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Christmas is just around the corner and you are in Germany. Getting something typical and unique from Germany for your loved ones at home would be the logical choice. Ideally, you would like to buy a souvenir, yet a nice gift, but where do you look?
Here’s a selection of items that represent genuine German craftsmanship.
BIRKENSTOCKS
If your loved ones are into healthy living, Birkenstock shoes could be just the thing. With their contoured cork and rubber foot bed, they have been manufactured in Germany since 1774. While some prefer the classic look, Birkenstock has introduced fresh colors and patterns for fashion lovers. For more information, visit www.birkenstock.de.
STEIFF TEDDY BEAR
This one is definitely not just for kids — the Steiff Teddy Bear is a beloved toy and a desired item for collectors.
Struck with polio in early childhood, young Margarete Steiff fought the illness and became a tailor. In 1879, she developed the plush toy that has become a world success. Made of the finest materials, it wears the metal button in the ear proving the trade mark. Today, the company offers a wide range of cuddly snuggle buns with all types of animals. Find more at www.steiff.com/de.
CUCKOO CLOCK
The most classic souvenir from Germany you can buy is the cuckoo clock. While tourist shops in the Black Forest sell tons of cheap imitations, turn to traditional manufacturers Rombach & Haas (www.black-forest-clock.de/en), who have specialized in these handmade clocks since 1894.
The old style clocks have a single-hip roof and may come with wooden figurines or animated chimney sweeps, birds or woodchoppers. Contemporary designs range from bamboo box shapes to pyramid clocks and steel cases. So, whatever your home interior style, there’s always room for a genuine cuckoo clock from Germany.
SCHWIBBOGEN
One of the most eye-catching decorations around is the Schwibbogen, a light arch typically produced in the Ore Mountains. While the early arches from the 19th century consisted of black ore, they are now carefully cut from wood and usually display figures like miners or angels, as well as traditional and religious scenes. It is not only in the Eastern regions that people illuminate their windows with Schwibbögen at Christmas. Find a selection of different arches at www.geissler-erzgebirge.de/produkte/
lichterboegen.
NUTCRACKERS
Nutcrackers from the Erzgebirge region in former East Germany have a long history. Nutcrackers made their way into the U.S. when Soldiers bought them as presents for their families at home during World War II.
The most traditional figure is the Red Guard Nutcracker that appears in many fairy tales and even in the homonymous Tschaikowski ballet. Seiffener Volkskunst has a 50-year-old tradition of producing unique pieces of handmade figures from 9 centimeters up to 100 centimeters in height and is one of the best-known producers of Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge) crafts. For more information, visit http://shop.seiffen.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=nutcracker.
And there are lots more gift ideas to find here in Germany, from the original Schiesser fine-ribbed “tighty-whities” (www.schiesser.com) to those huge beer steins (www.tuka.de), from typical yellow East Frisian rain jacket (www.friesennerz.info/index.php/onlineshop.html) to Bavarian dirndls (www.trachtenshop.de or www.
bavarian-superstore.de), so have a look around and you will surely find the perfect present from Germany.
