Welsh Crafts/Shops, Cardiff

The Wales Centre/Castle Welsh Crafts

This is a big souvenir shop opposite of Cardiff Castle. It is thus very conveniently located. There is a wide range of the usual souvenirs, some of them a little crappy, just the usual bunch of magnets, T-Shirts, cups etc. In fact, you can probably get ANYTHING here on which it is possible to print a red dragon.
There is also a section of books on Welsh history, which was quite interesting, and, adjacent to the shop, another shop where you can buy Welsh love spoons. This section of the shop is called the Lovespoon Gallery. I actually am not sure if really all of these spoons are handmade as they say, but there is a wide range of spoons to suit all kinds of budgets. You can buy very expensive ones that clearly are handmade and valuable, or small cheaper ones. The tradition of giving wooden, carved spoons to a loved one originates in the 17th century, and there are certain symbols for special meanings - I for example bought one with a diamond, meaning good fortune, as my cousin has some exams ahead.
I bought two spoons here, one each for both of my cousins, as I quite like the symbolism of them and that it is something traditional that I couldn't buy anywhere else for them. You can even buy personalized spoons here.

I must say that if you explore more of Wales on your trip, I would not buy souvenirs here at once but wait for the smaller shops in the countryside, I usually liked those much more and you will sometimes find really nice handmade and local things. If you are only in Wales or Cardiff for a day or two, though, and don't have much time for shopping, this is a good place to look for souvenirs and presents.

What to pay: I paid £7 for one small wooden love spoon. Postcards, magnets etc. have the usual prices.

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If you want to buy local souvenirs and welsh memorabilia in general this is your store!

It is full of items that I hate but a lot of travelers love to buy as souvenirs, so every item here is into the welsh colors, tshirts, mugs, phone cases, wallets, cups, flags, welsh dolls, fridge magnets etc

Everything here is for tourists of course, I don’t see any reason for a local to shop here :)

A big part of the store focus on the rugby team

Thanks for VT member Myfanwe for recommending a visit to this shop.

The Wales Centre is a good shop to visit for your Welsh-themed gifts and souvenirs; it has everything from fridge magnets to key rings to Welsh carved wooden love spoons. There are also rugby souvenirs as well as a selection of jewellery, T-shirts, postcards and fudge.

What to buy: I bought my Cardiff postcards from here - at a price of 25p each, they were half the cost of those in the Cardiff Castle gift shop!!

What to pay: Some items are average price but there are some real bargains to be had too!!

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Conveniently located opposite Cardiff Castle's Main Gate, this popular gift shop is a great place for visitors to go if you are looking for some of those touristy Welsh gifts to take back home. They have a good selection of jewelry with Celtic motifs, Welsh Slate and coal ornaments which do look really nice. there is a large selection of key rings, cups, mats, stuffed Sheep and of course dragons and Welsh Love Spoons.

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So you want a genuine Wales rugby strip? A Welsh doll? The country flag?

Then you head straight for the Wales Shop. They carry a fantastic selection of all sorts of Welsh memorabilia, with a particular emphasis on rugby articles.

I was most recently there right in the middle of the rugby international season, yet the genuine strip was on special offer.

They also open on Sundays.

This a shop that you will never miss if you are in Cardiff Central Market. It sells a sorts of souvenirs from fridge magnets, key chains, T-shirts, scarfs, photo frames and etc. They have handmade fridge magnets which is different from other shops.

What to buy: Handmade Cardiff Welsh Gift - Fridge Magnets

What to pay: Between GBP1-2

The best Welsh craft shop in the center is Castle Welsh Crafts, 1 Castle St. opposite the castle entrance. Mailing service is available, and VAT-refund forms are available for overseas visitors.

What to buy: All sorts of Welsh heritage items.

The biggest souvenir shop is just in the opposite of the Cardiff Castle. And its very famous handcraft is love spoon, made by wood.
People believe that lovespoon can brings love. Normally, boys buy lovespoon for girls to show their love.

What to buy: Love spoon, Wales T-shirt, Sheep products, etc.

What to pay: Cash, Credit Card, Traveling Check