Working from home is the new normal – and staying connected to colleagues is more important than ever. It’s time to get creative about showing co-workers we care. Buying gifts for colleagues with something to celebrate is a wonderful way to do it. Berlin’s independent shops are packed with unique and unusual gift ideas. Here are a few of the best, complete with online shopping options, so you can browse and buy from home. A great way to support local businesses – in store or from the comfort of your sofa.
Tip 1: Give the gift of style with Broke + Schön
If you have a fashion-conscious colleague who’s always sporting bold new looks, look no further than Broke + Schön, a Berlin boutique offering the latest in stunning style. Pick them up a cute piece of statement jewellery or clothing or a head-turning accessory they can wear at home or on the go.
Where: Stores in Friedrichshain, Mitte, Kreuzberg and Prenzlauer Berg
When: Opening hours vary – see individual stores for details
Tip 2: Put a smile on their face with a gift from Kauf Dich Glücklich
This Berlin-based design store has been putting a smile on faces in Berlin and beyond for years with its exciting products. Starting out as a dream of a stylish vintage café selling waffles, this city institution has become much more – a string of welcoming stores selling the best in fashion and homeware designed in Berlin, with various online shopping options. It stocks the perfect gifts for colleagues with something to celebrate – or who just need a little pick me up.
Where: Kauf Dich Glücklich has various Berlin shops, including style stores on trendy Rosenthaler Straße and Kastanienallee, a café on Oderberger Straße, and outlet stores in Neukölln and Wedding
When: Opening times vary – see individual stores for details
Tip 3: Fine hand-picked kitchenware from Küchenliebe
If you have a co-worker who’s always getting creative in the kitchen and wowing you all with their extravagant bakes, Küchenliebe is the perfect spot to pick up a gift they’ll love. This home cook’s haven curates stunning kitchenware products and cooking utensils that are made to last, hand-picked by the team and supplied by a range of independent brands. Even the cookbooks are tried and tested before they hit the shelves. Et voilà – the perfect gift for budding chefs.
Where: Küchenliebe has stores at Gärtnerstr. 28 in Friedrichshain and Schleiermacherstr. 25 and Eisenbahnstr. 42 in Kreuzberg
When: Monday–Saturday, opening hours vary – see individual stores for details
Tip 4: Pick up cookware from Coledampf’s – a home cook’s paradise
Founded in 1995, Coledampf’s is a friendly and down-to-earth spot selling cookware and kitchen ideas for home cooks of all ages. Perfect for anyone who loves messing about in the kitchen and coming up with new recipes – or just needs handy utensils to help them whip up dinner for the family. Get your colleague something to brighten up the evening meal – or something for their little chefs at home.
Where: Fechnerstraße 27, Wilmersdorf
When: Mon–Fri 11 am–7 pm, Sat 10 am–4 pm
Tip 5: Make a little magic at Zauberkönig
If you have a co-worker who entertains the crowd at meetings and magically manages to meet tight deadlines, they might fancy working some actual magic with a gift from this magnificent shop – one of the oldest remaining magic shops in the world. With a weird and wonderful range of tricks and treats for everyone from beginners to experienced illusionists, you’re sure to find something fun for that colleague who always conjures a smile.
Where: Herrfurthstr. 6a, Neukölln
When: Mon–Sat, 11 am–7 pm
Tip 6: Toys bring joy with gifts from Viel Spiel
Colleagues who love their little ones more than life itself – or just need something to distract them with while they hop on another video call – are sure to appreciate a gift from this colourful and quirky Berlin toy shop. Around since 2000, it sells a wide selection of fun, high-quality traditional and modern toys from well-known suppliers. Happy kids make happy grown-ups – and happy grown-ups make a happy team.
Where: Große Hamburger Str. 28, Mitte
When: Mon–Fri 12 noon– 6 pm, Sat 11 am–4 pm
Tip 7: Süßkramdealer – a little slice of history in a special spot
This iconic store has been one of the most beloved Berlin shops since 1906, when it started life as a cigar store. In 2005, current owner Martin Hesse turned the premises into a wonderfully nostalgic little shop selling coffee, chocolate and delightful gifts – all while preserving its distinctive Gründerzeit interior. In 2011, an architect was tasked with creating the adjoining coffee shop with an ultra-minimalist design in stark contrast to the historic premises next door. Pay them a visit to pick out a delicious treat for your colleagues – and a piece of Berlin history.
Where: Varziner Str. 4, Friedenau
When: Mon–Fri 9 am–7 pm, weekends/bank holidays 10 am–7 pm
Tip 8: Buy them a cup of something special from Paper and Tea
Enjoying a cup of tea with colleagues is an everyday gift – a tranquil moment in your busy day-to-day. Working from home shouldn’t mean you have to miss out. Give the gift of an exquisite blend from Paper and Tea, a Berlin boutique dedicated to the art of modern tea culture, and your favourite co-worker can enjoy a cup at home – and maybe even share it with you via video call.
Where: Bleibtreustraße 4 in Charlottenburg, Alte Schönhauser Straße 50 in Mitte and at KaDeWe, Tauentzienstraße 21–24 in Schöneberg
When: Opening hours vary – see individual stores for details
Tip 9: Brighten up their home with furniture from Bramigk & Breer
This interior design institution – established in 1995 and inspired by the owner’s world travels – offers a selection of hand-picked furniture. Give your favourite colleague a piece from this chic boutique to remind them of happy memories at work and add a touch of unique style to their home.
Where: Niebuhrstraße 1, Charlottenburg
When: Mon–Fri 11 am–7 pm, Sat 11 am–4 pm
Tip 10: Present them with handmade treats from Walter Confiserie
Walter Confiserie has been synonymous with fine chocolate treats in Berlin for many years now. Its handmade delicacies made in Berlin make the perfect gifts for colleagues with a sweet tooth and a love of luxury. These tasty treats are sure to keep them sweet.
Where: Stores in Tempelhof, Charlottenburg, Mitte and Zehlendorf
When: Opening hours vary – see individual stores for details
Tip 11: Pick up stunning stationery and gifts from Papierhaus Felix Verspohl
Working from home doesn’t have to be drab. For over 20 years, this Schöneberg stationer has sold quality stationery and office items. It’s the perfect place to find gifts for colleagues that will brighten up their home office and remind them they’re in your thoughts throughout the day. With a wonderful selection of colourful greeting cards and wrapping paper, it’s sure to have something to put the finishing touch to your gifts.
Where: Papierhaus Felix Verspohl, Belziger Str. 18, Schöneberg
When: Mon–Fri 10 am–7 pm, Sat 10 am–6 pm
