The Little Viking

Cute new little shop in old town, we made a couple little purchases and were pleased with all. Will certainly keep in the radar.

We came to this little shop yesterday as we were killing time waiting for my brother in Escondido. I grew up in temecula so I wanted to bring my little girls back to old town where I loved to go the most. What a wonderful surprise that they had a Viking shop now in one of my favorite buildings. My mom is obsessed with Norway and Swedish decorated pieces. This shop had it all, the little trolls she loves and the ships and even clothes. I knocked out my Christmas shopping for her now all thanks to this lucky find!

This is a nice store! They have something for you or your family and friends if they are Swedish, Finnish, Norwegian, German and possibly Danish too.
My wife and I went to Old Town about a week after Christmas to shop another favorite store to see what might be found in ornaments and home décor. We saw the «Little Viking» sign while looking for a parking spot (there is plenty behind the building) and went in and it was clearly going to be a browse and look at everything kind of store. I honestly do not like «shopping» but I could not leave this shop until I had seen everything!
There are way too many items to list what they carry but what I DID buy were a pair of hand-​painted wood candle holders made in Sweden, a Christmas tree ornament, a «Dala» horse juniper wood knife for spreadables like butter or cream cheese, a Finnish Christmas sign that was hand made and works on a table top, shelf or can be hung on the wall, a pair of dipped candles (which I think the burn time is something like 15 hours!) and a Finnish flag on a pole that sits on my desk.
I do remember that they have imported chocolates, cookies, and mixes for baking, nice dishtowels and placemats, many neat candle holders and kitchen items, quality glassware, and while they have a good variety of stuff it’s easy to browse because the merchandise is displayed very neatly. (What would you expect?)

Wonderful Scandinavian novelty shop. The owners are very friendly and knowledgeable. They carry a lot of fun and unique items. If you are Norwegian you must visit.

I stumbled on this shop with much surprise and giddiness. A proud Norwegian, born and lived in Seattle surrounded by a major population of Scandinavians, it was like walking into my grandma’s house. Or Ballard.
Mette and Greg Gaal were the nicest, friendliest couple I’ve met in the longest time, especially in a retail setting. I didn’t buy anything at the time (was just browsing while out on a date in Old Town), but I have a mental list of items I plan on buying throughout the year. Mugs, dolls, traditional Nordic sweaters (aaaah, happy happy), yummy lotions and more.
Additionally, I gave them my information to contact me when they were going to be selling more Krumkake irons (makes Norwegian traditional waffle cookies). A month or so later, they’ve called me back and let me know they are… I’m just a lazy butt and haven’t called them back or gone in. But I will. Really. I actually want to spend more time here to find the perfect gift for my dad who is very very difficult to buy for.