Jetsettersblog

Tired of giving soap-on-a-rope again to your dad?

Or a pair of slippers for mom? Break out of the rut with a unique product from Iceland, the Niceland.

The 15 percent tax-free refund for tourists on a minimum purchase of about $40 (5,000 ISK) adds to the shopping nirvana. Here are some ideas:

Laugarvegur – Iceland’s Fifth Avenue

Strolling down the main shopping street, Laugarvegur, in Reykjavik will make you think you’re on one long catwalk of tres chic boutiques. Some of our favorites are:

Kisan with its ultra sumptuous hand-knit sweaters and unique home goods (www.kisan.is)

Fashion forward KronKron located in a loft-like boutique filled with bold Prints and patterns (www.kronkron.com)

Trilogia is the jewel in the crown of Laugarvegur shopping. Part boutique, part art gallery, it is named as having one of the city’s strongest mixes of Iceland and international collections, selling work by recent fashion graduates alongside big brand heavyweights.

Find designer labels like Alexander McQueen, Chloe, Preen, Erotokritos, Orion, Pepa Delight, Robert Cary Williams, and Antipodium – serious fashion with a lot of attitude thrown in. The store is frequently converted into an art gallery for true fashion is really an art.

Naturceuticals from The Blue Lagoon

You don’t need to go to Iceland to give the best skincare Iceland has to offer. Blue Lagoon Iceland skin care is a true naturceutical brand, providing a perfect harmony between nature and science, and it’s available to you right now.

The spa’s production methods are green and environmentally friendly, and high-performance formulations pamper all the senses and make one’s daily skin care regime a joyful Icelandic experience.

All products are hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested so skin feels pure, rejuvenated, glowing with energy.

All bath and skincare products are available on-line at www.bluelagoon.com/Shop/

There’s an on-line store locator, or you can order on-line – product is stocked in the U.S. for faster delivery. U.S. residents that order in November receive free shipping on orders over $100.

Shop for gifts and souvenirs ‘til you drop

Making your shopping trip complete are a wide variety of traditional Icelandic gifts and souvenirs. Iceland’s largest souvenir shop is called The Viking, located in the hearts of Akureyri and Reykjavik.

Find hand-knitted Icelandic woolens, sheepskin outerwear, lava-laced pottery, Viking inspired novelty gifts, stunning photographic books, music and artwork from local artists – all are available in shops throughout the country and in the duty free stores of Leif Eriksson International Airport in Keflavik (www.dutyfree.is)