Anyone living in Germany who regularly visits family or friends in China is probably familiar with the tradition of bringing back small gifts.
In Chinese culture, giving gifts – especially to older relatives – is often seen as a way of expressing respect, appreciation and care.
For tourists, exchange students and business travellers visiting Germany, another common question is:
“What makes a small but meaningful gift from Germany?”
The most popular choices tend to be high-quality, practical and compact products, ideally with a German brand or “Made in Germany” connection.
In this article, we introduce 10 practical gift ideas for parents and older family members aged 60 and above, combining health, comfort and quality. Most are compact enough to fit easily into your luggage and cost less than €50.
1. Dietary Supplements
Doppelherz – A Trusted German Supplement Brand Since 1919
Doppelherz is one of the best-known nutritional supplement brands available in German pharmacies. Its range includes vitamins, minerals, omega-3 products and nutritional supplements designed for different everyday needs, including eye, joint and cardiovascular health. The brand is also well known among Chinese consumers.
Doppelherz Aminosäuren Vital
Contains essential amino acids to support muscle nutrition and everyday recovery. A suitable option for older adults who want to maintain their muscle condition and daily activity levels.
Doppelherz Omega-3 – 3-Month Supply
A concentrated omega-3 supplement providing EPA and DHA for daily nutritional support, particularly for normal heart and brain function.
Doppelherz Coenzyme Q10 + B Vitamins
Combines coenzyme Q10 with B vitamins to support normal energy metabolism and everyday vitality. Suitable for people with busy lifestyles who often feel tired.
Doppelherz Glucosamine 1000 + Turmeric
Contains glucosamine and turmeric and is designed for people looking for nutritional support for joint and cartilage health.
Doppelherz Augen Extra Nacht
Contains lutein, vitamin A and other nutritional ingredients to support eye nutrition and normal vision, making it suitable for adults who pay particular attention to eye health.
2. Foot Care Products
Recommended Brands: Scholl & Balea
Scholl is a long-established brand specialising in foot health and foot-care products, particularly its range of electric foot-care devices.
Balea is the private-label brand of the German drugstore chain dm, known for affordable and practical personal-care products with excellent value for money.
Scholl Expert Care Electric Foot File – For Smooth Feet
- Effectively removes hard and rough skin.
- Ergonomic design for comfortable handling.
- Battery-operated and easy to use.
- Particularly suitable for dry and rough feet.
Balea Foot Scrub & Foot Mask Set
Combines exfoliation with a moisturising foot mask, making it ideal for a weekly at-home foot-care routine.
Other useful Balea foot-care products include:
3. Herbal Body-Care Ointments
Recommended Brand: Kräuterhof
Kräuterhof is a German brand known for plant-based body-care products inspired by traditional herbal ingredients.
Kräuterhof Pferdebalsam Warm – Warming Herbal Balm
A warming body-care balm suitable for massage around the shoulders, back and joints. It absorbs quickly and provides a pleasant warming sensation, making it particularly appealing during colder weather.
4. Honey & Propolis
Recommended Brands: Bihophar & Breitsamer
Bihophar and Breitsamer are established German honey brands offering a wide range of high-quality honey products. Their attractive glass jars also make honey a charming German gift.
Erlbacher BioGold Organic Blossom Honey
- Certified organic honey.
- Made from natural blossom honey.
- Rich, aromatic flavour.
- Delicious with bread, yoghurt or desserts.
A simple yet authentic German food gift for people who appreciate natural products.
5. Essential Oils & Massage Oils
Recommended Brands: Kneipp & Primavera
Kneipp and Primavera are two well-known German brands in the natural personal-care sector.
Kneipp is known for its plant-based formulations and holistic approach to everyday wellbeing, while Primavera is particularly recognised for its organic essential oils and natural products.
Kneipp Sauna-Aufguss Lebensfreude
- Fresh, fruity fragrance.
- Suitable for sauna aroma experiences.
- A pleasant choice for people who enjoy natural scents and home wellness rituals.
An excellent gift for anyone who enjoys saunas, aromatherapy and traditional German wellness culture.
Primavera Organic Almond Oil
- Pure almond oil.
- Suitable for body massage.
- Can also be used as everyday care for dry skin.
- A versatile natural-care product for home use.
6. Home Health Monitoring & Wellness Devices
Recommended Brands: Beurer & Omron
Beurer is a well-known German health and personal-care brand with a history dating back to 1919.
Omron is a globally recognised healthcare brand and is particularly well known for its blood-pressure monitoring devices.
Beurer PO30 Pulse Oximeter
Measures blood oxygen saturation and pulse rate in a compact, portable format.
It can be a practical home health-monitoring device for people who have been advised to regularly monitor these measurements.
Beurer Shiatsu Back & Neck Massager
Features a heat function and massage action designed to help relax the muscles around the neck and back.
Ideal for people who spend a lot of time sitting or simply enjoy relaxing at home.
Omron RS4 Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor
- Compact wrist design.
- Easy to operate.
- Stores measurement results.
- Convenient for regular home blood-pressure monitoring.
A practical gift for parents or older relatives who need to keep track of their blood pressure at home.
7. Hair-Care Products
Recommended Brands: Alcina, Alverde & Schauma
From professional salon products to natural hair care, German brands offer a variety of solutions for different hair and scalp needs.
REGAINE Men’s Foam
Contains minoxidil and is used to treat male pattern hair loss.
As this is a medicinal product, it should be used according to the product instructions and, where appropriate, following advice from a doctor or pharmacist.
Alpecin Caffeine Liquid
Contains caffeine and is designed for everyday scalp and hair-root care.
Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo
Cleanses the hair and scalp while containing caffeine as part of its hair-care formulation. Suitable for everyday scalp care.
8. Anti-Ageing Skincare
Recommended Brands: Weleda & NIVEA
Weleda is known for its natural, plant-based approach to skincare and gentle personal-care products.
NIVEA combines established skincare ingredients with modern research and offers products for a wide range of ages and skin types.
WELEDA Skin Food Body Butter, 150 ml
- Suitable for dry to very dry skin.
- Rich texture provides long-lasting moisturisation.
- Part of the classic Skin Food range and ideal for everyday care of dry areas.
- Presented in a glass jar, giving it a premium feel and making it suitable as a gift.
A particularly good choice for parents and older relatives whose skin tends to become drier during autumn and winter.
NIVEA Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Day Cream
- Contains Q10.
- Includes SPF for everyday UV protection.
- Designed for daily moisturising and anti-ageing skincare.
- Suitable for mature skin and everyday skincare routines.
9. Sugar-Free Herbal Lozenges
Recommended Brands: Ricola & Em-eukal
Ricola and Em-eukal are traditional European herbal confectionery brands known for their herbal recipes and refreshing flavours.
Em-eukal Ginger Orange Sugar-Free Lozenges
Combines spicy ginger with refreshing orange notes.
The sugar-free formula makes it a convenient choice for people who enjoy herbal sweets and fresh flavours.
Ricola Menthol Swiss Herbal Lozenges
Contains menthol and Ricola’s classic blend of 13 Swiss alpine herbs, creating a refreshing cooling sensation.
Convenient to carry in a handbag or pocket and enjoy throughout the day.
10. Practical Small Electrical Appliances
Recommended Brands: AEG, Braun & Beurer
Compact personal-care appliances make practical gifts for parents and older relatives. They are easy to use, relatively easy to transport and can be incorporated into everyday routines.
Panasonic ER-GN30 Nose & Ear Hair Trimmer
- Compact and lightweight.
- Gentle and effective trimming.
- Easy to clean.
- Convenient for everyday personal grooming and travel.
Braun Bodygroomer MGK3441 Multi-Grooming Kit
A versatile grooming device suitable for beard, body and nose-hair trimming.
It comes with different attachments and trimming combs, allowing users to adjust the cutting length according to their needs.
Conclusion
All of the products featured in this guide combine quality, practicality and travel-friendly design, making them suitable German gifts for parents and older relatives in China.
Whether you choose nutritional supplements, foot-care products, honey and herbal products, health-monitoring devices, massage products or personal grooming appliances, a practical gift can be a simple yet meaningful way to express care, appreciation and thoughtfulness.
