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The complicated art of gift buying

There are a few moments throughout the year in which we unavoidably ask ourselves “what present should I buy for....?”. Most of the times, we find the answer in the shape of a tie –if the recipient is a man- or of perfume bottle –if the present is for a woman. Next, we’ll try to propose alternatives so that next Christmas or on future family, friends and work colleagues’ birthdays we are not labelled as boring and lacking of imagination and originality. With this aim, we have chosen some of the shops in Barcelona, where, with some good taste, we will find alternative, unusual and surprising ideas.

For somebody who’s stressed and on the verge of a nervous breakdown, there’s nothing better than relaxing flotation session at one of the Flotarium centres in Barcelona. The experience lasts about an hour and a half and consists of immersing our body in a kind of capsule that contains 600 litres of water and 300 kilos of salts, so that we feel as if we were floating on the Dead Sea. The price is about 30 euros.

Those who have tried it say Japanese floral art –ikebana- is a good activity to fight stress. Registering somebody on an ikebana course, where we’ll be taught the difficult art of growing bonsais, can be a very good choice. In Barcelona, it reaches us through Bonsaikebana, a shop that also offers courses on Japanese culture and gastronomy.

Japanese objects and stuff from other countries can be found in Fantastik, a shop located in downtown Barcelona. It invites us discover gadgets, post-cards and curious objects from the entire world.

The offer of A la Premsa d’aquell Dia is a good option for the most nostalgic ones, who will be able to buy a bit of history printed on paper. The most common thing is to get the front page of the newspaper printed on the birthday of the person we want to surprise, so they can learn what was going on in the world the day they were born.

We will also find a bit of nostalgia between the walls of Col•leccionisme Coixet, close to the Cathedral. On its shelves we will find postcards from the beginning of last century, signs and posters, boxes and other objects related to advertising.

Let’s leave the past and have a look at the present. It’s the turn for Duduá, a shop in which we will definitely find the most modern, amazing and unique gift. All the products have been made by young artists: T-shirts, crochet bags, caps, wallets, etc.

If we happen to have a friend with concerns about the environment and committed to ecology, Poble Espanyol invites us penetrate the peculiar universe of Impronta, that sells hand-made recycled stuff.

The boldest suggestion is Sensualove, a chain of non-conventional sex-shops where sensual and sexual products are elegantly and naturally exhibited. Perfect for hen/stag parties and, why not, to surprise our boy/girlfriend.