In this year’s Best of Shopping, a lot of us had the recent uptick in quickly made and cheaper products on our minds — not to mention that it seems like barely anyone has the dough to afford their entire wishlist.
Nevertheless, we have the chance here to celebrate those who operate their shops with intentionality; we cheer on institutions that don’t drop everything for momentary trends, that champion designers and makers in Iceland, that put care into the items they ask you to spend your money on. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece, a gift, or a souvenir, you can find what we’ve chosen as the best of the best.
Best Place To Buy A Wool Sweater
The Handknitting Association
Skólavörðustígur 19
Photo by Art Bicnick
As so many shops tote machine-knit, bad-quality wool lopapeysur, choose something different. The Handknitting Association — Handprjónasambandið — sells yarn, produces so many sweaters, and continues to remind us that handmade means sustainable. Photos from their founding days are almost indistinguishable from current-day photos of the shop, which only makes you trust them more.
Runner Up:
Thorvaldsens Bazar
Austurstræti 4
Celebrating its 150th birthday this November, Thorvaldsens has long been a place worth shopping at. Year-round, their proceeds go directly to their Children’s Fund, and every Christmas, they fundraise for a specific organisation — this year’s proceeds went to Bryndísarhlíð, a facility for children struggling with addiction. Even more, all their hand-knitted items are unique (and beautiful).
Runner Up:
Farmers and Friends
Multiple locations
Farmers and Friends continues to be the place to buy chic wool products. Their delicate version of the lopapeysa defines the Farmers Market line, and the people love their style. Along with cardigans, shawls, accessories, and — of course — the poncho, their takes on wool are instantly recognisable and continue to be seen all over Reykjavík.
Previous Winners:
2025: The Handknitting Association
2024: The Handknitting Association
2023: The Handknitting Association
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