Let’s face it, we’re all a little tired of the usual Christmas presents. Panties, socks and pajamas are definitely useful, but now definitely mundane. Like every year, it’s time for the “gift rush,” but whether it’s simple thoughtfulness for a few friends or more important gifts for family and sweethearts, it’s not always easy to give a thoughtful, personalized gift that will surprise and not be dull. If you are also among the thousands of people in Milan who are looking for an original idea for Christmas gifts, you are on the right article.
A packet of Panettone-flavored tea.
A gift you always play it safe with, but one that can be a bit extravagant and personalized. We are talking about the tea and herbal teas that, especially at this time of year, are nice to receive. Where to find new flavors and non-trivial pairings? At Giusmìn Tea Lab. As of 2019, this store in Porta Venezia offers the best infusions created with selected, quality leaves, both classic flavors like English Tea Breakfast and special flavors like Panettone, caramel and apricot croissant flavored tea!
Where: Achille Maiocchi Street, 15
Prices: from 10€
A Marimo
A gift a little different than usual for the friend with a green thumb, or who thinks he or she has one, might be a very cute Marimo. These are small, rare, sphere-shaped green algae that live in water. First discovered in Japan, they are extremely long-lived “plants” that are very easy to care for: just change their water every 2 weeks or so. In Milan, you can find Marimo at I Fiori nella Rete, a store in the Porta Genova area that sells them both small and large, even in a cute Christmas package.
Where:Vicolo Privato Lavandai, 6
Prices: from €19
One card, 100 experiences
I know what you’re thinking, “gift cards are impersonal gifts.” You have a point in part, but what if I told you that this one is completely customizable? One gift card that opens the door to hundreds of experiences, not just in Milan, but all over Italy. Think of it a bit like an exclusive pass that gives you access to the city’s coolest events. Jazz concerts, immersive experiences, and many more experiences you can find on Fever. Plus, because it’s fully digitized, you can buy this gift card as a last-minute gift, literally.
Where: you can find it on this site.
Prices: you choose the amount!!!
Click here for more information
Paper Days
We all have that creative friend who wears quirky accessories and is crazy about quirky items. If you too just don’t know what to get her this year, take a trip to I Giorni di Carta. From the beautiful strawberry-shaped hair clamps to the “I survived Milan Design Week” hat, you’ll find just about anything at this Moscova-area store, even original cards for truly special dedications.
Where: Corso Garibaldi, 81
Prices: various
Bright Insults
This year at Christmas give light. States of mind, insults said too many times (or too few) or simply phrases that represent the lucky recipient, you can find everything on the site of Insults Bright… And if you can‘t find it, you can create it yourself. A luminous sign always makes a statement, is original and looks good anywhere, whether in the bedroom or the kitchen.
Where: Corso di Porta Vittoria, 40b
Prices: on average, a standard-size sign starts at €120
Hello. Italian Disco
If you too know a lover of Italian music from the 70s, 80s,’90s, give them a poster their favorite song. A versatile, colorful and even chic gift that you can always find a place for in your home. The posters of Ciao! Italian Disco give an extra touch to any room and, trust us, they will be especially appreciated, especially if they contain the title of a song that the recipient will never take off the playlist. For December only, you can also find a physical pop-up in Milan, in the Porta Genova area.
Where: Via Tortona, 10
Prices: on average, a poster costs around €30/35.
A gallant dinner on a 1930s streetcar
A dinner on the ATMosfera streetcar is an experience that never disappoints and a classy gift. The traveling restaurant inside a 1930s streetcar is certainly an unusual location for an elegant dinner, but for that very reason a non-trivial gift to give to someone special. The three-course menu is designed to please all palates, with meat, fish and vegetarian variations, accompanied by a bottle of wine already included in the package. Not the usual restaurant and not the typical dinner, but a date with Milan, your better half and some great food.
Where: departure is in Piazza Castello
Prices: €90 per person
More information here.