Tags
Christmas shopping in Geneva, Swiss Christmas presents, Swiss gifts, unique swiss gifts, unique swiss presents
Christmas is coming and it’s always fun to find unique Swiss gifts. Last year’s Christmas gifts that I wrote about are still available here. But this year my favorites are:
Swiss Army Knife Assymbly Set
I first saw this kit years ago when I bid on it during a silent auction at the Paddle For Cancer event. I lost. I finally went into the Victorinox shop here in Geneva but still couldn’t find it. As it turns out, you need to ask for the kit. For only CHF 39, including an engraving, the receiver of this gift gets to assemble his or her Swiss Army knife in the shop at the very cool Victorinox tool desk. The only caveat is you must call ahead for an appointment.
Caran d’Ache pen
All the kids in Geneva are given their Caran d’Ache colored pencils throughout their elementary school years. Made here in Geneva, the quality pens cost anywhere from CHF 8 to over CHF 1,000. I particularly like this Swiss Paper Cut pen for CHF 31.50. The same line includes Swiss flags, chocolate bars and edelweiss.
Absinthe, the green fairy
Heralded the spirit of the Bohemia artists of Paris, absinthe originates in the canton of Neuchâtel. Outlawed and vilified for its (unproven) hallucinogenic properties in the early 1900s, absinthe was once again introduced in the 1990s. Here in Geneva two award winning absinthes are distilled: La Coueste (CHF 39) and La Fée de la Rade (CHF 38).
Bally
I’m slow on the uptake. I only discovered this year that Bally is a Swiss company. Mr. Bally started designing and manufacturing stylish and functional leather shoes back in 1851. Now the company is Swiss designed. For the most part their shoes are too outlandish for my taste but I love their classy tote with the signature two-tone stripes. Though if that special someone might want something more Swiss, they do have Swiss prints. This bag is CHF 695.00.
Calf, goat and sheep bells
Looking for an affordable Swiss cow bell? Landi, the Swiss farmer’s cooperative sells calf, goat and sheep bells along with leather collars at a reasonable price. Both my kids (since they are still kids in my mind) each have their own calf bell hanging in their rooms.
Do you have any great Swiss gift ideas? Pass them on!
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Living In Geneva 
Thanks for some great gift ideas and an interesting post. I had no idea that absinthe came from Neuchatel, or that Bally was Swiss!
I’m am also always surprised by things that I learn are Swiss! Like back in January I learned about the history of St. Moritz and skeleton racing (which we cringed watching during the Olympics).