Without a doubt the best place for Christmas shopping in Georgia is at the mall, where not only do the many shops go all-out with their decorations, but the public areas also take on a Christmassy-feel with music, events and fun for all the family. Aside from the malls (of which you have a great choice throughout and beyond the capital!), we’ve picked out some other locations for a guaranteed good shop for friends and family before Christmas.
THE FABRIKA CHRISTMAS FAIR
One of the most popular places in the city, Fabrika is to host its annual Christmas Fair on December 22, 1 PM – December 23, 9PM.
Crafts and gifts, hot tea, mulled wine, sweets and Christmas songs await those planning to attend Fabrika’s Christmas Fair, paired with a number of special events, the details of which you can check out here.
BLACK DOG SHOP
Black Dog Shop sells unique Georgian books, posters and postcards. Sort of a more upscale Dry Bridge, Black Dog is full of hidden treasures, with something new to find every time you come in – like handmade masks for Halloween or art installations like One Wall Gallery! Plus, you are supporting local artists, which is always very cool.
8 E. Ninoshvili Str. (Fabrika), Tbilisi
(+995) 598 24 00 94
12 PM – 8 PM
BADAGI
If you've been in Georgia any length of time beyond a day, you'll likely have come across "churchkhela," those long brown waxy-looking sticks with knobbly bits. Known as the Georgian Snickers, lasting months and ideal for every occasion, they can be bought almost anywhere in the city. For the best, go to Badagi stores, which offer smooth, soft churchkhelas with walnuts or hazelnuts; red grape or white. They also offer dried fruit and a selection of wine if you really want to indulge in the Georgian experience. It may be a small locale, but it is heaven (and quite addictive!).
2 Miminoshvili Str., Tbilisi
18 Adam Mitskevichi Str., Tbilisi
37 Ilia Chavchavadze Ave. (Carrefour Vake), Tbilisi
1.6km David Aghmashenebeli Alley 1.6 km, Tbilisi
Tbilisi International Airport
25 Pekini Str., Tbilisi
52, Aleksandre Tvaltchrelidze Str. (Carrefour East Point), Tbilisi
16km, David Aghmashenebeli Alley (Tbilisi Mall Carrefour), Tbilisi
22 Marshal Gelovani Avenue (AGRO-HUB), Tbilisi
3 Vekua Street (City Mall Saburtalo- Carrefour), Tbilisi
22 Tbel Abuselidze Street (Carrefour), Batumi
(+995) 597 11 10 22
SUPER
An international-style store, you’re guaranteed to find something for everyone here, with prices that are reasonable and quality that is excellent! Toys, kitchenware, decorations and household items- everything you need under one roof!
23 Kostava Str., Tbilisi
GEORGIAN PORCELAIN AT WHITE STUDIO
"White Studio" is a treasure of a find, tucked up the hill from the busy Melikishvili Street. Walk in and enjoy the instant calm. The shop (with studio below) offers clients high quality modern works of ceramics and contemporary forms with traditional Georgian elements- making it the ideal stop when looking for something different to take home. Tired with the repetitive souvenirs on offer, owner and co-founder Nato Eristavi decided to train up some young local artists in world-renowned technologies and get them working with 'Georgian porcelain' to create something unusual but totally in-line with modern trends.
Each piece on display is totally exclusive and there is a wide range of prices, meaning almost everyone can find something they can afford!
22/26 Janashia Str., Tbilisi
(+995) 595 01 17 70
OPEN 12 – 8 PM
MUSEUM SHOP
Museum Shop is an online retailer that operates through its Instagram page (see below).
They offer high quality souvenirs and items including t-shirts, enamel pins, scarves, canvas bags, plates, and table cloths.
They are known for their innovative, unique designs and collaborations with local artists. Their t-shirts, the primary business, are printed on cotton using ink that is ECO-PASSPORT certified by OEKO-TEX.
One of Museum Shop’s most popular collaborations is with the artist behind the LAMB graffiti found all over Tbilisi. Other popular t-shirt designs depict Georgian landmarks – the outline statues in Batumi, Mother of Georgia colorized with the statement ‘Future is Woman,’ Petre Otskheli’s Winger Painter. For more designs and to order, visit their Instagram page.
Find them at: https://www.instagram.com/museumshop.ge/
IN TIFLIS
You know those shops that you enter on a whim and end up staying for hours? This is exactly what happens when you visit ‘In Tiflis’. Nestled on a cozy street in the Old Town, in a lively neighborhood, ‘In Tiflis’ is a cozy boutique gift shop waiting for your spending power!
Each carefully curated item in the store has its own story and history, inspired from the local culture. The fitting name serves to let customers know that all items are produced or handmade in Georgia.
Once inside, it’s hard to know where to start – hunting along the shelves, flipping through pieces hung on the walls or going through piles of accessories. In Tiflis is the latest concept shopping sensation and inside, you will find funky jewelry, retro accessories, vintage toys, glamorous home décor items and more.
34 L. Asatiani Str., Tbilisi
(+995) 595 03 33 41
OPEN 11 AM - 8.30 PM
All of us at Where.ge wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
By Katie Ruth Davies