What's a good gift from Prague?

August 13, 2008 8:19 AM

My sister's going to Prague. She said as part of a belated birthday gift, she'll pick me up something. What should I ask her to get for me?

I am a guy. I'd like something inexpensive (less than $30, ish), not particularly flashy, not particularly big, not a touristy tchotchke thing, yet something that I couldn't really get in Austin, TX. Bonus points for something that is Prague specific.

posted by 23skidoo to shopping (12 comments total)

Perhaps she should pick out your present herself, once she sees what's available there.
posted by Carol Anne at 8:26 AM on August 13, 2008

Do you drink coffee?
posted by jmoore3 at 8:28 AM on August 13, 2008

Do you drink coffee?

Yes, I do. Tell me stuff about stuff.
posted by 23skidoo at 8:37 AM on August 13, 2008

Are you much of a drinker? There is always that option, if so. When I was there in January I saw several types of alcohol native to the Czech Republic on sale. Among them, slivlovice and malinovice*- plum and raspberry brandies- and a herbal liqueur called Becherovka.

The Czech Republic is also a fantastic place to pick yourself up some amber, garnet or moldavite- if you like the idea of a pendant, perhaps that might be an option? If your sister is anywhere near the castle, tell her to keep an eye out for a lovely shop called Planet Amber.

(*Perhaps some kind person will correct me on my lousy spelling!)
posted by psychostorm at 8:40 AM on August 13, 2008

Slivlovice seconded. Tastes like plums dipped in gasoline, goes down like jet fuel. A wonderful drink and absolutely a part of the Czech region. I was lucky enough to suck down the homemade stuff.

Crystal is also pretty cheap there.
posted by GilloD at 9:56 AM on August 13, 2008

Absinthe! But it's banned in the United States for some reason, so be aware that it could be confiscated if discovered (unlikely if it's a small one-shot bottle).

There are some shops selling some nice metal handicrafts around the Old Town Square area.
posted by the_ancient_mariner at 10:40 AM on August 13, 2008

Seconding garnets--I got a pair of gorgeous earrings for a song last time I was there. Since you're a guy, maybe a snazzy tie-tack?
posted by orrnyereg at 11:32 AM on August 13, 2008

Oh god yes get some slivlovice. If possible, get the rocket juice that comes from locals in clear jars with no labelling but a piece of tape with "slivo" on it.
posted by notsnot at 1:02 PM on August 13, 2008

Glass. Czech glass ("Bohemian crystal") is famous, especially cut crystal. Something like a large bowl ought to travel well if she pads it with clothes.

They also do good things with carved wood, especially marionettes.
posted by Pallas Athena at 1:12 PM on August 13, 2008

I cannot second Becherovka... when they say it's "herbal" liqueur, well, let's just say it doesn't taste like mint. It's the kind of thing you drink on a dare. Trust me. Plus, it's available here, at places like Trader Joe's (so is slivovice & malinovice, by the way).

What you want is a good bottle of Czech beer that you can't get here, so, no Pilsner Urquell or Budovar (my personal favorite is Gambrinus).

Amber is a good buy, also Czech crystal (Bohemia crystal) is world famous and dead expensive in the U. S. Also expensive in the touristy city center, have your sister try going out a few blocks for a * little bit * of a better deal. Or she could take a day (or half day) trip to a crystal factory town, like Podebrady. It's mostly off the tourist grid, and I fondly remember a relaxing afternoon walking through the tree-lined park and eating ice cream, surrounded by locals and their kids. It's about a 45 minute bus ride east of the city.
posted by vignettist at 1:40 PM on August 13, 2008

If you're at all a fan of nice products for skin/hair have her pick up something from Dr. Hauschka. It costs a fortune in the states, but is more reasonable at the Prague shop. Here's a link to their men's line.
posted by Scram at 6:34 PM on August 13, 2008

If you're into design, I'd ask for something czech cubist from the House of Black Madonna in Old Town. Or anyt cool-looking modernist or communist-kitch tchotchke from an "antikvariat". Much more interesting than the modern crystal and probably cheaper.
posted by RandlePatrickMcMurphy at 7:08 AM on August 14, 2008