What should I be looking for in Budapest, Vienna, and Prague? I don't want to make shopping a major part of our trip, just looking for suggestions.of specialties in these cities. Also, will have a layover in the airport in Zurich so perhaps a little shopping there is in order!

Budapest: the 5000 varieties of paprika.

Vienna's comestible specialties include of course Sacher Torte, Manner Wafers, Meinl Coffee and Pez (invented in Austria). There is also a unique honey produced in each of the city's 23 districts; the Wiener Honig is the most common.

Staud's is a Viennese purveyor of fine jams and marmalades; the company has been owned and family run since 1883. Staud's products can be found in any (and every) grocery. Anything "Marillen" would be a specialty.

Mozart Kugeln are everywhere, even though Mozart hails from Salzburg. Klimt Krap is everywhere and on everything.

Snowglobes were invented in Vienna. Before purchasing, make certain the globe is a true Viennese product (they are labeled and have a "light bulb" logo on the underside).

Czech garnets are sold in many shops in Prague. My dad got a small item for my mom but we are not big shoppers and did not focus on them. I'm sure there are websites that could advise.

If you go to the Prague Castle, there was a small pottery shop along the goldsmith alley with lovely pieces that had been made locally.

In Budapest, spices, especially paprika, as already mentioned. They come in beautifully decorated tins with little wooden scoops. Also christmas decorations and the hungarian equvalent of russian dolls. Salami and chocolates. Sugarless jams like apple and almond. We also saw some great t-shirts - lots mocking Vladimir Putin eg showing him riding a bear. Cold war era posters and art. Lastly there are always market stalls dotted around town eg off Kiraly street where you can pick up vintage jewellery and soviet era watches.