Job in the Netherlands and Gift Ideas

If you arrived in the Netherlands for the first time through DB Work, the first few months were probably full of new experiences: a different job, new people, a new lifestyle together with your accommodation colleagues, and many things to discover. And when the time comes to go home on holiday, the question naturally appears: “What should I bring my loved ones from the Netherlands?”

You don’t need to spend a fortune to make your family or friends happy. Very often, the most appreciated gifts are the ones that tell a story about the place where you have lived and worked.

Many DB Work professionals say that their first shopping trips for the people back home were also a way to share a small part of their experience in the Netherlands. That is why we prepared a list of souvenir and gift ideas for all budgets, which you can easily find in Dutch shops.

1. Sweets and food products (€2–€10)

Stroopwafels — syrup waffles, the classic Dutch souvenir. You can find them in any supermarket. The best ones are fresh from the market, with warm syrup.

Hagelslag — Dutch chocolate sprinkles, which Dutch people put on bread with butter for breakfast. De Ruijter is a classic brand.

Tony’s Chocolonely chocolate — fair-trade chocolate with colorful packaging, very popular in the Netherlands. Around €3–€4 per bar.

Drop — liquorice sweets, very specific to the Netherlands. Be careful: the taste is strong, and not everyone likes it!

Speculaas — cinnamon biscuits, perfect with coffee.

2. Flowers and tulip bulbs (€3–€10)

Tulips are the symbol of the Netherlands. You cannot bring fresh flowers on a plane, but dried tulip bulbs and painted wooden tulips are excellent options. Bloemenmarkt in Amsterdam is the classic place to buy them, but you can also find them at Keukenhof or at local neighborhood markets.

3. Classic souvenirs (€1–€8)

Fridge magnets with windmills, bicycles, or Dutch houses
Miniature wooden clogs, called klompen
A tote bag with Dutch designs — practical and affordable
Postcards with Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or The Hague

4. Cosmetics and care products (€5–€15)

Rituals — a Dutch cosmetics brand, very appreciated. You can find stores all over the country, with better prices than in many other European countries.

HEMA — their small care products and perfumes are perfect gifts for under €5 each.

5. Gouda cheese (€5–€15)

Cheese is perhaps one of the most appreciated souvenirs from the Netherlands. Authentic Gouda, whether jong, belegen, or oude, can be found at the market or in a kaaswinkel. It comes vacuum-packed, so it can easily survive the trip.

Jong — young cheese, mild taste, good for sandwiches
Belegen — medium-aged cheese, stronger taste, for those who prefer more intense flavors
Oude — old cheese, very intense taste, recommended for cheese lovers

Where to buy souvenirs from the Netherlands without spending too much

The best places, from the cheapest to the most expensive:

Albert Heijn / Jumbo / Lidl — supermarkets where you can find all food products at normal prices
HEMA — for affordable cosmetics and products with Dutch design
Local markets, called markt — for fresh cheese and warm stroopwafels
Action — a very low-cost shop, perfect for small gifts

For more information about Dutch products and traditions, you can visit the official tourism website Holland.com, where you can find detailed guides about regions, local products, and recommended shops.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most appreciated souvenir from the Netherlands?

Stroopwafels and Gouda cheese are among the most appreciated souvenirs from the Netherlands. They are affordable, authentic, and loved by almost everyone, regardless of age.

Can I bring cheese from the Netherlands to my home country by plane?

Yes, vacuum-packed cheese is allowed in checked luggage without problems. In hand luggage, there may be limits related to liquids, especially if the cheese is very soft.

How much does an authentic gift from the Netherlands cost?

With a budget of €5–€10 per person, you can find authentic and appreciated gifts: a box of stroopwafels, a small Gouda cheese, or a set of Tony’s Chocolonely chocolate.

Where can I buy authentic tulip bulbs?

You can buy them at Bloemenmarkt in Amsterdam, at Keukenhof during the March–May season, or directly from producers. Make sure the package has a phytosanitary certificate, so you can bring them into your home country without problems at customs.

What should I NOT buy as a souvenir from the Netherlands?

Avoid shops in very touristy areas, such as central Amsterdam or Schiphol Airport — prices can be 2–3 times higher for the same products. Also avoid fresh cut flowers, as they do not last well during travel.

Conclusion

The best souvenirs from the Netherlands are simple, authentic, and affordable. With a small budget, you can buy gifts that truly bring joy to your family and friends back home. And if you are looking for a job in the Netherlands, you can also read our article about debunked myths about working in the Netherlands.

 

WHAT BENEFITS DOES DB WORK OFFER WHEN YOU START WORKING IN THE NETHERLANDS?

• Accommodation with everything you need for a comfortable living;
• Local transport provided with DB Work company vehicles;
• Work equipment and protective gear;
• Health insurance included;
• Support throughout the entire contract period;
• Access to guides with complete information about living in the Netherlands;
• Access to the Plan4Flex application, where you receive real-time information.