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Check out our top German gift ideas from gorgeous Christmas ornaments, toys, board games, and tasty treats. You'll find the perfect gift for someone who loves Germany.
These wonderful gifts are perfect for people who love Germany. They'll bring a little Deutschland into their life, no matter where they are in the world.
I've been fortunate enough to live in Germany for over ten years, most of that in Munich. It never fails to amaze me how many people I meet who have traveled to Germany and regale me with their stories about their time here.
You can be certain that almost everyone that has lived here loves Germany. I never get tired of hearing about it, and it makes me feel fortunate to call it my second home - after Canada.
I also get asked a lot about the perfect German gift for someone who loves Germany. That's why I've created this list. I've divided it into the following categories: German food, Christmas decorations, gifts for someone traveling to Germany, children's toys, and games for the entire family.
Give the Gift of German Christmas Treats
One of the most popular things I hear from travellers to Germany is how much they enjoyed the Christmas markets and tasty treats. These have the magical ability to transport you into feeling like you're at a Christmas Market in Germany.
Nuremberg Lebkuchen, a type of gingerbread is famous for its high quality.
This one gives you three different varieties of Lebkuchen and a gorgeous tin to display long after the cookies are gone.
Nothing says Christmas quite like the aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves found in Lebkuchen.
This makes a great German hostess gift.
Dresden Stollen is a fruit bread that's similar to Christmas cake found in North America, except that it's covered in icing sugar. It was traditionally eaten as early as 1474 during medieval fasting, but it wasn't the tasty version that it is today.
I'm personally not a fan of Dresden stollen (or fruitcake either), but some people love it and it is a traditional Christmas treat in Germany.
You'll find pretzels at all times of the year in Germany - they've been found here as early as the 12th century.
It's great to make a batch and have them ready for guests. For an authentic look, you could hang them on a stick as bakers traditionally did.
German Christmas Collectible Gifts
Many Christmas traditions originated in Germany including Christmas markets! Christmas ornaments are a beautiful gift from Germany and are loved by people who visit.
German Christmas Tree Ornaments Gifts
The first Christmas trees appeared in 15th century Germany in churches. They were decorated with apples to symbolize Paradise Trees.
As they found their way into people's homes, the decorations became wafers; then pastries cut into shapes like stars and hearts.
Eventually, the ornaments evolved into the ornaments that we're familiar with today. I've collected Christmas ornaments from many countries I've visited.
Seeing them all displayed on my tree always brings a smile to my face - especially the German ones.
These German gifts make perfect stocking stuffers or are great to give to a colleague or as a hostess gift.
Gifts for Someone Who Has Traveled or is Traveling to Germany
Sometimes planning a trip is almost as enjoyable as the journey itself. Prolong the pleasure by giving this guidebook to someone planning a trip to Germany. I used it before I moved to Germany and visited many smaller places that I wouldn't have otherwise. Also, refer them to my Best Places to Visit in Germany page for my recommendations.
Besides Christmas ornaments, I also collect art from around the world. Each piece brings back so many great memories every time I look at it.
I love the statement this water color it makes with its simple elegance.
German Gifts: Toys
For the children in your lift German toys make the perfect gift. They're often hand-crafted, made of wood, high quality and can be passed on for generations. Some of them even bring German fairytales to life.
I'm a huge fan of wooden toys instead of plastic ones. Not only is this one beautiful but so is its meaning - Beauty, and Life.
German Games and Puzzles Make a Great Gift for the Whole Family
Confession time. I'm a huge board game nerd. My idea of a great Saturday night is having friends over for dinner, then playing board games. Fortunately, I'm in the right country. Many Germans love board games, and some of the world's most famous games have come from Germany. Board games are a perfect German gift that the whole family will enjoy.
Germany's most famous board game better known as Settlers of Catan is one of my all-time favorite games. No two games are ever alike, and you can spend a lifetime perfecting your strategy.
It's been awarded Game of the Year, Hall of Fame, and Game of the Century in Germany, the United States, and worldwide.
In this game, you'll build post offices around Bavaria and the surrounding regions. See if you can do a good of a job as Franz von Taxis did when given the job in 1490.
It's won Game of the Year and is considered a classic in southern Germany.
It's the perfect German gift for someone wanting to embrace history.
In this German-style card game invented in Germany, you'll play the role of a bean farmer - overalls optional.
You strategize which beans to plant and which ones to trade. I've played this game more than any other game in Germany, and it remains one of my all-time favorites.
Gift the Gift of a German Puzzle
Besides, board games I also love doing puzzles, especially at Christmas time since they bring the whole family together. And what better gift is there than spending quality family together while dreaming of your trip to Germany?
Since Neuschwanstein, Germany's most famous castle is a the top of most traveller's lists, I've chosen it to inspire wanderlust. You can select between a regular one or a 3-D one that you can display afterward.
One of these thoughtful gifts from Germany is sure to be perfect for the person in your life who loves Germany. Happy Holidays!
Let me know your gift recommendations in the comments below.
