Norrbotten in Sweden is blessed with natural resources but more recently has been turning heads because of its growing roster of innovative start-ups. We bear witness to the region's effort to change heavy industries into clean businesses.

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Sweden’s Arctic: green innovation

If you wish for a steady stride to navigate the challenges of the coming year, [the Bally curling boot](https://monocle.com/shop/product/1815274/curling-boot/) might help to get the message across. This heritage footwear design comes in an equally elegant box. Affirm your gratitude by wrapping it in a beautiful fabric square, known as furoshiki. Find your perfect gift at [The Monocle Shop](https://monocle.com/shop/collections/christmas-gift-guide/).

Japanese gift-wrapping: Lesson 6

If you’re looking to up your wrap game this year, we recommend furoshiki – a Japanese approach that’s stood the test of time for centuries. This cotton square is especially handy when wrapping soft or oddly shaped gifts. For an indulgent bundle, we suggest [Arpenteur wool jacket](https://monocle.com/shop/product/1849790/contour-wool-jacket/), soft corduroy [De Bonne Facture trousers](https://monocle.com/shop/product/1833423/easy-trousers-in-fine-corduroy/) and a cosy [beanie from Organics Basics](https://monocle.com/shop/product/1833389/recycled-cashmere-beanie/hot-orange/). Your loved ones deserve a treat. Find your perfect gift at [The Monocle Shop](https://monocle.com/shop/collections/christmas-gift-guide/).

Japanese gift-wrapping: Lesson 5

Christmas is best enjoyed through a child’s eyes, so remember to add a touch of cheer and enchantment among those practical gifts. This original Viennese snow globe, with Monocle’s mascot [Monochan](https://monocle.com/shop/product/1849807/original-viennese-monochan-small-snowglobe/) at its centre, will do the job nicely. Let it snow. Find your perfect gift at [The Monocle Shop](https://monocle.com/shop/collections/christmas-gift-guide/).

Japanese gift-wrapping: Lesson 4

No other country has refined the ritual of gift-giving as much as Japan. Get inspired with our nifty wrapping tricks to deliver [‘The Monocle Book of Japan’](https://monocle.com/shop/product/1684416/the-monocle-book-of-japan/) in style. This beautiful tome unpacks the nation in a multitude of ways: from design and hospitality to transport and business. Find your perfect gift at [The Monocle Shop](https://monocle.com/shop/collections/christmas-gift-guide/).

Japanese gift wrapping: Lesson 3

Our notebook collection produced in collaboration with German fine stationery purveyor [Leuchtturm1917](https://monocle.com/shop/stationery/) comes in a variety of sizes, colours and styles. Stop by Dufourstrasse 90, our Zürich headquarters, to adorn the pretty linen covers with gold embossing – a thoughtful touch that’s sure to delight the new owner. Find your perfect gift at [The Monocle Shop](https://monocle.com/shop/collections/christmas-gift-guide/).

Japanese gift wrapping: Lesson 2

Many of us are planning to stay closer to home this Christmas, so make sure your loved ones have plenty of reading material. A [Monocle magazine](https://monocle.com/shop/product/1849758/issue-139/) subscription and the inaugural issue of our stylish sister publication [‘Konfekt’](https://monocle.com/shop/product/1833475/konfekt/) will keep you entertained and inspired well after the holiday season. Find your perfect gift at [The Monocle Shop](https://monocle.com/shop/collections/christmas-gift-guide/).

Japanese gift wrapping: Lesson 1

Our annual Soft Power Survey reveals the countries whose cultural ambassadors, diplomatic missions, skilled messaging and tasty food have seen them make the grade in 2020. The December/January double issue also looks ahead to a new era of US foreign policy, goes on a culinary tour of Switzerland and wraps up in the season’s coolest coats. Available now at [The Monocle Shop](https://monocle.com/shop/product/1849758/issue-139/)

Monocle preview: December/January issue, 2021

We tour the breathtaking studios of artists’ residence Lallukka in Helsinki, which hasn’t changed its purpose since it was completed in 1933. The landmark functionalist building offers spaces at low rents so that its tenants can focus on one thing: making art.

The home of the Finnish art scene

Hands up who’s looking forward to 2021? Monocle is too and The Forecast is our optimistic and informed take on the year ahead. From the offices showing why communal working is here to stay to the changing world of espionage, our global coverage will put a spring in your step. Plus: which city comes top of our Small Cities Index? Available now at [The Monocle Shop](https://monocle.com/shop/product/1836064/the-forecast-2021/)

Monocle preview: The Forecast, 2021

As a landmark US election approaches, Jane Fonda, Theaster Gates and Chris Wallace offer their thoughts on where the country should go next. Change elsewhere comes in the form of city farms, the latest design finds and an art fair redux. Plus: we survey North Rhine-Westphalia, a region on the up. Available now at [The Monocle Shop](https://monocle.com/shop/product/1833371/issue-138/)

Monocle preview: November issue, 2020

The unassuming Shimada Gama workshop in Gotsu doubles up as an open-air museum of traditional stoneware pottery. It specialises in creating large pieces that are burnt in a sloped wood-fired kiln. We talk to the 73-year-old master Shimada Takayuki about the challenges of passing the rare skill and aesthetic sensibility down to his son and grandson.

The master craftsman: Shimada Takayuki

Japanese company Time & Style knows how to inject innovative spirit into traditional crafts. Over the past two decades its founder Ryutaro Yoshida has criss-crossed Japan to woo reluctant artisans to collaborate on modern designs. We meet him in the remote region of Shimane as he develops a series of handmade washi paper lamps.

The talent-seeker: Ryutaro Yoshida

The first edition of The Chiefs, Monocle’s high-altitude summit, took place at Suvretta House in the Swiss Alps over a few sunny days in September. After months of being cooped up at home, guests and panellists alike gathered to be together and exchange ideas. We covered everything from assessing risk in these uncertain times and future-proofing our cities to how to turn things around in hospitality or how to design a safe and friendly workspace.

The Chiefs conference 2020

In Monocle’s worldly October issue, we hear from Beirut about the days following the city’s devastating port explosion and the fellowship of its people. We also pay a visit to the retailers that have found success in lockdown, survey a forward-thinking office campus and take a deep dive into Italian innovation. Available now at [The Monocle Shop](https://monocle.com/shop/product/1815250/issue-137/)

Monocle preview: October issue, 2020

A briefing on global affairs, business, culture and design.

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