"German Souvenirs in Munich, Germany For funny German souvenirs (like this kitschy cuckoo clock), check out Servus Heimat in the Stadtmuseum. For more upscale collectibles, head to Nymphenburg (Odeonsplatz 1) , a 250-year-old traditional porcelain producer that works with such international designers as Hella Jongerius. This appeared in the November/December 2011 issue."

"Top-Notch Chocolates in Munich Schuhbecks Schokolade is on top of its chocolate game. Choose from an assortment of decadent truffles, confections, and bars in a variety of flavors. Everything is made using the best Swiss chocolate. You can customize your own chocolate gift packages, but don't forget to treat yourself, too—you wouldn't want that thoughtful gift to disappear before you get home."

"Spice Up Your Life Germany's most famous chef, Alfons Schuhbeck, travels the world in search of spices but makes it easy for you at his "Gewürze" (Spice) Shop. Choose from over a hundred well-stocked and fragrant spices from all over the world, on three levels. Be sure to check out the Oriental Spice Bazaar on the top floor, if not for the spices then for the ornate decor."

"Hofbrauhaus: Don't Forget to Eat As Well! Germans, especially Bavarians (who are or are not Germans, depending on whom you talk to) love eating their meat and potatoes. While there, I went for a giant joint of pork with kartoffel (potato) salad. Nobody does fresh potato salad better. Sure, the famous Hofbrauhaus in Munich is a great place to sit with friends and try to avoid spraining your wrist as you suck down liter glasses of beer, but it's also a great place to eat. Filling up helps you enjoy the beer even more and fights off the eventual intoxication as well."

"Bring Home a Beer Stein This family-run souvenir shop (aptly named Souvenirs Flohr) has been in the Flohr family for over 25 years, starting with a small stand just outside the Hofbräuhaus. It has since moved just down the road. It's famous for its collection of porcelain figurines and beer steins, carrying them from the cheaper end all the way up to limited editions."

"Some of Munich's Finest Baked Goods The Confiserie Cafe Luitpold is known as the "sinful mile" and is the meeting place for sweet connoisseurs in the heart of Munich . Bring the flavors back home with you with a package of cookies, marzipan or chocolates skillfully prepared by chef Albert Ziegler. It won't be the cheapest souvenir you bring back, but it will likely be the most delicious."

"Germany's Best Gingerbread Lebkuchen Schmidt is one of Germany 's most famous gingerbread makers and prides itself on its "exquisite quality" and secret recipe. Lebkuchen Schmidt is committed to the tradition of the good old baking craft, while at the same time continuing to refine and create new taste sensations on the basis of the traditional recipe. Modern day gingerbread may now include almonds, walnuts, creamy nougat, fine cocoa, selected spices, soft melting chocolate and other fine ingredients. Not only is the gingerbread tasty, it also looks pretty in one of the collector's items tins it's wrapped in."

"Show Your True (Soccer) Colors If you weren't already a FC Bayern München fan, you are now, right? Show your support for your favorite team with memorabilia from the official fan shop."

"Dress Like a Local in a Dirndl or Lederhosen Want to fit in with the locals? Then you need Wies'n Trachtfor traditional Bavarian clothing. That's a dirndl (for the ladies) and lederhosen (for the guys), especially if you're going to Oktoberfest, but a regular beer hall will suffice as well! Weis'n Tracht & Mehr has five locations in Munich ."