Nordic Maid

This was the first store we stopped in to check out on our day-​trip exploring Poulsbo.
The good news: if you’re of Scandinavian heritage (or if you’re just interested in Scandinavian history), you will certainly be in your element here! There are books and clothes and decorations and foods and accessories and most-​things-​imaginable, all from Denmark, Sweden and Finland. It was like an über-​specialized Ikea department (with WAY higher prices, though). There were baby bibs and toys with Finnish sayings on them, magnets and souvenirs from «the Olde country», napkins and tea-​light metal carousels and other Nordic-​European fare. If you’re nostalgic for Nordic fare, you’re sure to get your fix here.
The bad news: the prices. Even acknowledging that the merchandise is from Norway, who wants to pay $ 15 for a pair of socks that don’t look special or different that what you can find in any sock store (I’m talking red socks with a stripe of flowers on them? Nothing that screams «I’m special and imported from Denmark!»). Even the Poulsbo souvenir magnets (which are probably made in China) were overpriced. And the lady behind the counter was dour and I don’t think she cracked a smile since the 60’s. No «thank you for stopping by» or «how can I help you?» or anything. I didn’t get the warm fuzzies here. But my friend got a few Poulsbo red crab fridge magnets, and we left for friendlier stores on Front Street.

The Nordic Maid is a great little store in downtown Poulsbo that will introduce you to the world to everything Nordic! Plenty of anything you’re interested in from coffee table books to figurines and Nordic themed shirts and hats. Prices are a little on the high side — what you’d expect from a themed store in a small town. Overall it’s a nice place to visit when you’re strolling through Poulsbo to grab a donut from Sluys’ and get your Nordic fix!