Berlin Shopping

A couple of friends have told me before that giving gifts to a diplomat is pretty tricky. “What is it exactly that they do, even?” is a question I often get asked a lot about my husband and his colleagues. “We need to know so we know what to give him/her for ____*insert occasion here*___.” This marks the beginning of my lengthy explanation which covers almost everything I learned while being a Foreign Affairs journalist. Contrary to popular belief, gifts for the diplomat in your life are quite easy to find.

To make things more fun, I asked some friends in the field as to what they would love to receive for the holidays. Here, I’ve put together a list that can fit any budget and you can get online. It’s a week before Christmas and I know some of you are not up for braving the holiday crowd. I’m the exact opposite but I’ll tell you why in another post (either here or social media). This time, however, everything will be available online so all you have to do is get your credit card ready.

I’ll also have options both for my readers in US and Germany. Disclaimer: Most links are powered by Amazon affiliates which gives me a commission every time you buy something. This is of no cost to you and helps me keep running Almost Diplomatic. Enjoy! 🙂

Booze

Entertaining is never complete without a drink or two. So, giving your diplomat friends a bottle of booze to replenish their stash is always a safe bet. Our friend Michel from the US was actually quick to reply that this is one gift he’d be glad to receive this Christmas. He’s someone who throws a mean party that everyone enjoys so this actually comes as no surprise. Everyone who was at his last Cinco de Mayo celebration is still talking about it so we should trust him on this. 

Learn their preference or make it more interesting by getting them something that’s from your country (assuming that you’re someone who’s of a different nationality as your diplomat friend). If you’re planning on giving Champagne, check out my friend Tamas’ Champagne Therapy website for some really good deals. 

It’s no secret that diplomats travel a lot for work and these Carry On Cocktail Kits will definitely be helpful to that friend who’s still an anxious flier despite his job. Getting through major turbulence or even the stress of having to go through airport security are also things they would never get used to. So a pick-me-up should be a welcomed gift.

Buy it via Amazon in the US

Buy it via Amazon in Germany

For that diplomat who is the usual host and serves up a mean Old Fashioned, why not something they can keep and use every time they host you? These mixology sets are not only useful, but they would also look good at any home bar.

Buy it via Amazon in the US 

Buy it via Amazon in Germany

Kitchen and Dining Items

I have mixed feelings over Edward VIII or the Duke of Windsor after his abdication. However, there’s a quote attributed to him and was recently used on an episode of The Crown which resonated with me ever since I stumbled upon it on an old magazine. He once said that the most practical form of diplomacy is actually entertaining. 

Friendships, negotiations, and even networking are done best over good food and drink. Since we’ve covered alcohol by this point, let’s go over kitchen and dining. Our friend Ralf, who’s currently posted in Spain, is a spectacular host and prefers to receive such gifts this season. 

You’ll never go wrong by giving a high-quality Chef’s Knife. People who don’t have them yet will thank you for it and those who already have one (or two) can always use another one. It’s the most versatile knife in the kitchen and anyone who loves to cook will find it useful.

Buy it via Amazon in the US

Buy it via Amazon in Germany

Speaking of versatility, another thing people could always use is a skillet. For all those one-pan recipes that all people do when the day gets a little too busy. 

Buy it via Amazon in the US

Buy it via Amazon in Germany

Another thing that’s essential to a diplomat’s entertaining arsenal is good a charcuterie or cheese board. Who doesn’t love good cheese, cured meats, and wine? You? Err. Thank you, next.

Buy it via Amazon in the US

Buy it via Amazon in Germany

Books

There’s nothing quite like a well-thought-of book as a gift. It’s both professional and somehow personal (without going overboard) at the same time. Our friend Raisa who, aside from being a diplomat herself takes such gorgeous photos which you can find on her Instagram, says that she loves getting books about another country or a historical event. “I think in general, we love to read. So, giving us books that help us understand something about the person giving the gift would be great,” she added.

Buy it via Amazon in the US

Buy it via Amazon in Germany

When we were posted in Malaysia, books were also my go-to gifts. I would spend hours at the Big Bad Wolf Sale which happens annually around the first week of December. Just in time for your Christmas shopping. 

Planner

Think diplomats just sit around all day and attend parties at night? Think again. My husband’s work schedule in November was so packed with work-trips, we hardly saw each other. Phooey. Help the diplomat in your life stay on top of his/her schedule by giving them a traditional agenda. Writing things down as opposed to entering it to a digital calendar even helps improve memory!

Oh, and for the love of all that is holy, don’t re-gift those corporate giveaway planners. That’s just too tacky.

Buy it via Amazon in the US

Buy it via Amazon in Germany 

For the quirkier diplomat, may I suggest a planner made by my amazingly creative friend Ivi? She uses positive psychology and lots of creative tools to help make you more productive. You can get The Hashtag HERO Planner via this link.

Travel Essentials

For all those trips they will take, they’ll need quality items that can get them from A to B. A luggage set is a great gift for a diplomat you are very close to (think significant other) and are willing to splurge for. If you’re looking for something that’s a bit friendlier to your wallet, toiletry cases as a good option. I find high quality and roomy toiletry bags as great gifts for people who travel a lot. Once you get to your destination, it makes settling down a lot easier — even if they’re just there for a few days. They also make packing up easier. Every single traveller I’ve met has appreciated such a gift. My father – a commercial real estate guy who often travels within Scandinavia for work – included. I got him one for his birthday and he was so happy with it as he always forgets to get himself one and nobody else seems to think of gifting it to him.

Buy it via Amazon in the US

Buy it via Amazon in Germany

A Trip Not Related to Work

If you’re dating or married to a diplomat, you already know how much they travel for work. Sometimes, you get to tag along too. However, it’s always more work and they hardly get to know the place they went to since they’re usually in a conference, a meeting, or in the middle of helping one of their citizens who’s in trouble.

Book a holiday wherein they can actually have fun at a new place without having to worry about their next schedule. (Shameless plug: Book using the widget above for some really good deals!) Let them explore something that interests him/her at his/her own pace.

Do something new. Join an unconventional tour or go on a food hunt. There are lots of options that you won’t get from a store or even off the internet.

Thanks for reading and I hope this was helpful! With that said, I hope you guys enjoy the holidays!

If you have some items to add, feel free to comment below! I’m always looking for new ideas. 🙂

More later.