Are you looking for cool German gifts for German lovers (also known as Germanophiles)? Or are you looking for the best souvenirs to take home from your trip to Deutschland? Then you came to the right place!
Today, I’m going to take you on a journey to the heart of Europe, where wurst is served for breakfast, beer flows like a river, and gifts are wrapped in a whole lot of Gemütlichkeit. If you’re wondering what “Gemütlichkeit” is, don’t worry, you’ll find out in this guide. We’re diving headfirst into 30 unique and funny German-themed gifts that even my German Oma (that’s German for grandmother) approved of.
So, grab your lederhosen, pull up a beer stein (or a chair, if you’re at work), and get ready for a whirlwind tour of gift-giving, German style. From traditional souvenirs to modern and random marvels, we’ve got it all.
Are you short on time? Check out the editor’s top three German-themed gifts by budget.
- Large budget: A piece of German land (#1)
- Mid-budget: Original piece of Berlin Wall (#13)
- Small budget: Travel journal (#24)
Save these Germany gifts
Don’t forget to save these German gift ideas for the next time you need to find gifts for a Teutonophile (that’s the official word for Germany lover, by the way)!
German gifts for large budgets
#1 A piece of German land
This is probably the funniest and coolest German gift on this list.
I mean, which Germanophile wouldn’t want a piece of their favorite country?
This super random, but fun gift actually gives them ownership of a part of Germany.
Now don’t let them get too excited, because it’s a symbolic piece of land, meaning that they can’t actually build or live on the property, but they can visit the property in Bavaria for a fun picnic though.
#2 German cuckoo clock
If you are looking for traditional gift ideas from Germany for someone who loves to bring more German items into their homes, this authentic cuckoo clock is an awesome gift idea. It is one of the most expensive gifts on this list though (just so you know).
#3 German beer mugs
Alright, I’m just going to give you a short warning here. Germans love beer, and that’s why you will find quite a few beer-related gift ideas from Germany on this list.
Starting with a traditional German beer mug.
The original name is steins, and they are made from ceramic. Typically, they are beautifully decorated, just like mine with a fish. Though check out Amazon for beer steins in all sorts of designs, including more typical German designs.
#4 Ticket to ride Germany edition
Ticket to Ride is a fun strategic board game that’s immensely popular across the globe (it’s also one of my favorite travel-themed board games).
But what makes it even cooler, is that you can buy specifically for the country they love, such as this Germany-edition!
#5 German food gifts
Are you looking for gifts for German friends who live abroad and miss home?
Then a German food basket with typical comfort food is perfect for them. For example, this basket with spaetzle, schnitzel spices, sauerkraut spices, and more!
#6 Oktoberfest brewing kit
Are you looking for cool German gift ideas for someone who loves beer or Oktoberfest?
Then this DIY brewing kit for an Oktoberfest Ale is the perfect gift for them!
#7 More Germany gifts for beer lovers: map
I promise this is the (second to) last beer-related gift from Germany! But I warned, beer is simply a big thing in Germany and many Germanophiles love beer, so I couldn’t just stop at one beer-related gift.
This map of Germany has holes that are perfect for beer caps, making it a beautiful home decor item!
#8 DIY mulled wine gift set
What can I say?
The Germans love a good drink and they have plenty of different alcoholic beverages to choose from, which is why you will find so many alcohol-related gifts from Germany.
With this DIY mulled wine gift set the recipients can produce their own delicious hot wine at home.
It comes with traditional spices, a mesh spice mulling bag, a zesting grater, and of course brewing instructions for different types of mulled wine!
#9 German-themed puzzles
One of Etsy’s German-themed puzzles is one of the best gift ideas for German friends who miss home.
With a puzzle, they can still experience some of their beautiful home country and stay occupied! Unfortunately, I couldn’t find the German wine region puzzle like mine online, but I did find a German food puzzle that’s just as awesome!
Also check out the puzzle lovers gift guide, for more fun gift ideas.
#10 National soccer jersey
Football (or soccer) is big in Germany. So if you are looking for German gifts for him, something related to soccer usually works (if they are into it of course).
You can go for the German home jersey or something smaller related to the German team, such as a mug, a hat, or a scarf.
Alternatively, find out which German team they support and get them some team merchandise, such as a Bayern München shirt.
Or check out the soccer fans’ gift guide for more inspiration.
#11 Birkenstock footwear
One of the most famous shoe brands from Germany is Birkenstock, a comfortable, yet reasonably fashionable sandal, perfect for traveling.
So if you are looking for gifts from Germany for travelers, Birkenstock sandals are always a good idea.
My favorite model is the Madrid one (as you can see in the photo, I’ve used mine extensively). For me, they are the perfect balance between style and comfort for my back, feet, and the rest of body.
#12 Hoodie
This is a funny gift idea for German friends who miss home. Give them a warm and humorous embrace from their home country with this hoodie that says “I don’t give a schnitzel” or check out Etsy for more designs.
German gifts for mid budgets
#13 Original piece of the Berlin wall
If you are looking for unique German gift ideas for someone who loves history, this has got to be the best option.
An original piece of the Berlin Wall!
They can have a little piece of history in their homes.
#14 Personalized lebkuchen
If you are looking for the best German Christmas gifts these lebkuchen are the perfect gift!
First, what are lebkuchen?
Lebkuchen is a traditional type of gingerbread found in Germany and some other European countries, often around Christmas (though nowadays, you can find the year round). What’s cool is that you can add a personalized message to the bread that’s often shaped like a heart!
#15 Travel mug
A German-themed travel mug is the perfect German gift for American friends because it’s like a piece of the (fast German) Autobahn in their hands, making their daily commute feel speedier, even if they’re stuck in traffic.
And, let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to sip their coffee like a true Deutsche on the go? It’s a gift that’s both practical and full of German charm!
#16 Books about Germany
The Shortest History of Germany: From Julius Caesar to Angela Merkel. A retelling for our times
From toga-wearing Romans to beer-loving moderns, this book covers the complete German history in the shortest and easiest-to-read way possible. Making it a great German-themed gift for history lovers.
Checkpoint Charlie: The Cold War, the Berlin Wall, and the Most Dangerous Place on Earth
This is another great book for history lovers. This one goes into a lot more detail about the Cold War in Germany.
German men sit down to pee and other insights into German culture
This is probably the funniest book about German culture. Making it a great German gift for American friends who want to learn more about your country, or for someone moving to Germany
#17 Scratch poster
This is the best German birthday gift for someone heading to Deutschland soon; a scratch off poster with the 100 best places to visit in Germany!
The poster and the places are written in German, so besides being a cool piece of wall art and a fun way to track their journey through Germany, it’s also a fun way to practice their Deutch at home!
#18 German cookbooks
German meals at Oma’s: Traditional dishes for the home cook
As someone with a German oma (grandmother), I can speak from experience when I say that German grandmothers make the best food! So with these Grandma’s dishes, the recipient will surely learn how to cook delicious German meals at home.
Classic German baking: The very best recipes for traditional favorites, from pfeffernüsse to Streuselkuchen
The best German cookbook for someone who loves baking and sweets.
The wurst: The very best of German food
This is another great cookbook for people who would love to try German food. Oh, and despite its front cover, the book also includes non-sausage recipes.
#19 German-themed jewelry
If you are looking for German gifts for her, this cute necklace in the shape of Germany with a heart is a cute and subtle gift!
#20 Travel guides
DK Eyewitness Germany
Travel books are the best German gift ideas for people who are going to Germany for a trip soon! For people who love visuals, DK Eyewitness Germany is perfect. Their guidebooks are famous for their beautiful photography.
Lonely Planet Germany
This is the best guidebook for backpackers and budget travelers.
#21 Map of Germany
Maps are great gifts for German friends who would gladly decorate their entire home with German items.
There are plenty of maps on Etsy, so definitely check it out to find one you like. My favorite is this wooden one though.
#22 Candle
If you are looking for gifts for someone moving to Germany, this is by far the best and most thoughtful gift on this list!
A rustic candle that reminds them of their bold move and a new adventure in Germany.
However, don’t worry if you are looking for a German-themed gift for someone who loves the country but isn’t planning on moving there. You can find plenty of other cool German-inspired candles on Etsy too.
#23 Cheers glasses
Whether you; ‘re looking for gifts for German friends or for your foreign friends to share a bit of your home country’s culture, these etched glasses with “Prost” are the perfect way to celebrate the German heritage in style.
German gifts for small budgets
#24 German travel journal
This is one of the best German gift ideas for someone traveling to Germany soon. In this German travel journal, they can collect all their travel memories!
It also includes practical pages, such as packing lists and planning pages.
#25 Socks
If you are looking for gifts for German friends who would prefer to show their affection for Germany a bit more subtly, these fun Oktoberfest socks are the perfect alternative!
#26 Shirts
If you are looking for funny German birthday gifts to tease your German friends with the stereotype around the German language, this shirt with “I’m not angry, I’m German” is a funny option.
#27 Dirty German book
Are you looking for unique gifts for German learners?
For someone who is already beyond the basic, “Hi, how are you?”, “goodmorning” and other boring general phrases?
Then help them take their German to the next level with the “Dirty German book”.
It’s a fun book that will teach them new skills and that will bring them closer to the country they love.
#28 Beer gifts from Germany
If you are looking for gifts from Germany for someone who loves beer, but who is too lazy to brew their own (#6), this pack of Erdinger beer is perfect. (Though, honestly, you could just pick any German beer brand).
#29 Mugs
This is one of the funniest gifts for German friends who could use a little laugh and humor with their morning cuppa!
A mug with a funny reference to the fact that many foreigners think German always sounds angry and like their yelling. With this mug, your friend can warn their surroundings that they’re not actually angry, this is just how they talk.
Though, now that we’re at it. I do want to debunk this myth about the German language. I actually think German can sound just as cute and kind as any other language, but it all depends on the intonation. In my experience, when people start to imitate German, they instantly raise their voice and start talking like they’ve been possessed by The Führer himself.
Well, obviously, you’re going to sound agry. I mean even French, the supposed language of love, will sound angry like that.
But if you actually listen to a normal German conversation, it’s not all yelling and angry, it’s actually a super friendly language. (But then again, I might be biased because my grandma is German, so I guess I only have good experiences with the German language).
#30 German language course
This is one of the best German gifts for American friends who would love to be able to communicate with locals!
With a coloring dictionary book, they will learn new words in German, while also relaxing their minds, to help them remember the words better!
Save these Germany gifts
Don’t forget to save these German birthday gifts for the next time you have to find something for a Teutophile!
Final note on German gift ideas
Alright, these were my 30 favorite options, if you need some more inspiration, check out the editor’s top 3 Germany gifts.
- Large budget: A piece of German land (#1)
- Mid-budget: Original piece of Berlin Wall (#13)
- Small budget: Travel journal (#24)