https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/christmas-quandary Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 18 Apr 2026 17:32:43 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/christmas-quandary#post-2080556 Thu, 28 Nov 2019 09:37:29 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2080556@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>RL, yeah, I think they’re too small (although some have big price tags). This was just a quick spin through I e market to pick up stars for my niece—there was more stuff there, and there are plenty more markets. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/christmas-quandary#post-2080554 Thu, 28 Nov 2019 08:24:57 +0000 rachylou 2080554@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I say, what about tree ornaments? Or are those too small to be considered a good gift? My mother has some really nice ones. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/christmas-quandary#post-2080549 Thu, 28 Nov 2019 07:32:34 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2080549@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, everyone, for understanding the trickiness here. These are some items I saw at the market yesterday. </p> <p>The lovely wooden pyramid and other wooden items at K Wohlfahrt (#4) were beyond my budget; the simpler wooden things (#3) looked twee to me.</p> <p> I think she might like the white candle-holder with roses on it, but have no idea if it looks “European”. The glass ones are pretty too, but I have the same question there, and they are inexpensive enough that I’d feel like I had to get a second gift to augment it, beyond nice scented tea lights. </p> <p>I had to snap a picture of the scarves, because they were positively luminous, but that’s not what I want to get her this year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/christmas-quandary#post-2079668 Sun, 24 Nov 2019 20:33:06 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2079668@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sarah, I’m pretty sure she means timeless. But your comment about her perogie comment is dead on; she probably perceives the line between “quaint/rustic/beautiful” and “strangely foreign” in a very different place than mine. (I’m not sure I have a spot where foreign means strange, am pretty much just curious). </p> <p>La Ped, so far I’ve got two Weihnachtsmarkt visits on the calendar for this week—the above-mentioned dragging my son to a couple, and then I’ve told his basketball coach, who has been trying to get me to go out for a coffee or a drink or anything with him, that we can drink some Glühwein together at the Markt of his choice. I’m more pleased about it than that sentence suggests, am trying to be chill about it since I’m intruding in my son’s world. The gifts you picked out sound wonderful, and how great to finish shopping in the summer! Berlin food is a tough starter for gift ideas—Currywurst and Döner don’t pack well, and we eat so much Thai/Vietnamese, Arab, Indian, and other international food here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/christmas-quandary#post-2079519 Sat, 23 Nov 2019 23:19:00 +0000 SarahD8 2079519@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The gift ideas in this thread are very appealing to *me*, but I wonder if we’ve gotten a bit away from what your sister means by “cool”? Like, if she thinks pierogies are off-puttingly weird is she going to appreciate traditional German foodstuffs and Christmas trinkets?</p> <p>Maybe it would be worth asking if by “cool, European” she means traditional/quintessential or trendy/current/popular. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/christmas-quandary#post-2079516 Sat, 23 Nov 2019 22:51:59 +0000 LaPed 2079516@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I'd be looking for any and every excuse to go the Christmas Markets and partake of some Glühwein! Right before kiddo was born, I spent a dreary-but-wonderful November in Austria (based in Graz with side trips to Vienna and Salzburg), but the timing meant I didn't get to enjoy much mulled wine at all! That year, I did all my Christmas shopping in Austria, a mix of handcrafted stuff from markets plus cute/quirky home goods from department stores. My favorite finds were carved wooden animal figurines (Ostheimer and similar, for kids), hand-painted Christmas ornaments made out of recycled sheet metal, some Euro-kitschy mugs and bowls with a reindeer motif, and chocolate-chocolate-chocolate. If I was better at knowing people's shoe sizes, I would've gotten felted wool slippers for my immediate family, since I saw a lot of beautiful ones. Also brought back A LOT of pumpkinseed oil, since it's the specialty in Styria. What yummy foodstuffs are quintessentially Berlin?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/christmas-quandary#post-2079123 Fri, 22 Nov 2019 12:10:54 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2079123@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Cindysmith, you feel snarky after that description? I can't imagine why, lol! The writing compliment means a lot, coming from you. Thanks for the well-researched gift ideas too--I know a store that specializes in organic/fair trade/generally holier than thou spices and flavorings.<br /> </div><div><br /> </div><div><b></b><br /> </div><div><b>Carla</b>, I just got around to reading the very applicable posts at those links. Thank you!</div><div><br /> </div><div>ETA it looks my niece has to wait a bit for her care package with Christmas decor for her dorm room, until next week. Her exams are Dec 6-12, so I'll be cutting it close, but who doesn't like sweets in the middle of stress? The Alexander Platz, Gendarmentmarkt, and Rathaus markets are all walking distance from each other, and from where we live. On Tuesday afternoon, we will be learning about digging the new subway tunnel* right in the middle of them all, so I may drag him to a few markets afterwards. The Gendarmentmarket is the one Astrid recommended; I hope to find something for my sister there. If I strike out on the paper starts for the niece at them (which I highly doubt, because they seemed ubiquitous at the other markets I went to last year), I can go to the Gedächtniskirche market for them. <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.weihnachteninberlin.de/4646760-955634-weihnachtsmarktplaner.html">https://www.weihnachteninberli.....laner.html</a></div><div><br /> </div><br /> I might also go to #refugiochristmasmarket</p> <p><div>*info on the subway tunnel <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.projekt-u5.de/en/">https://www.projekt-u5.de/en/</a><br /> </div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/christmas-quandary#post-2079118 Fri, 22 Nov 2019 11:37:17 +0000 cindysmith 2079118@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Part of me wants to be snarky and suggest a Parisian facial creme scarf or something. The way you say that she's into "popular" stuff sounded to me like "basic b!tches" from a few years ago, which made me LOL a bit. My next thought, after nodding at a scarf, is European coffee. I also nodded my head at suggestions of something soccer related (which is called football over there, gawd we colonists are so weird LOL).</p> <p>After typing all that, I decided to consult the great, powerful, and all-knowing Google, and apparently Slovenian salt and Hungarian paprika are the bestest of the bestest salt and paprika on the planet; as such, they sound right up my alley (been experimenting with more global foods in the kitchen lately). Google also reminded me that Swiss and Belgian chocolates are the bomb, which I knew to be an indisputable law of the universe but didn't think of it because this is a fashion forum and I generally try not to wear my chocolate. Google also suggested Turkish coffee, which makes me think that any European coffee would be a cool European gift since America loves some coffee (I prefer Cuban, myself). </p> <p>I love how you have described your sister, and might have to get you to write up brief descriptions of my family sometime; they would be so fun with caricature portraits of each of them! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/christmas-quandary#post-2079116 Fri, 22 Nov 2019 11:13:08 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2079116@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Glory, I want to get a nice one for us! When we last lived in Germany, 11 years ago, we got a tiny one for my then 6-year-old.&nbsp; RL, when the parents of the German exchange student living with us sent my parents a large, beautiful pyramid, we hadn't heard of them or World Market! We gave the other sister one 10 years ago. Not sure if that means we've done that, so move on, or if it's her turn to get one. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>ST, yum! I'm irked that I can't find anything Christmassy among the fair trade chocolate where I usually go, or any fair trade chocolate among the many huge displays of Christmas chocolates.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm starting to realize that part of the problem is that this isn't our first skate here, so I've already "used up" some options.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/christmas-quandary#post-2079021 Fri, 22 Nov 2019 00:49:36 +0000 Anonymous 2079021@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love your market! My vote is for chocolate One size fits all!<br /> And your new haircut looks great </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/christmas-quandary#post-2079016 Fri, 22 Nov 2019 00:41:54 +0000 rachylou 2079016@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh the Christmas candle carousel! Except that you can get them at World Market... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/christmas-quandary#post-2078995 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 21:58:43 +0000 Glory 2078995@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One of my cherished German items is a Christmas pyramid. They come in various sizes and price points. I have gifted them to my siblings and several close friends and they seem to be a hit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/christmas-quandary#post-2078986 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 20:24:34 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2078986@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, the Black Forest *is* where my great-grandma came from. It’s 400 miles away, but why not take a jaunt, lol.<br /> As I go to more Christmas markets, I’m planning to post pix of possible purchases (or “I have possible purchase pix posting plans”) so people can help me figure out what fits a normal American’s idea of “cool European”. Because we all know that I know know from normal. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/christmas-quandary#post-2078981 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 19:51:12 +0000 rachylou 2078981@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm... beer steins and cuckoo clocks? Or a watch. I have this notion that buying a watch in the Black Forest was *a thing.* Or wait! Something from Benetton, since we don’t have it here anymore... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/christmas-quandary#post-2078966 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 17:43:40 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2078966@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Astrid! That one is walking distance from where we live; I’ve been planning to go, but hadn’t thought of it for anyone but meeeeee. But you are right, I might be able to find things for both sisters there. The rush to get to the first one is that I want to get a care package to the niece at university before final exams week starts, and I want it to include those paper stars that are at “all” the Weihnachtsmärkte (except this one). Next year I should go to the K Wohlfahrt store on Ku’damm earlier in November and get her (and her sister, who will be starting university) something there. </p> <p>Bonnie, sending her something from Berlin’s street style would be ideal, but would require me to be able to encapsulate this very diverse city and understand her; I don’t think I could do either. </p> <p>Kkards, the advent calendar I sent my dad just got there—Mom says it’ll be hard to wait til Dec 1 to open anything It has sweets and a few scented things like a foot bath, lotion, and a candle. I used to send them to my nephews; I think their parents got sick of all the little stuff. </p> <p>Cardiff, good ideas—you’re close enough to know what’s where. Thanks. </p> <p>Elizabeth, good point, lol. She probably is more interested in things that fit her idea of “German” than things that represent my life here. That sounds dark, but I don’t mean it that way. Sarah has a very good point about my “job” here. </p> <p>Also, is it tacky to send fan gear for my son’s basketball team? He joined recently, is very excited to play again. His coach is excited to have him because if they win 3 more games, they can move up; he says they are weak on defense and defense is what my son does. Back when all the little boys were shooting like shotguns, it was nearly impossible to get him to put a shot up—he just wanted to get blocks &amp; rebounds. So around Christmas time, I hope there will be exciting news about the team moving up a level. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/christmas-quandary#post-2078964 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 17:41:42 +0000 kkards 2078964@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>an Advent Calendar (since i believe they are German in origin).&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/christmas-quandary#post-2078961 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 17:33:45 +0000 Bonnie 2078961@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You could check out the street style in Berlin and get her something that is currently popular.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/christmas-quandary#post-2078956 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 17:25:51 +0000 Astrid 2078956@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you want classic Christmas decorations: Käthe Wohlfahrt usually has a huge selection on offer at the Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt (I think it’s a whole tent).&nbsp;</p> <div><br /></div><div><a rel="nofollow" href="https://kaethe-wohlfahrt.com/">https://kaethe-wohlfahrt.com/</a></p> <p>It only starts next week though:<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.weihnachtsmarkt-berlin.de/">https://www.weihnachtsmarkt-berlin.de/</a></p> <p>But I always thought this was one of the nicer ones! Great food and expensive things. More upscale than others. You don’t find anything made in China there...</div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/christmas-quandary#post-2078954 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 17:19:11 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2078954@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The market was kind of a bust. More food than anything. It’s supposed to be medieval, so there are heaters &amp; performers who would be fun to watch if it weren’t raining. If I hadn’t already gotten a teapot for the nrr we phew who does LARP play-fighting, I could’ve gotten him something. But the closest thing for my sister were wooden boxes that the guy wouldn’t let me take pix of. And they don’t have the stars I want my niece to receive before final exams. 20 min atmosphere, nice wood fires, even n the rain, for 2€. Could’ve been better, could’ve been worse. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/christmas-quandary#post-2078952 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 16:57:16 +0000 Elizabeth P 2078952@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I LOVE the idea of handmade German Christmas ornaments or decorations.&nbsp; Who cares if it's the "wrong" part of Germany? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/christmas-quandary#post-2078943 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 16:30:10 +0000 Cardiff girl 2078943@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree,Xmas markets with handmade decorations etc are a great idea.You might pick up some small leather goods as well?purses,wallets are a nice present.How about Scandinavia style slippers?Good luck!Its always difficult choosing for someone you don’t see regularly isn’t it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/christmas-quandary#post-2078940 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 16:24:14 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2078940@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks! Brilliant suggestions, keep them coming. </p> <p>I’m on my way to the first Christmas market of the year. Last year the college daughter liked the box with chocolate and ornaments for her dorm room so much that she sent her mom a pic of it, so I’m repeating it this year. Ten years ago, when we spent one year in Jena, I sent a goalie jersey for the daughter who played in goal; they apparently let it stay with the team when she outgrew it, which I think is a good solution. Neither of the girls is playing soccer at college; they actually moved onto other sports (rugby &amp; crew) by the end of high school. </p> <p>I think of nutcrackers as being more Southern German, but Toronto might be right about my sister’s conceptualization of the country. Also, the Vogtland is not terribly far away, and absolutely has a wood-cutting tradition; I will take a look around for those kind of items at the market. If she loves it half as much as Bijou’s husband did his nutcracker, that’s a big score. </p> <p>Thank you for the suggestions and for being supportive. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/christmas-quandary#post-2078936 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 16:12:59 +0000 SarahD8 2078936@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh, I love the soccer idea! But if you include any notes in the package make sure to refer to the game as football, lol! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/christmas-quandary#post-2078934 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 16:00:34 +0000 Carla 2078934@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If she (and the family) are into soccer in such a big way, why not legit local soccer team (or fan) items from a team shop? Otherwise, shop the local Christmas Market for one of a kind items made by local artisans. If they come with a tag outlining provenance all the better for the story. If you are looking specifically for fashion items, try for one size fits all or things that are adjustable. Since she didn’t ‘get’ the t-shirts, you might need to take a little time to write a note to explain why the item is quintessentially European.</p> <p><a href="https://www.gpsmycity.com/articles/22-berlin-mementos-18-souvenir-shopping-ideas-for-travelers.html" rel="nofollow">https://www.gpsmycity.com/arti.....elers.html</a></p> <p><a href="https://historyfangirl.com/shopping-in-berlin-souvenirs-gifts-germany/" rel="nofollow">https://historyfangirl.com/sho.....s-germany/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/christmas-quandary#post-2078932 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 15:39:48 +0000 Helena 2078932@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nodding along ... a Christmas ornament or German chocolate would be fab, as would a scarf, which are generally easier to wear even if they are not your exact style. What about artisanal body lotion, candles, etc.?</p> <p>From how you describe her, I don't know that her perception of European would be entirely accurate anyway - so probably something that's even a little more handmade or non-mall-ish might feel 'European' to her.</p> <p>In the end, it's your job to do your best at a thoughtful gift and her job to appreciate it and enjoy it. If she falls down on her end of the job, that's not on you :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/christmas-quandary#post-2078931 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 15:34:13 +0000 Bijou 2078931@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was thinking something from the German Christmas markets - the Christmas decorations in Germany are beautiful. My husband bought a Nutcracker on the first day of a 4 week holiday to Germany and carried it everywhere in his hand luggage. He had no regrets because he loves bringing it out every Christmas. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/christmas-quandary#post-2078929 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 15:28:56 +0000 nemosmom 2078929@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like Christina's idea! Any knit accessory could be "European cool" warm socks, gloves, scarf, hat.&nbsp; What about something traditionally German, like Nutcrackers or a great tree ornament? Maybe even some fun stationery or something.&nbsp; Sounds difficult to buy clothing for... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/christmas-quandary#post-2078927 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 15:19:56 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2078927@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Christina! I'm getting scarves for both of her daughters, who are in college, purchased before I knew we were going home (ie, I thought I needed something I could mail inexpensively). She will think they are strange, because they are lightweight, similar to my pink paisley one. I love them for days when I'm running errands walking and taking the subway. She prefers big, fuzzy ones, and is generally outside only en route between store and car. </p> <p>Stressful? It's just how it is.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/christmas-quandary#post-2078925 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 15:14:50 +0000 Christina F. 2078925@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Scarves are seen as "European" and are generally a safe gift unless the recipient flat out doesn't wear them. I am sure you can find a hand knit one or otherwise unique one in one of your Christmas markets... good luck! Sounds stressful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/christmas-quandary#post-2078922 Thu, 21 Nov 2019 15:08:29 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2078922@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I've never seen this video game, but the graphic is appropriate.<br /> </div><div><br /> </div><div>Forum members have been very helpful in years past in selecting pajamas and a necklace for my sisters. May I ask your help again, please? My younger sister is looking forward to "cool, European" presents from us. I have no idea what she means by that.<br /> </div><div><br /> </div><div>We are extremely different people. She is a classic suburban soccer mom--treasurer for the travel soccer team, happy they live out past where the grocery stores with "perogies and other weird things" are. She loves the minor intrigue that circulates in the "popular" crowd (note to people who didn't go to school in the US: "popular" does not necessarily mean well-loved), tries to get herself to exercise but hates it. (When I get around to working out, I wonder what took me so long, because it feels so good.) She isn't 50 yet, but has been for years, if you'll excuse the perjorative. We do have in common our eye color and the fact that we gain fat in our bellies, but her belly is bigger than mine (but not bigger than her chest like mine is). At her wedding, she seated me next to a reporter friend, on the theory that he was accustomed to talking to "different" sorts of people. We've barely been in touch over the past few years.<br /> </div><div><br /> </div><div>On her style, I only have scraps. She once spent around $120 for distressed jeans--a huge price tag in our family, even if we have the money. She won't wear anything approaching a V-neck (even if it comes nowhere near her chest). Likes sequins, sometimes in ways I find poorly chosen. Would wear orchid purple tights on a crazy legs day only if she knew everyone else was doing it. When they were in their 30s, she told me her husband wasn't into "sexy" looks like my mini skirt, and she was glad. (The other BiL was equally problematic, pointing it out positively to that sister, lol. Good thing I'm not trying to please either of them). For her birthday, I got her this T-shirt; I don't believe she has worn it*.</div><div><br /> </div><div>I'm worried that what might look like "cool Euro" to me might look strange to her. I tried to be humorous with my examples here, but it's all true. If you have any idea of what she might like, please post. Price isn't a huge issue, because I probably won't get exactly the items posted here--I'd like to buy something locally made, and take it with me when we visit next month. I just don't know what to look for. Thanks for any &amp; all suggestions.<br /> </div><div><br /> </div><div>*ETA explanation of the T-shirt design. See also Carla's second link <a rel="nofollow" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ampelm%C3%A4nnchen">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ampelm%C3%A4nnchen</a><br /> </div> </p>