What to buy in Germany cheap! Really Inexpensive Practical Souvenirs
Are you headed to Germany but you’re on a budget? or maybe you’re just a bit frugal? You’re probably wanting to shop for a few gifts and souvenirs to bring home while you’re there and you’re wanting to know what to buy in Germany cheap!
No worries, there are plenty of affordable German treasures and unique keepsakes to be found! Things that will remind you of the wonderful time you spent in my beloved Deutschland!
I do plenty of shopping in Germany and the things I bring home run the gamut from pricey wooden smokers to dirt cheap post cards.
One thing I really love about Germany is that many everyday German products are surprisingly affordable. It’s a great destination for budget-conscious travelers. Even so, as I write this article the dollar to euro exchange rate is pretty depressing. Even more reason you’ll want to save those Euros and shop for affordable German products and souvenirs!
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Table of Contents
What’s the Budget???
What exactly is considered cheap??? That’s relative so we have to set a baseline here! Google AI overview tells me that a cheap souvenir generally costs $20 / €20 and under deshalb (therefore) we’re going to roll with that!
Have a bigger budget? Check out the ultimate list of what to buy in Germany!
On a Budget?
Where to Shop for Cheap Items in Germany
Just like anywhere else, much of what you find is going to be made overseas. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find something made in Germany that will fit your budget. Many of the things made in this article are indeed imported but you may love it anyway!
Here are a few ideas on where to shop for affordable German products and souvenirs:
- Souvenir Shops: If you find yourself in a touristy area of Germany, you’ll likely find plenty of souvenir shops with items that fit your budget.
- Supermarkets and drugstores: These are great places to do your budget shopping in Germany! Popular grocery stores in Germany include Aldi, Lidl, and Kaufland. You’ll find a grocery store or drugstore in just about every neighborhood!
- Gift shops at major landmarks: You may be used to being ripped off at major attractions but you don’t need to worry about that in Germany. I often buy items at a fair price right there in the gift shop at major attractions like Neuschwanstein Castle or Burg Eltz Castle!
tip: Look for shops outside of the tourist core. You may find better prices in the lesser-known corners.
What to Buy in Germany Cheap, the REALLY inexpensive stuff!
Since we’re on a budget, let’s start with the most inexpensive stuff first! When it comes to cheap things to buy in Germany, these are at the top of the list. You should be able to find any of these for under €5.
Bonus: the items in this section are small, super light-weight, and take up next to no room in your luggage!
Reusable Shopping Bags
Germans love to be environmentally friendly and reusable shopping bags are a practical item that can carry a growing collection of souvenirs!
Postcards
Always inexpensive and always easy to find, Postcards are probably the most inexpensive purchase of them all! You can keep them as a souvenir or mail them to friends and family. Postcards are also great art, if you frame them.
Magnets
Magnets are my go-to souvenir. Whenever I visit a new place, if I buy nothing else, I buy the magnet! Bonus: my grandchildren love to rearrange them on my fridge (I am a little adverse to clutter so they go on the side of my fridge, NOT the front 😉)
keychains
Remember your amazing trip every time you unlock the house or the car!
Pins and Patches
They can be attached to hats, book bags, scarves, jackets, coats, anything!
Health and Beauty items
I love to explore the stores in Germany just looking to see what kind of stuff they use over there. One thing I always have to bring home is some Fa soap. My brother introduced me to it many years ago and it smells soooo good! Sure, I can order it in the US, but it costs around $8 for a single bottle. I can buy it in Germany for around 1,75 €! I made this bottle last for the last two years 😆!
Ampelmann Memorabilia
If you are visiting Berlin, you’ll find the Little Traffic Light Man in almost any of the souvenir shops located on a tourist shopping street. It’s quirky, fun, and uniquely German.
Hand-crafted made in Germany wooden items
This is my favorite option, and you can certainly find quality made in Germany wood crafted items for around €20 and under! Hard to believe but true!
I’ll find limitless options in this category from brands like CHRISTIAN ULBRICHT, a world-famous retailer of quality German made nutcrackers, smokers, ornaments, wooden angels and more. Handcrafted wood and hand painted items from the spa town of Seiffen in the Ore Mountains / Erzgebirge! Made in Germany.
Want to do a little pre-shopping before you arrive? I’ve ordered items from Seiffen.com with ease! You’ll find these rabbits there and much more!
You’ll pay a lot more for these overseas but in Germany you can buy these delightful little woodland dwarfs and gnomes for under 20!
Toys and Puzzles
Playmobil
Playmobil toys are one of the most popular brands of toys in Germany. They are manufactured in Germany and are an iconic fixture in German toy stores. A wide range of products and accessories, buildings and vehicles, as well as many sorts of animals, are also part of the expansive Playmobil line of toys. You can find small playsets for under €20.
Wooden Toys
I like to collect wooden toys on my travels to Germany and other parts of Europe.
Puzzles!
Lightweight and they make great gifts! Look for German puzzle brand Ravensburger. Alternatively, you could bring home a puzzle of your favorite German landmark like Neuschwanstein or Cologne Cathedral.
Books
Okay, so there was one trip to Germany where I was determined to shop for children’s books. I wanted to have them because a) I’m a big fan of the artwork found in Children’s books and b) I was learning German and thought it would be a great way to practice my German. Reality check, they are still hard to read! LOL!
On the very same trip I picked up some books at the museums that we visited so that I could read more about the exhibits later.
I had much heavier luggage for the trip home! So be mindful of weight restrictions for the trip home!
German cookbooks are another inexpensive item, just be prepared to pull up your google translate app when it comes time to make some of those tasty German recipes!
Money!
My husband has a friend who collects old money from different countries so whenever we travel, he will pick up a new out of circulation coin or bill for his friend. You’ll find these in antique stores and second-hand shops.
Occasionally, you’ll see those machines where you can smash a coin, and it leaves an imprint. I know people who like to collect those too.
On the same token (ha ha), you could bring home a few Euro coins and some paper money. Go a step further and frame them with a photo of your travels in Germany! Easy!
Stationery and Office Supplies
Journal about your trip with items that will remind you of Germany well after you’ve returned home. Germany is a great place to pick up some high-quality stationery.
Lamy pens are a high-end brand made in Heidelberg Germany that’s been around since 1930. You can also find options for as low as €16.
Stabilo colored pencils, markers, and pens are manufactured in Germany, the Czech Republic, and Malaysia, while Staedtler primarily makes its pencils and pens in Germany.
Leuchtturm1917 is a German brand that’s been around since 1917. Their notebooks are designed in Germany (but check labels if you want to be sure that your notebook was actually manufactured in Germany.)
Brunnen notebooks are predominantly made in Germany by Baier & Schneider GmbH & Co. KG.
Kitchen Items and Glassware
Items like a tea towel with a local design or a coaster from a favorite pub are inexpensive and functional. Here are a few more kitchen item ideas:
Egg Cups (Eierbecher)
If your hotel or Gasthaus is feeding you breakfast you’ve probably seen those cute egg cuts that they serve soft boiled eggs in! Make your breakfasts a little more special from here on out and pick up some egg cups! They come in glass, metal, porcelain and ceramic. From functional to fancy!
Beer mugs, Beer Boot glasses, and Beer Steins
Beer mugs, beer boot glasses, and Beer Steins can be purchased for under $20. Steins made by KING Werk, Wuerfel & Mueller are 100 percent handcrafted in Germany. If you can’t find something made in Germany in your price range, consider choosing one with a logo or artwork that is pleasing to you.
Either way, they are sure to be less expensive here than the ones that you buy online that are imported from Germany. Check local breweries, souvenir shops, and flea markets.
Food and Drink
Bring something home to make your taste buds happy! Next time I’m in Europe I’m going to stuff my suitcase with Paprika Pringles for the journey home. Delicious! I’ve bought them all over Europe but sadly can’t find them in the US 🙁
German Chocolate
Swiss Chocolate has a reputation but if you ask me (and I’ve known many who agree) German Chocolate is THE best! It’s smooth, creamy, and oh so flavorful! Why not take some home? Yes, you can get authentic German chocolate abroad, but you’ll pay a premium for it! It’s so much less expensive right here in Germany!
German Chocolate brands include:
- Ritter Sport: My personal favorite! (Hazelnut in particular!) Iconic square chocolate bars with dozens of flavors. Often sold for €1 or less.
- Milka: Creamy alpine chocolate.
- Kinder Products: These are really popular in the US, but prices are outrageous! They are much cheaper in Germany. Bring some home for the youngest on your gift shopping list!
Candy
Sweet tooth? Germany’s candy aisle is a wonderland. Candy and confections are great edible gifts or souvenirs.
Gummy Candy
Haribo Gummy Bears were invented in Bonn Germany in 1922, and since that time these sweet treats have taken over the world! Today, it’s not just bears! You’ll find dozens of shapes and flavors and will be shocked at the sheer selection of these popular candies! My favorites are the fizzy Coke gummies!
Pronunciation??? If you’re from the United States, you are likely pronouncing these WRONG! Since they were invented in Germany, they are German and so you should say “GOOOme” as in gooey! not “GUHmmy” as in Gum! Every single time I say the word anywhere in the US I get odd looks, but hey, I’m not going to conform to your mispronunciation 😉
Black Liquorice
It wasn’t invented in Germany but alas, Germans like their black liquorice! Not only will you find this flavor profile in liquor stores (Jägermeister) but it’s a common item in candy stores too!
Marzipan
Marzipan is a very popular confection in Germany. I particularly love the (sometimes naughty) pigs.
King Ludwig II Balls (Kugeln) and liquor chocolates
Pistachio marzipan and nougat coated in chocolate, in honor of Bavaria’s King Ludwig II.
Liquor laced chocolates. Germans like to fill chocolates with various flavors of liquor. I’ll never forget the look on my mom’s face when she bit into one for the first time assuming it was just candy!
German Beer and Mini Liquor Bottles
These are inexpensive but HEAVY souvenirs and gifts so keep that in mind!
Beer in Germany is not just world-famous, it’s also incredibly cheap. A bottle at the supermarket may cost under €1.
Each area has its own specialty so consider picking up a couple of regional beers for a small taste of Germany when you get home. You can make your own little taste sampler of Mini Schnapps Bottles. Check grocery stores for the best prices! A little bottle often costs under €2, making it a budget-friendly gift.
German Condiments
These can also get heavy, so you’ll want to be choosy with this option.
German Mustard (Senf)
I’m sure you’re thinking, you can buy mustard at home, but there’s something special about German mustard and it comes in tons of flavors and varieties ranging from mild and sweet to spicy, and everything in between!
Löwensenf is my favorite brand. I pay the premium for it at home because I love it, but you’ll find it much cheaper in the German grocery.
Ketchup and Mayo (Frit Sauce)
Did you fall in love with the delightful smells and delicious fast food being served at the local Imbiss? My absolute favorite thing to come out of those are pommes mit curry und mayo! (French Fries with curry ketchup and mayo, YUM!) Hit the local grocery for a bottle of each and enjoy this tasty treat from the comfort of your own home!
New to German food? Check out these must try German foods!
Baking Mixes, soup mixes, sauce mixes, salad dressing
I love these and they are a mint if I buy them at home. They weigh almost nothing, take up almost no room in your luggage, and are dirt cheap at the German grocery!
Mulled Wine
Glühwein or Mulled wine is red wine spiced with aromatic spices like cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, star anise and allspice. It’s a popular feature at the German Christmas Markets. Pick up a bottle or a spice mix and make your own when you get home! For a festive look add some orange slices, fresh cranberries, and cinnamon sticks.
East Frisian tea
East Frisia or East Friesland is a historic region in the northwest of Lower Saxony, Germany on the North Sea Coast. East Frisian tea is a very dark, very strong tea blend that is served with cream and lumps of crystalized rock sugar. Pick up some tea bags and make some at home for a special treat.
Note on bringing food products home:
It is prohibited to bring home certain types of food. You’ll want to check the customs website for the country where you live. US Customs and Border Patrol prohibit bringing fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and animal products, and products made from plant materials. Ignore the rules? They will take it from you, just ask my husband who lost a big bag of his amazing home-made jerky.
Christmas Market Finds
If you visit in winter, Christmas markets are a goldmine of cheap yet meaningful souvenirs like wooden ornaments, nativities, handmade candles, lebkuchen (Gingerbread), wooden toys, hand-blown glass ornaments, and so much more!
I have an entire guide on what to buy at the German Christmas markets!
Collecting Glühwein mugs at the markets is all the rage! and they do make great German souvenirs on a budget!
Bonus Tips for Smart Shopping in Germany
Airport Shopping: Don’t save your shopping until you get to the airport, everything is more expensive there! There have been many trips where I was too busy to do any shopping but once I arrived at the airport I had plenty of time on my hands to shop and ended up grossly overpaying!
Duty Free shop: Many people like to shop at the duty-free stores at the airport for things like alcohol and perfume. I don’t use either one, but you may want to check it out when you arrive at the airport.
Get that reusable bag that we talked about: European countries are, in general, very environmentally conscious so bring your own tote bags or shopping bags, or purchase a fun one that suits you when you get to Germany.
Hours of operation: Stores, small shops in particular, operate on limited hours in Germany. They often close for a couple of hours at midday, and many are not open on Sunday.
How to get it all home! You’d hate for expensive shipping charges to offset your savings! Here are two of my best travel guide travel tips for getting souvenirs and gifts home. Add them to your packing list! Consider bringing a small box to protect any fragile or breakable items home. If I plan to do a lot of bargain shopping, I bring a packable duffel. For the journey home, I make room in my hard sided luggage by putting clothes in the duffel and my souvenirs go in the luggage. I check the luggage and use the duffel as my carryon item.
Look for “Sonderangebote”:This means “special offers” and is your cue for discounts.
Shop at flea markets – Great for antiques, books, and vintage clothes.
Final Thoughts
What is cheap to buy in Germany? From chocolate and beer to stationery and magnets, Germany is packed with affordable items that make meaningful souvenirs or gifts. So next time you’re packing for Deutschland, leave room in your suitcase, and your wallet, for the affordable finds in this article!
Want to hear about my travels around Germany? You may be interested in my Germany page! and don’t forget to check out my “Travel Resources” page for more great resources for booking your trip from hotels to tours to travel insurance!
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