logogm

I have budgeted $100-200 for something (or things, depending on prices) nice to bring back that will remind me of my first trip to Switzerland. What would you recommend? Doubt if this is enough for a watch -- already have a cuckoo clock from Black Forest -- some other kind of clock? how about set of kitchen knives? if so, what brand? (not interested in traditional swiss knife) -- fondue set? what kinds of things did you bring home? thanks for ideas.

ileen

I was in Switzerland last month and like you was searching for some selective souvenir/gift items.
Having a god selection of stuff from around the world, I noted that there was really not too many uinque items to purchase. Of course, there were tons of very upscale watches some as high as $50,000. But we do not use such stuff.
So, for our daughter we bought a very nice Swiss Chalet shaped box. Very pretty with good detail work.When you open the roof, there is "Edelweiss" music. Also bought a couple of small round music boxes that were only about $20 or so. In my experience, such items are really well made in Switzerland and function well after many years. Thus, not junk at all.
And I bought lots of different chocolates that are not seen in the US. These days LIndt is so easily available in the US, there was no point tobring those bars back. But there are many other brands/flavors that were truly tempting.
Sprugli is a very nice chocolate store that also sells other confectionary items and ice cream. Do try their selection of different items---totally Swiss in my opinion--the very best I have tasted. Enjoy your trip and do tell us when you come back what you found. Good luck and Bon Voyage.

Queenie

I would suggest the Schweitzer Heimatwerk stores.
www.heimatwerk.ch

They contain many handmade, unusual items not seen on the typical tourist track.

There is one at the Zurich Airport, the main Bahnhof, several in Zurich, one in Basel and Geneva.

Great jewelry and kitchen items.

USNR

Our son-in-law gave us a pair of Swiss-made table knives, each in its own plastic sheath. They are razor sharp - I mean I could shave with them, really!

Continental_Drifter

How about a great Swatch watch? They have recently revamped their "Irony" line and many are only available in Switzerland. My DH bought one called "Silver Drops" years ago for me for around $112, but the prices haven't changed much. It is a stainless steel watch with a stainless mesh band, which wasn't yet in style here in the US. I still wear it and get compliments every time, especially when I share that it's a SWATCH!

Also, we bought my son another Irony Swatch for his 13th birthday for around $150. Beautiful watch. Looks like a Breitling!

They have many models available there that you cannot get in the US.

Shop ahead: http://eu-shop.swatch.com/eshop/ch/d...stsellers.aspx


Get something that you can incorporate into your daily life and actually use.

Have fun!

jamesacarroll

All good suggestions and the Heimatwerk stores really are great.

They sell what are called Christmas Pyramids, these are hand carved little nativity scenes that are on a disc that spins from the heat of candles turned by a propeller blade above the scene. Be sure to buy a couple of boxes of the candles as well because they are a small size, generally hard to impossible to find in the States.

You mentioned fondue sets. The Swiss have the best. But they may not be the ones you are thinking of.....the best fondue pots are not the small shiny copper ones you see, hard to use, clean and polish, but rather they are ceramic and about the size of a medium to large sauce pan. They heat the best and are the easiest to clean. Just soak them in cold water after you have your fondue and they rinse out.

You can find them in many colors for very little, around 25-40CHF in either Migro or Co-op grocery stores. Be sure to get a sturdy stand for it as well. Wrought Iron with three legs is the most stable and durable. If they sell the fondue forks separately get two sets since you always lose them. They also sell three pronged Kartoffel/Pomme forks for dipping small potatoes.

Be sure to let us know what you find since you might discover a treasure that we would enjoy as well.

logogm

Thanks to you all! Love your ideas. glad to hear that a Swatch isn't out of my reach, will definitely look at those. Also the unique things at Heimatwerk will be fun to look for. If the fondue pots are that inexpensive, perhaps I can even get one of those. The Christmas pyramids sound like those old fashioned metal angels that spin from the heat of the small candles - it would be great to find something like that again. Can't wait to go in 4 weeks.

BTilke

Where in Switzerland will you be visiting? You may get more helpful suggestions if you give us your itinerary...for example, I know some great places to shop in Basel, but that won't help if you're not planning to visit there.

Also...what would your ideal souvenirs be? Something for the house, something to wear, something to eat?
What is your preference...modern or traditional?
Are you planning on checking your luggage or going with carry-on only? For example, I might suggest getting the wonderful Etter brand liqueur and eau de vie, but not if you want to take carry-on luggage only. And are you willing to consider something that has to be handled carefully (Swiss glass items, for example) or must it be nonbreakable?

traveller1959

When I come back from Switzerland I always bring smoked horsemeat. It is available in every Migros.

suze

Believe me, that's not enough for a Swiss watch (& you can buy Swatch anywhere)! The ones I liked, and were far from the most expensive, started at ~$1000.

For $200 you can buy a nice assortment of Swiss chocolates, small lace pieces, Swiss Army knives, things like that.

traveller1959

Of course, you can get Swiss watches for 200-500 CHF. Just go in any shop or department store.

www.uhrenhandel.ch

suze

But the budget is $100-200USD (not 200-500CHF).

I'm not saying you can't find a watch of some kind in that price range, just not the Swiss watch of your dreams (or at least not my dreams).

swandav2000

Hi logogm,

I have two Swiss watches that each cost around $150. The first one I bought was a Swiss Army watch, and I loved it! But you can find beautiful watches that aren't sold in the US for under $200 . . . just browse the jewelry shop windows, and you'll see a few to choose from.

But my favorite souvenirs are coffee mugs! What a wonderful remembrance, every day when I drink my coffee. With gaily-painted images of the destination and the town name standing out -- it's a great reminder.

Oh, also -- there is some Lindt chocolate that is filled with liquor that is not sold in the US. The brandy-filled bars or the kirsch-filled "Batons" are to die for!!

Have fun!

s

CarolJean

In Appenzell, I bought a beautiful red silk scarf with Edelweiss on it. I love it and get compliments on it every time I wear it. CJ

suze

OK, I give, listen to others, sounds like I bumped into yet another case of champagne taste, beer budget with my watch shopping. Wouldn't be the first time!

traveller1959

You can get amazingly affordable champagne if you are in Champagne and if you abstain from the well-known brands.

logogm

To answer some of your questions: we will be in Berner Oberland for 1 week, staying in Grindelwald; on to Lucerne for 3 nights (day trip to Zurich planned), then to Schaffhausen/Stein Am Rhein for last 3 nights.

I'm not into buying clothes when I travel. If my taste for a watch is too "champagne" I would for sure opt for something for the house --nice set of kitchen knives are high on the list. And as for fragile items, I LOVE glassware, crystal, ceramic, porcelain & have traveled successfully with such purchases in other travels. We (me & husband) each go with 1 18" wheelie + 1 backpack...then on return, we frequently check the wheelies & purchase a cheap small duffle bag or something like it to pack the fragile stuff in. I didn't think Switzerland was known for its table & glass ware. Are there some traditional or classic brands I should look for? Thanks to all once again.

Queenie

For glassware:

http://www.glasi.ch/

For products see:

http://webshop.glasi.ch/

This is quite near Luzern. This is a glass factory with store on site. You need a group to tour the factory, I think 10 people. If you are really interested you may be able to join another group.

Continental_Drifter

Hi, Suze - I was responding with the Swatch based on the budget and the fact that I believe you should shop for something you will use as part of your everyday routine.

My favorite item to buy on a trip is jewelry. When wearing it, it's a perfect recuerdo.

Yes, you can get most, but not all, Swatches here in the US. That's why it's nice to do some homework ahead of time by perusing the different Swatch websites by country and perhaps pick one that you can't get in the US.

My hubby bought his Roly in Lucern at Bucherer and saved so much buying there as opposed to the US that the difference paid for our plane tickets.

Champagne? Beer? Kool-Aid? It doesn't matter so long as you are happy with your purchase and have no buyer's remorse!

jamesacarroll

logogm;

The Berner Oberland and Grindalwald in particular are known for their inlaid wooden music boxes, there are many to choose from in your price range. The pyramids are also wooden, and many have small angels on them. Don't forget the candles.

Cailler and Frey chocolates are some of the best that you don't see in the US. But there are also hand made chocolate shops you should try.

The Grindalwald is a perfect place to start a Swiss vacation. Be sure to get to Interlaken and Thun. They make for a perfect drive around the lakes. Drive on the north side of the lakes for the prettiest, less busy sights.