As much as we’d like to give our loved ones the world, a trip to Europe can become expensive when you consider airfare, hotels, food, and activities. However, when it comes to purchasing souvenirs, you can still find budget-friendly options. Therefore, if you’re on a budget or just want to be a smart shopper, here are the best affordable gifts to buy in Amsterdam that your friends and family will surely appreciate.

Local Food and Drink Specialties

Amsterdam offers a variety of food and drink gifts that won’t break the bank, yet they will undoubtedly please the recipients. You can choose from a wide range of Dutch specialties like delicious Gouda cheese, ooey gooey stroopwafels, decadent chocolate, hearty beer, and a diverse assortment of traditional cookies. Regardless of the price, these delightful treats are always a hit!

Dutch Birthday Calendar (Verjaardag)

This is truly a heartfelt Dutch custom. The verjaardag (birthday) calendar is designed solely for noting down birthdays. Since they have no year, only numbered dates, it transforms into a keepsake. Consequently, the verjaardag is a staple in every Dutch household, and many families have more than one due to large family sizes.

Visit any gift shop or stationery store to find them. The designs vary from Dutch children’s book characters to famous Van Gogh paintings and other illustrations.

Flowering Bulbs

Amsterdam is renowned for its stunning tulips, but many tourists may not realize the variety of blooming bulbs available for purchase. Dutch narcissus (daffodils), hyacinths, lilies, amaryllis, alliums, and crocuses serve as lovely gifts for anyone with a green thumb or a love for nature.

Moreover, remember that it’s permissible to bring these bulbs back home—just ensure you only buy the prepackaged varieties that are approved for international transport.

Clogs and Wooden Shoes

For many, Dutch wooden clogs or wooden shoes symbolize the Netherlands. While you might not see many locals wearing them, some rural residents still find them practical for walking in muddy fields.

If you think your friends and family wouldn’t want wooden shoes as a gift, an adorable alternative is fluffy wooden shoe slippers made of soft fabric, found in nearly every souvenir shop, providing a more affordable and comfortable option.

However, if you’re after the authentic experience, a visit to Ratterman Wooden Shoes and Gifts, just south of Amsterdam in Amstelveen, is a must. You can even observe the process of how these clogs are made!