I’m meeting my boyfriends German parents in Germany for Christmas, what is a proper gift to bring? I am Mexican, so shou?

So was I, so I put together this list of gift ideas for people who love German and the German-speaking countries of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. In some cases you'll find a link to the product or more information, but most of the listings below are just helpful gift ideas related to German and the German-speaking countries. Also see the explanations of some German gift items.

BOOKS and DICTIONARIESA serious all-German dictionary (hardcover), a German-English dictionary (hardcover), a CD-ROM dictionary, dual-language books (German poetry, literature), Harry Potter books in German, German audiobooks, travel guidebook. MORE > Before You Buy a German DictionaryMORE > Reading German (books, literature)WEB > Amazon.de - books, CDs, DVDs, and more German gift ideasCHRISTMAS SEASON GIFTSCarved wooden Nativity set, Christmas pyramid, German pewter or crystal tree ornaments, nutcracker figure, book of German Christmas carols, Advent wreath with candles, chocolate Advent calendar (before Dec. 1), Steiff teddy bear or doll, German incense smokers (figures). MORE > A German ChristmasSteiff Teddy BearsThe German Steiff company made its first "teddy bears" in the early 1900s.

Some early Steiff bears sell for thousands of dollars to collectors. Steiff still makes its high-quality bears, and they remain the most valuable of all teddies. A new Steiff bear or other figure can cost between US$30 and US$250.

German Incense Smokers (Raucher)Incense smokers can be very attractive - in both modern and traditional designs. These often colorful figures represent fisherman, firemen, soldiers, postmen, and people in traditional dress. The smoke from the incense comes out of the figure's mouth.

COOKING, FOOD and DRINK GIFTSGerman cookbook, raclette set (for fondue), Glühwein (hot mulled wine) packet with bottle of wine, German or Austrian wine, German wine decanter stand (Weinheber), gift certificate to a local German/Bavarian/Swiss restaurant, Austrian/Swiss chocolate, cookie and gingerbread molds, egg cup set (Eierbecher). MORE > German RecipesMORE > German Recipe GlossaryDECORAustrian crystal (Swarovski, Kisslinger), glass ornaments, ceramic beer stein; German, Austrian or Bavarian flag; Hummel ceramic figures, wooden nutcrackers, Christmas pyramids, decorative bells (Bavarian, Swiss, Tyrolian), cuckoo clock, German hand-made candles (modern), pewter items (steins, ornaments), posters and photos (German scenes, Austrian/German people: Bach, Einstein, Mozart, etc.), stuffed animals (classic Steiff teddy bear), good luck ceramic pig (a sign of good fortune in Germany). Austrian Crystal and Glass (Krystal)Austria is well known as a producer of beautiful crystal glass in many forms and designs.

Although Swarovski is the best-known brand, you should also consider Kisslinger in Tyrol. A Web search for "Austrian crystal" will turn up many products and sources for a fine crystal gift. MISCELLANEOUS GIFTSDirndl dress, lederhosen (Austrian/Bavarian leather pants), German TV subscription (in U.S. - See German TV in North America), German wrap-around sling baby carrier (Storchenwiege), Hummel ceramic figures, Steiff bears.

MUSIC and MOVIE GIFTSCDs by German-language artists (Falco, Fanta4, Die Prinzen, etc.), iTunes gift certificate (for downloading music by German music/artists), iPod or MP3 player, German movie DVDs.