And here I am again. 524 emails later, and searching for that one special Christmas gift or another for a loved one. The holidays are approaching, even though my mind is still firmly in autumn. Sure, I know, perfume is always a good choice. Socks have also become a really cool gift these days. If I were a bit more patient and creative, I'd give enchanting little handmade gifts. I can picture them perfectly. But, well, you guessed it… So, I'm turning to the skills and talents of others and sharing my ideas with you.
7 towers – 7 tips
Rotter crystal glass
For me, Christmas is pure light. Ideally, with glittering sunshine on white snow. And with a sea of candles. I can never get enough of it. Like in a magnificent church interior, where the streetlights refract through the stained-glass windows. That's why I'm giving the gift of shimmering light in the form of a Rotter glass and visiting the ARTEMANI gallery at Fleischhauerstraße 34, where the timelessly elegant, hand-signed, one-of-a-kind pieces from the Carl Rotter manufactory are available. I love their unique feel and the sparkle with which they enchant my dining table. There can never be enough light in this life, which is why my dearest friend Uta is getting a Lago sphere mug. My absolute favorite.
Lübeck on the finger
Sparkling jewels are a popular choice for Christmas gifts. But for those who – like me – prefer understated design, the goldsmith's shop Das kleine KRA at Königstraße 67a is the perfect place. Owner Jürgen Ziegenbein and his team offer handcrafted jewelry with a focus on sustainability: colored gemstones are sourced exclusively from German gem cutters, and only 100% recycled gold is used in the master goldsmith's workshop.
Two designs, both inspired by our wonderful old town and one of the most beautiful spots in Travemünde, are particularly popular: the silver " Lübeck Ring " featuring prominent buildings of the city, and the " Brodtener Steilufer Ring "—also in silver, modeled after the coastal formation between Travemünde and Niendorf. Incidentally, this is a favorite spot of master goldsmith Jürgen Ziegenbein. Both rings have already found their way to every continent. Jürgen Ziegenbein likes the idea that the motto "Concordia domi, foris pax," immortalized on the Holsten Gate—this message of peace and respectful coexistence—is carried out into the world through his Lübeck Rings. Visitors to Lübeck buy them as souvenirs. They are also popular as mementos for people leaving Lübeck for countries near and far. How wonderful to be able to carry your home not only in your heart, but also on your finger.
Calendar Love 2025
Yes, it's true, giving a calendar as a gift isn't exactly groundbreaking. We did it as kids because Grandma and Grandpa always had everything. At least they had their own designs for each month. I love calendars, and it seems like a lot of people do too, because the selection is practically endless. It's hard to choose. My three favorites are these:
The 7Towers+ calendar features – what else? – different views of Lübeck's seven towers, photographed by Oliver Beck. What's special about this project is that by purchasing it, you can make a small but significant contribution to preserving Lübeck's iconic church towers. At just €11 per calendar! It took over 100 years to create the magnificent city skyline, and it will be up to us and future generations to preserve it for hundreds of years to come. The 2025 calendar is available directly in Lübeck's Old Town churches and at various sales outlets, which you here .
Ina Fenske lives and works as a painter in Lübeck. Her studio and gallery are located in the heart of Lübeck's old town. She explored Lübeck with her sketchbook and created 12 true wonders. Her 2025 calendar, " A Stroll Through Lübeck, " showcases beloved places and snapshots from a unique—graphic—perspective. Visit her at her gallery at Glockengießerstraße 36.
Travemünde calendar are almost unreal in their beauty . The seaside resort is captured in perfect light from spring to winter, from sunrise to sunset. Travemünde has captivated Mikka, and through his photographs, I'm constantly reminded that the familiar never grows boring when viewed from a fresh perspective. "Delle," our occasional animal visitor who enchants us with his playful leaps, also makes an appearance in the 2025 calendar. You can get a glimpse of Mikka's work here. If you're interested, send an email to mikka@mikka.pro with the subject line "Calendar 2025." The A3 version costs €25 plus €5 shipping where applicable. However, Mikka's calendars are so popular that you'll need to act fast.
History in Where's Waldo-style books
Freelance author and illustrator Heinz-Joachim Draeger brings Lübeck's history to life, taking you on a journey into the past in his books "Lübeck anschaulich" (Lübeck Vividly), "Von Koggen und Kaufleuten: Eine Hansestadt im Mittelalter" (Of Cogs and Merchants: A Hanseatic City in the Middle Ages), and "Hanse anschaulich" (Hanseatic League Vividly). These humorously designed books, which have even been translated into Japanese, are great fun for people of all ages. Knowledge is imparted almost effortlessly, and even very young children will find it a real joy to look at and search for the lovingly crafted details. Pictures speak louder than words. The books are, of course, available in bookstores.
Marzilade – a dream team of fruit and marzipan
If you're already at the tourist information office, you should take my advice and buy a less sweet jam made from delicious fruits and the finest marzipan – perfect as a gift: Marzilade . It comes in various flavors. "Plum Pomegranate Gingerbread" is my seasonal highlight! Walter Schmidt and Susanne Menhardt produce this delectable spread in their workshop using natural, vegan ingredients and fill the jars by hand. You'll find a stall at the Christmas market in the lower part of Breite Straße. You can research other sales outlets throughout Germany and find inspiring recipes here .
An advent calendar with Christmas cookies
There are people who start their Christmas baking right after their summer vacation. I'm definitely not one of them. I'm usually quite late. This year, I gave Advent calendars to my family, each containing 24 surprises, all from Aurèle Uter's patisserie. You can get the calendar at his café at Fleischhauerstraße 62. It's also very convenient that you can order it online for home . Aurèle delivers his love letter to this quintessential Christmas tradition throughout Germany. What's behind each door? Aurèle has already revealed a few things on Instagram . One thing's for sure: he loves using lots and lots of butter. I visited him. If you'd like, you can learn more about him in my blog post "With Love, Air & Warm Butter .
Rotspon – Lübeck tradition in a glass
I always enjoy giving a fine wine as a gift, especially one with a centuries-old connection to Lübeck. Lübeck Rotspon is a red wine of French origin that has been delighting palates since the 14th century. It's even said to have pleased Napoleon, whose troops occupied Lübeck in 1806. Its Low German name derives from the wine's red color and the word "Spon," referring to the wooden slivers used in the barrels to transport the wine to Lübeck. I head to the von Melle wine shop at Beckergrube 86 and, after some thorough advice, choose a characterful Rotspon called "Reserve" from the St. Emilion appellation, as my gift is meant to please a true wine connoisseur. You can also purchase the wine online
Are the perfect Christmas gifts among them?
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that you find exactly the things that will make the hearts of your loved ones beat faster. And if not, that's okay: give them a big hug and give them your time and your full attention.