There is a reason Norway hasn’t hit the headlines as the new shopping break destination du jour, and on the whole prices here range from high to extortionate (with a few exceptions of course). Just get over it. If  that’s any consolation, however, quality and design are, as with most things Scandinavian, top notch. So… Still got some cash to spare?  Here are some of the best shops to spend it.

- Design Forum: Original, colourful clothes, shoes and accessories in natural materials. Scandinavian designers. Bryggeriveien 1A. www.designforum.no

- Johnsen Libris: The largest bookshop in Fredrikstad, with a good selection of fiction and travel literature in English, as well as maps and local titles. Farmannsgate 2. www.libris.no/johnsen/

- De Håpefulle: Seriously cute clothes and shoes for kids, plus a good selection of toys (many made of wood). 1 Agentgate. http://dehapefulle.no/

- Åhlens: Everything for the house, from pillows to crookery, plus lovely fabrics, and reasonably priced gifts. Nygaardsgata 42. www.ahlens.se

- Lier’s Husflid: Handicrafts and tasteful souvenirs (I love their gorgeous wooden bird houses), woollies, bunads and more. Nygaardsgaten 49/51