German(-ish) Shopping Haul: 🇩🇪Gifts our American Families LOVE

[@sorenmeyer7347]

I had the same Fagus tractor and matching trailer over 20 years ago. I played with it alot and my nephews later as well. It still looks almost like new and everything works perfectly. These are toys Jack will enjoy and his children aswell. Really made for generations

[@TypeAshton]

We hope so, we love the high quality wooden products.

[@philipp1736]

Did anyone else notice the sign in the toy store that says "every unsupervised child will receive 1 double espresso and 1 pup." I almost fell off the chair laughing 😂 great video :D

[@TypeAshton]

😂😂😂 this is our favorite toy store.

[@jgr_lilli_]

My local toy store has one of these signs too. Apparently some parents actually have the audacity to use the store as their "drop-in daycare" to warehouse their kids while they go shopping... The sign is a little tongue-in-cheek reminder to these parents that the shop keepers know what they're up to 😅

[@morgenstern1234]

great video. Montessori and Waldorf are not the same. Waldorf is anthroposophic. That means it is also esoteric. For Maria Meontessori it was very important that children are learning by playing.

[@Bassistin92]

Thank you! I just wanted to comment the same thing! The toys can be used for both systems, but the core education and the way children can learn is very different.

[@Balleehuuu]

Okay for all the other German viewers here: At the point Ashton tells to turn the video off, aren't you reminded of the old German tv-show "Löwenzahn" when peter Lustig told all the children to turn the TV off and then he often adressed it a second time just to make sure they would listen - got me laughing. I love your approach on toys and the brand fagus is from my home area. I was a long member and for a while Co-leader of a club (society) created to bring together people with disabilities and without them to share fun experiences, help each other and thrive in live or hobbies. And i can asure you and everyone fagus stands up for this topic -putting effort in activities that goes way beyond a business or advertising their brand.

[@GoleoGohlix]

Wow! Thank you for that story! 🥰

[@GoleoGohlix]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4PTpoeHiJmbjdk

[@hevog]

"Attention: Unattended children will be given a double espresso and a free puppy." That's funny, like that 😆

[@TypeAshton]

Haha we thought it was pretty hilarious as well. 🤣

[@f.k.3762]

They should throw in a Tin Drum :)

[@hevog]

@@f.k.3762 👍

[@human_isomer]

absolutely, that should be more threatening than anything else to the parents... I'd actually like to see the faces of those who read and realise the consequences...

[@xn7270]

Lol there’s a coffeehouse in Clifton va that I’ve been going to to for years that has that exact message in wood written in the cafe restroom lol I always giggle

[@bernhardneef7996]

Es ist so wundervoll zu sehen, wie Ihr deutsche Produkte, Gewohnheiten und Traditionen begeistert aufsaugt und so wert schätzt. Dafür kann man Euch nicht genug danken. Deutschland kann froh sein, solche "Ausländer" wie Ihr es seid in unserem Land zu haben. Danke

[@martinsenz900]

Ganz heißer Tipp, fahrt mal in das Erzgebirge zu Weihnachten 🌲. Sehr traditionell.

[@felixtheswiss]

The sign in the Toy store about unsupervised kids is hilarious. Unsupervised kids will get an espresso and a dog puppy. 😂

[@ursulamaley2591]

I would add Schleich figurines, Nürnberger Lebkuchen and spice mixes from the Kaiserstuhl sold at the Münstermarkt.

[@Moschka543]

You didn't mention it so I'm not sure you know but the stuffed animal is probably supposed to be the dragon Tabaluga (belly color is off but close enough!), a popular character from a kid's show that's been around for like 40 years already!

[@TypeAshton]

We had no idea! I have never heard of it (yet). Thanks for letting us know!

[@Zissou77]

That little stuffed dragon also immediately reminded me of Tabaluga. He was created over 40 years ago and became famous as a little music album, where the songs were sung by (a German well known singer) Peter Maffay. The album is called "Tabaluga und die Reise zur Vernunft" ("Tabaluga and the journey to reason"). Lovely songs and a bit educational story around it, should be a wonderful gift for Jack, as grows up und gets familiar with German. Nowadays Tabaluga is a little franchise with several albums, real musicals, animated series film(s), toys and other stuff. I think they show the animated series on the German KIKA channel. But most of all I highly recommend the first 3 albums. I am sure Jack is gonna love them! Greetings from a follower from Northrhine-Westfalia!❤😊

[@moonwaves9904]

This year I took the easy way out and filled my suitcase with Lebkuchen and similar from Schmidt (based in Nuremberg but they had a pop-up shop here (winter use of an Eisdiele, I love how they do that). Only problem was I bought too early and was unable to resist the lure for long enough. Ended up having to go back a second time to replenish. 🤣

[@TypeAshton]

We might have had this problem with one of the bags of chocolate. It was 'lost' while traveling. haha

[@christianebehr138]

Dear Ashton the green little dragon is called Urmel and he is part of the Augsburger Puppen Kiste . Wounderful wooden figures that hang on strings children and grown ups enjoy looking at the Performances. Since I grew up in South Africa I saw them on tv when my parents came back to Germany I still love them and the Storys. Maybe you can find a Puppen Theater in Englisch puppet Theater In your city . Your presents are very nice. I saw that the ciity of Sonnenberg Thüringen produces Teddybears and lovely wooden toys on TV once they have lovely hand made toys. Can you remember the trip the german bears took when they first arrived in America came from there. I would like to send a link but my smartphone only has Google. Many Greetings from Christiane Berlin have a very nice week😊😊❤

[@unterhaltsameluhrick5338]

I praise your taste. Thanks for your video. By the way, dont worry about a few french produkts. We are proud Europeans. Have a nice christmas.

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you! Have a great Christmas and a great New Year.

[@fromgermany271]

Especially if you live in FR, just grab a map and check city/village names on both sides of the river Rhine. Black Forrest or Elsass or north of Switzerland is a similar kind of people sharing a lot of the typical food.

[@snowsnake1264]

The dragon looks like Tabaluga. It is a German kids show. Steiff is a very popular company which do plush toys. Ritter Sport Tower are so iconic.

[@nikomangelmann6054]

the "tape measure" you a referring to is calling folding rule and the german name is gliedermaßstab, but depents on region its called zollstock (inchstick) or meterstab (meterbar). and every german craftsman knows how to use it as a beer bottle opener and i think thats the main reason why its so popular. (and for looking important on the construction site, allways carry a folding rule with the first part out and use it as a pointer)

[@TypeAshton]

Ah I understand it now, perhaps this is a tool Americans could appreciate as well. We all need more tools that can double as a bottle opener.

[@feudiable]

Here it's quite common to call it "Doppelmeter", though that small Doppelmeter might be only be one meter long:)

[@claudiakarl2702]

The advantage is that it stays unfolded while you measure distances - it doesn’t roll up. And you can’t hurt yourself folding it. 😉

[@TypeAshton]

@@claudiakarl2702 Haha! It is certainly a less frightening experience as those which roll up in half a second.

[@Neelia35]

Never heard of "Gliedermaßstab" or "Meterstab". It is funny how certain things are called in different regions. It is and has always been "Zollstock" for me, being born and raised in Brandenburg.

[@zainabali7495]

These are amazing gift ideas! Please do more gift guides from Germany not necessarily around Christmas 🥰

BTW: The vineyards in Freiburg are there for another reason: up until the late 18th century, university professors were paid to a certain percentage with wine, so the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität had … vineyards, and still has.

[@TypeAshton]

Wow that is super interesting! I didn't know that bit of history. Thanks!

[@jenniferwieck4971]

I ve forgotten to Tell you about two iconic and entertaining tv- shows for todlers and kids to an age of six or seven ,are available on dvd in english: "Sendung mit der Maus " and "Sandmännchen " .Generations of parents and kids loved it during the decades ! Its really become an every-sunday -ritual.Give it a try and enjoy .

[@berndegert9808]

Ein wirklich ausgesprochen aufmunternder Beitrag. Ich wünsche Ihnen eine angenehme Heimreise, frohe Weihnachten, einen guten Start ins neue Jahr und kommen Sie gesund und wohlbehalten zurück.

[@TypeAshton]

Vielen Dank! Frohe Weihnachten und ein glückliches Neues Jahr!

[@BabetteFurman]

I always bring back Tempo (tissues) for myself and family/friends. They’re the best!

[@diablaui]

Well. I myself LOVE Stollen!!!!! ☺☺🎅🎅

[@katrinbethge3355]

For the women in your family i can highly recommend "Rituals" Its not a german produkt but from Amsterdam/Netherlands. Try it and you will love it.

[@chkoha6462]

Great assortment of gifts,I'm sure they will find loving and caring recipients!I wish you a merry Christmas and a festive season with friends and family.

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you! We wish you a merry Christmas and a Happy New year!

[@bastelomastephi4621]

Hello Black Forest Family, i think you had fun at the shopping tour. Your dragon looks like Tabaluga, it´s a story from Peter Maffey with a lot of adventures und songs. I wish you a merry christmas and a happy new year 2022. Greetings from Hessen Stephi

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you for pointing this out, we had no idea! We will have to give it a watch with Jack, he loves watching shows with singing. Have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year!

[@mchorst6702]

@@TypeAshton I also thought of Tabaluga when I saw the dragon. Tabaluga is a series of music, and there is also an animated series of it.

[@gittay4057]

Ein frohes, gesundes Neues Jahr 2022 für Euch Lieben. Macht weiter so! 😀😍💖💖

[@TypeAshton]

Dir auch ein frohes neues Jahr!! ❤️

[@sandgroper1970]

I visited Germany during the Christmas and New Years period. I actually purchased some traditional Lebkuchen from Nuremberg, at a Christmas market, although my family had to wait until I returned home to have any of them. Yes I was away from family at Christmas, but it was really enjoyable to eat different foods, including more traditional German Christmas food items, than what I was used to in Australia, yet alone experiencing Christmas in winter, rather than in the summer.

[@TypeAshton]

Visitin Germany at Christmas time (not in COVID) is in my opinion the best time to do so. The atmosphere is really pretty magical. And yes, lots of delicious seasonal foods to try! We've had some traditional Lebkuchen ourselves every Christmas and brought some back a few years ago. But it turned out our family was not too interested. So, we've learned to find new things to bring back with us. :)

[@jenniferh1416]

Have seen the expandable rulers. Can't recall when I last saw them in stores but have seen them in homes. I have been able to find some different flavors of Haribo and other treats (seasonings, mustards, baked goods, beers, deli meats) in a German deli in the U.S. and where you can eat a small meal. For a full meal at there's a German restaurant nearby. Both are in Sanford, Florida.

[@hkao6350]

I wish you a wonderful Christmas time with your family back in the US, a merry Christmas 🎁🎄, and a hopefully save return to your new home 🏡 😌

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you very much! Have a great holiday season and a Happy New Year!

[@stellarshadeofblue]

Absolut geil 💚💙💜

[@pascalmuller1752]

He cracks me up so hard. Thank you!

[@mummamarsh1180]

Merry Christmas Black Forest family and thank you for another inspiring and fun video. I love the thoughtfulness of your gift choices. They will certainly bring joy to your families back home. Sending you best wishes for a safe and healthy Christmas holiday.🎁😘

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you so much! We certainly hope that they enjoy them too. We hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a great start to the new year with your friends and family. ❤️

[@ninaandianfan21]

the "dragon" is called Tabaluga and is from a (German?) TV Show xD At least I think that it is supposed to be Tabaluga xD

[@tomoyukihoshino1742]

Hi! The little green dragon reminds of "Urmel", Urmel aus dem Eis. A kids "fairy tale". Short episodes with the dragon. Writer: Max Kruse.

[@jenniferwieck4971]

I enjoyed your Video very much.Im german with friends in the UK and these are items i love to send as a gift:wooden toys by Brio,dolls by Käthe Kruse, Teddy -Bears by Steiff or Teddy Herrmann,sweets with alcohol-Ritter Sport Rum or Schladerer,marzipan by Niederegger ,items for your kitchen by Fissler and many more .But if you want to show your family a bit more about sights(not the obvious ones)and the landscapes, id highly recommend this book:" So schön ist Deutschland "by Marco Polo ,its devided into chapters per state with recommendations for sights ,celebrations,cultoural differences between other states, best to do with children,tricks to save your money, scams and many more-and you can get it in englisch as well. What about making your own german "cooking book"?! Collect your favourite recipes ad some comments and maybe a few unique german groceries. Sorry for my bad english, i havent written it for a long time.Merry Christmas from northern germany.Let me know if it was helpful.

[@TypeAshton]

These are wonderful ideas, thank you so much! The German cooking book is great. We will need to do some more studying to learn how to cook everything properly first, but our families would love to share some of the culture at home. We hope you have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year!

[@haki8023]

Green dragon - you need to check out "Tabaluga" - stories of a little dragon.

[@hans-dieternichau5467]

Hallo Superfamilie ! Es ist gut euch gesund zu Sehen ! Ihr habt einen guten Einkauf gemacht ! Holzspielzeug ist ein Naturprodukt ,das hält eine Ewigkeit ,sehr gut das ihr euch dafür entschieden habt ,das zeigt mir das ihr euch Gedanken macht was das Beste für euer Kind ist ! Wie ich sehe ,habt ihr den Umzug nach Deutschland nicht bereut ,ganz im Gegenteil ihr fühlt euch angekommen! Ashton braucht keine Maniküre ,ist von Natur aus Hübsch🤩🤩🤩👌👌 Wünsche schöne Feiertage lasst es euch gut gehen! Gruß aus Hamburg 🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🤣☃️☃️☃️☃️☃️☃️

[@TypeAshton]

Danke für die nette Nachricht. Wir sind auf jeden Fall glücklich, wo jetzt sind. Auch freuen wir uns über den Schwerpunkt Naturprodukte in Deutschland. Wir wünschen Ihnen ein schönes Weihnachten und einen guten Rutsch ins neue Jahr!

[@hans-dieternichau5467]

@@TypeAshton Dankeschön

[@xn7270]

Merry Christmas black frost family 🎁🎄and I hope you guys stay healthy and well during the holiday

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you so much! Merry Christmas to you as well!

[@caroLynaaa]

I am not a fan of the classic Stollen either but maybe you want to try a Mandelstollen sometime. They're really delicious! Merry Christmas! xx

[@TypeAshton]

Good suggstion! We have never tried it, maybe we can find some before we fly home.

[@agn855]

@@TypeAshton - The most famous one is from Dresden (Saxony), or a bit closer to Baden-Würtemberg the one from Nuremberg. If treated/stored correctly (cold & dark bc it contains butter) it'll last till March (well, what would be really challenging bc it tastes so good. Have it with tea!). Mandel- AKA "almond" Stollen is often preferred by those who are not that into raisins and/or candied fruit. Sorry, have to leave to have a "Stück Stollen" now ...

[@GoleoGohlix]

The Dragon looks a lot like Tabaluga! It was a famous gameshow in KiKa when I was small. He was Invented by a German/Romanian Rocker called Peter Maffey.

[@TypeAshton]

Thanks for letting us know, we had no idea. I am sure in the future we might figure it out again as Jack gets older.

[@kapuzekapuze1401]

Hi, I saw similiar comments saying it's Tabaluga or Grisu. Personally I think it's just a classical depiction of a green dragon which those characters are also based on 🐉The manufacturer claims that the stuffed animal is called Kari on their website. I remember there being specific merchandise for Tabaluga when I was younger. The stuffy looks similiar tho 😄

[@GoleoGohlix]

@@kapuzekapuze1401 yes. It’s without a license so they can’t name it Tabaluga. It’s © or™️ I don’t now. Name it how you want. Arctos ⛄️ will loose. 😂😂

[@HuSanNiang]

For me it looks like Grisu, the small dragon who wants to become a firefighter . I loved this serie as kid and I found his father Fumé even more entertaining: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gris%C3%B9 kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXTHoHmEecaHoJI

[@barbarossa7231]

I would suggest a Eierschalensollbruchstellenverursacher as your next gift 😂

[@waldfuchs5386]

Steif cuddly toy ,is a very famous German brand . Schleich for animal figures is also great for kids. Faber Kastel for painting. pens and paints Alcohol as a gift or something to eat is always fine. The gummy bear beer glass is funny :-)

[@TypeAshton]

ohhh great call with the art supplies! I know exactly which family member would love that.

[@waldfuchs5386]

@@TypeAshton : Das Schloss und der Wald von Faberkastel ist bei mir in Nürnberg. Mit Wildpark für die Kinder. Im Schloss ist immer Weihnachtsmarkt

[@Kivas_Fajo]

The sign in the toy shop @ lmao! :D "Every unattended child will get a double espresso and a puppy."

[@nordwestbeiwest1899]

Also den Zollstock (der 2 Metergliederstab ) mißbrauche ich immer als Grillzange ! Schönen 4. Advent aus dem Nordwesten .

[@TypeAshton]

Hahaha! Frohe Weihnachten!

[@christiankastorf1427]

@@TypeAshton Here on "KZbin Engineering College" you find American channels that show the use of that old tool (they are six inches per link in the States and in Britain). They can be used to check right angles by making use of good old Pythagoras. It is quite surprising how much uses that little machine has in the hands of a serious carpenter or mason.

[@doloresmey]

Da kann man ja nur noch eine gute Reise, fröhliche Weihnachten 🎄 und einen guten Rutsch 🎉 wünschen - vor allem, dass ihr die wertvolle (gläserne) Fracht 🎁 heil ans Ziel bekommt. Alles Gute für euch. 💝🎄

[@TypeAshton]

Vielen Dank! Wir wünschen Ihnen frohe Weihnachten und einen guten Rutsch ins neue Jahr!

[@markusfrey5625]

Wir verschenken echten Dresdner Christstollen. Es gibt Ihn auch mit Marzipan oder mit Mandeln. Schmeckt Super. Euer Deutsch ist Super. Wir sehen uns jeden Vlog von euch an. Ihr habt einen süßen Sohn. Cheers from the nothern Black Forrest.

[@TypeAshton]

Ich danke dir sehr. Wir fühlen uns immer sehr geehrt zu hören, dass anderen unsere Videos so gut gefallen. ❤️

[@markusfrey5625]

@@TypeAshton Wir bestellen den Christstollen direkt in Dresden. Das Original Rezept ist vom Jahr 1474. Da er frisch gebacken wird lagern wir Ihn im Karton bis zum ersten Advent im kühleren und trockenen Keller. Der Stollen ist auch noch im neuen Jahr gut. Und es gibt Ihn ab 250 Gramm, passt also in den Koffer für Eure Familie und Freunde in den U.S.A. Wir bestellen schon seit >10 Jahren dort. Wenn Ihr wollt, sende ich euch die URL per Mail zu, nicht über KZbin. Grüße vom nördlichen Schwarzwald P.S. Ihr seit eine tolle Familie!

[@human_isomer]

You found some really nice toys here. I'm always impressed how many beautiful toys are still manufactured in Germany, and of what really high quality they are compared to... lets say, eastern imports. However, that quality value of course also shows in the money you need to spend for it. Just one thing I need to note: the "Allgäu" is not a city but a region (or actually more a landscape) at the northern edge of the Alps. It's east of Freiburg and part of Bavaria.

[@TypeAshton]

Thanks for the correction on our description of 'Allgäu'. We will need to visit the region sometime. And agreed, you will need to spend more on the higher quality toys. We hope they get plenty of use through their life. Although as any parent knows, a cardboard box might get more attention.

[@human_isomer]

@@TypeAshton Haha, you're right, although I think, with your selection of toys, that risk is not high ;)

[@TypeAshton]

@@human_isomer We hope so! :)

[@Shelary]

​@@TypeAshton I'm living on the outskirts of the Baden-Württemberg part of the Allgäu and if you visit the Allgäu, don't forget to visit one of the local cheese makers. They make insanly good cheese up there :)

[@M4tti87]

I bougth Sanssoucis for my mom a few years ago :) There is quite an interesting story to the french name. Sanssoucis is a place with a few castles and beautiful gardens of Frederick the great (It is beatiful and huge you can spend a whole day in these gardens). It is located near Potsdam in Brandenburg. The founder of the company opened up his first beatuy salon in 1939 close to the castle Sanssouci :D The gardens are an hommage to the gardens around the castle of Versaille in France. Frederick the Greats personel architect Knobelsdorff desigened and build it from 1745-1747. Due to the hommage to Versaille it got a french name. The translation of Sanssouci is "Kummerfrei" (sorrow free/ no sorrow). There was a Mansion owned by Count Manteufel which was called "Kummerfrei" and it is believed that Knobelsdorff was inspired by that name. Count Manteufel was also living sorta in that area. My mom is a french teacher so I did the research fro her :P Happy holdiays and a safe flight :) PS: My father gets a 60 year old record player. With my mother I plan a short trip to Lissabon in Portugal (Its a present from me and my dad) She always wanted to go there and my dad prefers his Dogs over traveling so they havent been really traveling since 20 years I believe (not even since he is retired). :D Since he does not want to go, the selfless me is doing the sacrifice of traveling with my mom ;)

[@TypeAshton]

Very interesting, thank you for for the descriptive comment. We did not know any of these details. We hope you enjoy your holiday season and have a great New Year!! :)

[@M4tti87]

@@TypeAshton Thank you :) I thought with a little background story like you have with the wooden toys for example, the present might even become more special :D

[@ernestmccutcheon9576]

Even though they have Haribo Gummbären in the States, I still have to bring them with me anytime I fly back to the States because they simply taste better than the American version. Same with the chocolate. American law makes them add stuff that effects the taste. Great video idea!

[@TypeAshton]

Things in Europe often are the better tasting equivalent to those in the states. Another nice example is the bottle Coke in Mexico vs. the canned Coke in USA. The bottled stuff from Mexico is natural cane sugar and tastes much better. We hope you have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year!

[@S_Black]

They are are currently building a Haribo factory in the US actually. I guess it depends on the ingredients used if it will taste the same.

[@martinjahnert1527]

It's a nice selection of gifts, I really hope your family will enjoy them. Wish you and your familys a merry christmas

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you so much! We hope they enjoy them as well. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas.

[@korneliacevasco9939]

Sehr sehr schöne Geschenke . Ich habe noch eine ganze Kiste mit Spielsachen aus Deutschland - Selecta ,Sigikid, Haba. Ostneimer Tiere aus Holz. Wenn ich das alles so wieder sehe , dann bekomme ich Heimweh . Ich möchte nicht überheblich klingen ,aber Deutschland ist ein tolles Land ♥️

[@anni6097]

Waldorf and Montessori are two pretty different education systems :)

[@peterfischer7084]

Exactly. Lumping them together should be a punishable offence.

[@LaureninGermany]

You read my mind! An American friend has just landed in Germany and I was wondering if there was something I could get him- apart from Spaghetti Eis…! That doesn’t travel as well as your ideas, thank you! 😂

[@TypeAshton]

Glad we could help! Tell your friend "welcome to Germany" for us! And we hope you have a very Merry Christmas. ❤️

[@LaureninGermany]

@@TypeAshton you might know him? Darion from Magnificent Germany? I‘ll pass it on and a very Merry Black Forest Christmas to you, too!

[@gigibenea3529]

..the 🚜..is adorable...

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you! We saw it and thought it was the perfect gift for Jack. ❤️

[@katzenfett9444]

Since you touched on legal drinking age and alcoholic beverages from Germany, have you ever thought about making a video on drinking habits comparing the US and Germany/central Europe? When I visited the USA, I found this to be one of the most profound differences - they have such a different approach to the whole thing when it comes to legal drinking age, but just alcohol consumption in general. I'd love to hear your experiences and point of few on this topic.

[@TypeAshton]

Oh yes. I don't think we ever really considered this as a topic to explore in more detail, but I think this could also be interesting! I know even the laws are very different, for example for drinking in public like at a park. Thank you!

[@1201suddenturn]

german toys history is big I belief, special southern germany, in the 30-40‘s they build technical play sets, wooden, metalic and even mechanical motorless drive scooter… Fischer Technik beside Lego was my grow up play tools (70-80) 😀

[@TypeAshton]

Very cool!

[@ireneputzer2072]

Nice video. I hope you're doing a follow up. Would love to hear, or if they're so inclined even see, some reactions to your awesome gifts.

[@TypeAshton]

They really loved the gifts! Unfortunately, we won't be dong a follow up for the reaction to the Germany toys/gifts. We kept the camera off for Christmas since our families don't want to be filmed and we wanted to really enjoy the moment. However, we were surprised that the adults really loved the German candy more than the kids!

[@arnomrnym6329]

Before there was the tape measure, the USA also had the folding rule. There, too, it is still needed and used. I recently saw another YT video in which a folding rule was used. Sometimes one is better, sometimes the other. But it's like counting fingers. Some start with the thumb, some with the index finger, even in the USA. 😉 Schöne Weihnachten gewünscht. 🎄

[@TypeAshton]

I am sure they exist but I remember most people using rolled measuring tapes. The ones which you think you will cut your hand every time you push the button for it to automatically roll up again. There is something more satisfying about folding a measuring tape. The other is much more frightening. Frohe Weihnachten!

[@genovevastahlberg4516]

Just amazing made in germany...

[@TypeAshton]

Admittedly a couple of them are from France (hence the "German-ish" title). But we thought it was really cool that you can find so many quality toys, gifts, and products from here in Germany.

[@nitka711]

Do you know Käthe Wohlfahrt? They have the most incredible (and expensive) Christmas decorations you can find. Oh and check out Quadro. That‘s probably nothing to take back to the US, as it would be a bit bulky, but for Jack you will love it! And you two will have fun with it as well! ;) It‘s a kid to make your own jungle gyms. They have some instructions to make different things with it but also a tool where you can plan your own designs as you like and need them. And they constantly develop new things. They exist since 1979 and are a classic but still going strong. A life long investment, as those things are nearly indestructible. But caution, you can get addicted! My kids (7 and 3) love it! I just recently build a house with ball pool and slide for them and next up is a little castle for my daughter.

[@TypeAshton]

Ah no! I haven't heard of them before but am doing some Googling now. Very cool!

[@lucieherrick6934]

Great ideas. Working on my haul to take home for Christmas.

[@TypeAshton]

Fortunately it's not too hard to find some good ideas!

[@thomask5434]

To be fair, the Philips screwdriver is actually something you can call a standard, because lots! of screws use it :).

[@Dachrinnensaeufer]

Haha, I love the part at 1:55! Brilliant!

[@TypeAshton]

We have a feeling they will ignore this part of our video. :)

[@DidierWierdsma6335]

Merry Christmas Black Forest Family and greetings from the Netherlands🇳🇱 Christmass in Germany is really beautiful a real sight to see amazing also a great haul well done. Other than that a great video keep it up👍

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you! We are glad you enjoyed it. We had a lot of fun doing out Christmas shopping this year. Jack is just now getting old enough to really play with his toys and he LOVES things that have mechanisms (locks, gears, wheels). We are so excited to watch him have fun with his Christmas gifts this year.

[@grischakugelmann2660]

'Kinder' products from Ferrero are from Italy and not Germany but they produce them extra for the German market. cheers

[@CHarlotte-ro4yi]

If you want to explore some more regional made Gin there is another Swabian brand from Stuttgart called Mesano they have really nice Gin and Vermouth 😍

[@TypeAshton]

Ooooo we will need to give them a visit, thanks for the suggestion!

[@michaelkriedel8932]

The green dragon is called Tabaluga and is from the children's musical of the same name by Peter Maffai.

[@gigibenea3529]

Me and my husband loved your video...congratulations for all choices you made ...but what we appreciate the most is that before just .''buying""...you 've got lots of information...and than,in a very professional ( american) style,..you share with us ...👍👍👍

[@TypeAshton]

So glad you enjoyed the video! Thank you for such a nice comment!

[@eagle1de227]

I just want to comment a few time stamps: 10:49 As being french the pronunciation should like "John" or "Jeremiah". Sort of "Jako"... 13:10 I recommend this display also for other stores. Maybe with trumpets, chocolate puddings or a beer as additional gifts... 15:41 Afaik this company originates from my home town 70 km north of Freiburg 20:18 I hope it brings also a smile to the older ones in your family!!! 20:40 to 22:53 after your last video (where you bought some french stuff...pff) i'm quite made up with you again. Staatsweingut Freiburg: approved! 23:00 distilleries a part of the soul of the black forest! fun fact: distilling rights are not assigned to a person but to the house/property and often are a sales argument. Have some nice christmas holidays and best wishes to you and your american family!

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you for the nice comment. Very interesting about the distilleries. We had no idea! This seems so strange. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!

[@carlitow3805]

The mobile discovery disc for infants is not from Djeco but from the german company Selecta, which is located in Wasserburg, Bavaria

[@stephaniedannecker9191]

The little dragon is known as 'Urmel' from the story 'Das Urmel aus dem Eis' played by the Augsburger Puppenkiste

[@jhdix6731]

Rather looks like Tabaluga to me...

[@fromgermany271]

The „tape measure“ is in fact a „Gliedermaßstab“ or as the locals in FR might say „Zollstock“ (even though it’s measures metric) or just „der Meter“ (even though it‘s most often 2).

Nice selection! If you like Gmeiner, you could try Rafael Mutter (Gerberau / Dietler-Passage) too. Local chocolates again!

[@TypeAshton]

Oooh! I will definitely have to give them a try.

[@fromgermany271]

When I was a child (decades ago) Gmeiner was a backer in my hometown 50km north of FR. The young generation then switched to fine cakes and chocolate. And FR as well.

[@fireskorpion396]

I think I had the crane from fagus, it was great! :D

[@amyfluffyfluff880]

The stuffed dragon looks like Tabaluga, a dragon from german kids storybooks, also when you buy things from the gas stations in Germany you pay up to 3 times more, even for the gummy bears and the last thing, when you buy beer 🍺 looking gummy bears from a real manufacturer you should look at the flavour, a lot of them are actually beer flavoured so it's nice to know if you want this flavour or not

[@TypeAshton]

Good call on the price of the gummy bears! But do you know where is a better alternative to buy Haribo? Oddly, I went two of the biggest grocery stores in Freiburg and couldn't find them. I bought the Kinder Bueno from there but we really wanted Haribo so Jonathan had to go to the gas station. Maybe DM has them?

[@amyfluffyfluff880]

@@TypeAshton My family buys them at EDEKA but DM should have a small variety too and you got lucky because you didn’t pay 3€ per gummy pack around 1,50€ is a normal price for a normal sized bag of gummies in my area I can also recommend haribo pico balla and another brand called katjes and they have pink pigs that are very delicious and vegan

[@mamabear3428]

I was able to get bottled Glühwein here in the states. World market and total wine & more had them during Christmas season. Both stores were sold out way before Christmas. I was able to buy 8 bottles and give them as gifts.

[@TypeAshton]

Ah that's awesome! We had also heard that sometimes Trader Joe's carries Glühwein in the States too!

[@shaclo1512]

you should try ALDI or LIDL, they have Glühwein in winter season

[@mamabear3428]

@@shaclo1512 unfortunately most Aldi here in the states don't carry alcohol. The closest to me that says they carry alcoholic beverages is a 3.5 hour drive away in Vermont. You'd think that the ones in NH would but nope, non of them

[@martineckhard9994]

Great selection guys. Perhaps you should get a Weißbier for the young man who turned 21. When he finished his gummis he can enjoy the glas with original german beer in it.

[@TypeAshton]

Yes defiinitely!

[@jonasmuthing7046]

Gummy bears are ok, but have you tried the Saft-Gummibärenby Haribo? They are SO MUCH BETTER. They cost a little more, but it is really worth it. It is some of the few things that we import and ask our friends to take with them to us in Sweden as we can't get these here…

[@shadowday24]

If you want to check out another kind of local cosmetic brand I would try weleda. They sell natural cosmetics and were founded in Switzerland but are also very present in BW

[@TypeAshton]

Good idea! Thank you!

[@butenbremer1965]

I looooooooove wooden toys! When my son was little, he played with his model railway all the time starting at the age of 2-3. There are many brands around, the best known is Brio. Within my adult family members, we had decided not to give anything to each other for Christmas many years ago. We only have one single "child" aged 19 in our entire family (my son), so he gets all the attention. Have a safe trip to the US and happy holidays!!! Viele Grüße Ralph

[@TypeAshton]

Jonathan's family is quite a bit larger than mine, so we do a secret Santa with his siblings where each of us get one other person. I only have one sister, so we always exchange gifts. The wine and other treats are mostly just to share at the table as "thank you for hosting us" gifts. And YES! We totally want to buy Jack a wooden train or electric train set in the future. He is a bit too little at the moment, but Jonathan had a set when he was little and loved it. It is a memory we hope to share with him in a year or two.

[@wenwen5891]

My girls also love their Brio railways. We have had one for five years and they still play with it.

[@Teatime-mq6bv]

Oh yes, the Brio Train. My children are almost 30, but we still have our brio as well as the „kugelbahn“ which I think is also produced by brio.

[@saba6502]

I just love this video, and you are a lovely family! It's so great watching you enjoy and explain all the toys and gifts you bought.

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you! We had SUCH a fun time watching our families open their gifts and enjoy them as well. ❤️

[@joergfro7149]

that's funny! We used to get the care packages from the USA!🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@TypeAshton]

That's very funny!

[@neophytealpha]

I may like the standard toursist fare as well, but am more interested in a lot of things only available in Germany, and sometimes only in specific places or regions.

[@lchg6028]

The little dragon is the hero of a German TV show. He's called Tabaluga

[@TypeAshton]

A few others have mentioned this as well and we want to try to find some clips of the show to show Jack sometime. ❤️

[@m3lchah1m]

this year you can buy a bottle of whisky from Rothaus Brauerei

[@TypeAshton]

Oooooh that sounds awesome!!!

[@joyjit_roy]

*hi black forest fam, new sub here -- love ur vids, subbed to all. i'm also planning to move to Germany*

[@TypeAshton]

That's so awesome! Thank you for the subscription! We are glad you enjoy the videos and hope we can help inspire your move. We love it here.

[@neophytealpha]

Saure pommes are harder to get in US.

[@zirfeld9528]

Sorry, I'm late and a dollar short, but while the wine is from the Staatsweingut Freiburg, it is not form the vineyard overlooking the city. "Blankenshornsberg" is the vineyard, it is located in the Kaiserstuhl near the village of Ihringen, about 20 km west of Freiburg.

[@TypeAshton]

I believe they use multiple vineyards?

[@zirfeld9528]

@@TypeAshton They do, but "Blankenhornsberg" refers to a specific one and your bottles were labeled with that location. I have a winemaker in my family who spent parts of his training there. It's not a big thing, I just thoought you'd like to know. Maybe visit the Kaisertuhl at some point, visit Breisach and the Rhine ;)

[@novemberabend]

The Dragon is probably Tabaluga is a children's TV trick series there a also books films and a Musical. There are great

[@TypeAshton]

We will need to look this up. Thanks!

[@LuBaer]

Gmeiner is original from the Ortenau today you can find shops even in Tokio :) But they are great; they made my brothers wedding gateau. I m big fan of Staatsweingut "Sekt" you can buy it at Rewe in KaJo-Str too.

[@TypeAshton]

Very interesting! We'll give the Sekt a try next time we are at Rewe, thanks for the suggestion!

[@diablaui]

Fun Fact => HARIBO is an acronym: HAns RIegel BOnn (Hans Riegel is the founder of that company.

[@515aleon]

German Kinder Eggs (Kinder Surprise) are way better than the Kinder Joy--not sure re: the chocolate, but the toys are much better and more interesting. I think the chocolate is different, but haven't had side by sidr. Maybe due to the space that you have to place a toy. The toys are a bit bigger and more elaborate. (Kinder Surprise are illegal to sell in the US--but you can send to friends.)

[@slightlygrouchy]

This is such an excellent video! I really loved how you presented and introduced all the products. Even the arrangement on the table was brilliant.

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you!

[@Alexander-dt2eq]

Baden-Baden is mainly known for its casino in Germany ;)

[@Kivas_Fajo]

You should really checkout Weleda products. I guess they have what you need made naturally...everything.

[@TypeAshton]

We have bought some things from them in the past, some really nice products.

[@d3bugg3r]

hi, thats no dinosaur, that is Tabaluga from the musical from Peter Maffay. it even had a tv Show some years ago.. maybe you should pack the audio book within the present

[@TypeAshton]

Thanks for pointing that out, we had no idea it was an actual character. We will need to look into it for Jack.

[@PalmyraSchwarz]

You think a lot about gifts in a very beneficial way.

[@TypeAshton]

We feel that if you're going to spend money on something, try and do it right. :)

[@mllecamill3]

I cant help but notice the very skeptical look on Ashtons face when Jonathan presents the wooden tractor. xD

[@TypeAshton]

A man on a mission to relive his chilhood of trucks and tractors.

[@winterschmied4583]

But the same look on his face when Ashton showed the Beads.😂 It's the age old thing: Boys and machines and girls and trinkets... Show a boy a construction site and he is in another world. Show a girl somehing that glitters and she is in another world.

[@Rai_Te]

Statt Haribo Gummibärchen würde ich mal "Nimm 2" Lachgummies probieren ... gibt es in süss und in sauer ... was man lieber mag ist Geschmacksache ... besser als Gummibärchen sind beide.

[@TypeAshton]

Ohh ok! Wir werden versuchen, beim nächsten Supermarktbesuch danach zu suchen. Danke!

[@Alexander-zs5rj]

You must Visit Haribo at Bonn ( Werksverkauf ) Shop... It‘s Heaven for Fans 😉

[@TypeAshton]

Oh man that sounds AWESOME!

[@arnodobler1096]

Frohe Weihnachten euch und eurer Familie 🙋‍♂ Rothaus yes 🍻

[@TypeAshton]

Dir auch Frohe Weihnachten, Arno! Wir wünschen Ihnen und Ihrer Familie schöne Feiertage und einen guten Start ins neue Jahr. ️❤️