Hi <BR>I am going to Germany next week for the first time for a month. I need to buy back some stuff for my co workers (about 15 of them). <BR> <BR>It should be small ( so that it doesn't take much space) and probably unique to germany. <BR>Any ideas? <BR> <BR>Are there factory outlets in germany similar to the one's in US where I can buy branded clothes, shoes etc. Please advice what items are good to be bought from germany.

I always bring back lots of Milka chocolate. The best!

They make all sorts of stuff out of marzipan (crushed almonds) like little pretzels and sausage. They look German, are little and can be eaten. I've seen them in airport gift shops and the candy sections of department stores.

Chocolates are the best! <BR>Depending on your taste, they make chocolates filled with a variety of liquor, brandy, and cognac. These are very popular. Also the chocolates with hazelnuts are wonderful! <BR>Easy to bring back and you don't have to purchase them until you get to the Airport on your way home.

I would suggest some bier mugs, each city of Deutschland has its own bier, get some of those for your colleagues would be nice.

Yes, chocolate are about fine. But I would buy it at a large department stores or alike, because things at the European airports are usually more expensive than anywhere else. <BR>Also, when you buy them downtown, you can find special offers which you won't find at the airport. <BR>I always take chocolates with me (I am Swiss, LOL), but I would never buy it in the airport shopping area. <BR>Enjoy your Germany stay!

Chocolates are great and Milka is the best (but it's Swiss). If your co-workers have children, get Ueberrschungseier (surprise eggs). They consist of a chocolate egg with higher than normal milk content, filled with a a little surprise inside, usually a small toy that you put together. They are a hit with my kids. Hint: Rattle the eggs, teh noisier, teh better since it indicates a surprise with lots of parts. You can buy them for about 50 cents in grocery stores. <BR>Also great is Marzipan, especially from Luebeck. <BR>I'm not sure, you might be a bit too early, but if you can find Nuernberger Lebkuchen, usually available once Christmas approaches, try them. They are chewy cookie-type pastries with icing or chocolate. <BR>BTW, I don't know of any factory outlets; if they exist, they aren't as frequent as here.

Hello Sunthare, <BR> <BR>every German region has its own special handcrafted and original things. Where do yo go exactly? The idea with the beer mugs is good, but not doable when you want to buy 15. Maybe some christmas ornaments for the ladies would be a good idea. The chocolate idea is doable and nice for everybody. <BR>On markets you`ll see a lot of people selling wooden items, for example pens. They`re not heavy and nice. What about small jars of Heide honey? <BR> <BR>Miriam