Looking for a great gift or souvenir from Germany? Here are 8 German gift ideas, cliche and quintessential, all made in Germany. From shoes to books to toys, these quality German products will always be appreciated.
Cuckoo clock
The cuckoo clock is THE signature gift from Germany. These pendulum-regulated clocks originated in the Black Forest and can be identified by their intricate wood carving and the hourly cuckoo call.
You can bring this gift to life by choosing a more contemporary style. Today’s cuckoo clocks come in bold colors and modern designs and some are even made of stainless steel.
Birkenstock shoes
What German product is better known than the often malignant Birkenstock? Sure, Germans sometimes wear them with socks and they’re not the trendiest shoe, but they stand the test of time. These sandals have been made in Germany since 1774. With their contoured cork base and rubber foot, they conform to your feet, making them one of the most comfortable shoes in the world.
And just because Birkenstock has a long history, that doesn’t mean it hasn’t been adjusted for the future. Birks have gotten more modern and come in fresh colors like plum, stone blue, passion flower and iridescent silver. They have also been added to their traditional 2-strap style and now come in a variety of designs, some even forgoing the traditional sandal.
Steiff Toys
Also on our list of the best toys made in Germany, these adorable plush toys from Steiff not only smile on the faces of children, but also those of collectors around the world. The Steiff teddy bear is made from only the best materials, such as felt, mohair, and nickel silver. Real bears also come with the authentic Steiff trademark, the original ‘ear button’ that keeps knockoffs at bay.
Toy fans in Munich should reserve time for a day trip to the factory in Giengen (about 90 miles west). Here you can play in the interactive toy museum and observe workshops where stuffed toys are still created by hand. Finish your visit by shopping at the largest Steiff store in the world. Who can resist a store full of teddy bears?
Lederhosen y dirndl
If you want to fit in with Oktoberfest, or get in touch with your Bavarian roots, it may be time to invest in tracht (traditional alpine clothing).
Lederhosen refers to the leather pants, while Dirndl refers to the dress. Both come in a range of prices and qualities. You can get something cheap and fun, or high quality and for life.
While tracht sections appear in major department stores across Germany during Oktoberfest, there are permanent stores in Bavaria.
Brothers Grimm Fairy Tale Book
The Grimm Fairy Tales brothers include classics like Schneewittchen (Snow White), Aschenputtel (Cinderella), and Rotkäppchen (Little Red Riding Hood).
Give this storybook to a child or young at heart. No matter your age, it is always magical to conjure up the Germany of the old days with its mysterious forests, romantic castles and medieval villages.
Dr. Hauschka Skincare
Give beauty and well-being. Women all over the world love the natural skincare of Dr. Hauschka from Germany.
Dr. Hauschka follows a holistic approach to skin care and uses only sustainable organic ingredients and all of his products are preservative free. A personal favorite is their rose day cream.
gingerbread
These lovely heart-shaped gingerbread cookies are ubiquitous at German festivals. Once purely Southerners and just for Christmas, they can now be found across the country throughout the year.
These are an inexpensive souvenir that is better to save than eat. They offer such sweets as » Ich liebe dich » (I love you) and they are quite sturdy, perfect for packing.
Hummel figurines
Designed in drawings by the German nun, Maria Innocentia Hummel, each porcelain character is handcrafted. This process takes several weeks and makes each figure unique, and definitely popular.
The figures became popular in the 1930s, particularly after the end of World War II when American soldiers stationed in West Germany sent the figures home as gifts. There is even a Hummel Museum in Illinois and you may recognize the figure (or a hundred) from your grandmother’s shelves.
Stein beer
Simply called a stein in English, traditional beer mugs are made of stoneware. The current range of mugs in material can be pewter or porcelain or even glass. With open or hinged top they can be half or full liters. They basically come in whatever style you want and make a colorful and useful keepsake.
