It’s already December in Geneva (ekk). And while we know you’re busy stressing over your group costume for the Escalade race, we’re here to remind you that it’s also time to start thinking about holiday gifts for all the people on your list. And if choosing presents is overwhelming for you (🙋♀️), we’ve got you covered!
Introducing our first annual Geneva holiday gift guide – built around the places we actually browse in Geneva. We’re talking about the small shops with big style, the neighborhood gems you walk past every day, and, yeah, the Swiss chains that always come through when you need something fast, too.
We teamed up with local explorer Chris Dubin, better known online as @packdsuitcase, to curate gift ideas that feel genuinely rooted in the city. She spends her year uncovering boutiques, chocolates shops and all the little surprises Geneva loves to hide, so keep a lookout for her personal @packdsuitcase picks throughout the list.
And for total transparency, every single item is based purely on our independent research, with zero sponsored content (But brands, our DMs are open 😜).
Now, get ready to shop local and discover the best festive finds waiting for you just around the corner.
For Him: Gifts for the men in your life that are impossible to shop for
Stop stressing over the man who “doesn’t need anything”. We’ve put together a solid list of gift ideas that we guarantee are things he secretly wants but would never think to buy himself.
1. Alpinte Matterhorn Whisky Glasses
CHF 25.90 | Buy from La Boutique Saint-Pierre
⭐ @packdsuitcase pick: These stylish Matterhorn glasses have always caught my eye while browsing Old Town’s charming Boutique Saint-Pierre. They’re sure to make a big impression for the whiskey-lovers in your life.
2. Rare Watches
CHF 66.90 | Buy from FNAC
So you don’t quite have the budget to get your guy a Rolex. This “Rare Watches” coffee table book is probably the next best thing within budget, a perfect gift for watch lovers and a nice addition to the living space.
3. Unisex Premium T-Shirt ‘Post Tenebras Lux‘
CHF 40 | Buy from BLK & YLW
⭐ @packdsuitcase pick: BLK & YLW in Old Town is full of local-made treasures like this vintage-style unisex t-shirt. Not only is it high-quality and comfortable, but it also features Geneva’s motto, “Post Tenebras Lux” – “After darkness, light.”
4. MAMMUT Men’s Hiking Shoes
CHF 219 | Buy from Ochsner Sports
The only way to get him off the couch after the holiday feast is to equip him properly for the great outdoors. You’ll be able to successfully drag him up a Swiss mountain and touch grass with these sturdy, waterproof hikers that are guaranteed to last.
5. Bullet Journal Stealth Set
CHF 70 | Buy from Manor
For the guy whose New Year’s Resolution is finally getting his life organized. The Bullet Journal system is the ultimate low-tech productivity hack. It’s not just a notebook; it’s a pre-structured productivity system that handles logging, planning, and habit tracking all in one sleek, analog tool. It’s the perfect way to make him step away from the screen (for a bit) and turn internal chaos into something neat and organized.
6. Backbone One for iPhone
CHF 135 | Buy from FNAC
This controller is a nice upgrade for any mobile gaming lover in your life. The Backbone One turns an iPhone into a console for the most optimal mobile-gaming experience.
7. CARHARTT WIP Transitional Jacket
CHF 260 | Buy from Globus
It’s durable but also stylish, which means he can finally retire that janky jacket he’s been wearing since 2012. Consider this an upgrade to his wardrobe.
8. RAINS Toiletries Bag
CHF 34.90 | Buy from Manor
If his current wash bag is a sad ziplock bag, it’s time for an upgrade. This sleek, water-resistant toiletry bag from RAINS is perfect for the gym or weekend trips. It’s the practical gift he didn’t ask for but will most likely use every day.
9. Victorinox Workshop: Build your own Swiss Army Knife Experience
~CHF 35 (varies depending on model & customization) | Buy from Victorinox
⭐ @packdsuitcase pick: There may not be any more iconic Swiss gift than a classic Spartan Swiss Army Knife. But did you know here in Geneva, you can actually make your own at a historic workstation? This is a one-of-a-kind activity perfect for the hands-on man in your life.
10. LEGO® 75375 Millennium Falcon™
CHF 90 | Buy from Manor
Any true Star Wars lover would be thrilled to receive this Millennium Falcon LEGO set. Granted, this isn’t the epic 7,500-piece version trending on social, but let’s be realistic: not everyone has the time, the necessary commitment, or the shelf space required for that monster. This slightly smaller version is significantly easier on your wallet, and still brings all the fun of building the Falcon.
11. Cafflano Klassic – All in One Coffee Maker
CHF 95 | Buy from Trottet
The ultimate upgrade from his typical coffee thermos. The Cafflano is a sleek, all-in-one device, combining a grinder, filter, AND mug. It’s perfect for the coffee snob on-the-go who needs fresh, high-quality brew anywhere. It’s a great companion for outdoor adventures and an even better one for surviving those dreaded Monday mornings.
12. PRINTWORKS Art of Chess
CHF 65 | Buy from Manor
If he’s addicted to Duolingo Chess but hasn’t actually touched a physical board, this is the perfect intervention. This beautiful set is chic, analog, and perfect for when you need a quiet (but stimulating) activity that doesn’t involve doom-scrolling.
For Her: Everything we secretly want
This section is packed with items we’ve personally been eyeing and adding to our wish list.
1. Penguin Cashmere Hot Water Bottle
CHF 40 | Buy from George Shop
This isn’t your grandma’s ugly rubber water bottle. Wrapped in soft cashmere, this hot water bottle is the height of cozy luxury. We absolutely love the penguin and other animal designs as well. For us ladies, hot water bottles aren’t just useful during the winter, we WILL use it when we get cramps.
2. Colorful Glass Candle Holders
CHF 20 | Buy from Ploum
⭐ @packdsuitcase pick: Ploum is one of my top recommended boutiques in Carouge. It’s full of colorful treasures like these glass candle holders, which will add a pop of colorful whimsy sure to brighten any day.
3. Caran D’Ache Botanical Colouring and Lettering Set + 1 Online Art Class
CHF 85 | Buy from Caran D’Ache
This is perfect for the arts and crafts-obsessed girly who takes her hobbies seriously but doesn’t want to splurge on herself. This premium coloring set from Caran D’Ache will light up anyone’s eyes and it’s a luxurious, screen-free outlet for creativity. It’s the perfect indulgence, and hey, it’s a lot cheaper than a Birkin.
4. Pink Savanna Pyjamas
CHF 69 | Buy from Jolly Jungle
Absolutely obsessed with the cute pyjama prints over at Jolly Jungle, they are so colorful and fun. Exactly what we need during those long winter days, a pop of color to brighten things up while we rot around the house.
5. HEIDI Medium loop earring
CHF 129 | Buy from Un Chic Fou
The perfect effortlessly chic accessory. These cute loop earrings are timeless—meaning she can wear them every day, and they actually go with everything (unlike that impulse purchase sweater she made last month).
6. Classic book vase
CHF 39 | Buy from Ploum
Classic book titles 🤝 flower vases – is there a better combo? It’s cute, it’s chic, and it’s a guaranteed conversation starter.
7. Diptyque une Nuit de Cire et D’Or gift box of 3 mini scented candles
CHF 64 | Buy from Bongenie
Fancy candles go into the category of things you never buy yourself but are absolutely ecstatic to receive. Diptyque is a classic for a reason: the scents are divine, and this festive set instantly makes your apartment smell like a fancy five star hotel.
8. Claudie Pierlot Card Case
CHF 109 | Buy from Globus
As we continue to live that cashless life, a bulky wallet becomes added weight to an already heavy handbag. We love this beautiful leather card case from Claudie Pierlot—the rich burgundy and simple design makes it a nice chic upgrade.
9. SEPHORA FAVORITES Secrets for Radiant Skin
CHF 55 | Buy from Manor
As avid Korean skincare lovers, we are ready to preach the K-beauty gospel to all our friends. This fantastic set from Sephora is the perfect, low-risk introduction, packed with some famous and K-beauty products.
10. Dana Rose Bracelet Montana
CHF 69 | Buy from Dana Rose
⭐ @packdsuitcase pick: These gorgeous and delicate Swiss-inspired bracelets caught my eye recently on a walk, and now it’s at the top of my own personal holiday wish list. (Hint, hint.)
11. Le Creuset Mini Cocotte set
CHF 131.80 | Buy from Manor
These adorable mini cocottes are not only cute as hell, but also extremely versatile – use it as a sugar or salt bowl, single serve mac and cheese, dip bowl…there is no limit. They would be a very welcomed addition to any home.
12. CANON Selphy CP1500
CHF 114 | Buy from Interdiscount
I’m not sure if it’s just us getting old but I’ve started feeling nostalgic for physical media – whether it’s books, music, and of course, photos. The Canon Selphy is a portable printer that lets you instantly print out photos – perfect for your office, the fridge, and to gift friends and family during hangouts. It feels a little extra meaningful vs an airdrop photo!
Gifts for Kids (Ages 4-8): What Do Kids Like These Days?
Grab one of these sure winners for the younger crowd. These are the interactive, engaging toys and books that will keep them happily occupied without the use of screens!
1. “MyPuzzle Suisse” Puzzle
CHF 28.90 | Buy from La Boutique Saint-Pierre
A beautiful puzzle that can keep the kids curious and engaged while they learn about Swiss symbols and geography. It’s a wonderful, screen-free activity for those long winter afternoons.
2. DJECO DIY Space-Themed Kaleidoscope
CHF 17 | Buy from King Jouet
This is a cool craft kit that lets kids build and customize their own magical, space-themed light show. Not only do they get the satisfying experience of assembling it themselves, but they can reap the reward of seeing the world through a kaleidoscope.
3. LEGO® Minecraft Abandoned Mine
CHF 24 | Buy from King Jouet
This is the perfect gift for the Minecraft obsessed kid. This small set brings the blocky digital world into reality, letting kids build and play physically with the iconic characters!
4. FlikFlak Cuddly Unicorn
CHF 40 | Buy from FlikFlak
⭐ @packdsuitcase pick: These durable, water-resistant and oh-so-cute FlikFlak watches are kid-approved. With different designs and personalization, it’ll turn any kid into a watch-lover in training. (I got my own girls these last Christmas and they’ve held up great!)
5. Caran d’Ache SWISSCOLOR Travel Kit
CHF 49 | Buy from Caran d’Ache
This creative travel kit has a bit of everything for the artists in your life: pencils, pens, and watercolors from the legendary Caran d’Ache. The compact, durable case is also perfect to tote around for long train rides.
6. Rad Dinosaur Backpack
CHF 44.95 | Buy from Manor
We thought this dinosaur backpack is super nice but it also comes with a variety of different designs. It’s well designed for little shoulders and hopefully cool enough that they’ll actually want to carry it themselves.
7. The Geneva Chronicles
CHF 24.90 | Buy from Pages & Sips
⭐ @packdsuitcase pick: With clever illustrations and little history bites that don’t feel like an info-dump, this book is the perfect historical primer for Geneva’s youngest residents.
8. Travel Games Tablet
CHF 29.90 | Buy from L’Astuce Jeux
This isn’t that kind of tablet! It’s an analog game station packed with classics like tic-tac-toe, checkers, and peg solitaire. It’s fantastic for keeping the back seat occupied on those dreaded holiday drives
9. Cozy Bear Slippers
CHF 28.95 | Buy from Manor
They’re plush, warm, and shaped like adorable bears, making them perfect for padded foot protection against cold floors and LEGO bricks. Nothing like the gift of cozy feet!
Gifts That Work for Everyone: Instant Crowd-Pleasers
These items are universally appealing, stylish, and suitable for friends, colleagues, or family!
1. LEXON Speaker Pantone TYKHO 3 yellow
CHF 80 | Buy from Globus
Music lovers 🤝 design fanatics. This fun, bright Pantone yellow LEXON speaker is water-resistant, ultra-portable, and super stylish.
2. Alcohol-free Spritz Alternative by Bel Nada
CHF 32.90 | Buy from Tout Local
⭐ @packdsuitcase pick: Whether the recipient’s celebrating Dry January or enjoys a zero-proof way to unwind, this locally-made, women-owned non-alcoholic spirit (featuring notes of grapefruit, rosemary and rose) is sure to impress.
3. Geneva Neighborhood Pennants
CHF 16-36 | Buy from celestehay.ch
⭐ @packdsuitcase pick: These fun neighborhood pennants from local designer Celeste Hay are the cutest way to show love for your neighborhood, and will bring a warm, vintage vibe to your space.
4. Rolife Book Nook
CHF 49.90 | Buy from FNAC
This is the perfect gift for the hobbyist, crafter, or book lover who needs to feel productive without leaving the house. This intricate DIY kit lets them build a stunning, miniature “book nook”—a tiny, decorative diorama that slides right onto a bookshelf. There are tons of different designs to choose from as well.
5. Soeder Orange Groove Gift Set
CHF 72 | Buy from Globus
Soeder, the Swiss brand known for its natural and sustainably produced goods, packs its classic Orange Grove scent into a beautiful gift set. It’s perfect for upgrading the guest bathroom that currently features an old hotel soap.
6. Jet d’Eau Genève Screen-printed poster 40x50cm
CHF 199 | Buy from BLK & YLW
⭐ @packdsuitcase pick: This high-quality, screen-printed poster is perfect for the person who loves Geneva – the ultimate statement piece that will spruce up any office or home.
7. BIALETTI x Dolce Gabbana Cafetière Moka Express
CHF80 | Buy from Manor
This isn’t just a moka pot, it’s a statement piece. The classic Bialetti Moka Express is wrapped in the bold and beautiful Dolce & Gabbana design, bringing a little extra something in the mornings. Perfect for the coffee lovers or anyone that appreciates beautifully designed kitchenware.
8. PRINTWORKS – Album Photo Life in Pictures
CHF 50 | Buy from George
This is the classic photo album, but designed to look chic on a coffee table or shelf. This beautiful album transforms forgotten snapshots into a curated collection of your most treasured memories. It’s a stylish reminder that physical media never go out of style—and a great reason to finally print those photos.
Gifts under CHF 30: When your office decides to have a secret santa gift exchange
Struggling with the Secret Santa budget or just need a thoughtful little something? These affordable gifts under CHF 30 are perfect for colleagues and acquaintances!
1. NEWMAGS Pictures Of Tiny Animals That Will Make You Smile coffee table book
CHF 19 | Buy from Bongenie
Who doesn’t love animals? It’s completely non-controversial, guaranteed to elicit an “aww”, and is the ideal desk accessory for distracting everyone from the fact that they’re supposed to be working. It’s the perfect office gift exchange item.
2. Around Switzerland Card Game
CHF 16.90 | Buy from L’Astuce Jeux
Think you know Switzerland well? This fun and engaging card game lets you test your Swiss knowledge. It’s perfect for trivia night bragging rights and finally settling who is the ultimate Swiss expert in your life. The game is in French, Italian, German, and English!
3. Dilly Socks
CHF ~17 | Buy from Dilly Socks
Socks are the quintessential cliché Christmas gift we all hated as kids, but now? As adults, we love getting fresh, cozy, fun socks. It’s a good reminder to retire the holey-ones from the sock drawer! Dilly Socks comes in so many vibrant patterns and colors, you can find the perfect pair for any friend or family member.
4. Blue carp from Lake Geneva
CHF 25 | Buy from La Jonx
Inspired by the iconic Japanese Koinobori (silk carp streamers), this decorative blue carp is like the ones you see flying over Pâquis every summer. It’s a beautiful, unique piece of decor that is a perfect touch for your apartment.
5. What Keanu Says
CHF 16.50 | Buy from Payot
Keanu Reeves is known for his genuinely heartwarming, insightful, and often funny comments on life. This pocket-sized book collects his best quotes, perfect for the Keanu fans out there (which I’m assuming is 90% of the world right?)
6. Wardians Small Terrarium
CHF 24.90 | Buy from Globus
For the person who manages to kill every house plant, this small terrarium is the answer. It requires virtually no effort, no watering, and definitely no green thumb! It’s a chic, self-contained ecosystem that brings a calming touch of nature to any desk or shelf. It’s truly the only plant guaranteed to survive the holiday season (and beyond).
7. JELLYCAT “Amuseable Clementine”
CHF 30 | Buy from Globus
Is it a gift guide without a Jellycat? The plush toy that even adults secretly love? No one will be upset with receiving a clementine jellycat.
8. Secret Geneva by Christian Vellas
CHF 28 | Buy from Pages & Sips
⭐ @packdsuitcase pick: If your friend likes discovering Geneva’s Hidden History (like me), this book is a must-have. I just picked up my own copy at Pages & Sips, and it’s amazing to read just how much there is to discover in our small (but mighty) city.
9. Noble du Rhône – Feuillantine filling
80g – CHF 13 | Buy from Du Rhône
⭐ @packdsuitcase pick: In a land of incredible chocolate, these gold-leaf topped artisanal bars are my top holiday pick. I always pick up a bagful from Du Rhône every December – they make the best teacher gifts, stocking stuffer or “just because” treats. (Pro tip: Get one for yourself, too!)
10. UNO Spin
CHF 22.95 | Buy from King Jouet
Take the UNO game to the next level with this spinner. UNO Spin takes the simple matching game and adds a wheel of chaos, which can either give you a huge advantage or instantly turn your massive hand of cards into an even bigger one. Fun game nights are guaranteed.
11. Moleskin Classic Notebook
CHF 25 | Buy from Branchard
You can’t go wrong with a classic. The Moleskine is the notebook preferred by artists, writers, and highly organized people everywhere. It’s a nice gift that feels incredibly thoughtful and encourages them to finally start that journal they’ve been promising themselves they would.
12. Lego Botanicals Happy Plants
CHF 20 | Buy from Interdiscount
More plants that require zero light, zero water, and definitely zero care? Yes, please. This set is part of the beloved LEGO Botanical Collection, perfect for bringing a perpetual bloom of cheer that won’t die next month.
13. Geneva Cookbook
CHF 25 | Buy from Pages & Sips
⭐ @packdsuitcase pick: This clever cookbook by local author Louise Kasser Genecand is part cook book- part love letter to Geneva’s culinary legacy, answering questions like: What’s the story behind Jeũne genevois’ plum tarts, and what do you do with a spiny cardoon anyway?
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