Cars for big and small
Car lovers in Germany face a difficult choice, especially in cities considered centers of automobile manufacturing – Stuttgart, Munich, Wolfsburg (Mercedes, Porsche, BMW, VW). In the eastern federal states, models of GDR 'Trabants' remain a hit in souvenir sales – just as plastic as the originals, once nicknamed 'plastic bombers'. Mini-Trabi cost from 4 to 60 euros. Collectors can also purchase stand models of cars from the publishing house DeAgostini, which will become wonderful interior decorations and creative gifts for friends.
Nutcracker
Decorative nutcrackers (Nussknacker) from the Ore Mountains region are traditional companions of German Christmas. They began to be crafted in the first half of the 19th century, and gained worldwide fame after the publication of Hoffmann's fairy tale and the staging of Tchaikovsky's ballet. They cost from 40 to 200 euros. You can choose from kings, foresters, hussars, chimney sweeps... It's impossible to list all the options, and the photo shows museum exhibits.
Christmas ornaments
Among typically German souvenirs, one must also mention some other Christmas ornaments and decorations. For example, carousel pyramids (Weihnachtspyramide) or smoking men with incense candles (Räuchermännchen) from the same Ore Mountains. They are sold not only in this region. You can buy them at Christmas markets throughout Germany.
Unclean spirits
Brocken witches (Brockenhexe) await tourists in the Harz, for example, in the city of Wernigerode. Nearby is the very mountain Brocken, where they gather from all over Germany to celebrate Walpurgis Night, as described in detail by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in the tragedy 'Faust'. A trio or duo of local souvenir witches will cost 10-20 euros.
Marine souvenir
In the northern regions of Germany, you have a chance to become a shipowner. The tradition of building ships in a bottle (Buddelschiff) dates back about three centuries here, with its heyday in the second half of the 19th century. Particularly valuable models are kept in maritime museums. Souvenir versions are sold, for example, in Hamburg tourist shops at quite reasonable prices: from 10 to 120 euros.
Car dachshund
They began to conquer their places under windshields in the 1970s. True, Wackeldackel, cute dachshunds that bobbed their heads for years while the car was moving, are rarely seen in cars today. This cult accessory and symbol of conformism is a souvenir for enthusiasts, but quite amusing. Moreover, the Dackel itself is a dog even more German than the German Shepherd.
German quality
Kitchen knives Made in Germany have long gained fame worldwide, so they are quite suitable as gifts from Germany. The main thing is not to forget to check them in as luggage at the airport. Leading manufacturers are located in Solingen and other cities of the Ruhr region. They also produce cutlery and scissors. It all started with grinding workshops located on local rivers.
German porcelain
We have already taken care of wine and beer lovers. Now it's time for those who prefer tea or coffee. These drinks beg to be served in cups from Meissen porcelain. However, they make not only cups in this city on the Elbe. One must not forget other manufacturers – for example, the company Fürstenberg from the eponymous town on the Weser, as well as Nymphenburg from Munich and Rosenthal from Franconia.
Eau de Cologne
'Real Cologne Water' (Echt Kölnisch Wasser №4711) is the most famous, though not the oldest, Cologne cologne. It is sold everywhere in Germany. Another, less known today but the very first Eau de Cologne from the Farina company, used by Frederick the Great, Napoleon, and Nicholas I, can be bought by Cologne visitors in the Perfume Museum near the city hall.
Very soft toy
We started with bears – and we'll end with bears. From Berlin souvenirs to the legendary teddy bears of the German company Steiff. They are sold worldwide, but that, of course, does not mean they cannot be brought as a gift from Germany itself. The company museum can be visited in the hometown of these bears – in the Baden-Württemberg city of Giengen an der Brenz.