Gift tips: don't miss these cool Rotterdam items

The time for presents has arrived. Treat your friends, family or, of course, yourself to these cool Rotterdam items.

Rotterdam beer

Support your locals and go for beers from a Rotterdam brewery. For instance, you have Brouwerij Vet & Lazy who produce wheat smoothies with fun names like Disco Volante, Je Moeder and Le Phallus from former subtropical swimming paradise Tropicana. Other breweries include Rott, Trots, Brouwerij Noordt and Stadshaven Brewery. Popular catering establishments such as De Gele Kanarie and Proeflokaal Reijngoud also make their own brews that are fun to give as gifts.

Kaapse Brouwers has teamed up with the creators of Olli - of the well-known elephant - to introduce a beer: Blikkie. A craft, no-nonsense lager brewed according to traditional lager recipe with pure ingredients. So the name is there, now they are just looking for a good slogan. A saying, motto or slogan that describes this Rotterdam beer as well, playfully or powerfully as possible. Submissions can go to this link.

Among others at Albert Heijn, Hop-In Beer Shop, Verdins, various awards

Banlieu

Rotterdam-based clothing brand Banlieu is also making headway outside the city limits. This comfy hoodie will keep you warm in the coming winter months.

Among others at the Banlieue shop on Korte Lijnbaan 7

Susan Bijl

You can't turn a corner in Rotterdam without coming across the iconic flash of a Susan Bijl bag. The bags are made of recycled nylon and polyester and come in almost every colour of the rainbow. The New Shopping Bag medium is perfect for carrying all these Rotterdam souvenirs.

Among others, at Susan Bijl, Rotterdam Tourist Information, the Kleine Kapitein,

Sjaak Liqueur

This salmiac liqueur from Rotterdam should not be missing under the Christmas tree or in the jute bag with presents. Sjaak's base is liquorice and the dark-coloured liqueur is best when ice cold. The slightly spicy aftertaste gives your evening a delicious kick.

Available among others at Library of Spirits on Oude Binnenweg

Ascent

A nice fragrance is always a nice gift and, of course, you want to smell good yourself during all those upcoming festivities. But there is something to be said about the luxury perfume industry. For instance, on average only 1% of the retail price is spent on ingredients. Brands invest mainly in marketing and disposable packaging and maintain exclusivity through high prices. Rotterdam-based Ascent wants to change this. For example, with revolutionary packaging, such as a reusable aerospace aluminium container that can be easily refilled. The fragrances are vegan, animal-tested and have an organic base. With up to 40% perfume oil, the scents last all day.

Available at The Good People and online, among others.

Makii pins

With a Makii pin, you can easily pin your favourite Rotterdam icon to your jacket, bag or T-shirt. These colourful pins are available as the Euromast, the Cube Houses and Hotel New York, among others. Can't choose your favourite? Then just do them all right?

Among others, De Kunsthal, Rotterdam Tourist Information, NAi Booksellers, €6.95

Chabot gifts

You can find a cultural gift in the Chabot Museum's webshop. You will shop books, figurines and postcards inspired by the work of Rotterdam artist Henk Chabot.

Cley Whisky

We know Scotch and Irish whisky, but did you know that Rotterdam whisky also exists? Cley Whisky distills Cley Dutch Single Malt in a micro-distillery at Overschiese Kleiweg using only organic raw materials from the region.

Among others at Whiskeybase, Library of Spirits and Wijnhandel den Toom

Book 'With sleeves rolled up'

The sleek facades of Lijnbaan, the global success of the port, a mentality of don't bullshit but clean up: Rotterdam prefers to show its most makeable and decisive side. A book by Hilde Sennema for anyone who wants to get to know Rotterdam better and look beyond the façade of steel and reinforced concrete.

Available at various places including Donner

Maasstreams

Conceived in 1934 by Rotterdam pastry chef G. Slob and reintroduced to Rotterdam by his granddaughter in 2013: Maasstroompjes. Crunchy butter biscuits with a 'trickle' of almond paste. A must-try.

a.o. Donner, KEET, Banketbakkerij J. van Dijk, bag of ten €4.60

Picture book Rotterdam

Fun for kids, but actually just as fun for grown-ups too, this cheerfully illustrated picture book about Rotterdam by Georgien Overwater. The most beautiful spots, most iconic buildings and a parade of Rotterdammers pass by on its pages.

a.o. Donner, The Kunsthal, The Secret Garden, €15.99

Depot of Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen

Regularly launches unique collections and products in collaboration with local Rotterdam designers, design studios, makers and brands. Almost all products have a reference to the Depot's iconic silver mirror building, its function or the artworks it houses. There are new collaborations with designer Lex Pott, visual artist Suzan Drummen and toy design agency Studio Makii. One of the Depot Store's most popular products is also back. The New Shopping Bag Mirror & Agate by Susan Bijl. Exclusive and only available in the Depot's physical museum shop and via the online museum shop.

ROFFA.

At clothing brand ROFFA. Rotterdam takes centre stage. The clothes are inspired by the vibrant culture and dynamic city life. From casual streetwear to stylish outfits. There is a varied collection for everyone who wants to embrace the city's unique atmosphere. The brand opened a shop on the Oude Binnenweg in early October. Founder Maurits van der Kloes: "We are very proud to take this step. We are so happy with all the positive reactions and enjoy it when our clothes are spotted inside and outside Rotterdam. Our neighbours at The Rumah were wearing our clothes even before we introduced ourselves! We believe the city needs a brand that puts the city on the map nationally and internationally. It is for every Rotterdammer, and everyone who cares about the city."

Oude Binnenweg 112

Monocraft

Rotterdam is home to many jewellery brands such as Charlotte Wooning, Lynn Somers and Xzota. Monocrafft is another Rotterdam-based jewellery brand that offers contemporary designs, combining classic and modern aesthetics. The brand was founded in 2014 by Merrel Laureij - Westhof. She carefully crafts each piece of jewellery by hand in the in-house workshop in Hofbogen, using high-quality materials such as 14-carat gold, sterling silver and precious stones. The brand's signature style is characterised by clean lines, minimalist shapes and a focus on texture and surface treatment. From bold statement pieces to delicate jewellery, the collections are designed to be versatile, durable and wearable for any occasion.

The Pied Cow

The local chocolate maker went viral last year with the Dubai bar. On sale in its shop on Nieuwe Binnenweg, of course. But since Uniqlo opened, it has also been available in vending machines in the Japanese concern's shop on the corner of Lijnbaan and Binnwegplein. The machines also feature the exclusive matcha bars that de Bonte Koe developed for Uniqlo on the occasion of the opening.

Nieuwe Binnenweg 112 and Lusthofstraat 33a

REFERENC

REFERENC is an independent design studio based in Rotterdam. The brand specialises in redesigning timeless classics by blending them with modern elements, creating products that feel both familiar and refreshingly new. Its shoe designs strike a balance between formal elegance and modern comfort. REFERENC has a shop on Van Oldenbarneveltstraat.

In the run-up to the festive season, the Festive '24 collection has been presented. The black leather shoes exude understated luxury and are entirely handmade in Portugal. From suede to soft polished leather and matt calfskin. The core of the new collection consists of three new unisex models: the Derby, Cornell Sport and Tennis Top. With a robust yet lightweight sole, the Derby offers a balance between formal sophistication and all-day comfort. The Cornell Sport redefines the classic penny loafer, bringing together elegance and versatility with a sleek, sporty sole. Inspired by old-school tennis shoes, the Tennis Top offers a sporty and elegant look. The sole has excellent grip and cushioning and provides extra comfort during winter walks. It is complemented by favourites such as the Fernabee and the Loafer.

Van Oldenbarneveltstraat 121C

DECODED

The Rotterdam-based lifestyle brand for tech accessories was founded in 2009. Its roots are in the fashion industry. DECODED started by designing stylish messenger bags and backpacks. Today, the collection also comprises a wide range of high-quality tech accessories, specialising in premium iPhone cases. But there are also Sleeves, AirTags and Apple Watch Straps, among others. Always with a focus on style, functionality and quality.

The cases are a perfect gift for iPhone owners. Because of course the cases offer ultimate protection but they are also just insta-worthy. From outspoken for daredevils to sleek and minimalist. So they also match with festive outfits.