pharos

Visiting rellies in Germany - leave in 1 week. Any suggestions on what to take for them.

I don't have any idea what sort of things they like. I am guessing they like music because they used to pay in a rock band.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I have bought an "Emu caller" a small hollow wooden instrument similar to a digeridoo but played with the hand instead of blowing. But would also like to take something more feminine as well.

Melnq8

Maltesers. What female doesn't like chocolate?

Lanolin, Emu oil cream, Tim Tams, Paw Paw ointment Pods, Aussie licorice...these are all things my family in the US loves me to bring

Or maybe a regional cookbook from your area

Padraig

A dropbear.

DownUnder

If you are from Melbourne the Botanic Gardens shop near the old Observatory has many gift ideas unique to Australia and ideal for females.

MissPrism

Well, I'm female and I'd like a nice bottle of wine possibly from a small vineyard. When "Are you being served" was on TV, a friend brought us several carrier bags from Grace Brothers in Sidney. They made good Christmas stocking fillers.

Carlux

We did house exchanges in New Zealand and Australia, and several of those people brought us gifts (to France) One was a hand carved wooden object - hard to describe, but a piece of art made from a burl - absolutely beautiful.

Someone else brought several mugs with Australian birds on them - very nice ones, from Maxwell Williams, decorated by Eric Shepherd. I use them every day, and think of Australia when I do.

No idea what an Emu caller is, but both of these gifts were greatly appreciated.

ozgirl

We have also taken the Maxwell Williams mugs with us for 'leave behinds' in B&Bs and such.There is also a M&W range with Aussie wildflowers and there are matching coasters (and maybe other small accessories in the same range) if you want something smaller and not breakable, although the mugs are pretty robust. Myer and DJs would have them.

We had a range of them with us one year in France and I noticed that one of the B&Bs we stayed in had an Aussie callistemon ("bottlebrush") in the garden and I had the mug with one on it! Michel the owner was absolutely thrilled.

qwovadis

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vegemite

Yum yum nothing like it...

flanneruk

Australian red wine.

From the best vineyard you can afford, in the maximum possible quantities.

With some Aussie olive oil, and possibly some ethnic coffee blend.

But DON'T be tempted to mess about with Tim-Tams, the unspeakable Vegemite or any prissy cups.

You lead the world in wine-making (and knock German red into a cocked hat), as you once did in cricket. No point in dragging junk across the globe.

Cowboy1968

Host/ess gifts are quite common in Germany, but more as small tokens and not to be appreciated in relation to cash value. The Emu caller seems spot on.

I cheated a bit, and looked what webshops or websites here in Germany sell as souvenirs from Australia:

- funny (replica) traffic signs (Kangaroo crossing, Next Pub 500km, etc.)
- opals/jewellery with opals (I have no clue how (in-)expensive those can be - but that sure would have the sought "feminine touch")
- "sheep stuff" (blankets, pillows,..)
- boomerangs, digeridoos
- "akubra" hats (whatever that is)
- t-shirts etc. with aborigines motives
- Foster's paraphernerlia (cool caps, beach towels..)

Or a CD with Australian music.

I would NOT bring anything heavy, or what can spill or leak.
Agricultural products, produce, (flower) seeds or similar can be object to import restrictions. But I assume that any spot in Australia which gets tourist business and sells flower seeds might know what is okay.

DonTopaz

oh god, I agree with qwovadis for the 1 and only time.

But you must also bring a Slim Dusty CD.

Cowboy1968

Just one comment re. Vegemite: DON'T!

If it's anything like Marmite (and Wikipedia says so), it will NOT be a success. Never ever. Forget it. Import is illegal to Germany (okay, I'm making this up).
I've tried Marmite and it's not meant for human consumption. At least not for humans with taste buds.
Could be a "practical joke" present, like donuts filled with mustard. Or a farting pillow..

ozgirl

good call flanneruk - almost ANY Australian wine EXCEPT Yellow tail!!


Would also include Tim Tams, Haighs Chocolate, Fruchocs, VEGEMITE (an acquired taste though) and the replica road signs have also worked well for us.

Cowboy, an "akubra" is like a cowboy hat hence Slim Dusty would wear one!

Cowboy1968

Thanks ma'am
Mr Dusty sure sounds fine to me. The hats are cool, too.

Lifeman

So Crocodile Dundee wore an Akubra! They are cool, need to get one. Tim Tams look like a Penguin biscuit here in the UK.

Ignore Vegemite though, even our dog won't eat it. Try a red wine from the Margaret River area, maybe a McHenry Hohnen.

caroline_edinburgh

Tim Tams are like less nice Penguins.

Chocolate covered macadamia nuts are OK, but I'd prefer wine.

BigRuss

Exempt Rosemount from the Aussie wine list too -- they tend to add sweeteners.

Consider a bottle each from a range of regions to show off Aussie wine-making skill: Barossa, Margaret River, McLaren Vale, Hunter Valley.

And expensive doesn't mean best -- buy by quality, not price. Even a non-oenophilic German should know that.

If the gifts are specifically meant to be NOT expensive, I don't see how an Akubra fits -- those tend to be pricey. A Jacaru hat would fit Aussie style and can fit within the bounds of acceptable pricing.

DonTopaz

I love to have a beer with Duncan
I love to have a beer with Dunc
We drink in moderation and
We never ever ever get rollin' drunk
We drink at the Town and Country
Where the atmosphere is great
I love to have a beer with Duncan
Cuz Duncan's me mate.

Cranachin

Unless you are sure they drink wine, don't take it as a gift.

Ditto for chocolates/sweets.

tuscanlifeedit

I have some wonderful gifts from my Australian friend who visited. Kangaroo shaped luggage tags which are very cute, and a gorgeous leather bag, as well as an apron with a graphic of an Australian city. All very nice and all get used constantly.