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
Aura Trg Republike 2, Split
Aura proudly claims that its products are “picked by hands and prepared with love”, and that isn’t just clever marketing. This family distillery in Buzet is beloved for its exclusive traditional products, largely produced using wild herbs and fruits that are collection from the gorgeous slopes of Ćićarija mountain. What fills the shelves? Well, where to begin? You’ll find everything from liqueurs to jams here, along with extra virgin olive oil, elderberry fruit vinegar and much more, making Aura’s products perfect souvenirs that will do more than remind you of your visit. You can practically taste the tradition in everything here.
www.aura.hr
Loop Art Križeva ulica 6, Split
Exquisite, intricate, detailed and delightful. That is what you can expect when you pick up a piece of handcrafted jewellery from Loop Art, a gorgeous little boutique smack bang in the heart of Split. No two pieces are the same, and Loop’s creations are a tremendous way to tick off that souvenir shopping and interact with local creativity all at once. The city has a long and storied history of crafts and trade, a story that continues through the hearts and hands of shops like Loop Art today. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous.
Loop Art
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
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
Fiolić Winery Matije Gupca 29, Zadar
Wine lovers rejoice; Fiolić will make your heart sing. The tasting room (located in the Borik neighbourhood) serves up the many marvellous varieties found in the region with a particular focus on Maraština, a heritage grape from the Zadar hinterland. A charming atmosphere and delicious wines collide here with gorgeous results, with several options available for oenophiles and beginners alike. Guided tastings of three or five wines are available, with these same brews available for purchase. Be sure to make an appointment ahead of time.
www.vina-fiolic.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
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
Life According to Kawa Hvarska 2, Dubrovnik
Set in a rather fabulously renovated garage directly above the Ploče Gate, Life According to Kawa is the one-stop souvenir shop and design store that everyone in Dubrovnik has been waiting for. 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. The emphasis on artisanship and individuality extends to the small but important range of drinks on offer – coffee from independent Zagreb roasters Cogito, and craft beers from Croatia’s best small breweries.
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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