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19 Wonderful Christmas Gifts for People Who LoveGermany
monkeysandmountains.com /gifts-people-love-germany
If you or someone you care about loves Germany, check out these wonderful giftsto bring a little Deutschland into your life, no matter where you are in the world.
I’ve been fortunate enough to live in Germany for six and a half years, most of that in Munich. It never fails to amazeme how many people I meet who have traveled to Germany and regal me with their stories about their time here. Inever get tired of hearing about it, and it makes me feel fortunate to call it my second home – after Canada.
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I also get asked a lot about the perfect gift for someone who loves Germany, which is why I’ve created this list. I’vedivided it into the following categories: German food, Christmas decorations, gifts for someone traveling to Germany,children’s toys, and games for the entire family.
German food
One of the most popular things I hear from travelers to Germany is how much they enjoyed the hearty food. I thinkfood makes a great gift anytime of the year. It has a magical ability to transport you back to a time and place.
Lebkuchen from Nuremberg
Nuremberg Lebkuchen, a type of gingerbread is famous for its high quality. Nothing says Christmas quite like thearoma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves found in Lebkuchen. So what’s so special about Lebkuchen fromNuremberg? It first appeared in the records as early as 1395. The city became famous for its gingerbread since itwas on the spice route. Back in the Middle Ages, wafer-based gingerbread (different from the gingerbread cookiesfound in North America) was considered a delicacy. Nuremberg soon took pride in making the best gingerbread andas early as 1441 there was a spice inspector at the city gates. Only the highest quality spices were allowed into thecity, before being passed onto the gingerbread bakers. How’s that for a history?
With the one pictured below, you get to taste three different varieties of Lebkuchen and a gorgeous tin to remind youof the history, long after the cookies are gone.
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Dresden Stollen
Dresden Stollen is a fruit bread that’s similar to Christmas cake found in North America, except that it’s covered inicing sugar.
It was traditionally eaten as early as 1474 during medieval fasting, but it wasn’t the tasty version that it is today. Itcontained only flour, yeast, and water to comply with the fasting standards set by the church. From 1560, it becameto get a reputation as being fit for kings. Today, it’s only made with high-grade ingredients. There’s even a StollenAssociation to protect its heritage.
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German Pretzel Baking Mix
The history of the pretzel is less clear, but today you’ll find them everywhere in Germany. I love the idea of making abatch and keeping them for guests to nibble on between meals. What is clear is that pretzels originated somewherein Europe. One report says that they were invented in 610 AD by an Italian monk who used them to reward childrenwho learned their prayers. Whatever their origin, they’ve been found in southern Germany as early as the 12thcentury. For an even more authentic look, you could hang them on a stick as bakers traditionally did.
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German Christmas Decorations
Many Christmas traditions originated in Germany including Christmas markets! A Christmas ornament is a beautifulgift to remind someone of the magic of Christmas in Germany.
Christmas Pyramid
Christmas Pyramids are the predecessors to the modern day Christmas tree. They date back to the Middle Agesand originally hung from the ceilings. You’ll find Christmas pyramids in all different sizes. Most of them, like this one,are beautifully crafted with ornate details.
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Gingerbread Nutcracker
German legend has it that nutcrackers represent power and strength. They stand as a guard dog to keep watch overyour family, baring their teeth to scare evil spirits away. No wonder that nutcrackers are such popular keepsakes!Not to mention they make gorgeous holiday decorations.
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German Christmas Ornaments
The first Christmas trees appeared in 15th century Germany in churches. They were decorated with apples tosymbolize Paradise Trees. As they found their way into people’s homes, the decorations became wafers; thenpastries cut into shapes like stars and hearts. Eventually, the ornaments evolved into the ornaments that we’refamiliar with today. I’ve collected Christmas ornaments from many countries I’ve visited. Seeing them all displayedon my tree always brings a smile to my face – especially the German ones.
Handpainted Wooden Christmas Tree Ornaments
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Christmas Bells Wooden Ornaments
Gifts for Someone Who Has Traveled or is Traveling to Germany
Lonely Planet Travel Guide – Germany
Sometimes planning a trip is almost as enjoyable as the journey itself. Prolong the pleasure by giving this guidebookto someone planning a trip to Germany. I used it before I moved to Germany and visited many smaller places that Iwouldn’t have otherwise. Also, refer them to my Best Places to Visit in Germany page for my recommendations.
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2017 National Geographic Wall Calendar –Germany
Call me old-fashioned, but I still love wall calendars!Admittedly, I look at them more than I use them in apractical sense, but they make me happy. I’m a huge fan ofNational Geographic calendars for their gorgeousphotography.
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Germany Map Watercolor illustration
Besides Christmas ornaments, I also collect art from around the world. Each piece brings back so many greatmemories every time I look at it. Although I don’t own the piece below, I love the statement it makes with its simpleelegance.
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German Toys
Grimm’s “Little Flower” Wooden Puzzle
I’m a huge fan of wooden toys instead of plastic ones. Not only is this one beautiful but so is its meaning – Beautyand Life.
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Hansel and Gretel Toy House and Storybook Playset
I love toys that encourage creativity and imagination, and this playset is just so darn cute! I can imagine that it wouldprovide hours of entertainment.
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Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm
As a huge reader ever since I was a child, the Brothers Grimm were some of my favourite fairy tales. Plus, storycollections are an excellent way to encourage children to read more.
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German Games and Puzzles for theWhole Family
Confession time. I’m a huge board game nerd. Myidea of a great Saturday night is having friends overfor dinner, then playing board games. Fortunately, I’min the right country. Many Germans love boardgames, and some of the world’s most famous gameshave come from Germany.
Catan Board Game
Germany’s most famous board game better known asSettlers of Catan is one of my all-time favouritegames. No two games are ever alike, and you canspend a lifetime perfecting your strategy. It’s beenawarded Game of the Year, Hall of Fame, and Gameof the Century in Germany, the United States, andworldwide.
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Thurn And Taxis Board Game
In this game, you’ll build post offices around Bavaria and the surrounding regions. See if you can do a good of a jobas Franz von Taxis did when given the job in 1490. It’s won Game of the Year and is considered a classic insouthern Germany.
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Bonanza Card Game
You’ll play the role of a bean farmer – overalls optional.Strategize which beans to plant and which ones totrade. I’ve played this game more than any other gamein Germany, and it remains one of my all-timefavourites. It’s especially fun to play with a small groupas it results in some heated trading discussions.
Besides, board games I also love doing puzzles. Whatbetter one to do than Neuschwanstein, Germany’smost famous castle. Choose between a regular one, ora 3-D one that you can display afterward. I’ve alreadygot my Christmas puzzle, and yes it’s one of Germany!
Ravensburger Neuschwanstein CastlePuzzle
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One of these thoughtful gifts is sure to be perfect for the person in your life wholoves Germany. Happy Holidays!
Let me know your gift recommendations in the comments below.
Note: This post contains affiliate links. I make a commission at no extra charge to you if you purchase an item. Asalways, I only recommend things and places that I believe will add value.
LaurelLaurel Robbins is the founder of Monkeys and Mountains, an adventure travel blog andcompany that helps people plan their active holidays in a sustainable way. Although Canadian,she lives in Germany. You can find her in the mountains on most weekends.http://monkeysandmountains.com
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