Handmade Christmas gifts from Norway: ideas and when to order

With a handmade gift you are giving the hours of work too, the chosen colours, and the fact that there isn’t another one quite like it. If you are looking for a Christmas present that will not end up forgotten in a drawer, here are a few ideas from our studio in Lillehammer — and some practical advice on timing, because a parcel from Norway needs a little more time than you might think.

For someone who is always cold

A felted wrap or scarf is warm without being heavy — the kind of thing people reach for every day of the cold season. Wet-felted merino is cosy outdoors in winter; nuno-felted silk and wool is lighter and good indoors and for travel. If you do not know the person’s favourite colour, look at what they already wear: wine reds, soft greens and warm browns are easy to wear with most wardrobes.

For collectors and the young at heart

Needle-felted dolls and small animals are made one by one, and each has its own face and character. They are decorative pieces, not toys: they are not made for play and are not suitable for children under 14. Many people keep them on a shelf for years — a little doll with her lamb or a forest fairy is a gift with a story.

For a home

A felted wall panel or a picture made of wool brings warmth to a room and a piece of Nordic nature to a city flat: birches in snow, rowan berries, the pale light of a summer night. Pictures are light and easy to ship, and you don’t need to know anyone’s size.

Something smaller

A felted bag or a hat is a good choice when you want a handmade gift on a smaller budget. You can see current prices for each piece in the collection.

Choosing the right piece

• Each piece is unique. Colours may look slightly different on different screens; if you are unsure, ask us for more photos.
• Sizes. Every piece lists its size. For a hat or a vest, ask us for exact measurements before you order.
• Sensitive skin. If the person finds wool scratchy, a nuno-felted piece with silk, or a picture or doll instead of something to wear, is a safe choice.
• Care. Felted wool is hand-washed and dried flat — we explain how in our care guide.

Want something made especially?

Many pieces can be made again in other colours or sizes. Tell us who the gift is for, which colours they like and your budget, and we will suggest what is possible. Custom pieces take time: usually two to three weeks of work before shipping.

When to order for Christmas

• Custom pieces to the EU: send your request in the first days of November.
• Custom pieces within Norway: by mid-November.
• Ready pieces to the EU: by the end of November. Parcels from Norway go through customs, which can add a few days and, for the recipient, possible VAT or a handling fee.
• Ready pieces within Norway: by 7 December.

Shipping dates count from when your payment arrives; a bank transfer from abroad can take a few working days. These are our own recommendations, based on the postal service’s published Christmas guidelines, which change each year. When you send a request, we will tell you the latest safe date for your country. More about customs and VAT is in our article Ordering handmade from Norway.

If it is a gift

Tell us in your request that the piece is a present. We can talk about wrapping, add a few words from you, and, if you wish, send the parcel straight to the person you are giving it to.

Or find us at a Christmas market

If you are in Norway, you can see and touch the pieces at the fairs where we take part.

Send us a request with who the gift is for and your budget — we will reply with ideas and the latest safe date for your country.