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How many days left?

It's already snowed, the holiday decorations are up...

by kristin pedroja

Uh oh… the calendar says it's (gasp!) December! What to do in this month that flies by like no other, no matter how well-prepared we may think we are? Luckily, the opportunities for shopping in Ljubljana are more than abundant nowadays, even for the biggest Scrooges in town.
        
Holiday shopping, in three easy steps:

1. The Charming City Centre
There is something delightful about the energy and bustle of Ljubljana's city centre in December. It's not just the tree in Prešeren Square, the decorated windows, the flying snowballs and lights above high. People are generally happy; they're sipping mulled wine while gazing into shop windows, and glancing at the offerings of street vendors while strolling along the river embankment. It's shopping at its easiest and most mellow - a short casual walk to just about anywhere, and plenty of cafes to lure you in for warm coffee and cake.

If you happen to be new in town, then the following guide should help to get you started on a Ljubljana holiday shopping spree, and if all goes well, you might just find the right gifts for everyone on your list.

Ideas for everyone...

For bling: Frey Willie (Mestni Trg 8). A fantastic array of jewelry, including unique, colorful pieces perfect for those with impeccable taste.
Tomislav Loboda (Wolfova 6). A variety of beautifully designed jewelry in classy, timeless styles. Also stocks a good selection of watches for men and women.

For cooks, homemakers, and bartenders: Filipov Dvorec (Cankarjevo nabre'je 1). This relatively new shop has a great selection of all things cooking, including kitchen gadgets, hip flasks, and bar gear.

For the hipster girlies: Zara (Cankarjeva 2). Beaded bags, pretty hair accessories, handbags, and gloves, all perfect for the chic femme wanting a bit of pretty to add to their wardrobe.

For the hipster guys: Springfield (Cankarjeva 4). A nice assortment of male accessories, from leather bags to belts, hats and scarves in trendy colors.

For people you don't know well enough, but feel a gift is necessary: Inkognito (Stari Trg 30). Always full of funky, trendy gifts in all price ranges, from toy guns that shoot plastic 'bosses' across the room to goofy air fresheners to head massagers to lollipops with flies and worms inside.

For people who need to chill out: Pilates (Wolfova 1). A peaceful environment with the perfect gift for anyone who deserves a break: a gift voucher for a massage, facial, or yoga sessions.

For literary types: Vale Novak Trgovina s Konceptom (Zidovska steza 6). A gem of a shop with three floors to explore, the shop specializes in coffee table books, fiction, and quirky titles, and much of their stock is in English. The third floor contains an eclectic mix of clothes and accessories that would please the most discerning fashionista.

For stocking fillers: Cokoladnica Cukrcek (Mestni Trg 11). To-die-for chocs in an assortment of packaging and forms, including Proteus, Prešeren, and, of course, Santa.

For the "uh-oh, I didn't get her/him anything" moment: Prodajalna Piranske soline (Mestni trg 19). 'Just a few doors away from the sweet shop, the 'salt shop' has an array of salt-based gifts from the Slovene salt fields along the coast. A great place to find a unique Slovene gift to keep on hand just in case, from bath salts to cooking salt to Koper wines and tablecloths.

For the woman with everything: Katarina Silk (Gorjni Trg 5). Katarina makes wonderful one-of-a-kind jewelry using beads, Murano glass, wire, feathers, sequins, glitter - anything shiny, sparkly and sassy. Her shop is also her studio, so it's possible to watch her work.

For the activist: Fair Trade Shop (Stari Trg 30). Full of interesting gifts from fair trade artists and creators around the globe. Usually stocks mugs, teas, bags, votive holders, and a host of unique gifts that can be purchased with conscience intact.

And don't forget a trip around the marketplace, where local handicrafts and products are sold for reasonable prices. Buy a mulled wine and wander the lovely merchandise on offer.

2. The SILA Bazaar
10 December at the Ljubljana Fairgrounds. Organized by the Slovene International Ladies' Association and now in its 12th year, this perennial favorite for the holiday shopper is set to be even bigger and better this year. Over 30 countries are set to participate with stands including handicrafts and specialties shipped in from around the world. This year's events include traditional dancing and presentations by different nations. As always, proceeds will go to charity and all staff are volunteers. A fantastic event to support, but get there early as the best items disappear quickly - doors open at 9 am.

3. BTC City
No shopping campaign would be complete without a good old trip to the mall. With over 400 shops ready to take your money, BTC City offers the largest array of shopping choices in the country. And with opening hours far beyond those of the city centre, including Sundays, BTC is convenient as well. Overwhelming? Perhaps so, but not if you plan your strategy well. Here's a sample of where to go for unique gifts for anyone on your list.

Harvey Norman. Always a good selection of home accessories and electronics. Impeccable taste by Harvey Norman's buyers make this an ideal spot to find all sorts of household essentials, from DVDs to candles to cushions.

Emporium. Stocking designer goods from around the world, Emporium's selection of hip accessories for men and women provides seemingly unlimited options for classy gifts.

Zara. Recently opened, and far bigger than its sister store in the city centre, this outlet is stocked with the latest in fashionable clothing and accessories for men, women, and kids. Helpful staff makes this an ideal place for inexpensive yet desirable treats.

Kolosej. How about a gift voucher for movie tickets and popcorn? An easy way to thrill the kids!

Intersport, Gigasport. For those on your list who are athletically inclined, both of these shops offer a selection of essential gear and gadgets at all price ranges.

City Park. Dozens of shopping possibilities… Art supplies for a stifled inner painter. A fondue set. Trendy wine glasses. But if you dare to dive into this teeming mass of consumer hysteria, especially during the holiday shopping season, remember to be discerning, think creatively, and then get ready to elbow your way to the cash register.

Atlantis. The water park isn't only for summertime fun. Remember that many of their pools are indoors, as are their hot springs and saunas. Massage, facials, and tanning sessions are also available. Gift vouchers will please anyone needing a bit of R&R after a busy holiday season.

Arena Vodafone Live! Why not consider a night for four at this all-in-one entertainment center? Gift vouchers for bowling and billiards are available and guaranteed to bring a smile.

There are only a few precious shopping days until Christmas, so take a deep breath and know that even the most difficult person on your list can be pleased with a gift from our fair city.

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