AMSTERDAM LOCAL GIFT GUIDE EXPRESS

The capitals in this title cater to the reindeers among us struggling with the doom of Christmas gifts yet to pick and purchase. No, you’re not too late! No, you don’t want to present your loved ones with offerings from Action or Hema! What you do want is to sniff around these (and other) online shops and SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL artists all the way to Christmas and beyond! Honestly, this was the most FUN guide to write EVER.

Do you prefer to have this guide handy on your phone? I’ve got you covered here.

Overview – in no specific order:

Wintery Postcards by Jan Arsenovic
Ceramic mug by Andreia Moniz
Deck of cards for deeper discussions by So Cards
Family photoshoot by Bianca Alexiuc
Floral prints by Carole Rey
Illustrated hoodies by Alda Lilja
Children’s book by Ibo Bakker
Embroidered pillows by Shaping Colors
Capulana face masks by Amsterdive

Now, let’s dive into the good stuff.

Jan Arsenovic’s Postcards

Jan is not only my favorite YouTube pal, but he’s also a skilled photographer. He’s turned his most popular winter shots into sets of postcards that fit the taste of the most demanding of aesthetes. If you want to give an Amsterdam‑feel to your office or living room, his fine art prints will do just that. Or you can go for windmills and pink skies ✨

Ceramic mugs by Andreia Monizzz

Andreia’s ceramics are the perfect gift for those having a hard time coping with LoCKDoWN, WiNTeR, and all the SHiT 2020 is throwing at you. Her ‘Nope,’ ‘F*ck *t,’ and ‘I was normal 100 zoom meetings ago’ are pure relief in a mug. Her #freethenipple planters are my favorite though.

‘Unstuck Yourself’ deck by So Cards

Each question starts with an unassuming SO… but sparks the most legendary discussions (I speak from experience.) Miguel Luis created three collections of cards that are a real tool for fostering intimacy with friends, lovers, strangers, and above all, yourself. Get all three decks with 15% discount here.

A family photoshoot by Bianca Alexiuc

Bianca‘s art lies in the way that she portrays familial bonds. When I worked at Tula Yoga Studios she came over for an assignment and the experience worked out so well that I had her come to my place for a memorable family photoshoot. DM her for a gift‑voucher and treat yourself (and your special ones) to memories you can keep forever.

Floral prints by Carole Rey

Nowhere is still‑life photography so vibrant like in Carole‘s shots. Her flower imagery is delicate but strong; exuberant but poetic. I am lucky to have her work on display in my living room and, now, so can you. Order a stunning print of hers here.

Alda Lilja’s hoodies

How not to adore Alda Lilja‘s quirky illustrations? Depicting themes of mental health and queerness, her art is playful, comforting, and bright. What’s best, you can wear it on hoodies and t‑shirts. I’m dreaming of this Plant Lady under my Christmas‑tree!

Ibo Bakker’s children’s books

Are your friends raising Dutch‑speaking children? Or are you? Do you need to learn Dutch yourself? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may want to order Ibo’s books on the adventures of Uiltje, the friendliest and most heart‑melting of aquarelle owls. Order a book here.

Embroidered pillows by Shaping Colors

Rita’s embroidery defy all those lockdown blues. She plays with color and shapes on rugs and pillows that are bound to brighten your home and lift your aunt’s cranky mood. Her magic hands also give shape to the famous (cof cof) Amsterdive’s masks!

Amsterdive’s facemasks

Last but not the least! Ana brought a pile of traditional capulana fabrics from Mozambique, took them to Rita who sat in front of the sewing machine and hokus pokus! – an Amsterdam facemask with African vibes was born. Each mask is unique, fun, breathable, eco‑friendly, adjustable, comfy, and eager to fly to your place as soon as possible. DM me on instagram or here 😉