshops, exhibitions, book promotions and more.
Saša Šekoranja Gallery
Bookara Maksimirska cesta 39, Zagreb
Bookara is a neighborhood bookstore and sells quality fiction, science fiction, comics, popular science, philosophy, top journalism. They also offer a board game program, and nurture an individualized approach and are interested in what their customers want to reaad.
bookara.hr
Pepel Studio, Trg Petra Petretića 1, Zagreb
We are lucky to live in such creative times, when even the simple act of enjoying your morning coffee can be accentuated with grace and glamour. That is where the ceramics of Pepel Studio come into the deal, with owner Martina Franić channelling her respect and sentimentality for ceramics into everyday objects. You’ll find bowls, plates, cups, and more in the Pepel store, perfect for adding a fresh layer of charm to your daily routine.
pepelceramics.com/
Planetopija Ilica 68, Zagreb
This bright and welcoming bookshop specialises in everything related to healthy living: cookery books, vegetarianism, environmentalism, conscious parenting, health and personal development - in Croatian and in English. There’s a lovely selection of books designed to awaken ethical sensibilities in children, plus a range of eco-friendly toys and gifts for everyone.
www.planetopija.hr
Jasmina Kosanović Atelijer Petrinjska 40, Zagreb
A beautiful and unique collection of handmade dolls and stuffed animals.
www.jasminakosanovic.com
Lutak Tuškanova 34, Zagreb
Lutak is a little cottage industry making handmade toys. It may not be the most shiny and modern,tucked away in the backstreets as it is, buthere you’ll find such endearing characters to capture your children’s imagination. If you’d like to support a local small business this is a great place to find utterly charming gifts for little ones.
Lutak
Nataša Nataša Ul. Antuna Bauera 9, Martićeva, Zagreb
In the heart of Zagreb’s design district, on the corner of Martićeva and Bauerova you’ll find a little shop owned by Nataša Mihaljčišin, one of the two designers behind renowned Croatian fashion label i-gle, which is sadly no more. Nataša definitely designs the most beautiful and creative knitwear in Zagreb.
Nataša Nataša
Otvoreni atelier Lumezi Vlaška 113, Zagreb
Zagreb jeweller Lazer Lumezi has become a cult figure among the discerning fashion queens of Zagreb in the 30 years of his career. Culty – maybe. Unusual – definitely.
Lumezi Atelier
Stripovi na kvadrat Preradovićeva 34, Zagreb
An abundance of comics from this part of Europe as well as the best known English editions are hot off the press here. Heaps of figurines, t-shirts, badges, toys, games, DVDs and gifts are also available and their website is updated with the latest releases. Stripovi na kvadrat
Take Me Home - Croatian Design Shop Tomićeva 4 (near Funicular), Zagreb
The perfect place to pick up some chic Croatian gifts and souvenirs created by over 60 local designers. Tote bags with traditional Croatian motifs printed on modern designs, unique jewellery, trendy notebooks and planners, art prints, cool t-shirts, awarded kids' toys and handmade cosmetics to take home from your trip.
www.takemehome.hr
Walden Plants, Kačićeva 7a, Zagreb
If you are going to open a shop for plant lovers, Walden is just about the perfect name. This expert studio in the capital is all about creating the perfect marriage between plants and modern urban living, creating terrariums to suit all settings. The staff are also a fountain of knowledge, ready to answer any and all questions and queries you may have.
Walden Plants
Life According to Kawa Hvarska 2, Dubrovnik
Almost all of its stock comes from independent Croatian producers (except for the drinking horns made by Slovenia’s ingeniously odd Goat Story), and covers pretty much everything you might want to buy in order to round off your stay – ceramics, jewelry, unique designer clothes, toys, toiletries, olive oils, and speciality condiments from the salt pans of Nin. Even the mugs, fridge magnets and postcards are totally different from anything you will find elsewhere. The T-shirts made by the Kawa team or commissioned from local artists are totally unique, and will be treasured as highly wearable artefacts rather than dutifully-purchased souvenirs.
Kawa
Medusa Prijeko 18, Dubrovnik
Wide-ranging souvenir shop that stocks more than just the predictable tourist-trap nonsense that nobody actually wants. Expect a solid choice of authentic Croatian gifts including sponges from the sponge-fishing island of Krapanj, handmade lace from Lepoglava, ceramics and vases, silk scarfs, natural cosmetics and all sorts of delicatessens like truffles, olive oil or local honey.Medusa
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