When it comes to Christmas shopping in Budapest, I know it can be difficult to find the perfect gift. The gift that’s just right. The gift that shows you didn’t procrastinate for 2 months and then hope an Amazon gift card would make up for it (I’ve been there, trust me). But even though Christmas in Budapest is different this year, this is still the perfect time to find a way to support small businesses and find unique gifts. Here is a brief Budapest gift guide to help make your Christmas shopping alittle bit easier!
Self Care/Home Decor
Because we all deserve something a little nice this year…
American masseuse, Kelsey, brings her years of expertise to Budapest at Modern Intuition Massage. This studio is a small sanctuary of calm located close to Ferenciek’s Square.
Photo from Modern Intuition Massage FB
Modern Intuition gives one of the best values for a massage in Budapest: an hour long Swedish massage costs 7000huf/$24, for example. You can pick between massage packages such as Balance, Hydrate, or Detox. Or, you can build your perfect massage by adding on extra services such as hot stones, cupping, aromatherapy, and more. If you know any expectant mothers, Kelsey also offers a specialized prenatal massage. You can find a full menu of Kelsey’s massages and treatments here!
photos from Projekt Showroom FB 
This pop up shop has different quirky offerings each year, as well as different locations around Budapest (check their Andrássy and Király Street shops!). Along with art from local Hungarian artists, unique jewelry, and offbeat cards and books, Projekt Showroom also carries beauty products. If anyone in your life drools over skincare or deep conditioning hair masks, you can find them lots of goodies here!
Show some love to that Plant Lady or Plant Man in your life and stop by PlanteBudapest! Stepping into the shop is like stepping into a jungle–and now you can help someone turn their living room into one! Who knows how long we’ll be stuck in quarantine–couldn’t everyone use a lil’ plant friend to keep them company? Check out Plante’s webshop here to get a better idea of their selection!
A Sweet Treat
For that friend with a sweet tooth…
Rengeteg (and its decadent hot chocolate) is one of Budapest’s best kept secrets. Normally, ruin bars get all of the glory, but this offbeat ruin cafe deserves more than a little attention–especially when it comes to hot chocolate! Normally, you need to reserve a table in order to try one of their famed hot chocolates (so thick and creamy they’re more like chocolate soup!). But now, Rengeteg let’s you take the hot chocolate home! A few of the flavors are: lemon ginger white chocolate, orange gingerbread milk chocolate, ginger chili dark chocolate, and many others!
Check their Facebook for an updated menu and their opening hours!
Macarons from Chez Dodo
Delicately crafted, beautiful to look at, and delightful to eat, macarons from Chez Dodo make for a thoughtful gift! Step into their shop to look through the rainbow of colors and pick from a variety of flavors. They currently have a Christmas series with flavors such as gingerbread, sour cherry, zserbó, and others. So grab a gift box and pick out a special gift! Check out their webshop here.
Vintage Shops
We all have that friend who just needs something a little different...
Do you have someone in your life who likes to make a statement? Someone who likes to stand out? Then perhaps you should consider grabbing them a unique piece from a vintage store in Budapest.
En Route is a small business that carefully sources tasteful vintage items (look through the collection here), and Ludovika is a longtime seller of funky vintage clothes in Budapest (check out the shop here). Whether you’re looking for an accent scarf, a casual piece to add to the winter wardrobe, or eye catching jewelry you can’t find anywhere else, these vintage shops are a good place to start!
Experiences
Because we could all use a little distraction…
Escape Room gift cards
2020 has been the year of escapism (Emily in Paris, I’m looking at you), so what better gift than a Budapest escape room? Instead of watching something on Netflix, why not dive into the world of Ancient Egypt, the Wild West, Harry Potter’s wizarding world, or others?
Many escape rooms in Budapest have made the most of health and safety measures by thoroughly sanitizing each room in between games or providing virtual experiences. If you know someone who could use a little fun, these immersive puzzle games provide a great distraction from the outside world. So browse through the games at Neverland and MystiqueRooms and make your great escape!
Wine Club
These cold winter nights are perfect for cozying up with a glass (or two) of wine. And Lord knows we all have enough time on our hands to become amateur sommeliers. So why not join a tasting club?
Tasting Table Budapest prides itself on educating people about the wide varieties of Hungarian wine. Although their open tastings are suspended for now, you can gift someone membership in the Taste Hungary Wine Club. You can opt for the red, white, mixed, or Tokaj wine club, and for 17000-22000huf/month ($60-$75/month), receive 3 bottles of wine, along with their profiles and information. Whether you know someone who’s a wine fanatic, or someone wanting to become one, this is a great gift for expanding their horizons!
Christmas shopping in Budapest doesn’t have to be too stressful! I hope this Budapest gift guide can help you find your loved ones the perfect presents! Merry Christmas!
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