The best local handicrafts and artisanal items, from our online worldwide Authentic Shopping Guide.
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Delftware
The classic blue-and-white ceramics that grace so many Dutch lives continue to be produced and hand-painted in Delft (and cheaper knock-offs in Asia). Delft tiles are easiest to pack in your carry-on, but the more reliable local shops will ship bigger pieces (vases, plates, tulip vases). Try Galleria d’Arte for an impressive selection of antique and new Delftware. Prinsengracht 170; tel. +31 20 622 7509. www.delft-art-gallery.com
Cheese
If you develop an abiding taste for all the Edam and Gouda cheeses you’ve sampled, you can make a cheesy picnic on the spot at the Noodermarkt, where the cheese vendors cut slices from huge wheels. Or stop by De Kaaskamer, a store that stocks an epic selection of packaged Dutch cheeses. Runstraat 7; tel. +31 20 623 3483.
New Dutch Designs
Amsterdam's temple of modern design is The Frozen Fountain, where big names like Marcel Wanders exhibit their latest collections, including hand-thrown and hand-painted ceramic lines that playfully reference traditional Makkum and Delft motifs. Another top seller is Piet Hein Eek’s handmade chairs constructed from recycled wood. Prinsengracht 645; tel. +31 20 622 9375. www.frozenfountain.nl
Wooden Shoes
Classic Dutch wooden shoes may seem kitschy, but they are actually practical if you're plodding around your garden at home. The best selection of hand-carved clogs can be found at De Klompenboer, Sint Antoniesbreestraat 39-51; tel. +31 20 623 0632. www.woodenshoefactory.com
