3 Best Places to Shop in Finland

Iittala glass and kitchenware represents the best and most stylish of Finnish design and makes classy souvenirs and gifts. Iittala's flagship store in central Helsinki is on the north side of the Esplanade, stocking the Iittala brand itself, exemplified by the Ultima Thule and Kastehelmi glassware lines, as well as other top Finnish design brands such as Fiskars, Hackman, and Arabia. There is also an Iittala store in the Mall of Tripla in the Pasila suburb, and the brand is prominent at the Iittala & Arabia Design Centre.

Arabia, Hackman, and Iittala tableware, glassware, cutlery, and cookware are sold here at outlet prices, along with Finlayson textiles and Fiskars garden tools and scissors. The shop is on the site of the old Arabia factory in the Arabiankeskus (Arabia center) and is some way out of central Helsinki in the Arabianranta district, but it's worth the diversion if you are looking for a one-stop shop for practical Finnish design items for your home or as gifts. It's a great spot to find Moomin character mugs!

This shops sells gorgeous glassware designed by Camilla Moberg, who lives above the shop. She is open by appointment only, so call ahead.