Best Gifts and Handicrafts Shops In Chennai

Best Shops in Chennai for Gifts and Handicrafts

About Gifts and Handicrafts

Gifts and Handicrafts in Chennai – Be it brass handicrafts, bronze handicrafts, wood...Read More

Poompuhar

Poompuhar, which is the theTamilnadu Government promoted handicrafts store, was setup in 1973.

044 2852 0624, 28521271, 044 28521798, 044 28521325,

Ranee’s

St. Marys Road is near the Crowne Plaza, Chennai Adyar Park Hotel. This road is predominantly a residential area in Chennai.

098402 09450/ +9144142669484

VTI

The Victoria Technical Institute VTI Handicrafts ,Chennai The Victoria Technical Institute was established in 1887 as a charitable trust and was the first of its kind to nurture the abundant talent available in the rural areas of South India. Today ,it has grown to become a world-renowned store for Tamil Nadu handicrafts. A first time visitor who is shopping in Chennai for handicrafts, would be struck by the sheer size and grandeur of display in the showroom. They have 3 floors of handicrafts and other South Indian crafts on display . The staff is courteous and willing to help at all times. Life-like stone sculptures, celestial figures in bronze, brass lamps, rosewood carvings, sandalwood carvings, Tanjore Art plates, and picture paintings and more are all stocked. Each is a masterpiece crafted by a gifted artisan. The magnificent bronze figures for example are made in the temple town of Kumbakonam. The prices for these pieces are fixed in concurrence with the artists . Tanjore Paintings The specialty of Tanjore paintings lies in their ornamentation with gold leaf, gilded metal pieces and semi-precious stones. VTI has a great collection of Tanjore Paintings.VTI also has tablecloth,cushion covers and napkins with the finest embroidery work. Frocks with smocking for children are also part of the display. All this is available in the ground floor. You will definitely be tempted to buy a souvenir from here. They courier the items to both domestic and international destinations. This is one of the best handicrafts shop in Chennai. They are centrally located on Mount Road in Chennai.

+91 44-2852 3141, 2852 3153, 2858 6779/ 9150605333

Cottage Arts Emporium

Brass and bronze sculptures Shopping in Chennai for North Indian carpets & handicrafts is just getting better. This Chennai shop has a great collection from all over India. The Cottage Arts Emporium has carpets, shawls and garments from Kashmir displayed in the ground floor. However , it is the basement floor that holds the real treasure . Brass and bronze sculptures in several sizes and of various deities are displayed all around. Sandalwood and Camel bone artefacts These pieces are crafted in Madurai in South India.In addition, there are sandalwood handicrafts from Karnataka, Camel bone artefacts from Rajasthan and green stone figurines from Orissa on display . Articles from Ladakh, that are used for religious and domestic purposes are on display too . They are made by using copper,silver and brass. You can also find tea pots, hookkah-bases, ladles and bowls here. The owners have been in the handicrafts business for more than a decade and have their own manufacturing units .They have showooms in Madurai, Tanjore as well.

+91 4424661951/24661959/24661960

Giri Trading

When visiting the Kapaleeshwara Temple in the Mylapore Shopping Market in Chennai ,make sure you stop by at Giri Trading .You could be interested to buy an aarthi plate ( Aarti is performed after setting fire to camphor usually as the last step of puja- .WIKI ) a brass lamp or a brass idol . South India is well known for its brass & bronze handicrafts. Brass and Bronze decorative Items Situated right outside the Kapalishwara temple precincts, the location of Giri Trading shop is unbeatable. This is a hugely popular Chennai shop for products that are used in everyday household worship. This is a four storied building with a vast collection of items that will astonish even the most ardent devotees. Brass lamps in a variety of shapes and sizes are displayed very prominently. Lighting oil lamps is a widely prevalent practice in South India. Incense sticks, agarbathis, kumkum, sandal powder, mehendi (hand coloring), paper garlands, Kolam( floor design) stickers and all that you can ever think of are available here .The first floor has idols of Indian deities ,gifts and decorative items in brass . The prices range from Rs 2000 to Rs 5000 per piece. Hanging lamps, standing lamps in very artistic shapes, bells and conches are very cultural and also appealing. They have a whole floor dedicated to religious texts and mythology books and comics for children. The fourth floor is dedicated to music cassettes. Recordings of the Vedas (ancient Hindu scriptures), and traditional and devotional songs in Tamil and other Indian languages can be found here. This is a one stop shop for shopping in Chennai for religious products.

+91 4424640376/24953820

Rasi Silks

One of the original silk shops in Chennai, RASI was established in the early 1900s. Rasi Silks is a well known and trusted brand. Situated near the famous Kapalishwara temple, the shop is all peace and quiet. The ground floor has a beautiful collection of Kanjivaram silk saris in the latest designs and colours and a price range to suit every pocket. In addition, you can also find silk cotton saris and pure crepe saris. Besides, silk scarves and stoles, letter holders and wall hangings, all in silk are also available and can make for ideal gifts. In the basement, they have saris in georgette, crepe and chiffon as also saris with heavy sequins and embroidery work which are famous in the North. There is also a section for costume jewellery in silver and gold plated jewellery. The top floor is the ready to wear section for men, women and children. Like many other shops in Chennai, they cater to men, women and children’s clothing. However, they are well known through the world for their exclusive and exquisite Kanjivaram silk collection.

+91 44 2464 1906/ 49007300

Manjal

Manjal is a bright and cheerful shop that is supported by the M.Rm.Rm. Cultural Foundation. The foundation was started by Visalakshi Ramaswamy in the year 2000.

04424614313/ 6374627663

Amethyst Chennai

A verandah overlooking the lush green surroundings and a garden café serving coffee and tea ? And ‘Bloom “ the flower shop completes this idyllic place called Amethyst in Chennai. In the first floor above these delightful surroundings is AMRAPALI – the Jaipur jewellery store. If you love jewellery, then this store is not to be missed . Contemporary and traditional jewellery in silver and gold with an assortment of precious and semi precious gem stones as well as earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings all vie for your attention and money. They also have a good collection of Indo Western designer wear on display. All of this has been curated by Kiran Rao, the owner. We are also told that it is a place for exhibitions, book and poetry readings and film screenings. Amethyst also has a branch at Chamiers Road in Chennai.

+91 44 4599 1635

Souk

Souk is run by Soumya Keshavan, an interior designer and curator. It is a premium furniture store in Chennai that specialises in hand-picked Oriental and Indian furniture, artifacts and home accessories. Antique artifacts A golden headdress, Burmese offering bowls, gold plated antique monk fans , carved wooden panels and gilded chests are but a few of the items on display.In addition, there are antique artifacts from India, like a boar’s head and a lion’s head made from painted wood . Furniture from the Orient The first floor has a display of furniture from the Orient. Chests of drawers, cabinets, gold leaf cupboards, Burma teak headboards , benches and Ottomans are all available. Prices are high in line with the quality of products that are on sale. They also offer turnkey interior design services .

+91 4442664376

Cane & Bamboo

Gifts and home décor products bags, jewellery, bronze figurines, bed linen,jute products,bags with kalamkari prints ,mobile pouches and cane basketry are some of the items available in Cane & Bamboo Chennai These products have been collected from various Indian States and some of the products are sourced from welfare homes. It is an ideal place to buy gifts and home déco

+9144-28211649

Central Cottage Industries

Central Cottage Industries Emporium, Chennai (A Govt of India undertaking, Ministry of Textiles) Cottage Emporioum– Indian handicraft shop The Central Cottage Industries Emporium was primarily created to preserve and nurture the rich cultural heritage of India. They have a splendid collection of Indian handicrafts. Dedicated artisans work on creating these handicrafts. The Emporium is located centrally in Chennai in Temple Towers at Nandanam. Temple Towers is in itself a landmark. It has a unique structure like a tower of temple.It is conical in shape and tapering towards the top. Indian Handicrafts The Central Cottage Industries Emporium is a treasure house with a huge collection of art objects . Art objects in wood, marble,brass and bronze are available .Intricately carved elephants, horses or camels in wood or marble and laced with gold are very popular . These pieces are the typical purchases made in this Chennai shop. These handicrafts are purchased as gifts to visitors to India. They are also purchased popularly as souvenirs to take back from India. In addition, pottery and metal craft items in german silver are available.Brightly painted ceramic dinner sets, German silver cutlery sets and decorative items are attractive .They are definite buys for our homes. A variety of candles, in different shapes and sizes and attractive candle stands are noteworthy. Hindu Deities Hindu Idols such as Ganesha and Krishna are available at reasonable prices and in different sizes . Idols are very popular as gifts. As a result ,it is hence a good idea to buy brass idols while shopping in Chennai. Furniture The Central Cottage Industries Emporium store has a separate section for furniture. Minutely carved rocking chairs, tables, pews and garden benches are displayed for sale. Fabrics ,Garments In addition, they have a section dedicated to fabrics and garments . Cotton, silk and woolen fabrics in ethnic prints are available in this Chennai shop. Ready made garments for men and women such as jackets, salwars, sarees and scarves draw a lot of attention.One can always see customers browsing or purchasing them . As always,Silk scarves are good buys as gifts.They are also affordable . Handmade Toys Handmade toys is probably the most colorful section in this shop in Chennai. We are able to see simple and brightly colored toys such as puppets, pencils, doll ,parrots and similar items . We can also see traditional Indian board games such as chess and pallanguzhi. The latter is a south Indian board game played by two players on a wooden board with 14 pits and pebbles, cowrie shells or tamarind nuts. Herbal Tea Finally, browse through the herbal tea section before you leave the store .The tea bags are export quality and made from best quality Indian Tea and herbs. Several varieties are available, in attractive bags.They can be purchased as gifts or for personal consumption . We recommend that you pick up some tea from this store when shopping in Chennai The items are packed well with wraps and crumbled packing paper so they can be carried without fear of breakage and the items are handed in paper bags. Additional charges apply for gift wrapping. Artisans work from their hometown .The Cottage Industries is instrumental in generating and providing employment to millions of artisans.

04424330898 /04424330226

Srushti -The Handicrafts Emporium

Srushti-The Handicrafts Emporium,Chennai The The Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Artisans Welfare Association was formed by several craftsmen. This Association is instrumental in establishing Srushti-The Handicrafts Emporium ,Chennai.It is a noteworthy accomplishment . Srushti is in the main road in Nandanam. In fact,some of the huge statues in brass, bronze and wood can be seen displayed outside the shop as you drive past. Brass handicraft Srushti-The Handicrafts Emporium ,Chennai, is engaged in exporting and supplying brass and bronze handicraft and handicrafts made of semi-precious stones. It was established in the year 2000. Brass lamps, plates and bowls are very typical handicraft pieces in Chennai.Take the lamps for instance .They are typically oil lamps that work with oil and a wick. The simple lamps are made interesting by making it a hanging lamp.As a result, they are aesthetically wonderful.Furthermore, there are lamps that are perched on an elephant head or a peacock. Hence, they look innovative and decorative . Lamps can be just 3″ to 4″ or 3′ to 6′ in height. Each lamp is shaped differently. Lighting a lamp in individual homes is considered auspicious. On festival days oil lamps are customary . There are brass candle stands that are also available in this shop. Tanjore Paintings There is an impressive collection of Tanjore paintings in Srushti. Tanjore paintings are done with gold leaf and semi precious stones. The gold leaf and the stones are pasted on the painting Typically ,gods and goddesses are the subject matter of the painting. The Tanjore paintings come in different sizes. Some are 6′ in height. Bronze handicraft The inner room has a good collection of bronze figurines. The sculptures of lord Ganesha playing the various musical instruments and female deities with dance postures are some of the rare and interesting pieces. In addition ,they also have 6’ and 7’ wood panels that are intricately carved with mythological figures. These wood panels can be used in the verandah & inside homes as well. Srushti-The Handicrafts Emporium ,Chennai is one of the best shops for brass and wooden handicrafts in Chennai.

+91 4442060730/+91- 9444233066

Kalpa Druma

Kalpa Druma is a large and spacious store in a prominent Chennai shopping market. It is in Cathedral Road opposite to the Chola Sheraton hotel. Home furnishings, Kalamkari fabrics, cotton kurtis and cotton sarees are popular in this Chennai shop .In addition, they stock small handicraft pieces. Home Furnishings Firstly , if you are looking for furnishings in the center of Chennai, Kalpa Druma is the place to visit. What greets you when you enter the store is a tapestry of colourful bedspreads and wall hangings from Rajasthan and Gujarat. There are quilted patterns in colourful patchwork designs with intricate embroidery and glass work . A single piece will suffice to add much colour to any room. There are cushion covers, ready made curtains and curtain materials as well. Cushion covers are colourful .While some are with Gujarati and Rajasthani prints ,some cushion covers are in pure cotton with printed designs. Applique work cushions and bed spreads are also widely available here. Bed linin includes cozy quilts in soft fabrics. You will also find durries and carpets in the section at the back . The Kalamkari durries are very affordable and prices range from Rs 400 and go up to Rs 4000 per piece. The Kalamkari durries bring in vibrancy and colour to any room they are placed. Kalpa Druma has a great variety of dining mats and table linen in cotton .Tablecloth ,mats and matching napkin sets .They come in pleasing colours. They are good quality fabrics and long lasting too. The prices are very reasonable . Hence, it would be a good idea to purchase cotton table linen in Kalpa Druma. CottonSarees Maheshwari, Tussar, Bengal cotton , and Jaipur block print saris are also available . The average price at Kalpa Druma is Rs 6000 per piece. The sarees are beautifully displayed in hangers, making it easier to see the designs and feel the fabrics. They also stock ready made blouses for the ultra ethnic modern look. They stock stylish ready made blouses in cotton. Ready Made salwars and fabrics Kalpa Druma has a dedicated floor for kurtis, tops and salwar kameez in cottons on the first floor. They are simple cotton ethnic wear dresses. The basement floor has a stock of fabrics in plain cottons, ikaat and batik fabrics. There is also a stock of cotton dupattas in beautiful Ikaat prints. Accessories would include silver chains and small earrings . There is a section for children’s dresses as well. Indian Handicrafts Gift items and handicrafts are also available in a separate section. Tanjore paintings, brass items, papier mache boxes, wall hangings, blue pottery and an assortment of colourful Indian Handicrafts are available in this store. Kalpa Druma is one of the best stores for ethnic garments and furnishings in Chennai. Hence do not wait to shop in Kalpa Druma if you are shopping in Chennai.

+91 44-28117652 /28111695

Auroville

This is a well known shop set up by the Auroville Foundation, Pondicherry. You can shop for ceramic coffeepots and cups, lamp shades and wall hangings, scented candles and incense sticks, essential oils, stationery and other similar stuff. They are very interesting and creative products and are beautifully displayed. In addition, they stock apparel like kurtas, kurtis (mostly hand-painted and expensive), quilts, bed spreads and cushion covers with innovative designs in warm and pleasing colours. There is also a leather section with handbags, purses and wallets. The shop is tastefully done and you will feel a sense of calm as you walk around and appreciate the aesthetics.

+91 44-28330517

Gurubaran

Tanjore painting is a very specialized art form . It has its origins in Thanjavur , also known as Tanjore , in the State of Tamil Nadu in India. “Tanjore paintings are done on flat wooden panels . They are characterized by vivid colors, simple compositions, glittering gold foils overlaid on delicate but extensive gesso work and an inlay of glass beads and pieces or , very rarely , an inlay of precious and semi-precious gems.” Wiki . There is a great deal of influence of the Deccan ,Maratha and even European painting styles in Tanjore paintings . Gods, goddesses & saints are the primary subject matter of Tanjore paintings. The subject matter of the paintings are inspired by religious texts and Hindu mythology. Most of the paintings focus on a picture of a God with his consort or a goddess with her friends . It is not common to find Tanjore paintings that tell a complete story with multiple characters or themes. By & large , a single theme is depicted in most paintings. Gurubaran, in the Luz Shopping Market , is a well known shop for Tanjore paintings in Chennai. The Luz area main road, where this shop is located , is a crowded one with several small shops on either side . Gurbaran ,in comparison ,is a bigger shop . In fact they have 2 showrooms on this road. There are glass paintings that you will find on the ground floor of this showroom. If you are interested to buy a Tnajore painting, the staff will point you the way downstairs. In the fairly big basement area, you are likely to find artists working on new paintings. Some artists would be outlining the sketches for the paintings, while some others would be giving the final touches for the paintings. It is interesting to see the paintings at various stages of completion. In another corner of the basement , you will encounter staff who are busy segregating the precious stones and gold foil that would be used in the paintings . The stones are typically imported from abroad. Red ,green & blue stones , mirror embellishments and gold foil papers are the raw materials that are used in Tanjore paintings. While there are many paintings that are readily available in the store ,they do undertake orders for customization. The prices range from Rs2000 /piece to Rs20,000/piece on average. The prices depends on the size and intricacy of the work involved in the paintings .

044 2461 0107/ 42108701

Chamiers

Firstly, Chamiers is a small shopping complex on Chamiers Road in Chennai.It is diagonally opposite the Crown Plaza Hotel in Chennai . Furthermore ,The Chamiers restaurant in the complex is a very delightful and charming place . Shopping in Chamiers Anokhi in Chamiers As you enter the shopping complex , you will walk straight into the Anokhi showroom. It is a quiet place with few shoppers. Anokhi is a very popular shop for cool cotton dresses. Kurtis , tops, dupattas and jackets are available in the Anokhi store. White with floral motifs or pleasing pastel shades are the prominent colours in Anokhi. Crinkled dupattas , A line kurtis , wrap arounds and skirts are the best sellers in this store. Tunics and dresses are very comfortable in summer. Hence ,shoppers are advised to pick up a indigo coloured kurti or a crimson scarf simply because the colours are very original. On the adjacent room are stocks of bed furnishings and table linen. Bedsheets, quilts and pillows in coordinated colours are available here. Toilet bags in coordinated colours are very useful. Anokhi, is probably one of the best shops for cotton kurtis in Chennai. Amethyst Room Across Anokhi Chamiers is the Amethyst room . It is a destination for fashionable causals. They have an assortment of dresses ,jumpsuits, skirts and tops from eclectic designers around the country. We checked some tunics from the Runaway bicycle ,which is a Mumbai based store. There are shoes and jewellery from several designers. The collection is limited and elegant . The prices are on the higher side. When you go up a flight of stairs, notice the paintings on the wall.It could be a scene from Pickwick papers or Olive Twist. Chamiers Gift Shop The Chamiers Gift shop is a delight because they have an assortment of jewellery, gifts and home decor items. you would simple fast in love with this Chennai shop. The store front and all the things stocked inside are beautiful . The items are select and distinct. The coloured wood bowls for salad or the serving platter ,the Bali earrings and the long pearl chains- they are simple and stunning. We conclude that they have a good collection of imitation jewellery. As you step out of the Chamiers store, you will enter the Chamiers Cafe . It resembles an English parlour.The Chamiers Cafe is popular from 8am to 8pm. The English breakfast and their Railway cutlets are especially popular. Pastas, Pizaas, fresh juices are all on order. While there are other similar coffee shops and cafes in Chennai, the ambience the music and food are imaginative and thoughtfully created in this Chennai shop. Consequently ,Shopkhoj definitely recommends a meal at Chamiers cafe.

91- 044- 24311495

Gifts and Handicrafts in Chennai – Be it brass handicrafts, bronze handicrafts, wood panels, mud dolls, or silver artifacts, India’s cultural diversity has given rise to the most stunning handicraft pieces. No matter which product tops your favorite handicrafts list, the numerous shops in Chennai offer beautifully crafted handicrafts to add a unique touch to your home.

Gifts and Handicrafts in Chennai -Government Shops

Poompuhar at Mount Road is one of the best for Gifts and Handicrafts in Chennai . It has some spectacular bronze statues, brass lamps, Tanjore paintings, stone sculpture, as well as exquisite wooden artifacts. Promoted by the Tamil Nadu government, this handicrafts store is also popular for its ‘Golu dolls’. These are mud dolls and worshipped especially during ‘Navratras’. VTI, Shrishti and The museum Company also have great handicrafts.

You may not worry much about the pricing of products at Poompuhar as this is a Government-owned shop.

Gifts and Handicrafts in Chennai -Mylapore Market

For a colourful range of products made from palm leaf, you may head over to this bright gift shop called Manjal at Mylapore, Chennai.

They are well-known for making attractive everyday products with dried palm leaf (actually dyed into a host of colours). Coin purses, trays, coasters, table mats, gift boxes, saree boxes, evening bags, tissue boxes and wine bottle holders are some of the products on display at this store.

You can also spot the open square Chettinad baskets here which are very typical of the region.

Read the blog :Top 10 Handicraft Shops in Chennai