As much as we would like to give our loved ones the world, a trip to Europe when airfare, hotel, food, and activities are taken into account can quickly become expensive, and it may not be possible to really loosen the strings of the car. bag when she comes to buy souvenirs.
If you’re on a budget or just want to be a smart shopper, these are the best gifts to buy in Amsterdam that won’t break the bank. Your friends and family will surely appreciate them, and you will appreciate the fact that you didn’t spend a fortune.
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Local food and drink specialties
Most Amsterdam food and drink gifts won’t hurt your wallet, but they are sure to please the recipient. Choose from a wide range of Dutch specialties including delicious Gouda cheese, sticky stroopwafels, decadent chocolate, hearty beer, and an endless variety of traditional cookies. No matter the price, these treats are always a hit!
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Dutch birthday calendar (Verjaardag)
This is really a beautiful Dutch custom. The ver Jaar dag (birthday) calendar is designed only to record birthdays and since they have no year, only numbered dates, it is a gift that will become a keepsake. Seeing Jaar dag is part of every Dutch household, and in fact most people (with large families) have more than one.
You will find them in most gift and stationery stores. Designs range from Dutch characters from children’s books to Van Gogh paintings and everything in between to illustrate the pages.
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Flowering Bulbs
We all know that Amsterdam is known for its magnificent tulips and bulbs, but tourists are often unaware that there are many varieties of flowering bulbs that you can take home.
What a lovely gift Dutch daffodil (daffodils), hyacinths, lilies, amaryllis, alliums, and crocuses would be to anyone with a green thumb or love of nature.
It’s allowed to bring them back to their home country, just make sure to buy only prepackaged types approved for international transport.
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Wooden clogs and shoes
For most people, Dutch wooden clogs or wooden shoes are symbols of the Netherlands.
While you won’t find many Amsterdammers walking around them, some rural residents and farmers still use them (they’re great for walking in muddy fields).
If you don’t think your friends and family really want to wear wood on their feet, an adorable alternative is a pair of wooden shoe slippers, made from soft fabric. You’ll see these fluffy clogs hanging in almost every souvenir store, and they’re a much more affordable (and comfortable) option.
However, if you want something real, head to Ratterman Wooden Shoes and Gifts, just south of Amsterdam in the city of Amstelveen. You can even see how they are made!
