All our products are sold out and we will not produce new spreads until further notice.
All our products are sold out and we will not produce new spreads until further notice.
The “almond gift” is one of the most significant Danish Christmas traditions, however the challenge of finding a fantastic almond gift seems to return year after year. In fact, it’s easy to forget about it during the Christmas rush, ending up disappointing everyone with a dreary last-minute gift.
We won’t let that happen! Sedas Plantekøkken has tried to uncover some fantastic and original gift ideas that will ensure the perfect ending to your Christmas dinner. Browse the list below to spark your imagination. There is something here for everyone; young and old alike, those with a sweet tooth and those with a sense of humor, the creative and the environmentally conscious.
First, though, a brief historical detour…
Christmas Eve is all about the presents under the decorated tree. If you ask a child, that is. But for many adults, the highlight is the delicious holiday dinner, which includes the traditional rice dessert ‘risalamande’, or ris á ‘lamande, which many eagerly await. Cold, creamy, and crunchy, with a hot cherry sauce on top. It’s a Danish favorite! But where does this vanilla-flavored, almond-studded rice delicacy come from?
The name sounds French, but it’s not. Risalamande is in fact a purely Danish invention only to be found in Denmark. Several stories about the dessert’s origin have caught on. One story goes that when rice porridge became more common during the 19th century and farmers started eating it, the wealthy desired a new distinguished dish for the holiday. So, they started to add gelatine to the rice porridge to make it stiffer and then mixed it with whipped cream and almonds.
Another persistent story goes that it happened by chance at the Hotel D’Angleterre in Copenhagen when the head chef ran out of desserts for a formal event one night. So, he tossed some leftover cold rice porridge with whipped cream and nuts and served it with a glass of pickled cherries. And there you have it: a timeless classic was born!
No matter what, its French-sounding name may very well reflect the era from which it stems. In the 19th century, French cuisine served as a source of inspiration for restaurants and bakeries in Copenhagen which led to the creation of such cakes as Napoleonskagen and Sarah Bernhardt.
Today, risalamande is a Danish favorite around the holiday season. However, the highlight is the hunt for the almond while eating. A whole slivered almond is hidden in the bowl, and whoever finds it wins the “almond gift,” though traditions vary. Some use only one whole almond, while others use quite a few. Some may even have the audacity to hide an almond beforehand.
The best part is the excitement along the way. You tease each other, urge each other to eat more, and guess with your heart and soul even if you’ve already found it. Finally, the winner is revealed, possibly before everyone has finished eating.
While looking for the almond in the bowl is enjoyable, many people may find it less enjoyable to look for the perfect almond gift. In fact, as already mentioned, the almond gift is likely to be forgotten amidst all the Christmas rush. However, finding a proper almond gift can make Christmas dinner’s finale flawless.
There’s no shame in turning to tried-and-true classics like the iconic marzipan pig, a box of chocolates, special brews, or wines, but why not look for a one-of-a-kind almond gift this year and surprise everyone at the party? The key is to keep the recipient in mind. Some families tend to overlook the kids, which isn’t ideal. So, it might be a good idea to buy a family-friendly gift or two, one for children and one for adults, depending on your guest list and family traditions.
Now, the only thing left to say is: “Good hunting!” If you are still having trouble figuring out what to get as an almond gift this holiday season, go ahead and check out our list below! Here you will find gift ideas for both friends, family and for the children!
As you may expect, we think that Sedas Plantekøkken’s own special spread is perfect for a one-of-a-kind almond gift. If you’re the lucky winner, you’re in for a taste bud-exploding experience, guaranteed! Any meal of the day—breakfast, brunch, lunch, or a snack—can be made more interesting with it. And since it’s the holiday season, why not let the winner enjoy some tasty seasonings? Choose for instance one or two jars from our selection of nut butters to intensify the christmas or winter mood until the springs knocks on the door.
Martin Schwartz is well known for his beautiful portrayals of urban scenes. Of course, the portrayal of Odense has us fully charmed, and the fact that it is available as a puzzle has us even more charmed. The lucky person who gets the almond gift can start the Christmas days with a 1000-piece project that will keep them busy for hours. This puzzle stands out so much that you may have trouble dismantling it once you’ve finished putting it together.
Odense puzzle – 1000 pieces, Martin Schwartz, DKK 265, sold at Martin Schwartz.dk.
Instead of a material gift, you can donate this year’s almond gift to the World Wildlife Fund or the Danish Nature Fund to help protect the world’s wild animals and nature. You get to contribute to a worthy cause while also receiving a decorative certificate that can be framed and hung in your living room or bedroom. A thoughtful gift that is suitable for both children and adults.
Buy a WWF wildlife certificate for DKK 100, 500, or 1000.
Certificates from the Danish Nature Foundation, minimum 10 m2.
Do you remember what happened in 2022? The Year that Passed, or “Året der gik”, is a fun, and up-to-date quiz from Bezzerwisser, which comes out every year. Explore the roughly 600 questions, and see how well you know the events of the past year. Everything is covered: From politics & culture, to sports & gossip – these subjects are sure to spark lively discussions and lots of giggles.
Året der gik 2022, Bezzerwizzer, available only in Danish and will be ready for purchase in regular bookstores or at Hyggeonkel in the months to come.
Why not make this year’s almond present reflect the ongoing climate debate? The Big Climate Book, or “Den store klimabog,” encourages dialogue and action amongst kids and adults by tracing the history of the climate, emphasizing the heroes and foes in the fight against global warming, and providing advice on how to become a climate hero yourself. Explained in a simple, approachable, and motivating manner that welcomes both youngsters and adults. From approx. 8 years.
This miniature fireplace is exquisitely crafted, and will transform any room into a relaxing haven as the light is inspired by a fireplace. Perfect for the holiday season and the upcoming winter months after Christmas. The miniature fireplace is made of porcelain. We like Chim Chim Scent Diffuser.
Glean’s vegan cream buns are certain to make your mouth water. They are handcrafted and coated with the finest Belgian chocolate and have a lightly baked marzipan base. In addition to eight cream buns, the box includes a bag of chocolate fudge, ensuring that everyone – if they are lucky – gets a taste at the Christmas table.
Both adults and kids will appreciate a gift card to the magazine of their preference. You can choose from a wide variety of magazines from Mitblad.dk, including ones about gardening, interior design, lifestyle, and comics which will make for engaging reading throughout the upcoming year.
There’s a reason Ludo has stood the test of time. It’s easy to grasp and enjoyable for the entire family. This playful and kid-friendly version, created by Viga Toys, makes teaching children to play Ludo a breeze. They can have fun with animal-shaped and painted pieces like a ladybug, a bee, a butterfly, and a frog. Gathering around for a game of Ludo will certainly be more enjoyable, and the Christmas holiday is the ideal time for just that.
Admittedly, a lot has happened since “Takt og tone” was first published in 1918. Nonetheless, Emma Gad’s book on proper etiquette remains familiar and fascinating. And with this beautiful anniversary edition, you get her nuggets in an illustrated format, full of her clever, entertaining, and often surprisingly long-lasting advice. A wonderful classic that will brighten up any bookshelf and make most people smile as you rediscover the evolution of time – at the dinner table, in the family, and at any type of event.
Like a good old friend, The Wulffmorgenthaler Calendar will take you by the hand and guide you through the Lord’s year 2023, helping you distinguish between the wet days and getting a handle on the important birthdays and anniversaries – and the funny comments and jokes followed with this calendar most likely make you smile.
These one-of-a-kind Christmas decorations by “A Circular Design Studio” combine quality, aesthetics, and environmental consciousness in a way that would impress even Mr. Georg Jensen. They are made entirely of recycled plastic, which is collected from households, nature, and businesses. They come in a variety of color shades and can be purchased individually or in a gift box with 7 or 10 pieces, depending on what your budget allows.
In all honesty, we think recycling is brilliant, and therefore, for our final almond gift proposal, we’ve selected ideas for books—appropriate for both kids and adults—that combine creativity and recycling in a way that is sure to spark new ideas and opportunities. Vivian Christensen and Lonnie Würtz Jensen encourage creative uses for items found at flea markets, while Fiona Hayes promotes household crafts. Whoever wins will have plenty of opportunities to dabble in ideas and unleash their inner creative lion.
That is all for today! We hope you like our suggestions and remember to check our own Christmas Special products out.
