It is very difficult to look for something truly special or unique in Austria, as in other countries. Yet one only needs to look closer in familiar places.
It is hard for tourists to choose what can be regarded as "true souvenirs" as the world has long become globalized. More often than not, they find out to their dismay that things coming from one country are easily available in other countries, which means that purchasing them does not really make sense; moreover, in their hunt for something unique or special at tourist hotspots, they are ushered from one chain store to another and greeted by brands which are all too familiar, and which might well originate from their own countries.
Mozart? Swarovski?
Hunting for true souvenirs has become difficult even in Austria, which is far more conservative than many of its European neighbors in view of its attempts in resisting globalization by such processes as "Austrification" and "Re-Austrification." True, the country is famous for a lot of things: Mozart and the Swarovski crystal factory in Alps, to name only two. Yet even Mozart candies, which have graced almost every tourist guidebooks, are available in London. Similarly, Swarovski has opened so many branches throughout the world that one tends not to be as fascinated by the beauty of its crystals as before.
Miniature Cities, Fairytale Houses
The architectures of many Austrian cities are one of the things that make the country worth visiting. Since it is not possible to carry the buildings away, what should the tourist target during a short trip to, say, Vienna? A small photo frame containing a 3D portrait of the city is a good choice, so is a 3D reproduction of Austrian painter Gustav Klimt's Kiss. Cards and bookmarks featuring the works of Austrian artist Anna Wischin, one of which turns Klimt's couple into cats, will be especially appealing to cat lovers. These are proofs that souvenirs available at the airport or train station can be nice, and by no means reflect on the bad taste or laziness of those who purchase them.
While the horse-drawn carriages outside St. Stephen's Cathedral is a marvelous sight, one cannot expect to be entertained at the stores nearby. Yet A tiny store that specializes in chocolates is refreshing. Its gift sets are cute, and its 3D fairy houses feature the tales of Brother Grimms must evoke nostalgia in both the giver and the receiver. Indeed, these chocolates in 3D packages are not made in Austria, but the long-time German chocolate manufacturer, Farüchoc. For those who live outside Europe, they make meaningful gifts, by virtue that they are only available in very few European countries, and not even purchasable through the Internet.
