Omari Gates
Austria is a country steeped in culture and history, with a rich tapestry of holidays and celebrations, each offering its own unique gift-giving traditions. When it comes to buying gifts in Austria, it's important to consider the recipient's interests and select something thoughtful and sincere. Austrians appreciate gifts that reflect the giver's genuine affection, so handmade or artisanal gifts are often cherished for their uniqueness. From the soaring melodies of Mozart to the fine crystal and the aroma of Viennese coffee houses, Austria captivates the senses and offers a range of unique gift options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Occasions for gift-giving | Birthdays, holidays, Christmas, Easter, being invited to someone's home for a meal |
| Gift-giving customs | Gifts should reflect the giver's genuine affection and consideration; small gifts are customary when invited to someone's home for a meal |
| Gift ideas | Mozartkugeln (chocolate pralines with a marzipan centre), Austrian wine, Mozart Balls (chocolates wrapped in foil featuring Mozart's face), Austrian crystal, snow globes, Schnaps (fruit brandy), Manner Neapolitan wafers, items related to Empress Elizabeth |
Traditional Austrian attire
Traditional Austrian clothing, known as 'Tracht', is worn more often in the countryside than in cities, where it is reserved for special occasions.
For women, the traditional Austrian dress is called a 'Dirndl'. This consists of a close-fitting, structured bodice, with embroidery, and a dress that is worn with an apron. The bodice is worn over a blouse that covers the shoulders and upper arms, and can be made from cotton, linen, velvet, silk, or leather. The style of the Dirndl can be adapted to suit the wearer's figure, with high-waisted styles and V-necklines recommended for those with fuller figures, and vertical embroidery patterns for petite frames.
Men wear 'Lederhosen', made from goat or buckskin, which are knee-length trousers or short-pants. These are often worn with braces, rustic shoes, and wool socks. Athletic men might opt for a style with more detailing and decorative horn buttons, while those with a fuller build should choose a simpler cut. The style of Lederhosen varies by region; in Salzburg, they are cut above the knee and feature minimal embroidery in green shades.
If you are looking to purchase traditional Austrian clothing, there are many specialist stores in Salzburg, and other Alpine regions. In Innsbruck, the Tiroler Heimatwerk offers an extensive collection and an unmatched shopping experience. In Vienna, try Loden-Plankl or Tostmann for expert help and custom tailoring.
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Mozart Balls
GourmetPlanet.com.au offers the Victor Schmidt Austrian Mozart Rounds Gift Box, weighing 297g, which contains delicate nougat, marzipan, and dark chocolate. This option is ideal for those who prefer their Mozart Balls to be individually wrapped and presented in a stylish gift box.
OnlineFromAustria.com also offers Mozart Balls from the Mirabell Company and Victor Schmidt (Manner) in Vienna. They supply their products worldwide, making it convenient for those outside of Austria to purchase these treats as gifts.
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Austrian wine
A Rich History
The "Antifreeze Scandal"
In the 1980s, Austrian wine suffered a significant blow with the "antifreeze scandal." It was revealed that some wine brokers had been adulterating their wines with diethylene glycol to make them sweeter and more saleable. While the amounts of glycol were not dangerously high, the scandal destroyed the market for Austrian wine, leading to export collapses and bans on Austrian wine in several countries.
A Rebirth of Excellence
Paradoxically, the scandal became the catalyst for a rebirth of excellence in Austrian wine production. Strict new regulations were imposed, and producers shifted their focus to quality over quantity. The culture of wine production changed, embracing nature-minded and organic viticultural practices. Today, Austria is known for its commitment to sustainability, with over 25% of its vineyards being organic.
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Austrian crystal
If you're looking for Austrian crystal gifts, Swarovski is a well-known brand that offers a range of crystal products. Their crystals are known for their shine and radiance, commonly used for nail art and design. You can find Swarovski crystals on Etsy, either as individual crystals or incorporated into various jewellery pieces. These include earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and even DIY beading kits.
Other options for Austrian crystal gifts include:
- Clear crystal tennis bracelet
- Light Siam Red 8mm genuine Austrian crystal necklace
- Pink Tourmaline crystal earrings
- Austrian crystal ball jewellery
When buying Austrian crystal, consider the intended use and the recipient's preferences. For example, if you're purchasing a gift for someone who enjoys jewellery making, Swarovski crystals for nail art may not be the best option. Instead, opt for individual crystals or beading kits that they can use for their creations. On the other hand, if you're buying a gift for someone who loves fashion accessories, a piece of jewellery featuring Austrian crystals would be a more suitable choice.
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Snow globes
The Original Viennese Snow Globe Manufactory offers guided tours, and the snow globes are also available for purchase. The Perzy family takes pride in the fact that their snow globes are now copied millions of times around the world. The snow globes are particularly popular in Japan and the US, where Erwin Perzy II began exporting them after World War II. They have even made it into popular culture, with Orson Welles integrating a snow globe into the film "Citizen Kane".
If you are unable to visit the factory, you can also find snow globes at various retailers and gift shops throughout Austria, especially in Vienna. They are a wonderful way to bring a touch of winter magic into your home and are sure to evoke nostalgic childhood memories.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some unique gifts to buy in Austria:
- Austrian crystal: Austrian crystal is traditionally handmade and precision-cut, giving it a brilliant sparkle. Innsbruck is famous for manufacturing Swarovski crystal.
- Mozart Balls (Mozartkugel): These chocolate confections consist of a marzipan centre with pistachio and nougat, wrapped in blue and silver foil.
- Snow globes: The snow globe was created in Austria in 1900 and has become a staple in souvenir stores worldwide.
- Schnaps: This fruit brandy is produced by individual farmers throughout Austria in small batches. It is usually served at the end of a meal.
Traditional Austrian gifts include:
- Austrian wine: Austria has a rich wine-making culture, and its most popular dry white wine is called Grüner Veltliner.
- Manner Original Neapolitan wafers: These bite-sized wafers with hazelnut cream and chocolate have become a status symbol of the Viennese lifestyle.
- Tracht: This traditional Austrian attire from the Alpine regions includes leather breeches for men and frilly corset dresses for women.
Austrians appreciate gifts that reflect the giver’s genuine affection and consideration. When invited to someone's home for a meal or special occasion, it is customary to bring a small gift such as flowers, chocolates, or a bottle of fine wine. For birthdays, holidays, or other special events, personalisation is key, and handmade or artisanal gifts are often cherished for their uniqueness and thoughtfulness.
