15 Great (& 3 Stupid) Swedish Gift Ideas for Sweden Lovers

Swedish gifts for birthdays, Christmas or other any occasion

Do you know someone who went to Sweden a couple of times and has totally fallen in love with the country? Is that person going to celebrate his or her birthday soon? Or maybe there is some other celebration coming up, like Christmas or a housewarming party?

You maybe ask yourself, what can I buy to make a Sweden fan happy?

Below you will find a few suggestions and ideas what you could give to a Sweden fan as a gift… and in the bottom of this page, you find three awkward presents you should never – under no circumstances – give to a Sweden lover.

3 things you definitely should not buy, in the bottom of this page, here.

Gift of the Year 2025

Every November, Sweden announces its Gift of the Year — årets julklapp.

For 2025, the winner is “adult toys.”
No, not the kind some people hide in the bedroom, but rather sophisticated kits, advanced puzzles, creative craft sets, or detailed coloring books for grown-ups.

This tradition started in 1988, when the very first “Gift of the Year” was a bread-baking machine. Behind the selection is HUI Research, part of the trade organization Svensk Handel. Over the years, the choices have ranged widely — from the famous acupressure mat in 2007 to the Tamagotchi back in 1997.

The criteria for Sweden’s Gift of the Year:

A chosen gift should …

• Reflect the spirit of the times
• Have a high sales value or be sold in large quantities
• Be new or spark renewed interest

So, inspired by Sweden’s Gift of the Year 2025, here’s my first recommendation for Sweden lovers:
Adult toys with a Swedish twist 👇

Dala Horse Carving Kit

For Sweden fans who enjoy hands-on crafting

Think of it as the IKEA DIY version of the classic Dala horse —
complete with a sharp carving knife.

Dala Horse Carving Kit, available here on Amazon.

Books about Sweden

For the bookworm

There are the books about Sweden (here the list with my favourite books about Sweden) – travel guides and image bands. And then there are books that play in Sweden, such as novels or thrillers.

If your Sweden fan friend is a bookworm and does not yet have the latest book by well-known Swedish writers in his or her book shelve or on the bedside table, you can find an overview over the most popular Sweden crime novels (new books and bestsellers) here.

• Swedish books on Amazon.com, here
• Children’s books from Sweden, here
• Books about the meanings of names, here

Shameless plug: my book about Swedish culture:
How to be Swedish – A Quick Guide to Swedishness – in 55 Steps, now on Amazon

Birdhouse in Swedish red cottage style

This birdhouse in typical Swedish cottage colours is not only a charming decorative feature for any garden or balcony garden, I have placed one on a shelve indoors (without any birds making it their habitat ;) ).

Swedish birdhouse directly from the manufacturer Wildlife Garden, here

Surströmming – Sweden’s Famous “Stinky Fish”

For the culinary adventurer

Sweden’s legendary fermented herring — Surströmming.
Please open only outdoors! It tastes better than it smells…
which doesn’t necessarily mean it tastes good.

But one thing is certain: it’s quite an experience.
And honestly, every Sweden fan should at least once in their life open a can and take a whiff.

Here’s a video where I opened a can in the presence of dogs – their sensitive noses reacted very differently than I expected.
My surströmming video on YouTube

Surströmming, here on Amazon

Socks with a Sweden Twist

For the Sweden fan with a sense of sock-humor

If the person you’re gifting has a sock drawer that looks a bit… monotonous, here’s a fun way to add some everyday Swedish vibes.

I have several pairs from this brand myself – with midsummer poles, cinnamon buns and even semla designs. They add a lot of colour and joy to an otherwise rather grey sock collection.

Socks from Svensk Husman, here.

Swedish Wool Blanket with Moose Design

For the cosy Sweden (or moose) fan

You’ll spot wool blankets from Klippan’s famous wool factory, Klippan yllefabrik, pretty often in stylish Swedish living rooms. They’re super popular thanks to their typical Swedish patterns and motifs.

I’ve had a grey Klippan blanket on my own sofa for several years now – no moose print on mine, but it’s warm and wonderfully cosy still.

Moose-pattern wool blanket, here from Nordic Nest

Sweden puzzle

For the calm and patient Sweden lover

This is the image of the fishing huts on the island of Smögen at the west coast of Sweden. You need to check it out if you haven’t been there yet! It’s a stunningly idyllic island.
I have actually met Sweden fans who put a finished puzzle on the wall.

Sweden jigsaw puzzle, here on Amazon

Swedish massage

For the tense Sweden lover

Whether you give a voucher for a local massage studio or decide to take matters into your own hands – it’s a gift that definitely helps the recipient to relax.

Swedish decorative flag

Sweden Flag, brass

If you haven’t seen one of those hight quality Sweden flags on the gifted’s desk or on their window sills yet, a Swedish flag is probably an appreciated gift idea. Swedes put them on the dining table or breakfast tray when it’s someone’s birthday. I have one Sweden flag placed on my dining table the whole year around and one close to my desk in my office.

Swedish Table-Flag, metal, here

Typical Swedish alcohol

For thirsty party animals

Absolut Vodka: Many people didn’t know that Absolut Vodka comes from Sweden, more precisely from Åhus in the region of Skåne/Scania. If you look closely at the label of some Absolut bottles you’ll see written in italic letters “Country of Sweden“.

Absolut Vodka small bottles, here on Amazon

Viking chess (Kubb)

Swedish kubb (Viking chess) is great fun to play during a barbecue or when you spend time with your family and friends outdoors, in the garden or park. It’s easy to learn and can be played by all who are able to throw a stick.

Kubb on Amazon, here

Sweden map

Ideal for the Sweden fan who often shares where their favourite places in Sweden are

I have one of those in my office, and love wandering around and check where I have and have not been yet.

Sweden map, available at Interkart, here

Swedish sweets

For the sweet tooth

These Swedish candies or pastries are popular among young and old Swedes alike. You find them in every Swedish grocery store. Did you know that Swedes traditionally eat candy on Saturdays? Having lördagsgodis – “Saturday’s candy”.

These and more Swedish sweets on Amazon, here

Homemade Swedish cake or pastry

If the Sweden lover appreciates a delicious cake here and then, why not showing off your baking skills, making a typical Swedish cake or pastry yourself?!
For example, the hugely popular Princess cake (prinsesstårta) or the Swedish cinnamon rolls (kanelbullar).
If you have no trust in your baking skills, you will probably find deep frozen ones at IKEA. ;)

Swedish Princess cake recipe & Swedish cinnamon buns recipe

Fridge magnets with Swedish words

For the Sweden fan with a little Swedish language knowledge

Ideal for those who already know a couple of Swedish words and would like to apply or test their skills whenever they open the fridge. Who comes up with the best/weirdest Swedish sentence? :)

Swedish language fridge magnets, here.
Swedish cinnamon buns recipe 

Bonus

Swedish backpack: Kånken

For the Sweden fan who appreciates an established classic

Sweden is known for its vast, beautiful nature. Many Swedes and Sweden fans love to go hiking or camping. In order to be prepared for all weather conditions, robust outdoor products are very popular. Fjällräven is a hugely popular brand not only in Sweden but all over the world. You have probably seen their well-known backpack Kånken at some point. I own one and although I was sceptic in the beginning (it initially reminded me too much of school backpacks), I warmed up to it quickly and it is now a much appreciated companion on weekend trips and outdoor excursions, as well as for laptop carrying working sessions in city cafés.

Kånken backpack, here on Amazon

Trip to Sweden

For those who want to see something really beautiful or experience exciting adventure and make memories for life

Why not going to Sweden for a weekend?
Stockholm and Gothenburg are perfect for events and shopping.
The regions Småland and Norrland are great for Swedish outdoor experiences.  This gift for Sweden fans doesn’t have to be expensive.

Before you go, check out my Sweden travel guide, here, or this list with the best places to visit in Sweden, here.

Swedish language course

For the talkative Sweden lover

Hej, hur mår du? – Hello, how are you?

If the Sweden fan will go to this country any time soon, for travels, studies or work, a course to learn some basic Swedish might come handy, so they can impress any Swede at the hotel’s reception desk, in the office or at the bar.

There are plenty of apps or online services like Duolingo, Babbel or Mondly, where you can pay a certain membership period.
Alternatively, there are plenty of teachers online available (search on Instagram or Facebook for “Swedish language teacher”) where you could book a few one-on-one online lectures.

How to learn Swedish fast, my best tips, here.

Dala horse (Dalahäst)

It’s the number one classic Swedish souvenir: the Dala horse, also called Dalecarlian horse or Dalahäst in Swedish. Originally it comes from the region of Dalarna. (Which is why it’s called Dala Horse.) Even if it’s almost a little bit too tacky, it’s still a nice decorative object. And many Swedes actually do have one in their homes, decorating their window sills or shelves. When your friends spot it in your shelve they will probably ask, “Ahh, you’ve been travelling to Sweden? How was it?”

Original Dala horse from Sweden, here on Amazon

Learn more about the red horse from Sweden, here.

---

---

---

Did you like this list? Share this post with your friends!

I hope you found these gift ideas inspiring? Which present idea would you add to to the list? Write your comment below!

Also interesting

• Swedish traditions
• Sweden travel – tips and recommendations
• Books about Sweden