The closer Christmas Eve gets, the more relaxed you feel when you finally get all the presents for the coming festivities. But what should you do if something is still missing? We give you 11 tips for shops in Berlin where you can find inspiring gifts. Most shops also offer friendly and competent advice, so you'll definitely find the right last-minute Christmas gift.
Tip 1: Keep it traditional with handicrafts from Das Sachsenhaus
Not far from Berlin, the German state of Saxony is famed for its fabulous tradition of arts and crafts with an unmistakably festive feel. Discover the spirit of Christmas at Das Sachsenhaus, a stunning store dedicated to Saxon handicraft. Run by the Bahmann family, whose roots are in the rural Vogtland region, this spot on Berlin’s Gendarmenmarkt stocks everything from finely woven tablecloths made from traditional Plauen lace and cheerful nutcracker statues to beautifully crafted wooden toys little ones are sure to love. Pick up a souvenir of a world gone by and give a unique gift made in Germany that they’re sure to cherish all year round.
Where: Markgrafenstraße 39, Mitte
Das Sachsenhaus
Tip 2: Pick up quirky gifts from Promobo
Step off the buzzing city streets into Hackesche Höfe, Mitte’s best-kept secret and home to some of the best independent Berlin shops and boutiques. Soak up a rare moment of peace and tranquillity in the quiet courtyards and browse for gifts at Promobo, a stunning design store stocking the best in beautiful and offbeat gift ideas made from quality materials with a quirky twist: think origami-style earrings or animal-shaped bookends. Here, just a stone’s throw from some of the city’s biggest sights and chain stores, you can give the gift of unique style with a smile this Christmas.
Where: Rosenthalerstraße 40/41, Mitte
Promobo
Tip 3: Shop everyday gifts made hip at Hallesches Haus
Impeccably stylish Hallesches Haus in the eternally hip Berlin district of Kreuzberg is the perfect place to start any last-minute Christmas gift shopping. Gift shop, brunch spot and events space all in one, it’s bound to stock something your loved ones will cherish: from stylish fashion and accessories and stunning everyday homeware from quality independent labels to fun and quirky gifts – think nude torso candles – it’s got gift shopping all wrapped up. If you need a little energy to get you through the rest of your shopping trip, make a pitstop for a spot of brunch at the delightful café – after all, you deserve a treat too.
Where: Tempelhofer Ufer 1, Kreuzberg
Tip 4: Give the gift of play with toys and treats from Allerleispiel
Festive shopping is all fun and games at this cute little store in picture-postcard Prenzlauer Berg. Allerleispiel is a paradise for kids who love to play and create – and anyone who feels young at heart. Pick up the perfect gift for the little ones in your life from the carefully curated selection of quality wooden toys, costumes, dolls and more. This lovingly designed shop stocks everything from household names to quirky independent labels, so you’re sure to find a gift to make little eyes light up with festive joy.
Where: Prenzlauer Allee 21, Prenzlauer Berg
AllerleiSpiel
Tip 5: Delicacies from Feinkost Kebe
At Feinkost Kebe you will find delicious treats for the gift table. The family-run delicatessen manufactory offers everything from chutney and tapenade to vinegars, oils, jams and fine salt. And in the cosy café you can relax with a coffee or tea - and think about whether you need something nice for the holidays.
Where: Lorenzstraße 58, Steglitz
Tip 6: Buy brilliant books at Buchhandlung Bayrischer Platz
Give the gift of great literature at this bookish spot in smart Schöneberg. This true Berlin institution has lived through the ups and downs of the city’s 20th-century history to serve a delighted clientele from Berlin and beyond to this day. Run by bookselling veteran Christiane Fritsch-Weith since 1975, this is a literary emporium with expertise to spare. It’s the perfect place to pick up a bestseller or cult classic for the bookworm in your life. If you’re running low on both inspiration and time, just ask – Christiane’s team is sure to have some great Christmas gift ideas for you.
Where: Grunewaldstraße 59, Schöneberg
Tip 7: Papierhaus Felix Verspohl
Perhaps your loved ones like to devote themselves to "beautiful things" during the festive season? Writing in stylish notebooks or diaries, drawing, designing photo albums or organising and decorating around the desk? Take a look at Felix and Aina's family business and you will find the most beautiful gifts: from tasteful leather cases to a wide variety of writing utensils and inks to modern and classic wrapping paper and packaging.
Where: Mittenwalder Straße 13, Kreuzberg
Tip 8: Pick up a festive feast with a Canadian flavour at Tims
Canada, like Berlin, is known for its friendly people and chilly winters – and there’s nothing better to warm the heart at Christmas than tasty treats bringing together the best of both worlds. Give them a taste of Canada this Christmas with delicious bakes and buns from Tims. This is how juicy mini brownies, rich organic shortbread, delicious date bites and even baking mixes for gourmet burger buns are created, which you can conveniently order. Every Saturday, Tim opens his bakery to everyone who wants to experience first-hand what all the delicious brownies, cookies and muffins are actually about.
Where: Friedenstraße 26, Mariendorf
Tim's Backwaren
Tip 9: Browse beautiful natural cosmetics at Tiaré
Leafy Prenzlauer Berg is a lovely neighbourhood – and an evergreen spot for great Berlin shops, with some of the best independent boutiques for you to browse. Go greener this Christmas with a gift of ethical cosmetics from Tiaré for the conscious consumer in your life. This delightful little shop stocks stunning beauty and wellness products made from natural ingredients that are kind to people and planet alike. With everything from natural soaps and essential oils to herbal tea, it’s a great spot for stocking-fillers. For something a little more special, the store also offers a selection of pampering beauty and wellness treatments you can book to give the gift of the ultimate time out.
Where: Schönhauser Allee 61, Prenzlauer Berg
Tiaré
Tip 10: Bring beauty home for Christmas with stunning gifts from Nandi
Beautiful Christmas gift ideas abound at this boutique, another stunning Prenzlauer Berg spot selling stylish homeware, textiles and jewellery. Founded by two friends in Berlin in 2016, it stocks hand-picked products from around the globe alongside its own designs. Pick up a beautiful carafe or bowl for friends who host the best dinner parties, or feelgood tunics and jewellery for the laid-back fashionista in your life. The perfect place to shop Christmas in style.
Where: Dunckerstraße 11, Prenzlauer Berg
Nandi
Tip 11: Everything sustainable: the Naturkaufhaus
Behind the large glass façade in Schloßstraße, you will discover the most beautiful gift ideas around the theme of nature and sustainability. The selection ranges from delicatessen products to fashion items of all kinds to home accessories and baby clothes. The colourful sustainable stockings and tights, as well as the entire assortment of knitwear, are particularly wintery and Christmassy. By the way, you'll also find great gifts for yoga fans and esoterics.
Where: Schloßstraße 101, Steglitz
