It took me quite a while to learn how to write German on an English laptop keyboard. Adding the language in Windows XP is not a big deal, remembering the Alt+Shift shortcut to switch between them no problem either, the Umlaute are ok after a while and the y/z switch probably one of the harder things to memorize. But all the signs and symbols is where the cursing starts. That's why this German keyboard is the perfect gift for anyone who writes a significant amount of German letters, articles or whatever, while living in the States. Here are the specs:

Swiss Army Knives
starting $12.25 at
SwissOutpost.com

Swiss Army knives are a childhood dream of mine. I can still remember when I got the first one when I was 13 and it still hurts to think back to the day when I had to give it up at a US airport not too long ago. Everybody should own one, just realized a Swiss Army knive is missing on my Christmas wishlist this year...

The German board game Settlers of Catan is a must have for anyone who enjoys playing board games. Winning the game requires negotiating with other players, assessing resource supply and demand, and mapping out a plan to get those last few victory points. Yet, players are still subject to the luck of the dice and rules that usually keep the game close until the very end.

Settlers has huge replay value. The game board is actually a collection of tiles that change position every time you play, and there are several different strategies to winning. Additionally, the game has many expansions, scenarios, and variants to keep things interesting.

This is the real deal, the original Euro 2008 soccer ball is the perfect gift for any soccer fanatic. I have to confess this one was an impulse buy, but I am absolutely not disappointed. The ball is of great quality, holds the air well and provides perfect ball handling. (Also, Amazon price was $10 less than anywehere else I've looked.)

A soccer goal is a great present for younger kids. It has been hours of fun with and without the goal overlay for practicing shots. The overlay is at times a little too challenging for our kids skill level. But I think that makes this all the better. They can grow and improve as they work on their soccer skills.

Today, a Halloween special. Typically I don't care much about Dirndl, but  Halloween is an exemption. Obviously it's not the real deal, but makes a great costume - for Halloween, Octoberfest or any occasion calling for a costume!  A friend of mine bought one and the cut of the dress is beautiful! I can't wait for Halloween!

This is a classic German gift, that's why I've decided to let history speak for itself:

The Steiff plush toy company was started in Germany in 1880 by Margarete Steiff, (1847-1909). A seamstress, she was confined to a wheelchair after contracting polio as a baby.

Making stuffed toys became her hobby, and her first creation was a small, stuffed, white felt elephant with blue trim that was intended as a pincushion.

Children liked playing with the elephants and her passion for making toys took root. Margarete coined the company's motto, "Only the best is good enough for children.

My first gift was a Steiff leopard, sporting a little silver button in its ear and a tiny yellow tag that said "Made in Germany by Steiff." That "Knopf Im Ohr," German for "button in ear" was developed by another nephew, Franz, in 1904, to prevent counterfeits from being sold as authentic Steiff toys.

Wunderkind Kids T-Shirt
$21.99 at
SpreadGermanisms.com

Aren't our kids special! Show German pride with this cool Wunderkind T-Shirt. It's preshrunk and durable - just what a playful, active tyke needs.

A whole basket full of amazing German chocolate - enough said!