Yes, Anne + Nina is nice, very nice, still. Sometimes a bit too expensive, yes, that too, but the ladies still know how to surprise with their wonderful collection. But hey, sometimes it's also nice to have another go-to business if you don't know what to do anymore. gift (for someone else or shamelessly for yourself) then it is - so - very nice (nice, nice) to have an alternative. Voilà, five great favorites in Amsterdam with that ultimate must-have atmosphere (read: you don't have to, but you want it, so you have to). Both old and new:

Zuiderziel
Zuiderziel is packed, it is wonderful to stroll around and the best thing about Zuiderziel is that the store was doing what it does long before the style was hip. A bit of Bali, a bit of Amsterdam, lots of original stuff and a high level of sympathy. You will come there again at the Roelof Hartstraat. Zuiderziel, Roelof Hartstraat 18

Nuvo Niche
Very new on the Prinsengracht, not quite Nine Streets and delicious. Beautiful cards and posters (including from Crisp Sheets), scented candles from Hotel l'Amour (jajaja), a top selection of time-honored gift favorites & Klevering (the golden monkey candlestick, who will give it to me as a gift?), pillows, mirrors and a handful of other things that are of no use to you, but that you would like to have. In addition, sweaters and T-shirts from our own label, funny with Jordaan or De Pijp on them. And, AND, skirts, dresses and tunics (tunics?) from Free People! Finally! Nuvo Niche, Prinsengracht 232 (and there is also a webshop)

Adiuvantes

Okay, this one is a little more for a clothes or bag (the one from Sancia The Label! Yes please!), but whoever scores a present at Adiuvantes will definitely score points. Wonderfully light and 'soft' thing (you'll understand when you're there. Or not) that is simply worth having. Hats and jewelry included. Adiuvantes, Oudezijds Achterburgwal 121 A

Archive Store
Actually a gift shop for the mini-me (or the mini-of-someone) but even with-without offspring you will be greedy for the Moroccan rugs, the illuminated letters and - above all - the fantastic dry shampoo with coconut. Okay, that one was for yourself anyway, just to show that the little Archive Store is worth a visit anyway. Archive Store, Eerste Looiersdwarsstraat 11

Atelier Kemist 
Above the brand new ST Studio Store (ST, that's the luxury version of SuperTrash, then you know what we're talking about) on PC Hooftstraat, there is Kesmist, a little surprise in the heart of the city. It's SUPER fun there, and beauty is what counts. Olcay, we know from a reliable source, is moving into the beauty direction with a new concept that is coming, and that will also probably be a success. If it is up to the selection at Kemist anyway: the beauty and must-have products that are marketed are delicious. One for you, one for me. Chemist, PC Hooftstraat 31
(images via @ervthekemist)

And the usual bonus: number six.

Simplicity
At Eenvoud everything is possible in the field of jewelry. Don't they have it? Then they make it. And for not that much money at all. A classic and your go-to shop when you really don't know what to do anymore. Simplicity, Prinsengracht 310