Everyone likes to receive gifts, and most of humanity enjoys giving them too. Instead of quickly ordering something found online, it’s much more satisfying to know the exact journey of the gift, from the idea to the wrapping and delivery.
Kaunas, a self-made city that continues to create itself daily, has no shortage of people generating unique ideas, including gourmet treats made from Lithuanian ingredients, books by local writers or unique posters and drawings, as well as chic handmade accessories, ceramics or design objects. Of course, you can also gift-wrap experiences - excursions, event tickets, or simply some meaningful time together. All you have to do is set a budget and plan a pleasant afternoon with a list. Don’t forget to include a coffee break!
... let’s start with drinks! A bottle of Kaunas-produced kombucha will fit the festive table of every home. Acala company offers a variety of drinks that not only taste but also look good – they don’t even need fancy packaging. You’ll find an excellent selection of Acala’s products in the Dalu shop on Laisvės al., where you’ll also get more Lithuanian delicacies.
Another kaunastic drink producer perfect for the festive season is Genys, a brewery based in Šančiai. The company offers a variety of hoppy drinks.
Bundu, a bakery on E. Ožeškienės Street, invites not only to indulge in the magic of cinnamon buns but also to buy the products of the family mill, which are an excellent gift for those who love to bake.
Even the biggest fashionistas will be delighted by handbags created by Kaunas designers - we really like what Gėda Pelėda, kARTu and Toks Visoks produce. From clutches to laptop bags, they are all simply irresistible.
Perfect home decor for everyday and holidays and durable tote bags can be found at Native.lt. Mothers-in-law simply adore their tablecloths made right here in Kaunas!
Athletes, cyclists and other extremists will love the philosophy of Augas Bags’ sewing shop - these guys produce the most durable bags. We also recommend Archetip, the Kaunas-based designer of urban fashion.
Can you have too many plates, vases, bowls, and incense burners? If made with love, and in Kaunas, certainly not! The ceramics shop Meno Materija will leave you overwhelmed with choices. The company also offers various workshops and classes, so you can combine a material gift with quality time with your besties.
Suppose you like particularly meaningful gifts. In that case, we invite you to look at what the members of the Arka community in Kaunas have created this year. These bright people put their hearts into their artwork, and the income they receive is often an essential part of their budget.
Kaunas souvenirs, T-shirts, magnets and other objects that represent our city in style are available at the Kaunas IN Tourism Information Centre. We also offer you a unique Kaunastic gift card with many cultural and entertainment opportunities inside. You can also shop online - we’ll gladly send your purchases abroad.
In a small wooden house in the centre of Kaunas, there is a cosy bookstore Kolibris. Various art albums and magazines accompany a fine selection of fiction and other literature. They have gift cards, too!
A craft beer pub, Vingiu Dubingiu, is located in the same wooden house. A tasting voucher is a fun gift, though more suitable for the first section of this text.
On the other side of K. Donelaičio Street is Hands on Press, a self-publishing printing house. Its founders can offer a variety of stylish posters, comic books and even calendars for the festive season.
For fans of both Kaunas and vaporwave aesthetics, inspirational postcards and various prints with brightly coloured futuristic designs are available from Vaporwave Kaunas online shops.
Basketball fans will always be delighted with tickets to Žalgiris matches (if they are not sold out yet), and music lovers can be awarded tickets to concerts at Žalgirio Arena, Kaunas Sports Hall, Darius and Girėnas Stadium (Robbie Williams, anyone?), Kaunas State Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Oldman music club.
Experiential tours of charming interwar apartments, Art Deco and Amsterdam School museums are among the hottest gift ideas for the third year now. A voucher to visit one of them (or both) is suitable for absolutely anyone, on any occasion.
Maybe it’s time to treat your loved ones? Aušra SPA, the Žalgirio Arena swimming pool and many massage parlours have great offers for Christmas. And what about ceramics or floristry workshops, usually suitable for beginners? All you have to do is book a few hours in both schedules.
P.S. In Kaunas on 6-7 December? Perfect. Find more choices and ideas at the Kaunas Artists’ House Christmas Art Fair.
