Where To Go Christmas Shopping
by Hitomi Glemarec
Time
to start shopping for Christmas presents for friends and family here and
abroad!
Most people go to the obvious three (Aarong, Folk Bangladesh and Kumudini)
and also to the various Christmas bazaars which are scheduled for
November. They have the most variety, but here are some other shops
recommended by Dhaka expatriates. They range from the very affordable to
the quite expensive, so depending upon your budget, shop around.
Sally Ann Shop (handmade Christmas decorations, knitted throws, table linen, etc.). House 96, Road 23 Banani.
MCC, the Source (lovely paper and stationery). House 1, Block A, Asad Gate Road, Mohammedpur.
Surjomukhi (puppets, stuffed toys, disguises for children and sand-filled "critters" that little boys love). House 7, Road 7 Gulshan.
Aranya (natural-dyed scarves) -- "Festival of Colour" (8 November to 5 December 2002) features textiles, an art exhibit and gift items from Aranya & partners to celebrate the 20 year revival of natural dyes in Bangladesh. The floor above Aranya also has a shop with some interesting items. 60 Kemal Ataturk Avenue, Banani (Tel. 988 2542)
Mayasir (shalwar kameez, candlestands, jewelry, scarves). Across the road from Aranya on Kemal Ataturk Avenue.
Kadewan
(tasteful embroidered items and bags. Can also make to order). House 27,
Road 18, Block J Banani. It’s in a private house and has no shop sign
but just walk in.
Arshi (kantha-inspired embroidered wall tapestries by Surayia Rahman. Really unique). 382, East Rampura (near the TV station).
Saju Art Gallery (Modern art by Bangladeshi artists. Most of their choice is high quality, and they do not clutter their shop with hideous pictures). Lefthand corner on the first floor of the DIT-2 market.
Essentials (Tasteful interior items). House 30, Road 42, Gulshan.
Etcetera (Shop for books in a clean, restful environment). Gulshan Avenue.
Kuhu (She is an artist and paints pictures of people on the streets, particularly women. On the second floor of her gallery she also makes hand-painted/embroidered/beaded scarves, shawls, saris and other clothes. One-of-a-kind items which can be heartily recommended as a present - to yourself!). House 8G, Road. 81, Gulshan.
Bibi
Russell (handloomed textiles, scarves,
interior products). Rahman Chamber,
12-13 Motijheel C/A.
The Crafts Center (new shop by "Textile Traditions" owner. Leather Filofax covers with elephants, handwoven textiles. Worth a visit because the crafts are those of the other shops, but the designs are different). House 31, Road 36, Gulshan.
Also, if you love books, and if you have access to a reasonably reliable delivery system (such as a diplomatic pouch), www.amazon.com is really great. They have a discount on most books and for my children who are computer game addicts but who are too young to play the games offered on the market here, it’s really useful. (Note: software can only be delivered to US addresses.)
Thanks to all who have contributed the information.
[click to enlarge]
