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Shopping in Estonia
Estonia is a historically rich country. Shopping in such a country can be a remarkable experience for the well-informed visitor. Traditional Estonian buys include amber, ceramics, glassware, leather-bound books and folk art. Further typical items are hand-knitted wool jumpers, found at the market near the Old Town walls on Tallinn’s Müürivahe. Here browsing through the old capital will take you to petite charming shops selling Estonian arts and crafts. You will also come across handmade souvenirs shaped on site at craft studios, as well as shops offering leather, hats or fine glass. And finally a vast array of cafés to sit and relax in await you after a couple of hours of exhilarating shopping.
Estonian ceramics are probably the country's most famous take-away gift. Of particular note are the ceramic replicas of city buildings equipped with interior candle holders. Further popular gifts are the local examples of graphic art, that might range from very well-crafted pieces to blunt amateur sketches. You might also want to visit some galleries for prints by established Estonian artists. The country is also a good place to add to your collection of choral or symphonic music. CDs by local composers Arvo Pärt, Eduard Tubin, Rudolf Tobias and Heino Eller are definitely worth a try. Choral music by Velio Thomas is also highly recommended. If it's jewellery you're after, you are very likely to encounter multiple examples of Nordic style Estonian designs, characterised by clean lines and modest ornamentation.
The local chocolates are truly delicious and come in fancy boxes depicting everyday scenes in Tallinn. The chocolate Estonian candy maker Kalev is world-renown. When it comes to buying liquors, Vana Tallinn is the most popular Estonian-made liquor. Beer lovers might like Tartu or Saku beer. Another famous drink is the Gremi, a brandy produced in Georgia and bottled in Tallinn. Woodcarvings are also worthwhile buys as are dolls, spoons, wooden flowers, toy cars or trays carved from juniper. The most popular local carved stone pieces feature candle holders and ashtrays, usually crafted from dolomite stone.
If you're looking for vintage 1930s items, you should look to Russian fur hats, or if you just want to have something fun, fool's hats or those once worn by the and nobility might do the trick. These items can be found all over town.
Knitted woolen products, such as sweaters, gloves and socks, are quite popular in Estonia. Fine glass and linens also make for excellent souvenirs. And finally locally crafted tinted glasses in various designs are exquisitely beautiful items to take back home with you.
If you're staying in the capital you might want to directly head for the shopping zone along the Katariina Passage (Katariina käik), off Vene Street. This area features a line of tastefully decorated craft studios and cosy shops nestled within Medieval buildings. Her, the welcoming staff sell handmade wares that are literally produced on the spot. This is also the right place for souvenir addicts to find items from all over the country without having to make trips to each particular area. From leather and ceramics to glass and hats, this spot is a must for visitors searching for high-quality souvenirs. Of particular note is Lühike jalg which has a selection of craft stores and displays the work of Estonian artists.