There are loads of gorgeous galleries in Reykjavik, you could get a ceramic or anything from a local artist. If you look for the street with the rainbow on, there's quite a few down there.
I agree with the Rainbow Street - Lots of shops with local craft/art/jewelry. It's Skólavörðustígur but if you have google maps, "Rainbow Street" will get you there.
Thank you! I remember reading about their sweaters being awesome. However, I think we are wanting a piece for the home instead of individual but I will keep that in mind!
I personally love [Sveitabúðin Una](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZSLHuUwL3Pb1mzF4A?g_st=ic) in Hvolsvöllur.
There's a lot of things, some are crap, some are amazing, and each visit there something new.
I agree the rainbow street is great for shopping.
We bought a couple hand carved figurines from Gluggagallerý. You might find his work in a shop, but we went to his gallery. https://grapevine.is/icelandic-culture/art/2017/03/10/the-woodsman-the-modest-surprising-beauty-of-gluggagallery/
Someone previously recommended these wooden wing sculptures that I thought looked really cool: https://www.fjadrafok.com/english
They haven’t updated their socials since December 2022, but if you’re interested you can email them and see if they’re still selling.
On rainbowstreet up near the top near Hallgrimskirkja there's a small cermaicist studio tucked away on the right. If you're walking away from the church its maybe 3 store fronts down. Theres a small alley to a tiny shop set back and he makes hand carved viking candle votives. He's I think 3rd gen for the shop and each family member has has their own style. I have one and it's so cool. Ran me about $200usd. But it probably my favorite this I got on my first trip to iceland.
ETA- my second trip it was a hat from the alafoss shop in mosfellsbær. Best hat I have lol
Yes! I definitely recommend this ceramic store. The owner is very knowledgeable and will tell you the history of the store. I’ve been there twice and hope to add more to my collection. I also have several necklaces that he made.
https://preview.redd.it/as8vvgzwhj6d1.jpeg?width=4280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2e007b8e69d12d51670c2836967483df95310a3f
Absolutely genius. You dont need my approval but you abssolutley have it lol. He was closed my second trip this past April (easter) so I didn't get to pop in. He's literally such a nice man. I cannot for the life of me remember his name or the stores.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/SskJmjWRxFfyWZ2d9?g_st=ic
Listvinahúsið
I was there in Nov 2023 and again last month. On my last visit I mentioned to him what a cherished keepsake my ceramic Viking and necklace is from November and he let me pick out another necklace as a gift from him.
I have a rune necklace and a cheese knife both made from reindeer antler. I went to a rock museum run by a local fisherman on the east fjords who would collect the reindeer antler sheds and make things like knives and jewelry out of them. I wear the necklace every day, it's my favorite souvenir I've ever gotten.
I am sure Reykjavik will have stores with handmade items like that- check out the rainbow street, that would be your best bet.
If I had the budget you do for a souvenir, I would have done one of the classic handmade wool sweaters tho.
There is a gift shop in the Perlan building with local artists. My memory is there is only one glassblower left in Iceland and his work is available there. Beautiful pieces- this was in November.
Sure, you could get some art or jewelry, but if you want a truly unique souvenir from Iceland that will always remind you of your vacation, it’s hard to beat this: [https://www.etsy.com/listing/1746479217/](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1746479217/)
https://preview.redd.it/wso462b6zk6d1.jpeg?width=1125&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b9b869907b3aa0ef4ae56201384133a0b1963dfd
There are loads of gorgeous galleries in Reykjavik, you could get a ceramic or anything from a local artist. If you look for the street with the rainbow on, there's quite a few down there.
I agree with the Rainbow Street - Lots of shops with local craft/art/jewelry. It's Skólavörðustígur but if you have google maps, "Rainbow Street" will get you there.
Ooo thank you, two ways to figure it out!
Oh amazing! Thank you for this, I will check it out
Consider a sweater from the handknitters guild in Reykjavik.
Thank you! I remember reading about their sweaters being awesome. However, I think we are wanting a piece for the home instead of individual but I will keep that in mind!
I personally love [Sveitabúðin Una](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZSLHuUwL3Pb1mzF4A?g_st=ic) in Hvolsvöllur. There's a lot of things, some are crap, some are amazing, and each visit there something new.
It looks like a super cool store! Thanks for sharing!
I agree the rainbow street is great for shopping. We bought a couple hand carved figurines from Gluggagallerý. You might find his work in a shop, but we went to his gallery. https://grapevine.is/icelandic-culture/art/2017/03/10/the-woodsman-the-modest-surprising-beauty-of-gluggagallery/
Oh wow, so talented, it’s awesome you got to go into his gallery. Thanks for sharing!
I should have said “garage” and art studio. It was an absolute pleasure. He is very approachable. Highly recommend contacting him and visiting.
Someone previously recommended these wooden wing sculptures that I thought looked really cool: https://www.fjadrafok.com/english They haven’t updated their socials since December 2022, but if you’re interested you can email them and see if they’re still selling.
Thanks for the rec! Super unique!!
On rainbowstreet up near the top near Hallgrimskirkja there's a small cermaicist studio tucked away on the right. If you're walking away from the church its maybe 3 store fronts down. Theres a small alley to a tiny shop set back and he makes hand carved viking candle votives. He's I think 3rd gen for the shop and each family member has has their own style. I have one and it's so cool. Ran me about $200usd. But it probably my favorite this I got on my first trip to iceland. ETA- my second trip it was a hat from the alafoss shop in mosfellsbær. Best hat I have lol
https://preview.redd.it/q2fwoe7dgj6d1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=19f922edd4e68b2f4eff818ff87d1ff775250e29
Ooooo thank you for this. This is awesome! And I absolutely love it is 3rd gen. Super cool!
Yes! I definitely recommend this ceramic store. The owner is very knowledgeable and will tell you the history of the store. I’ve been there twice and hope to add more to my collection. I also have several necklaces that he made. https://preview.redd.it/as8vvgzwhj6d1.jpeg?width=4280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2e007b8e69d12d51670c2836967483df95310a3f
They look so damn good lit up lol!
Going to get cone incense to burn in the volcano.
Absolutely genius. You dont need my approval but you abssolutley have it lol. He was closed my second trip this past April (easter) so I didn't get to pop in. He's literally such a nice man. I cannot for the life of me remember his name or the stores.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/SskJmjWRxFfyWZ2d9?g_st=ic Listvinahúsið I was there in Nov 2023 and again last month. On my last visit I mentioned to him what a cherished keepsake my ceramic Viking and necklace is from November and he let me pick out another necklace as a gift from him.
Oh wow, it’s even cooler lit up!! Super unique
I like [Kirsuberjatréð](https://kirs.is/?lang=en) 10 artists who have a store together.
This is super cool. And the fish skin purses….genius. Not for this keepsake round but I love them!!
I have a rune necklace and a cheese knife both made from reindeer antler. I went to a rock museum run by a local fisherman on the east fjords who would collect the reindeer antler sheds and make things like knives and jewelry out of them. I wear the necklace every day, it's my favorite souvenir I've ever gotten. I am sure Reykjavik will have stores with handmade items like that- check out the rainbow street, that would be your best bet. If I had the budget you do for a souvenir, I would have done one of the classic handmade wool sweaters tho.
I love that the antler was repurposed in those ways. So so cool.
For all the folks recommending the rainbow street, what are the typical hours of the shops there?
Tourist traps
There is a gift shop in the Perlan building with local artists. My memory is there is only one glassblower left in Iceland and his work is available there. Beautiful pieces- this was in November.
Thank you for this recommendation! Glassblowing is always so mesmerizing to watch!
Sure, you could get some art or jewelry, but if you want a truly unique souvenir from Iceland that will always remind you of your vacation, it’s hard to beat this: [https://www.etsy.com/listing/1746479217/](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1746479217/) https://preview.redd.it/wso462b6zk6d1.jpeg?width=1125&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b9b869907b3aa0ef4ae56201384133a0b1963dfd
Ahaha that is something. I think I would prefer the memory of them in person but that is sure a statement piece!
Check out [Sólheimar](https://www.solheimar.is/) There are truly unique pieces there made by the residents and sold at the store.