2020 Holiday Gift Guide – Romanian edition

I am so thrilled to bring you a curated list of functional, beautiful and thoughtful products created by the hands and minds of fellow Romanians.

Please make sure to bookmark this blog post, click on the links provided, discover each artist/business, shop, follow and support them in any way that you can.

I believe you will be able to find something for everyone in your life (including yourself) so let’s jump right in!

Cosmos Life – video print in digital display by Gabriela Iancu

Gabriela’s work is simply STUNNING, award-winning and encompassing multiple mediums. From luscious food photography steeped in Romanian traditions, lovely botanicals to decorate your walls, to this mesmerizing shot of butterflies, her work is diverse, cinematic, and to me, has a dreamy and spellbinding quality. She is a true mistress of her craft and I am in awe of her talent and hard work.

Gabriela very kindly and generously offered a 15% off discount code for her open edition prints with shipping starting at only $5! and she ships internationally.

Use the code HOLIDAY15 at checkout (valid until the 10th of December 2020).

Shop Cosmos Life here

Shop from her open edition prints here (15% off with code HOLIDAY15)

See more of her work here

Instagram: @gabrielaiancu

Himari Kimono from Simple Stories

This gorgeous kimono is made of 100% natural linen. Just like the rest of their collection, their products are consciously created, functional and beautiful. I love that we share the same ethos: simplicity, quality over quantity, and products made to last, sustainably created and crafted. Read more about their story here. They ship internationally.

Shop the kimono here (it also comes in black and white)

Instagram @ofsimplestories

Marble ring from Pur Blanche

Named and created in honor of Constatin Brâncuși, a renowned Romanian artist and influential sculptor of the 20th-century considered the pioneer of modernism, this ring is a “timeless piece of art captured in marble”. Each ring is custom made and handcrafted in Romania. They offer FREE shipping in Romania, but they can ship internationally if shipping fees are covered by the buyer.

Learn more here

Shop the ring here (comes in white and black)

Instagram @purblanche.jewelry

Christmas ornament from Oana Befort

The gold-foil dove symbolizing peace and hope is a timeless ornament to give and get.

Oana has been a favorite of mine for a very long time. I have filled my home with her Romanian-themed giclée art prints, now part of her folk collection (like this one and this one), but her latest Holiday Collection is pure delight! So many wonderful pieces to choose from: holiday cards, wrapping paper, ornaments, gift tags, all designed with love and sensitivity. She ships internationally.

Oana was very kind and generous to offer a discount code so add SECRET10 at checkout for 10% off your purchase.

Check her work here

Shop the ornament here

Shop more of her items on Etsy

Instagram @oanabefort

Bodysuit from Nalu Underwear

The Suave bodysuit is endlessly classic, versatile and elegant. If there is one item to add to your consciously curated wardrobe, this is it. It can be worn all year long, under sweaters in fall/winter, with jeans in spring/summer or under a skirt.

Crafted with care and thoughtfulness in Transylvania, Romania, the brand cultivates a simple and minimalist design from the highest quality fabrics. Check out their other lingerie pieces and their loungewear here. They ship internationally and offer FREE shipping in Romania.

Shop the Suave Bodysuit here

Instagram @naluunderwear

Bed throw from Mozaique

There is nothing like a cozy throw/blanket to warm you up on a chilly winter day. Mozaique‘s bed throws are made of 100% wool locally sourced from Transylvania (which is breathable and will keep you snugly warm) and they are handcrafted and handmade using traditional craft techniques. The purchase of each throw directly supports and impacts the artisans, their families and their communities.

The modern design and neutral colors of the Transylvania Bed Throw easily blend in and complement any home decor.

They ship internationally and have generously provided a discount code of 15% by using playground4life at checkout.

Shop the bed throw here

Shop their masks

Instagram @mozaiqueartisan

Sweatshirt from Madalina Andronic

Mādālina Andronic’s newest winter collection titled “Acasa” (means “home” in Romanian) is filled with sweatshirts and hoodies for adults and kids to make your stay at home cozy and comfortable.

The design is whimsical and inspired by Romanian folktales and traditions. She also has winter and festive prints, art prints for couples, wedding stationery, and diverse and inclusive prints for book lovers.

Shop the sweatshirt here (available in multiple colors and sizes)

Visit her website here

Instagram @madalina_andronic

Vintage Kilim rug from Romania

Alina Mitrica curates a wide variety, in shape, size and style, of vintage kilim rugs found all across Romania, created in the past century from pure wool/cotton. Kilim and flat weave rugs have a fascinating history and are one of the oldest methods of rug production in the world! They are beautiful masterpieces originating in the Middle East but also found in the Balkan region, in Turkey, Romania and central Asia.

From beautiful, floral motifs to traditional patterns and symbols, a kilim rug is an investment piece, passed down from generation to generation. It instantly makes a bold statement in any modern decor, bringing individuality and elevating its status due to its unique heritage.

Shop the rug here

Shop the Etsy store here

Instagram @madewithlovero

Merino wool knitwear from Rosia Montana

Lively and colorful, the knitwear and accessories made from merino wool (one of the finest and softest type in the world) in Rosia Montana, Transylvania, are sure to bring you joy and warmth this holiday season.

As well, the purchase of any item directly supports the revival of this old mining region that was, and still is, the battleground between a gold mining corporation and the activists and locals fighting to protect the historical region (I have spoken in greater detail about the issue here). Choose from a variety of hats, sweaters and socks, for women, men and kids. They ship internationally.

Subscribe to their newsletter for 10% off your first purchase.

Visit them here

Shop the hat here

Instagram @madeinrosiamontana

Copper kitchenware from Mesteshukar ButiQ

The Bucharest based social enterprise employs 35 Romani craftspeople that create STUNNING objects! they vary from kitchenware, home decor, to craft jewelry and clothing. Their pieces are modern, simple, but come from hands and the artistry perfected over hundreds of years.

More than anything, the social business provides a direct and reliable source of income for their artisans that have battled, and still do, widespread stereotypes, poverty and seclusion. Their work and craftsmanship has finally been given a platform to shine and I was so, so happy to discover them.

PLEASE make sure to check them out, shop and follow on social media. They ship internationally.

Visit their website here and read about their story here

Shop the copper tray here

Shop the coffee pot here

Shop the gravy boat here

Instagram @mesteshukar_butiq

Online Yoga with Ema

Ema is a dear friend of mine who’s life purpose has become to spread awareness regarding the healing powers of meditation and yoga. Since I know her personally, I have seen how she is constantly challenging herself to learn, to deepen her craft, to spread light, positivity and encourage wellness and self-care in herself and others.

She is also extremely giving. She brings her skills and knowledge to vulnerable populations and communities in Romania that have no access to these resources, free of charge. Supporting her means directly supporting these communities. She is a certified meditation therapist and yoga trainer.

This year, for yourself or others, book a private yoga session or an online guided meditation and give yourself the gift of healing and self-care.

Visit her website here and learn more about her work

Book an online session here

Support her on Patreon

Instagram @emabarba and her social business @bright.living_

Handcrafted Leather handbags from Iutta

Iutta elegantly blends folk inspired motifs and symbols with modern cuts and styles, incorporating them seamlessly into their handbags, shoes and accessories. This approach and their commitment to craftsmanship and innovation takes the classic styles of their products to an exclusive, individualized touch. Their pieces are simply exquisite and I love the diversity in shape and color.

They ship internationally and offered a 10% discount to your purchase by using the code PLAY10

Visit their website here

Shop handbags here, their shoes here and their accessories here

Instagram @iuttaofficial

Dinnerware from Decartis Ceramics

For beautiful, handcrafted and hand painted dinnerware, look no further than Irina’s work. Her objects are simply delightful!

From serving boards, to vases, to serving platters and plates, each piece is unique and thoughtfully created. I think the natural, rustic elements that decorate her objects create a timeless look that can be enjoyed anywhere and for any occasion. She ships worldwide.

Shop her dinnerware on Instagram @decartis_ceramics and on Facebook

Productivity and work-life balance from Dan Luca

Dan Luca has convinced thousands of Romanians to wake up at 5am and lead more productive lives. I personally have benefited immensely by participating in his free live webinars. I know that he first tries any technique or practice before recommending it to us.

The book is in English, easy to read and follow, and fully packed with practical suggestions and ideas to quickly improve your productivity and well-being. It is a great gift to give yourself and others, especially now that a new year is on the horizon.

For my fellow Romanians, there is an excellent article (in Romanian) about Dan and his own journey. Read it here. To join his 5am club, click here.

Buy the book here

Learn more about him here

Join his group on Facebook

Instagram @danluca5am

Thank you for stopping by! I hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know the brands and the people behind them, and that you were able to find something lovely to add to your Holiday shopping list.

For more inspo, check out a curated list of previous and current posts I’ve put together for the Holiday season here. Also, take a look at my previous Holiday/Christmas guides from 2019 and 2018.

Please be advised that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some countries may have suspended their courier services for the moment so it is best to check beforehand. As well, because most of these brands are based in Romania, the price for the items will be shown in RON (the Romanian currency)/EURO and thus, a conversion will need to take place if you are shopping from US/CAN/other countries so check with your bank for some extra fees that may apply. Contact the seller directly if you have any questions about their product/shipping, and tell them I sent you :)

I hope you stay safe, warm and healthy this holiday season!

Much love,

Roxi