When traveling in Europe, you take in the sights, sounds, food, and culture. Often, you want to take back memories of the fun times with you. Even better, purchasing gifts for friends and loved ones allows you to share your wonderful experience with others. One of the best gifts to give are items like watches, chocolates, wine, shawls, bags, home goods and handmade crafts that showcase European culture and traditions. This is what topped the list of the best gifts to get for friends when you are touring Europe:
Chinaware: You will find some of the best chinaware in England. Hunting down the perfect vessel for serving popular British tea, like a nice Earl Grey or breakfast tea, can be a joy. Make sure you find a unique teapot to bring home. That way, you keep the warmest memories of Europe, and your friends can experience your travel delights vicariously during their own “high tea” session.
Swiss watches: Swiss-made watches are known for their accuracy and beauty. They are sometimes even considered a collectors’ item, as Swiss watches may increase in value over time. For example, Formex Watches, Patek Philippe and Rolex are some big Swiss brands. Switzerland is the heartbeat of the watch industry and makes timepieces of the highest quality and artistry. Getting a luxury-tier watch for yourself or a loved one is an expensive choice, but nonetheless a nice idea if they enjoy collecting them.
Birkenstock Sandals: Everybody loves comfortable footwear, especially for moving around during the summer. Birkenstocks have seen a resurgence in recent years, and comfortable elegance appears to be the theme. The company Birkenstock was founded in Germany in 1774 with the goal of creating form fitting shoes to prevent ailments. Seeking out a pair of these slip-ons from their country of origin would be one extra touch of thoughtfulness with this practical gift.
Turkish Coffee: Coffee is part of a morning ritual that many carry with them wherever they go. Buying a gift that helps keep the tradition (and sometimes the person) awake and alive is heartwarming. The Turkish take their coffee sweet and robust and are known for creating traditional blends of coffee. They serve it in a copper cup with a saucer. Buying the copper cups as a souvenir or a gift will help you relive the Turkish experience with your friends and family.
Italian leather goods: When it comes to leather goods, you do not want to miss the outdoor markets and their goodies in varieties of bags, belts, and notebooks. Wander around Florence, Italy, and experience the joy of visiting each stall to see what treasures await you.
Wooden spoons from Romania: You can find the most artistic gifts in Romania. Hand-carved utensils in an array of different designs abound in Romania. It is more of a decorative item these days. In the past, it was used for cooking and hands-on purposes. Many of the motifs or designs on the spoons are symbols of love, peace, or hope.
Belgian Chocolates: In Belgium, citizens and tourists have flocked to taste this uber melty treat. They also make some of the best chocolates, even though they are nowhere near where their cacao is grown. They source and process the needed ingredients so that trained chocolatiers can create these gems of the candy world, and we thank them for it. Buy bars, truffles, mendiants (little chocolate circles with beautiful toppings) and pralines of Belgian chocolate to take home as gifts and for the pleasure of having something unique and delicious.
Cheese Fondue: This is the most famous Swiss dish and can be found everywhere in Switzerland. From the ski resorts to the boat cruises, to every home in Switzerland, the love for fondue will never cease. Although you can find it in other parts of the world, the Swiss fondue is special. Made from fresh Swiss cheeses and a combo of white wine, garlic, and brandy, it is often served with small pieces of crispy bread. Its distinct smell and taste will stay with your taste buds forever. Buy a hand-painted fondue pot and bring it home for friends as a gift.
Cuckoo clock: There is nothing better than a cuckoo clock to remind you of the time of day. With the high quality of cuckoo clocks in Germany’s Black Forest, many seek them for their charming, rustic warmth and enchanting harmony. Most cuckoo clocks resemble traditional wooden chalets and are embellished with interesting scenes. You will find them in souvenir shops throughout Germany, but it is especially available in places like Triberg, a wonderful day trip location to pick your favorite cuckoo clock.
Your gift options are inexhaustible, and these gifts can be priceless and meaningful to the recipient. Enjoy your trip to Europe, and do not forget to make as many memories as possible and bring some back with you.