Gifts
Rotterdam Gifts & Souvenirs
Looking for a Rotterdam gift that is a little different from the usual souvenir? Whether you’re buying something for Sinterklaas, Christmas, a birthday or for someone who simply loves the city, there are plenty of good ideas to choose from.
We’ve put together some of our favourite Rotterdam gift ideas, from books and puzzles to architecture, football and a few things made by Rotterdam360. There are options for different budgets, and most of them work just as well as a present for someone living in Rotterdam as for someone who has moved away.
Rotterdam gifts for Sinterklaas
Sinterklaas is coming, and finding an original present isn’t always easy. Chocolate letters and pepernoten are difficult to beat, but if you’re buying for somebody who loves Rotterdam, a gift connected with the city can be a little more personal.
Here are a few ideas that caught our attention.
Rotterdam skyline puzzle
The 1,000-piece puzzle features the Rotterdam skyline and Erasmus Bridge and makes a nice challenge for a quiet winter evening.
View the Rotterdam puzzle on Amazon →
Paint your own Rotterdam skyline
Something a little different. This paint-by-numbers set features the Rotterdam skyline and Erasmus Bridge. It could be a fun present for somebody who enjoys painting, or simply wants to make their own piece of Rotterdam wall art.
Our Rotterdam 2027 Wall Calendar
This one is ours.
We created the Rotterdam 2027 Wall Calendar using images of the city and some of the places that make Rotterdam special. It’s a simple way to have a little bit of Rotterdam on the wall throughout the year.
It can also make a nice present for somebody who has moved away from Rotterdam, lives abroad or simply loves the city.
View our Rotterdam 2027 Wall Calendar →
Gifts for Rotterdam architecture lovers
Architecture is one of the things that makes Rotterdam different from almost every other Dutch city. If you’re buying for somebody interested in buildings, design or photography, there are some much better options than a traditional souvenir.
Building the Rotterdam
If you’ve ever wondered how one of Rotterdam’s most recognisable buildings was built, Building the Rotterdam follows its construction through the photography of Ruud Sies.
The English-language hardcover documents the building process and the people behind the project. It’s an interesting choice for anyone who likes Rotterdam architecture, photography or the work of Rem Koolhaas and OMA.
Rotterdam Architecture City: The 100 Best Buildings
Another option for an architecture lover is a book covering 100 of Rotterdam’s most interesting buildings. This is more about the city’s architecture than conventional sightseeing, so it also makes a useful present for somebody who already knows Rotterdam.
A gift for a Feyenoord fan
Rotterdam’s Pride: The People’s History of Feyenoord Football Club
You don’t have to explain Feyenoord to a Rotterdammer. For many supporters, the club is part of the identity of the city.
Rotterdam’s Pride looks at the history of Feyenoord, its supporters and the relationship between the club and Rotterdam. It’s in English, which also makes it an interesting present for an international Feyenoord supporter.
Rotterdam gifts for children
Rotterdam by Georgien Overwater
Adults aren’t the only Rotterdam fans. This children’s book by Georgien Overwater is aimed at younger readers and can make a nice present for children growing up in Rotterdam or those who have a connection with the city.
Something different from Rotterdam
Kookboek van Rotterdam
A Rotterdam cookbook is certainly more original than another fridge magnet. Kookboek van Rotterdam could be a fun choice for somebody interested in both the city and food, particularly if you’re looking for a present in Dutch.
For someone interested in Rotterdam’s history
Rotterdam 40-45
It’s impossible to understand modern Rotterdam without knowing what happened to the city during the Second World War. Rotterdam 40-45 is one option for somebody interested in this part of the city’s history rather than a conventional travel book. The book is in Dutch.
Our Rotterdam travel guide is coming
We’re also working on our own Rotterdam travel guide, bringing together places to see, practical information and some of the city we’ve been sharing on Rotterdam360.
We’ll add it here as soon as it becomes available.
Where to buy gifts in Rotterdam
Of course, you don’t have to buy your Rotterdam gifts online.
If you’re already in the city, you’ll find plenty of places selling gifts and local products around the centre. It’s also worth looking beyond the obvious souvenir shops, particularly if you want something made locally or a present that is a little less touristy.
Take a look at our Shopping in Rotterdam guide for more information about shopping streets, markets, shopping centres and stores around the city.
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