<p>Thanks to this thread, I had a fun time walking through my house the other day picking out what things in my decor we bought overseas.</p>
<p>Some things are pertinent only to me. For example, I bought a book of German folk songs, one of Chirstmas songs, and a “piano primer” book (a beginner’s book for learning piano) in German, because I am a piano teacher and they fascinate me. We also bought many children’s books. They are at about my vocabulary level 
and are fun! We bought Bob the Baumeister (builder), Schneewittchen und die zieben Zwerge (Snow White), various alphabet books, and others. </p>
<p>In my pantry, I keep stocked up on poppy seeds and sesame seeds (much cheaper). I buy lots of tea in Germany. My favorites: blutorange (blood orange), Marille (apricot), and Johannisbeere/Kirsche (currant cherry). They also have different jelly flavors - I like grapefruit. I also have various pieces of pottery, useful and/or decorative. I have a Spaetzle press (like a potato ricer).</p>
<p>I have lots of things with the blue and white checkerboard Bavarian flag (like on BMW’s). One of my favorite places to buy gifts is in the home & garden shops (Home Depot style) - many unique decorative items - like candle holders, gazing balls, etc. They like scented oils with votive candles - many nice variations. My favorite is a ceramic half-timbered house.</p>
<p>I have a framed piece of the Berlin wall hanging in the upstairs bathroom.</p>
<p>I used to send young children or new babies a stuffed lion dressed in Lederhosen that yodeled when sqeezed. Always got a laugh from the parents. </p>
<p>CDs of German folk music (brass bands, or yodeling, for example) were fun, easy to carry, and usually inexpensive. [Edit: crossposted with Bunsenburner, who had a similar suggestion.]</p>
<p>I have several fancy tablecloths and runners, meant for holidays, but I use them year round.</p>
<p>I paid a small fortune to buy my nieces traditional Bavarian dresses, and they were decidedly underwhelmed. Oh well…</p>