Christmas shopping in Cologne: our five top tips

It’s that time of year again, which means it’s time to go shopping for Christmas gifts too. As the joy of the season spreads, so does the present-hunting stress, and the sense of anticipation as the big day approaches can quickly turn into a sense of despair. If you’d prefer to give cool, out-of-the-ordinary gifts this year instead of traipsing around mainstream department stores in overcrowded shopping districts, Cologne is the perfect place for you. Here are our five tips on where you’ll find the nicest Christmas presents for your loved ones.

1. Vida Nova: handmade pottery from Portugal

Small in size but big on style, Vida Nova, in the heart of Cologne’s Sülz neighbourhood, is famous for its handmade Portuguese pottery. Plates, vases, bowls, you name it – if you love ceramics, you’ll love this place. The managers, Celia and Joshua, work with their suppliers in Portugal to develop the designs and colour schemes. As well as setting out to ensure high quality, their products aim to promote sustainability and fair trade. Even more reason to come here for your presents!

Opening hours: Weds-Fri, 12-6pm; Sat, 11am-3pm; closed Sun-Tues
Hermeskeiler Str. 2, 50935 Cologne

2. SoHo Schmuckmanufaktur: unique jewellery, handmade with love

At the SoHo Schmuckmanufaktur workshop in Cologne, no two pieces of jewellery are the same. They take pre-loved, hand-cut glass stones and lovingly craft them into timeless items. Frank Hobusch and his team get the stones from auctions, old jewellery workshops and even from people’s rubbish – always on the lookout for that special find. From earrings to necklaces to rings – at SoHo, you’ll find high-quality jewellery that captivates you with its one-of-a-kind designs. If you’re looking for a really special handcrafted Christmas gift in Cologne, you’re bound to find it here!

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs, 9am-3pm; Fri-Sat, 9am-noon
Rolandstraße 72, 50677 Cologne

3. Things We Like: Scandinavian design with a touch of boho chic

At Things We Like, the spotlight is well and truly on stylish, Scandinavian-design home decor with a boho touch. Katrin, the founder of this delightful little store in Cologne’s Belgian Quarter, has lovingly curated a selection of ceramics, cushion covers, candles and plants. Apart from interior design articles, you’ll find beautiful plant pots and baskets to add some je ne sais quoi to your home. If you’re the creative type, take a look at Katrin’s workshop offering – a hot tip for those looking to learn how to make dried wreaths or embroidered pictures. Perhaps this year will find you gifting something you made yourself with Katrin’s help?

Opening hours: Tues-Sat, 11am-7pm
Brabanter Straße 33-35, 50672 Cologne

4. Salon Zwei: a haven for fans of natural beauty products

Salon Zwei in Cologne is a gem of a place for fans of natural cosmetics. Besides carefully selected natural beauty products and professional advice, this shop and make-up studio rolled into one has a range of sophisticated home accessories, stationery and gift ideas. They only stock brands that don’t use animal experiments – either directly or indirectly – but do, for the most part, use natural ingredients. Almost everything is certified organic and most of it is vegan. The products come from businesses with excellent credentials in terms of recyclable packaging, fair production conditions and financial support for environmental organisations and charities. A petit paradise for gorgeous, unique and, above all, sustainable presents that you won’t find on every corner on your Cologne shopping spree.

Opening hours: Tues-Fri, noon-7pm; Sat, 11am-4pm
Gutenbergstr. 2, 50823 Cologne

5. Buchhandlung Klaus Bittner

Buchhandlung Klaus Bittner is the ideal place for anyone looking for Christmas gifts for book lovers. The shelves stretch from floor to ceiling and between them you’ll find literary gems tucked away – from current bestsellers to yet-to-be-discovered gems. Be it a classic or the latest critics’ favourite, the staff here are not only highly knowledgeable, they also always have the perfect recommendation. This is a place where you can take your time to browse and explore – precisely what you need to escape for a moment from the Christmas hustle and bustle outside.

Opening hours: Mon-Fri, 10am-7pm; Sat, 10am-6pm
Albertusstraße 6, 50667 Cologne