Birmingham's German Market

Hope you had time to visit the Birmingham German Market this year. I made an effort to go for the first time this year 2011 and absolutely loved it. What's not to love -  great atmosphere, lots of german food, beer and gifts. There was local english foods available and craft stalls from local artisans as well so something for everyone.  It was such a big market that it stretched from the birmingham symphony's hall all the way down to the bull ring. We walked from one end to the next, a feat I will never attempt at any other time.  Some say that this birmingham german market with over 180 stalls is even larger than their own Frankfurt market.

When it came to food there were german hot dogs, german ham, german bread all being cooked on site. The confectionery stalls were simply to die for with loads of donuts, chocolates and other sweets delights your heart can wish for. Lots of waterholes for when you got thirsty with german beers and german ciders and hot chocolates and mulled wine for those who wanted to warm up. It was a culinery delight to behold and taste. At one point it reminded me of a carnival minus the costumes.

While some of the items on offer were clearly mass produced there was quite a lot of handmade jewellery and handmade accessories including crafts items like handmade wool hats and lambswool scarfs.  A woman buying a scarf at one of the stalls turned to me and said you can actually smell the sheep in the lambswool used to make the scarf.  It was that rustic an experience at some of the stalls for some.

At the end of the day other than food, I didn't buy much, just a felt hair clip for my daughter, a warm woolly dress for myself, a vase and some german bread.  That said we spent the better part of 4-5 hours at the german market as our parking charges would show. But it was a great night of good food, lots of novelty christmas gift ideas to behold.  I'm so going back next year 2012.

Unique handmade gifts for her that would not disappoint

Are you tired of your girlfriends, wives, partners etc returning your gifts post christmas?  Then opt for unique handmade gifts that leaves them wondering "where did you get that"?  Whatever the occasion - anniversary, birthday, valentines, birthday, unique handmade jewellery is all it takes to say how special you are to me.

Returning unwanted gifts have become so common place that a gift receipt is now a natural part of your wrapped present.  Gone are the days when you removed the price tags from your selected christmas gifts as you didn't want the person to know how much they were worth as it were; though gift giving should be more about the thought and sentiment rather than the gift.  Some women, I am sure would disagree as they believe luxury gifts are the only expression of love.

So what do women want from a romantic gift for her?

Without a doubt, with gifts exchanged between romantic partners there is always a weight of expectation on the part of the woman who wants to feel appreciated and know that her partner "gets her" or understands her as a person.  It's not so much a matter of how expensive your gift for her is but how suited it is for her personality, her tastes, her desires.  Even better you can't beat a memento of a moment shared -  how romantic!!!! 

Unique handmade gifts for her makes a woman feel so special and captures the sentimental part of gift giving that translates into "you took the time to find me a special gift that I will treasure forever".   Click here for more gift ideas.