Kamppi Shopping Centre, Helsinki

Moomins are the charming characters in a series of books and comic strips that have taken off in Finland. Their images now appear on a wide range of popular products including glasses, coffee cups, handbags, placemats, t-shirts, towels, bed liners, pillow cases, puzzles, bookstands, etc. There’s even a Moomin theme park in Finland, but it’s in Naantali and not in Helsinki.

The trolls, unmistakable in appearance, convey an aura of fun and serenity despite their eccentric and odd shapes. They tend to be white and roundish with distinctively large snouts that give them a hippopotamus-like look. Many pithy sayings emanate from them, and you can buy books for children in English about the assorted adventures of the Moomins.

The placemats, which make a fine gift, are among the most popular items. They’re sold in virtually all the stores, but it’s worth looking around for what catches your eye. Try the Kamppi Shopping Centre on Urho Kekkosenkatu. There you can find a wide selection of Moonins trolls and placemats.

What to buy here: Moomin Trolls and Placemats.