Christmas Shopping in Prague
It’s that time of the year when we start drawing up a list of gifts for family and friends. As my extended family reside in Australia I like to find something uniquely Czech to bring over for them. Luckily, there are a lot of good quality Czech made products on offer, for all ages, without the all to familiar ‘Made in China’ tag. Here are a few of my favorite stores where you are guaranteed locally designed and made products.
Galerie Alfa is a two story gallery looking onto a square called Uhelny Trh which means Coal Market, it’s location is close to Narodni Trida and Mustek. A diverse range of handmade ceramics, porcelain, jewelry, sculpture (many in bronze), puppets, glass, graphics and painting is exhibited and on sale at very reasonable prices. All pieces are designed and made by Czech artists, something that can be hard to find as many of the galleries in this part of town are often selling paintings of Prague that have been produced by foreign nationals. Typical of Czech style some pieces are whimsical, others retro and many are classical - something to suit any taste. I have to say that before stumbling upon Alfa I thought Art for friends and family was out of my budget but with prices starting from around 200CZK I was pleasantly surprised. No guesswork is required as all pieces are clearly marked with the artists name and price. Staff are friendly and will wrap your purchases securely for transport and so far no breakages have occurred during transit.
Christmas Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10.00 till 13.00 and 14.00 to 19.00, Sunday 13 and 20th December 12.00 till 18.00
Address: Uhelný trh 11/416, Prague 1
Further Information: http://www.galerie-alfa.cz (in Czech only)
Dřevěný Svět Hraček (World of Wooden Toys) is down from Masaryk Train Station and walking distance from Namesti Republiky. Here you will find a large selection of wooden toys suitable for babies as well as older boys and girls. Lovely wooden cars and train sets, furniture for dolls, rattles, musical instruments, mobiles, blocks and games are on display - there is a lot of choice and the majority of pieces are made right here in Czech Republic. Be sure to check the box, tags or ask the store owner to make sure that it is a genuine Czech made product before purchasing. Store owners around CZ are finding it increasingly difficult to stock genuine products over cheaper imports due to price so I would encourage you to support the local industry when you can.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9.00 - 18.30
Address: Dlážděná 5, Praha 1
Further Information: http://www.drevenysvethracek.cz/index.php (in Czech only)
Hard De Core is a fantastic Prague boutique with an art workshop and design studio attached which happens to offer all types of art and design classes for adults and children from age 2 and up. The boutique sells cool edgy fashion and some fabulous retro dresses plus fashion accessories including bags and jewelry. You can also pick up homewares and pieces for adult and children’s interiors plus interesting ceramics and creatively designed toys. All pieces are designed and made by talented Czech designers. Closest metro is Namesti Republiky or Hlavni Nadrazi tram stop.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 11.00 till 19.00, Saturday 11.00 till 17.00
Address: Senovážné Námestí 10 Prague 1
Further Information: http://www.harddecore.cz
Truhlář Marionety and Galerie Marionette Over the river and below Charles Bridge you will find two authentic puppet stores selling a wide selection of handcrafted puppets. Each puppet is highly detailed and crafted by Czech Republic’s top artisans, thus you are guaranteed to be buying the very best. Czech puppetry has such a rich history and puppets have their own unique style that collectors and art lovers covet, even Bill Clinton has dropped by and picked out one to take home.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 10.00 till 18.00
Address: U lužického semináře 5 and 7, Prague 1
JOSH a.s is located on the 3rd floor of the Kotva Department Store at Namesti Republiky. Here you can find famous Czech Bohemia Crystal and Thun Porcelain at local rather than tourist prices. Currently the store is offering 30 to 50% off most of their stock so it’s a great time to go buy some beautiful crystalware, porcelain sets, glass or cookware for yourself or loved ones. On the same floor of Kotva is the detsky koutek (indoor playground) which has to be one of the best in Prague.
Christmas Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 09.00 to 21.00, Saturday and Sunday 10.00 to 21.00
Address: 3rd Floor, Revoluční 1/655, Prague 1
Further Information: http://www.od-kotva.cz/index.php/en/home
So these are my favourite Czech stores that I know of and find particularly good, if anyone has further suggestions please feel free to share below in our comments section.
