Give your friends and family a treat and present them with unique gifts that can only be found in special places. Our first international gift guide starts with Madrid. Follow our shopping spree through the love of artisanal, unique Spanish pieces.
COCOL
At Cocol, the common object is celebrated as an art form. Handmade pottery and textiles by artisans from all over the country. Each product is a testament to local culture: there are painted crockery from Granada and tableware from Alicante, as well as vintage finds like olive wood chopping boards and blown glass vases. But what makes them special are the botijos or búcaros – unglazed clay jugs for cooling water that can be found in most Spanish homes. Here you are sure to find a suitable gift for everyone and probably for yourself too. (more here)
CASA HERNANZ
Just behind the Plaza Mayor in the centre of the capital, Casa Hernanz has been selling hand-sewn espadrilles since 1845. Above the long wooden counter, the shelves are stacked with the traditional flat models, but also with wedge heel shoes with bows, clogs, slingbacks and mules made of canvas, linen and suede. They are wearable all year round and can also be worn indoors in winter. (more here)
REAL FÁBRICA ESPANOLA
Ceramic plates, mohair scarves, enamel coffee pots and herb-scented soaps are just some of the things Rocío Muñoz offers at the Real Fábrica Española, named after the 18th-century royal factories in the Retiro district. She has brought back many pieces from her visits to small workshops all over Spain, some of which she has saved from closure. Muñoz’s goal is to protect the economy of the communities and the country’s manufacturing heritage. She also puts together gift baskets filled with pickles and preserves, jamón, chocolate and aperitifs. A perfect souvenir with a good idea behind it. (more here)
OTEYZA
On Calle de Conde de Xiquena, Paul García de Oteyza and his partner Caterina Pañeda have reinvented conventional silhouettes at Oteyza. Inspired by 16th-century Spanish garments, the pair create distinctive menswear in merino wool, embellished with intricate embroidery. The brand also makes shirts and jackets, but is best known for its beautiful wide-brimmed hats made of cordovan felt in bright shades of yellow and green, which can of course also be worn by women. (more here)
IVORYPRESS ART & BOOKS
The Ivorypress Art + Books publishing house, gallery, bookshop and events centre was opened by curator Elena Ochoa Foster in a former print shop and underground car park near the Santiago Bernabéu stadium. Built by her husband, British architect Sir Norman Foster, the shop focuses on design and photography titles and offers exhibitions, talks and events, such as a monthly artists’ book club. A place to get in the mood for books, also a variety of English books available. (more here)
MANTEQUERIAS BRAVO
In the heart of Salamanca, Mantequerías Bravo has been around since 1931. The old-fashioned wooden façade hides the most delicious snacks such as sea urchin caviar in illustrated tins and Galician oysters in albariño vinaigrette. A perfect place to put together the delicacies for Christmas dinner. (more here)
QUESERIA CULTIVO
The artisan cheese dairy Quesería Cultivo supplies rare quesos, including the Iniesta Manzanaro from Ciudad Real and the Rey Silo Blanco from Asturias, while the owners also make their own varieties such as 40 Cantagrullas, a cheddar made from raw sheep’s milk. The labels show the name of the cheesemaker, the location of the dairy and the story behind it. (more here)
