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Christmas Gift Ideas for Your Iceland Obsessed Friend
If you’re searching for the perfect Christmas gift for that Iceland-obsessed friend in your life, I’ve got you covered. As someone who lives in Iceland and shares all things Icelandic year-round, I’ve rounded up a curated list of meaningful, cozy, and delicious gifts that will make any Iceland lover light up this holiday season. Here are some wonderful Iceland-inspired ideas (links included): 1. A Traditional Icelandic Sweater (Lopapeysa) Nothing says “I love Iceland” quite like a beautifully hand-knit lopapeysa. Made from Icelandic wool, it’s warm, breathable, and naturally water-resistant. Plus, each pattern carries a piece of Icelandic heritage—making it a functional and sentimental gift. 2. Jólaöl – Icelandic Christmas Ale This seasonal favorite ale is only available around the holidays and has a comforting malt-forward flavor that Icelanders adore. It’s a festive, fun, and very Icelandic way to toast the season. 3. Icelandic Chocolate Iceland’s chocolate makers craft incredibly smooth and flavorful treats, often using local ingredients. Whether it’s classic milk chocolate or artisanal small-batch bars, this gift never fails to impress sweet-toothed Iceland enthusiasts. 4. Iceland Christmas-Themed Mugs Perfect for cozy winter mornings, these mugs let your Iceland-loving friend enjoy their coffee or tea with a little nod to their favorite country. They’re great for holiday decorating too! 5. Icelandic Coffee Blends Coffee culture is strong in Iceland, and local roasters create rich, aromatic blends inspired by the island’s landscapes and traditions. It’s a thoughtful gift for anyone who starts their day with a warm cup in hand. 6. Icelandic Beer & Spirits From craft beers to unique Icelandic spirits like Brennivín, these beverages offer a fun taste of Iceland’s brewing and distilling traditions. It’s a great way to share a little Icelandic cheer from afar. 7. A Book by an Icelandic Author Iceland punches far above its weight in literature! Whether your friend loves mysteries, folklore, poetry, or Icelandic sagas, gifting a book from a local author is a beautiful way to connect them to Iceland’s storytelling roots. 8. Outerwear from an Icelandic Brand Icelanders know how to stay warm, dry, and stylish in unpredictable weather. Jackets, hats, and other outerwear from local brands, like 66 North, make incredible gifts—practical, high-quality, and authentically Icelandic. 9. A Music Record from a Local Icelandic Artist Music is a huge part of Icelandic culture, and gifting a vinyl record or album from a local artist is a beautiful way to share the country’s creative spirit. Whether it’s ethereal vocals, indie rock, contemporary pop, or traditional Icelandic sounds, this gift connects your friend to Iceland through artistry and emotion. Random Fact of the Episode It’s my first Christmas as a mom and I’m so excited! Icelandic Word of the Episode Today’s Icelandic word is: “Jólagjöf” (yo-la-gyöv) — which means “Christmas gift.” You’ll hear Icelanders using this word everywhere in December. So now, when you’re picking out that perfect jólagjöf for your Iceland-obsessed friend, you can throw in a little Icelandic too. I hope this episode sparks some great ideas for thoughtful, meaningful Christmas gifts inspired by Iceland. If you want links to any of the items I mentioned, check the show notes for this episode at allthingsiceland.com/iceland-christmas-gift-ideas If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who also loves Iceland. And of course, you can follow me on social media @allthingsiceland for more Icelandic content, tips, and inspiration. Share this with a Friend Pinterest Facebook Email Let’s Be Social Youtube Instagram Tiktok Facebook Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega.
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A Pioneering Icelandic Actress – Aldís Amah Hamilton
Aldís Amah Hamilton is a trailblazing Icelandic actress, writer, and cultural icon. Born in Germany and raised in Reykjavík, she has starred in hit shows like The Valhalla Murders, Netflix’s Katla, and co-created the gripping series Black Sands. In 2019, she made history as the first woman of color to embody the Fjallkonan, Iceland’s national symbol on Independence Day in Reykjavík, which is the largest celebration and is televised around the country. Beyond the screen, Aldís lends her voice to video games like Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II and Echoes of the End, and leads as chair of the Vegan Association of Iceland—advocating for plant-based living while shaping Iceland’s cultural landscape. Save Big When You Stay in Reykjavík The “In bed with” series is sponsored by Center Hotels and the interviews are recording at one of their hotels while I chat with my guests in a bed. They have 9 hotels in the center of Reykjavik and each of them is unique. To save 25% on your stay with Center Hotels use my code ATI25. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyWfVs_j36A The Previous Interview I did with Aldís Amah Years Ago I was very fortunate to interveiw Aldís Amah Hamilton years before her acting career took off. Learn more about her childhood in Iceland by checking out that interview here – https://allthingsiceland.com/aldis-amah-biracial-iceland-interview/ Some of the Topics Aldís Amah and I Spoke About During the Interview ✨ Breaking barriers in the Icelandic acting world✨ Making history as the Fjallkonan✨ Life as a vegan and her role in Iceland’s vegan community✨ What drives her authenticity on and off screen Live Iceland Trip Planning Workshop On Saturday, October 4th, 2025, I’m hosting a Live Iceland Trip Planning Workshop. Get local expertise to help cut through confusion and plan your trip with ease. Click Here Share this with a Friend Facebook Email Threads Let’s Be Social Youtube Instagram Tiktok Facebook Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega.
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1:11:48
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1:11:48
3 Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Iceland for the First Time
If I could go back to my very first trip to Iceland in 2013, knowing what I know now after living here for over nine years and traveling extensively around the country, there are three major things I would do differently. And I think these are going to help you as you’re planning your own adventure here. 1. Understanding how Daylight Hours Impact Travel Plans in Iceland When I came here for the first time, I knew the days were shorter in winter, but I wasn’t prepared for how short they were. Imagine only having four hours of daylight in December, with the sun rising around 11 a.m. That completely changes how much you can see and do in a day. Had I planned with that in mind, I could’ve maximized my time so much better. 2. Take Driving Distances around Iceland in to Consideration While Planning This one surprised me the most. Iceland looks small on a map compared to other countries, but trust me, it’s not as quick to get around as you think. For example, the stunning Stuðlagil canyon in East Iceland? It’s about a seven-and-a-half-hour drive from Reykjavík. That’s just one of the hundreds of incredible places you might want to see. If you don’t account for drive times, you’ll either be rushed or miss out on places you were hoping to experience. 3. Building Flexibility into Your Plan Icelandic weather can change dramatically no matter the season. A severe windstorm or heavy snow could shut down access to an area, which means your plans may need to pivot. The good news is, with the right approach, you can build in alternatives, so your trip is still amazing even if the weather forces you to adjust. Expert Help for Your Planning Your Trip to Iceland Now, these are just a few of the things I’ll be diving into in my Iceland Trip Planning Workshop happening on October 4th. In this one-hour live, interactive session, I’ll walk you through a proven framework for creating your own 5-day itinerary in Iceland—without spending hours scrolling blogs and piecing together random tips from social media. In just one hour, you will:✅ Cut through the confusion and know exactly where to start✅ Learn a proven framework for planning any 5-day Iceland trip✅ Get insider tips from someone who actually lives in and travels around Iceland✅ Walk away with practical steps you can put into action immediately What’s included in the Live Iceland Trip Planning Workshop A one-hour live, interactive planning session with me Replay access for up to 16 days afterward Practical steps to build an itinerary that fits your personal travel style Fun giveaways of Iceland-related prizes during the live session Plus, a 15% discount code for My Iceland Map, which has over 300 of my personal recommendations of what to do and see around the country Use this link to save your seat at the workshop – https://all-things-iceland.teachable.com/p/iceland-trip-planning-workshop And because I love to reward action-takers, the first 50 people to register will get 15% off the workshop price with the code “Save15”. So if you’ve been dreaming of Iceland but feel overwhelmed with where to start, this workshop will save you time, stress, and confusion—and help you make the most out of your trip. Random Fact of the Episode I had no idea at the time in 2013 that I would for sure move to Iceland but I do know that the visit left such a profound impact on me that I was adamant about visiting again in June of 2014. Icelandic Word of the Episode Námskeið – course or in this case I am using it for workshop, such as the Iceland Trip Planning Workshop Share this with a friend Facebook Email Threads Let’s Be Social Youtube Instagram Tiktok Facebook Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega.
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More Than Music: Iceland’s Pop Icon Páll Óskar on Life, Love & Legacy
Since bursting onto the scene in 1993, Páll Óskar—also known as Paul Oscar—has been turning heads, moving hips, and breaking boundaries. He’s not just a singer. He’s a performer, a provocateur, a fearless icon who has never shied away from being exactly who he is—openly gay, genre-bending, and unapologetically fabulous. And let me tell you, he’s not slowing down anytime soon. His music and style have evolved over the decades, but his bold spirit and commitment to authenticity have never wavered. Whether he’s belting it out with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra or dancing down Reykjavík’s Laugavegur during Pride on a sparkling unicorn float (yes, really!), Páll brings all the drama in the best way possible. https://youtu.be/Xvow55EE6ak Save Big When You Stay in Reykjavík, Iceland This episode is sponsored by Center Hotels, who is also a proud sponsor of Pride in Reykjavík. To save big when you stay in any of their 9 hotels, use code ATI25 for 25% off. Some of the Topics Páll Óskar and I Discussed during the Interview The attitude towards artists in Iceland His incredibly talented Family Why trends spreads so quickly in Iceland His family’s response after coming out in the 80s Reconciling with his father after not being accepted as Gay The change in Iceland toward the LGBTQ+ community Being an artist and an activist in a small society The pressure of having a famous older sibling Owing Donna Summer & African Americans his whole life Páll Óskar’s idea of the perfect Pride Parade The Grindr scandal Why representation matters in all forms Páll Óskar’s Controversial Eurovision Performance His advice for emerging artists Check out Páll Óskar’s Music If you want to dance to awesome Icelandic pop music spanning from the 90s until present day, check out Páll Óskar’s music here. Share this with a Friend Facebook Email Threads Let’s Be Social Youtube Instagram Tiktok Facebook Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega.
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Is This Iceland’s Best-Kept Secret Stay? – Harmony Lodge Tour
I recently stayed at Harmony Lodge, and let me tell you… it blew me away. If the idea of relaxing in a private sauna and hot tub, surrounded by Icelandic nature — and away from the tourist crowds — sounds like a dream, then keep listening. I’ll also be sharing an exclusive discount you can use to save up to 25% on your own stay at Harmony Lodge. My Stay at Harmony Lodge: Nestled in the serene South Icelandic countryside, this incredible place is just 10 minutes from Seljalandsfoss, one of the most famous waterfalls in the country. Despite being so close to big attractions, it feels completely remote. You won’t hear cars. You won’t see crowds. You’re just surrounded by open land, mossy hills, and stunning views. Each lodge is built with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, giving you panoramic views of the landscape. From the moment I stepped inside, I felt like I had entered a warm, cozy bubble where I could completely unwind. The design is minimal yet luxurious — Scandinavian style with Icelandic charm. And get this — every lodge comes with its own private sauna and hot tub. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever felt so relaxed after a day of exploring. Sitting in the hot tub at sunset with the fresh Icelandic air around me and the quiet of nature all around… It’s the kind of peaceful you can’t describe — you have to experience it. Perfect Base for Exploring the South Coast: Another thing I loved is how Harmony Lodge strikes the perfect balance: peaceful seclusion, but super close to the major sites. From the lodge, you’re: 10 minutes from Seljalandsfoss 30 minutes from Skógafoss Just over an hour from Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach Close to Þórsmörk, Eyjafjallajökull, and many more iconic stops. You can easily explore during the day, then come back to complete privacy and calm — no busy hotels, no noisy hallways, no stress. Special Discount to save on Harmony Lodge for All Things Iceland Listeners: Now, here’s the exciting part — I have an exclusive discount for All Things Iceland listeners and followers! ✨ Use code JEWELLS10 at checkout to save 10% on your stay at Harmony Lodge. Even better — if you book two nights or more for a stay between now and August 31st, 2025, you can combine my 10% code with their current 15% discount. That’s 25% off total! 🗓️ The discount code is valid until July 31st, 2025, and you can book for any stay up until December 31st, 2025. Just go to: https://harmonyretreatlodge.comAnd enter JEWELLS10 at checkout. Why Harmony Lodge Might Be Right for You Whether you’re visiting Iceland for the first time, or you’ve been here before, staying at Harmony Lodge is such a special experience. It’s perfect for: Couples on a romantic getaway Travelers looking to unplug and relax Nature lovers and photographers And anyone who wants to experience Iceland in a deeper, more tranquil way And I think we all deserve a little luxury and stillness sometimes — especially in a country as beautiful as this. If you end up staying there, please let me know what you think! I’d love to hear about your experience. Random Fact of the Episode The ferry to the Westman Island is just a short drive from the lodge. On a clear day, you can even see the islands from Harmony lodge which is awesome. The 50-minute ferry ride to Vestmannaeyja is totally worth it, especially in the summer. Heimaey is such a fun and special place to visit. You can easily drive around the island and do different activities in just one day. I highly recommend adding this island to your itinerary. Icelandic Word of the Episode jafnvægi – harmony Share this with a Friend Facebook Email Threads Let’s Be Social Youtube Instagram Tiktok Facebook Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega.
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