They walked into Tallinn's Old Town through the medieval gates and couldn't believe it was real. They ate elk stew in a cellar restaurant and appreciated both the food and the theatre of it. They know Tallinn is a digital nation in a medieval body and they find this contradiction the most interesting thing about it. Tallinn people love a city that doesn't fit neatly into any category, and Tallinn obliges by fitting into none. Here's what to get them.

For the Tallinn Nerd

Estonia's 20th century history under Soviet occupation is covered in moving detail in "The Man in the Library" and various Baltic history collections. For a cultural overview, the Estonian Song Festival tradition, which helped drive independence through collective singing, is covered in accounts of the Singing Revolution and is genuinely remarkable. Sofi Oksanen's "Purge" is Finnish-Estonian fiction that covers the Soviet occupation period with literary power and is strongly set in the cultural region.

For prints, a medieval Tallinn town hall illustration or a vintage Soviet-era Estonian tourism poster available on Etsy is specific and unusual. A Baltic coastline photograph or a folk pattern print in the Estonian textile tradition is another strong option.

For the Tallinn Experience Seeker

A Tallinn Old Town medieval-themed dining experience via GetYourGuide, covering mead, wild game, and the full theatrical medieval meal, is a genuinely enjoyable gift for anyone who got into that atmosphere. A guided Old Town walking tour that covers the architectural and historical layers, rather than the surface tourist route, is another strong option.

Estonian craft beer has developed quickly and a selection from a Tallinn craft brewery is a good drinks gift. Vana Tallinn, the Estonian liqueur, is a classic and slightly divisive local drink that makes a specific gift. Estonian craft chocolate, particularly from Kakupood, is another small and excellent food gift.

For the Tallinn Obsessive Planning Their Next Trip

Tallinn people want to go back for the day trips they didn't take: the island of Saaremaa, the university city of Tartu, the coastal manor houses. The ConciseTravel Tallinn guide helps them plan a return around both the city and its surrounding territory. Find it on Etsy at https://concisetravelguides.etsy.com/uk/listing/4473314949/tallinn-travel-guide-itinerary-planner.

A Tallinn Card via Klook covers museums and public transport. For a travel accessory, a hand-knitted Estonian-pattern wool item, gloves or a hat in a traditional geometric pattern, is specific, beautifully made, and genuinely warm.

Tallinn people have found one of Europe's most underrated cities. Give them something that confirms their good judgment.