Holiday Gift Guide BCN: Buy Local

Shopping from local artisans, artists and designers is always a good idea, and as we all inevitably have some Christmas shopping to do, I made a very cosmopolitan list of Barcelona-based artists and designers, from whom you can get a cool gift, whether you’re looking at spending 15€  or 250€.  Also, my round up is all about home decor, because now that we are spending more time than ever at home, even those of use who rent are a lot more concerned with having a nice and cozy home. 

At the end of the gallery you will find details on each item and its maker.

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A gift pack of artisan soap by ‘Sapone di Valeria’ (8,90€). Valeria is originally from Italy, and her soaps and other body care products are inspired by the herbs, flowers and fruits of the Mediterranean and first and foremost Italia! (8,90€) You can buy online or in Valeria’s shop in Santa Coloma (Carrer Aguileres, 52)

A diary for 2021 from Pepa Paper (17,20€), a stationery brand born in Barcelona over 40 years ago. You can buy online or visit one of their 3 shops in Barcelona’s Eixample and Les Corts (L’Illa).

Industrial style lamp from Wood & Bulb (110.00€). Cristina, one of the few Catalans in this roundup, makes gorgeous industrial-style lamps using a wide array of recycled materials. Her lamps are original and very reasonably priced. DM her on Instagram.

‘Hipolito’ in blue from Ornamante (250.00€). Each of Ornamante’s “humanized” animal sculptures is unique, and has a name and personality. Shop online or visit Ornamante’s lab-shop in el Gótico (Carrer de n’Amargós, 5).

Macrame plant hanger (45,00 €) from Cathy and Valérie, two French ladies who founded Macrame Barcelona. You can visit their workshop with cita previa.

Limited edition 50*70cm print (€75,.00) by Pedro Benitez, whose signature style is a very colourful Art Decó + he has numerous works depicting famous architectural landmarks from Barcelona, London, and etc. 

A set of epoxy coasters from Anna Gvozdareva (15,00€). Anna is a multi-faceted artists, whose works range from murals to water-colour drawings and epoxy art. You can find her coasters at the upcoming Christmas pop-up market organized by ‘Clandestina Poblenou, or you can DM her on IG.

Waterproof paper vase from Octaevo, a creative company from Barcelona, that reinvents traditional Mediterranean design. These vases are a tribute to the ancient and sophisticated art of ceramics (19,50€).

Wooden cutting board from Hachazuela (€45,00), a shop offering all things wooden – from tableware to furniture made of sustainable wood in Tarragona. You may want to visit their shop in Gracia (C/ d’Astúries, 31).

White bear clay sculpture (250,00 €) by Nathalie Roverato, a French sculptor, whose clay creations are inspired by organic forms and ooze serenity. 

Cone-shaped wall planter from MiniPicnic (24,00 €), a small textile design studio from Barcelona led by Marta Bernet. 

Vinyl hexagonal placemat from Agustina Barcelona (€5,00). Diana Bertolín y Óscar Morte design prints, which go on a wide range of home goods from bedding and other home textiles  to vinyl rugs. You can also visit their showroom in Gracia (C/ Torrent de l’Olla, 177).

Large green tray from Lava Objects (€32.00). Laura from Puerto Rico makes minimalist tableware from coloured concrete, and it’s absolutely mesmerizing. I met her at Festivalet last year, and her designs are so sleek that even a maximalist like me couldn’t resist their appeal. You can buy online and have it shipped to your home or pick your order up at Laura’s workshop. 

A calendar for 2021 by French illustrator Nathalie Ouederni. Her work is mainly focused on pattern and surface design, wildlife, food and map illustration and hand lettering. The calendar along with some of Nathalie’s other products can also be found at the Christmas market à la française at the French bookshop Jaimes (C/Valencia, 318).

Epoxy resin and dried flowers wall art by Milena (45,00 €), a graphic designer turned artist, who makes beautiful wall art, side tables, and other home decor with epoxy resin.  

A small vase by Domestic Disasters (25,00 €). A creative duo from Barcelona makes a variety of colourful and cool terrazzo inspired objects.

Wall art (print) by ‘Hermano Gato’ (18,00 €), a project launched by illustrator Kira Diez. Her style is simplistic, but very warm and uplifting.

Mini pointsettia kokedama by Omotesandō Plants (19,00 €), enthusiasts of the Japanese art of kokedama (moss ball).

I hope you find this list useful, let’s support our local businesses and makers! At the times of the pandemic, they need it more than ever. Merry Christmas, everyone!