For centuries Swedish fathers have spent long winter hours whittling wooden toys shaped like horses for their children. Today the Dalecarlian horse, painted a vivid red with floral saddle decorations, is an informal national emblem that reflects Sweden’s deep affection for horses. Hemslojd offers Dala horses in a wide range of sizes and colors, from under 2 inches to nearly 24 inches, with prices spanning roughly $13 to $1,495. To keep a piece of this tradition close at hand, consider a hand-painted Dalecarlian Horse charm from the Jord Sweden Collection, which comes on a sterling silver chain for about $50.
The Stockholm designers behind this petite teapot know you might expect a “Made in India” mark on the bottom, but it’s entirely Swedish—crafted by artists inspired by Indian motifs. INDISKA blends Indian influences with Scandinavian traditions like Bohemian modern, producing charming, whimsical pieces. The elephant teapot is an example of that cross-cultural aesthetic, priced around $20.
Swedish design often balances efficiency with beauty, and this pear bottle captures that ethos. Glassblower Ebba von Wachenfeldt designed the bottle to be placed over a developing pear bud that is slightly smaller than the bottle’s opening and then tied to the branch. The pear grows inside the bottle through the summer; in autumn you cut the fruit free and fill the bottle with a favorite liquor. It’s a playful, practical piece of functional art, available for about $48.
Encourage creativity and an appreciation for design in children with the Svan Scooter. Built in Sweden with sturdy, safe construction, its abstract form invites imaginative play—children may see a sleigh, an inchworm, or something entirely new—while adults will appreciate a toy whose clean lines suit living-room display rather than being hidden away before guests arrive. The scooter typically costs about $100.