Over 100 original gift ideas to get it right this Christmas
We offer you a wide list of suggestions for giving culture, experiences and good food to those around you
BarcelonaAs Christmas or Three Kings' Day approaches, it's normal to be overwhelmed trying to choose the right gift for everyone around us. To help you choose the best option, we offer a wide range of suggestions where you'll find, above all, gifts related to culture, leisure, and good food. More than 100 ideas to help you refine your choice.
Books, two gifts in one
A book is always a great gift, if it's the right one. Especially if it's received during a time when there's time to enjoy it between meals. This list of 30 best books of 2025 Compiled by the critics of 'ARA Leemos', you'll find several gift options, including fiction, poetry, and essays. And if you'd like to choose and explore even further, you can delve into the interactive book of the last Sant Jordiwhere you can search for the ideal title by filtering by theme, the era in which the story takes place, number of pages, language...
Theater, at the ideal moment
December is a great month to go to the theater, and you still have time to give tickets to one of the plays showing in Catalonia this Christmas. Here's a... selection of shows Something for everyone: from a classic like Blood brothers to the curious Hamlet by Albert Pla i Peyu.
The 20 best albums
If you're more into music than theater, you could give one of the albums that have been huge hits in 2025. Xavier Cervantes, head of Culture at ARA, has compiled this list of what he considers to be the best. the best albums of the year: of the Lux Rosalía, on Cala Vento's covers album, as well as Lady Gaga, Mazoni, Julia Colom, Hayley Williams... You'll also find more ideas in this ranking of the most listened to on Spotify during the last 12 months.
Experience the music
Catalonia has some of the most renowned music festivals, and a great gift idea for the holidays is a pass to one of the musical events that will be highlights of 2026. Primavera Sound months ago, they announced the first headliners for their next edition – with The Cure at the forefront – and the Cruïlla festival He has also invested heavily in groups such as The Black Crowes, Pixies and Suede, among others.
The upcoming exhibitions
Another great – and quite economical – idea for someone who enjoys culture is to invite them to see some of the exhibitions that are already taking place or will take place in Catalonia during 2026. The CCCBFor example, it already has its program for the new year defined. You can also check the exhibitions that will be on display. Catalonia La Pedrera Foundation, the Macba wave Vila Casas Foundation.
Gourmet Delights
If you have someone close to you who enjoys food above all else, here are some options. Gourmet extra virgin olive oil, pâtés made with centuries-old recipes, artisanal vermouth, or award-winning panettone... We offer you a selection For those who appreciate food – and drink. The holidays are days for eating well, but also for giving the gift of good food.
In addition, we also have more specific proposals if you know of any large companies. wine lovers or someone sick with premium quality oils.
The most surprising restaurants
A classic gift idea is a dinner or lunch for two (or more). It's ideal for someone who enjoys good food and appreciates gastronomy, and also for those who like to explore new places. We eat will find all types of restaurants and the reviews provided by our culinary experts. We also offer you different options for restaurants with gluten-free cuisine for lunch or dinner in Barcelona.
Original trips
Often we prefer to give experiences rather than objects. A good option, one that never fails, is travel: a way to enjoy and learn at the same time. In the section Travel You'll find all kinds of destinations; for the more adventurous, we can recommend some. Destinations to discover the lesser-known (and cheaper) parts of Europe And for those who prefer not to fly, a selection of 4 great train journeys you can take departing from BarcelonaIn addition, 8 options of Catalan villages that look like they've been taken from a nativity scene in case you wish to promote local tourism.
Infallible toys
It's clear: toys are the stars for little ones. That's why we offer you... A selection of 40 foolproof toys for children up to 12 years oldSome are evolutionary toys, guaranteeing many hours of play, but there are also construction toys, which incorporate real, useful tools adapted to each child's interests.
Scalextric and Lego still make great gifts. And even timeless games like spinning tops, chess, and puzzles. That's why we also offer you a selection of 15 classic toys which are still a good gift. And for the older children in the house, a choice of 12 video games available in Catalan which could be seen at the last edition of the BCN Game Fest.
However, keep in mind that too many gifts can be harmful: there is a danger of falling into rampant consumerism that can lead to what is known as the over-gifted child syndromeChildren who receive so much stimulation in the form of gifts lose their sense of the value of things. There are alternatives to avoid itBut sometimes it's hard to stop the family because everyone loves seeing the joy in the children's eyes. If it ends up happening, so be it. There are ways to manage it.
10 children's books
If there's one gift that's guaranteed to be a hit with little ones, it's books: they're fun and useful, they help them learn, and they can get them hooked on reading (and that's it). Getting young people to read can be quite a challenge.That's why we offer you a selection of 10 titles, made by bookseller Marta Gil, from El Gat Pelut, and another with 35 books chosen by the Catalan Council for Children's and Young Adult LiteratureBooks for all ages and reading tastes. You'll find them below.
You might receive a gift this holiday season that you're not thrilled about. If you're unsure whether to return it or not, We help you decide.