FOR ME, ONE OF MADRID’S MANY charms is its mix of Old World elegance and modernity. While it’s fully mired in the 21st century, its historic neighborhoods with their narrow winding streets and ancient taverns are so transportive that you can imagine a cow crossing the cobblestoned pathways centuries ago. Now, they’re dotted with cool concept shops and cafés that reflect the latest generation of creatives and seamlessly merge with historic cafés and bars that have been there forever. The walkable city center offers incredible museums (El Prado, Reina Sofia), architecture spanning the medieval era to some Art Nouveau and Deco gems, and the glorious Retiro greenway that rivals New York’s Central Park. Immortalized in books, films, and art, Madrid is even more than the sum of its parts. Madrileños, as the city’s residents are known, are food-obsessed and most importantly, like to have fun, which gives Madrid its vibrant edge. If this feels like a love letter to this city that I adore, that’s absolutely right—it’s a second home to me in many ways, and if I can’t be there physically, here’s a little compendium of gifts that will bring me right back.
Merino Wool Cape with Matching Stole from CAPAS SeseñA
Madrid always strikes me as a city where people err on the dressier side. Casa Seseño is a 120-year-old cape maker that has been cloaking the likes of Paloma Picasso and Carolina Herrera, and this chic camel one would be just as perfect for walking around Salamanca (my favorite neighborhood in Madrid) as the streets of New York.
$768, sesena.com
Spain: The Cookbook from Phaidon
The definitive Spanish home cookbook (think: Joy of Cooking), translated into English and updated with graphics by illustrator Javier Mariscal that will solve all your Spanish cuisine conundrums, such as whether it’s ok to use onion in tortilla Española (spoiler: the answer is yes).
$55, phaidon.com
Mini Pebble Bucket Bag by Loewe
Before Loewe became internationally known, it was always a staple in every stylish madrileño’s wardrobe. I love how the brand has evolved and I’m especially excited to see it under the creative direction of Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough. Case in point is this mini bucket bag that’s destined to be a classic.
$2,600, loewe.com
Tinned Fish by La Narval
Spaniards are generally obsessed with food and it’s a national sport to track down the best-quality ingredients. These tinned fish from Galicia are delicious and are a fun spin on a traditional hostess gift.
From $9, mercadocentralnyc.com
Pajaritas de Chocolate from La Pajarita
These origami-inspired chocolate birds come in adorable packaging from famed Madrid-based confectionery La Pajarita. How fun would it be to surprise a design-savvy friend with this under-the-radar find?
From €16, bombonerialapajarita.es
Inti straw hat by Ana Lamata
A handmade beauty from Madrid-based milliner Ana Lamata is a wearable masterpiece. She also uses rare straw fibers and commits to using eco-friendly practices.
€820, analamata.com
Butterfly Ceramic Bowl by Eva Hernandez
My colleague, FREDERIC’s European Editor at Large Benni Frowein, discovered this ceramist a few years ago and turned us all onto her work. It’s such a perfect mix of Old World technique with an updated sensibility.
$150, schumacherdesignshop.com
Toro by Javier S. Medina
There’s nothing more iconically Spanish than a bull, like the toro silhouette billboards that dot the countryside of Spain. Artisan Javier Medina nods to that heritage with his straw trophy-head version.
From €180, javiersmedina.com
Leather Nutcracker by Sol Y Luna
A giant platter of shelled nuts at a party is a definite conversation starter! This stitched leather nutcracker would make the perfect addition to that vignette.
$75, elizabethstuart.com
Chiara espadrilles by Castañer
You can’t leave Spain without picking up a pair (or two) of espadrilles. Castañer is one of the best-known labels and these quintessential wedges will always be in style.
$235, castaner.com
Don Quijote de la Mancha by Miguel de Cervantes
When I was growing up, my mom was pursuing her Ph.D. in Spanish literature and took a survey class on Don Quijote. She could not stop talking about it! To this day, I notice the Don Quijote allusions in so many books and movies—it’s that seminal. And it’s set in the gorgeous La Mancha landscape just outside Madrid.
Polvorones by La Estepeña
These almond cookies are a holiday tradition that get their name from the powdered sugar coating that dusts them. And how delightful is the packaging that likely hasn’t changed much from when this bakery started making them almost 175 years ago.
€52, spanishoponline.com
Bomba Rice by Sivaris
Although paella isn’t specifically from Madrid, it’s synonymous with Spanish cuisine. I love the minimalist packaging on this bomba rice, which is the best variety for absorbing liquid so your paella gets crispy (the crusty bottom layer is called socarrat) instead of sticky.
$12, markys.com
Esparto Grass Paella Serving Tray
Paella pans aren’t known for their looks, but these woven straw trays really up the ante. They also double as trivets or would work equally well as a catch-all tray.
$49, tienda.com
The Pedro Almodóvar Archives from Taschen
There wouldn’t be a modern Madrid in some ways without Pedro Almodóvar and his iconic films. This book captures the essence of his filmmaking with fun photographs and graphics.
$100, taschen.com
Rooster basket from Cocol
From a cool concept store that specializes in crafts throughout Spain, this rooster egg holder is full of personality and high on charm.
$23, cocolmadrid.es
Biodynamic Olive Oil by Castillo de Canena
I originally found this biodynamic olive oil at a great food market in Chueca and have been obsessed ever since—it’s like liquid gold and very herbaceous. It just livens everything up! I would buy a case and gift one to everyone I know.
$49, oliveoillovers.com
Embroidered Rooster by Yolanda Andrés
Embroidery artist Yolanda Andrés offers kits and courses in her central Madrid studio, but also some of her hand-embroidered works framed and ready to gift. I especially love this rooster which is possibly the second-most emblematic Spanish anima after the beloved bull.
€600, yolandaandres.com
Bridge Sage sneakers by Hoff
This Spanish-based brand is known for its color combinations and sleek styles. And if you can’t visit their flagship shop on Calle de Velázquez, they can ship to the U.S.
$190, us.thehoffbrand.com
Ceramic Pitcher from Cocol
A centuries-old firing technique and wood-fired kiln called an Arab oven were used to make this Moorish-inspired semi-glazed pitcher.
$340, cocolmadrid.es
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