Contributed by Info Guru Oliver VanDervoort

It seems like we’re always looking for presents for the people we love that stand out from the crowd.

We often turn to something like a new electronic device or the very best dress but there are other directions we can go in order to get original gift ideas. One way to get something that your special someone will find new and original is to get something that screams, original European craftsmanship. This kind of an idea is especially good for someone who has a thing for old world Europe. If you know someone like that, then you should peruse out list of top 10 European gift ideas. You can thank us later.

10. Italian Music Boxes

Obviously, you can get a music box from almost anywhere, but the Italian versions of these boxes are lush and luxurious. Actual Italian music boxes have a certain kind of craftsmanship that you aren’t going to find anywhere else.

9. Russian Nesting Dolls

You have probably seen these dolls from time to time but nesting dolls get their origin in Russia. Since that time there have certainly been some interesting takes on the original. If you want to get that special someone one of the top European gifts around then you are going to want to get them some official Russian nesting dolls.

8. Venetian Masks

These masks are probably one of those things you’ve seen every now and then and thought they looked awful fancy. You probably had no idea that they originated in Venice, Italy. If you want to get a gift from Europe then you certainly can’t go wrong with one of a kind venetian masks. There are all kinds of different designs, for both men and women.

7. French Wines

France has long been recognized as the home of the world’s finest wines, from bubbly Champagnes to rich Bordeaux. That’s why a gift of fine French wines is instantly recognized as something special. Pair your wine gift with fine crystal stemware and you have a European gift even royalty would appreciate.

6. Swiss Chocolates

Much like Champagne, there is something that sets Swiss chocolates apart from your average chocolate bar. If you want to show people you worked hard to get them a special European gift, then you should make sure that you are getting them some bonafide Swiss chocolate.

5. Limoges Boxes

These are a kind of little jewelry or decorative box that has a porcelain made from clay that only comes from one area of France. Because of that, these are collectible items that are sought out across the world. The only way they are authentic Limoges boxes is if they come from the Limousine area of France.

4. Murano Glass

There are all kinds of different things that are made from Murano glass and you can pick a whole host of different gifts. Like several other items on the list, these items are all made in one specific area of Italy called the Murano isles. If the items come from anywhere else, they aren’t authentic Murano items.

3. English Tea

The English are well know for their love of tea. That also means that they make some of the best tea you can drink. If you know someone who loves a good cup of tea, then you can’t go wrong with an official English tea as a gift.

2. Italian Leather Briefcase

Like an awful lot of the items on this list, if you want to get someone an Italian leather briefcase then you need to make sure it is really Italian leather. The better products that use this kind of special material will come with some sort of letter of authenticity.

1. German Beer Stein

Most people think of beer steins when they think of Germany. If you have someone who loves having a drink every now and then, you should get them a couple of steins.