Peace and calm, silent night, Christmas is all about family, friendship, the birth of the Savior, crazy sweaters and kisses under the mistletoe. Yeah, right. Let’s cut the crap. Christmas is all about the presents. Don’t agree? Let’s put it to a test: try not giving one to your loved ones this Christmas. Not so tough now, big man, huh? Exactly.

Anyway, we’ve done this nearly every year, and we’re doing it again: the people of Taste of Prague give their top picks for the best Christmas gifts to buy in Prague. And because we like things to be practical, this time we’re putting down the what, but not forgetting the where’s and the why’s. Also, please scroll down for a handy map of your Prague Christmas shopping spree.

Bonus: most of these gifts have actually nothing to do with Christmas, so they’re great for Hanukkah and Kwanzaa too.

Happy holidays everyone!

Everybody’s tip

What? Taste of Prague’s Prague Foodie Map

Where? In selected coffee shops, restaurants, bars and shops around Prague

Why? We mean, duh. The newest version of our Prague Foodie Map has been completely rethought and contains so much - 123 best restaurants, coffee shops, bars, patisseries, shops and markets in Prague. Many interviews with locals in the know. Seven neighborhood walks with maps. Tips on music, clubbing, LGBT Prague, one-day trips out of town… and so much more. Honestly, we think it’s great. Have we ever lied to you?

ANNA’s tips

What? Prim wristwatch

Where? Prim Manufacture shop at Nekázanka

Why? There’s not many companies in Czechia that were founded under Communism and have remained a household name until today. But the Prim wristwatches definitely fall within that category. When Prim unveiled its first automatic wristwatch a few years after it was founded in 1949, it turned Czechoslovakia into only the 8th country to have mastered this technology on a mass scale. Using their own calibers made in house, the high end models will be a great addition to any nerdy watch collection. And the more affordable models come in various designs that will please just about anyone. Oh, and they tell the time, too. (At least twice a day when they’re out of power.)

What? Hats and caps by Tonak

Where? Tonak factory store in Zatecká

Why? Want something very traditional? We got ya. Hat-making has been a certified trade in the Bohemian town of Novy Jicin since 1630. Tonak was founded in 1799 and pioneered mechanized production of hats in 1865. Their hats and caps have been the go to for most gentlemen and gentlewomen in the entire Austrian-Hungarian empire, and having spent 40 as a nationalized manufacture, they have lost nothing in terms of the prestige or quality of craftsmanship. When you go to the store, you will soon realize that their hats are something you did not miss until you saw them in real life. Honestly, to quote Queen B, if you like it you shoulda put a hat on it.

What? Merkur construction set

Where? Svet her store at Janovského

Why? We’re not sure if you know the story that is very famous here in the Czech Republic: after some time of research, the funding of Mr Wichterle’s team to create a modern contact lens was cut - they had the soft contact lens they were trying to build, but the problem was that the edges were too sharp. But Mr Wichterle had an idea in his head. So he grabbed his grandson’s Merkur set - a Czech metal construction set for kids - played with it, hooked it up to a dynamo from his bike, and came up with the simple machine that created the perfect whirlwind in a bowl of water, poured in the gel, and voila: the first modern soft contact lens, used today by literally millions, was born in 1961 in the Czech Republic, using a kids construction set. What we’re saying is you don’t have to enroll your kid to a fancy kindergarten to raise a friggin’ genius. A Merkur set will do. (We’re taking a 10% cut of everything your genius kids come up with based on this, capiche?)

HANA’S TIPS

What? Braasi Industry backpacks

Where? Braasi Studio in the Holesovice district

Why? I simply love the designs and the prints of these backpacks, especially their collaborative efforts, like the cycling-themed pieces by Tomski & Polanski (who are behind the wall drawings in Taste of Prague’s rental apartment), other great designs by Paper Joe, or the imaginary city maps drawn by a 12yo boy on the autism spectrum. All the backpacks are made of Cordura, a very heavy duty material. And visiting the workshop in a container in the Holesovice district is an experience in itself. I personally have two of their backpacks - they are super reliable, and designed and made in the Czech Republic. It all started as an outdoors thing but crossed over into street style now, and no wonder. A great gift, and a great journey to the workshop.

What? Old Czechoslovak movie poster

Where? Terry Posters at Vodickova

Why? I am a big fan of older movies and, by extension, of old movie posters. Terry Posters sells old movie posters designed both in Communist Czechoslovakia and elsewhere. Whenever I walk past the Svetozor independent cinema, where the Terry Posters shop is located, I stop by to see the ever-changing exhibition of these posters, and I confess that I have a small collection of posters for my favorite movies at home. While I like the modern, photographic posters, too, my heart belongs to the older posters based on artsy collages. Terry Posters carry more than 20,000 posters, and you can filter by director, country, actor and so much! I just love to go there to window shop, but I’d advise you to actually buy one!

What? Wolfgang store hoodies

Where? Wolfgang store at Benediktská

Why? I simply love Wolfgang’s casual and comfy hoodies. They are made here in the Czech Republic out of great materials, and their shops enjoy excellent locations in the city centre of bot hPrague and Brno. The hoodies are simply, based on minimalist designs and using great materials. Can be worn formally and casually, so you get two in one. I also like the philosophy behind the name: by selling their products, clothing designers simply create pack of like-minded people who like to carry the same designs.

Bonus tip:

Honest, well made Christmas cookies. They’re very hard to find. You have to know me personally.

Markéta’s tips

What? Wooden toys from Hrackotéka aka toys bought for your kids but really for yourself

Where? Hrackoteka toy store.

Why? I have always been a huge fan of Czech wooden toys and now being a mum, I have an excuse to go crazy. Amazing design, craftsmanship, and overall delivery also with the packaging are always great at the Hrackoteka toy store. My top pick this year is the Nuxo bus! And the good thing is, you can also get the van and ambulance car (reward system works that way, right? - one for the kid, one for you. . .).

Another great brand carried by Hrackoteka is Kutulu. Their wooden birds is something you can't leave behind.

What? Wall - Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain by Petr Sís

Where? DOX Centre for Contemporary Arts

Why? Petr Sís is arguably the most successful and internationally renowned illustrator born in former Czechoslovakia. This particular book on his experience in Czechoslovakia under Communism is a great way how to get perspective on life here under socialism with a strong visual impact as well. Especially this year, as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution that ended Communist rule in Czechoslovakia. I recommend that you visit DOX and the exhibition dedicated to his artwork, browse the amazing selection of publications in their bookshop, and grab a copy of this one.

What? Honestly anything

Where? Papírna shop

Why? For as long as I can remember, I have always been a stationery enthusiast (just like the rest of my family, I guess I can blame the DNA). And especially now, living in a digital age, let's savor all things paper from notebooks to customized cards and cool stamps. I think everybody should carry around at least a little notebook in case there is a brilliant idea coming (think start-ups, patents, grandma's recipes and all things great.)

Bonus tip:

What? Angels’ Choir tree

Where? Hugo chodí bos stores

Why? . . . and do you want to know (I mean hear) how the Czech Christmas used to sound like? aka Bonus tip

Guys, if there is a sound that brings you back to your childhood and all the sentimental emotions will kickback, it is this festive metal Christmas tree, the Angels’ Choir. :-). Calming, playful, easy to pack and store. Win win!

Bonus tip 2 Inspired by Marketa’s bonus tip:

What? Frantisek

Where? Any Christmas market, Teta drug stores

Why? The quintessential smell of Czech Christmas comes courtesy of these little cones made of milled birch ashes and frankincense and a few other things, you just put one on something non-flammable, light the top and let it burn though, pretty much like a Tibetan incense, but without the annoying pan flute soundtrack, linen drapes and dyed shirts. The best thing until somebody invents Christmas cheer in granulated form.

Zuzi’s tips:

What? #Upgrade cookbook by Kristina Nemckova

Where? Luxor bookstore at Wenceslas Square

Why? So when Kristina Nemckova, the teenage winner of Czech Masterchef gave us #Upgrade, her Czech cookbook, and asked us whether she should translate it into English, too, our heart skipped a beat. Because if we had a dollar for every time we get asked about a great Czech cookbook to take home from your Prague trip, we’d be… well, not millionaires, but it would be a nice vacation. Sure, there’s the „Classic Czech Cuisine“ by Chef Fryc of the amazing Na Pekarne pub, but that’s just a download and requires an iOS device. But frankly, that won’t cut it.

#Upgrade is a fantastic cookbook with a great premise: Kristina’s grandma, the person who made Krystyna fall in love with cooking, makes a classic Czech recipe, and then Kristina presents her own, modern version of the same dish. Both with a recipe. It is packed with information, contains all the Czech dishes you need to know, and it is heartfelt and deeply personal, and it shows Kristina’s passion for the food and her family. The perfect Christmas gift.

What? The Krakatit vase by Rückl

Where? The Rückl factory store at Železná

Why? We are suckers for all things Rückl, classic glass manufacture founded in 1846. As our very own Marketa says: „Moser quality without the crazy prices.“ Their portfolio is fairly large and contains pieces that span the big-small and the classic-modern spectrum, and we have made it our Christmas tradition to pamper ourselves with a piece or two for Christmas. (They do sell beautiful cut crystal Christmas tree ornaments, too.) But this year we have our eyes set on the beautiful Krakatit vase by designed by Mr Rony Plesl. Some of the sizes are so popular there’s a waiting list. But that’s okay. We’re patient. And we need it now. (Full disclaimer: Rückl is one of the advertisers of our Prague Foodie Map. But that honestly has had no effect on this very tip. We do love Rückl’s glass, advertiser or not.)

What? Flowers & Dinosaurs University subscription

Where? The Book Therapy bookstore in Rímská

Why? Because we absolutely love Flowers & Dinosaurs University. What is it? Well, you pay a recurring fee and the good people at the Book Therapy send your kid two new books every month. These are carefully chosen to teach them something new every time, and to expand their horizons in a new way. And our little JJ absolutely loves these books… but not as much as I do. I will sit down to read them or browse through them with him whether the poor fella likes it or not. (He does.) They are always beautifully designed, well put together and made of high quality materials. Can’t wait to get a new batch every month! (Again, full disclaimer: JJ gets a free subscription from Book Therapy.)

Bonus tip:

What? A gift to a child in need through Mily Jezisku

Where? Online at https://www.milyjezisku.eu/

Why? The „Dear Santa“ project connects willing donors to children in foster homes throughout Czechia and Slovakia. Sure, the website is in Czech only, but have you heard of Google Translate? Good. The concept is fairly easy: kids in foster homes write their Christmas wishes on the website. You read through them. You find one that you like and can afford. You register to buy it. You buy it and ship it to the foster home. The kid is happy. You’re a better person.

Martin’s tips

Men like their shopping short. I like my texts short, too.

What? Anything, really

Where? SmetanaQ showroom: a newly opened concept store on the first floor: jewelry, backpacks (Naut), clothing (Odivi) and shoes by local designers.

Why? Because the shop carries local, unique, hand-made, sustainable clothing, shoes and accessories.

What? Soap by Helena Heinz

Where: her own shop at Náplavní

Why? Soaps made manually by a local designers. The scents are amazing and you can pack these in any luggage.

What? Glassware by Lukáš Novák

Where? Artiséme shop right behind the Lennon Wall

Why? Lukáš is a talented glassmaker, a member of a new Czech generation of glass designers, nominated for the coveted Czech Grand Design award. His new collection “Lost and Found” tries to bring back „lithyalin“ and old, forgotten Czech glass technique that has been abandoned some 200 years ago..

Karolína’s tips

What? The Becherovka gift set: a bottle and two classic ceramic shot glasses

Where? Honestly, anywhere, incl. the airport.

Why?

Dubbed as „Christmas on fire“ on our Prague food tours, Becherovka is a classic Czech herbal liquor that is more popular than you might think because the vast majority of it is drunk at home. Based on a secret recipe from 1807 that only two people alive know (no kidding and no bs, this is apparently still true today), it still makes for about 80% of the Czech sales of the Pernod Ricard group, the owner (which also owns the likes of Absolut vodka, Jameson whiskey, Olmeca tequila, or Havana Club). The set with two ceramic shot glasses highlights the spa town origins of the liquor, which is still made weekly in Carlsbad. Drink it alone after a big meal, or create a simple mixed drink based on a recipe included in our Prague Foodie Map! This thing shines in a cocktail.

What? Onest face care products

Where? Ingredients store at Maiselova

Why? Because your face deserves it. Made in the Czech Republic in very small batches by people who care, Onest face care products are made of all natural ingredients and feel fantastic. I’ve been a devoted fan for ages. And a visit to the Ingredients store that carries all the cool perfume brands that you cannot buy in your local Sephora and boutique cosmetics brand is like visiting a shrine of self-care. But be careful: these visits tend to ending up being on the expensive side. You just can’t and won’t leave empty-handed.

What? Rybicka knife

Where? Les Houbeles store at Růžová

Why? The Czechs are a nation of mushroom pickers, with about 70% of the population picking mushrooms every year. And the one thing every Czech mushroom picker has or has had in his pocket at least once in their life? The iconic „rybicka“ knife made by Mikov, a Czech knife manufacturer. The folding knife with a handle shaped like a fish is tiny but super cute and does not break the bank. It also works perfectly on any mushroom you’ll find in Czechia or just about anywhere else. Need more mushrooming paraphernalia? The Les Houbeles store is run by mushroom pickers for mushroom pickers. Did I mention we pick mushrooms here?

Jan’s tips

My Christmas gift promise to you: I will keep this drinkable.

What? Czech/Moravian wine

Where? One of our favorite wine bars in Prague.

Why? Okay, you’ve probably heard of Czech beer. But did you know Czechia produces some great wines, too? Here’s my current favorites: (1) the Pinot & Merlot Rosé sparkling by the Gala winery. Zuzi and I love bubbles and we actually had two cases of this delivered home, and just drink it casually. The Galas rarely disappoint, and we love their newest rose bubbles more than the whites. If you love the bubbly, this is a no brainer. Get it at the Bokovka wine bar. The next two are natural wines, because that’s what we drink the most. (2) If you like a serious white, get the 2013 Chardonnay Reserva by Mr Osicka. 2013 was a great year, and Mr Osicka’s Chardonnays are famous around here. This is a serious bottle that will age well with time. (3) You may have heard that Czech reds are bad. Nonsense. Just don’t expect fat cabs. To prove my point, buy your loved one a Novosady pinot noir by Mr Kocarik, my favorite Czech red at the moment. (Since the 2007 and 2011 Pinot Noirs by Mr Gala is already sold out I think.) Not cheap but hey, you aren’t either, right? And you’ll get you money’s worth. Get both at the Veltlin wine bar in the Karlin district.

What? Coffee beans by local roasters

Where? Kavárna Místo, Muj sálek kávy and Onesip coffee

Why? So you got a friend who is nerdy about coffee, has a Chemex at home but never uses it becase omg those filters are crazy, so he uses a V60 instead, and scoffs at the idea of making coffee home by putting pods in a machine? Yeah, I got those friends too. To make them happy, you should buy them beans roasted by Prague-based roasters. Both Doubleshot and Candycane Coffee have the habit of saving something extra special for the holidays, and this year is no exception. Doubleshot has a double set of Nicaraguan coffee from two different farms, two different cultivars, and two different processes: washed and natural. Will make every coffee aficionado’s heart skip a beat, both metaphorically and literally. Candycane coffee’s Make Mama Proud 3 has a natural processed Ethiopian coffee and it’s pretty darn good. I am actually drinking it as I write this. The former can be had at doubleshot-owned operations (Kavarna Misto, Muj salek kavy and Alza cafe), the latter at onesip coffee (be quick - they are running out of it).

What? Fruit brandies by Martin Zufánek

Where? Bartida bar and shop at Havelská 25 (in the courtyard behind Hooters, seriously)

Why? Let’s face it: unless you turn left after you board a transcontinental plane, flying isn’t what it used to be. And given the more and more guests of our Prague food tours travel with a carry on, buying local wine or booze for your thirsty family or friends at home has become a problem to say the least.

Enter Martin Zufánek, Czechia’s most famous distiller who even made it in our Prague Foodie Map with his own bar tips for Prague. He feels your pain. He travels too, So he has decided to sell his world-famous fruit brandies in airplane-legal, 100ml bottles. This is pure genius: you can buy a few, they won’t break a bank, you can laugh in the disappointed face of the TSA officer who initially wants to throw them away (and ultimately drink it later on) and give them to all your friends as candy. And it’s highest quality alcohol. The Slivovitz is the Czech classic, but make sure you pack some oaked bear brandy, his aromatic and delicious OMG gin, and the award-winning Absinthe.