For international students in the Netherlands, bringing gifts home can be a fun way to share a piece of your student experience. The best gifts are not necessarily expensive. They are small, easy to pack, and say something about the country you have been living in.
1. Stroopwafels
A classic option is, of course, stroopwafels. These thin caramel-filled waffles are one of the safest gifts to bring back: almost everyone likes them, they travel well, and they feel distinctly Dutch.
2. Tony’s Chocolonely
For something a bit more colourful, Tony’s Chocolonely is also a great choice. The packaging is eye-catching, the flavours are fun, and it is a nice alternative to standard supermarket chocolate.
3. Cheese
If your family enjoys food, Dutch cheese is another strong option. Vacuum-packed Gouda or Edam can make a more special gift, especially for parents or relatives who like cooking. Just make sure to check the customs rules of the country you are travelling to before packing food products.
4. Delfts blauw
For something more decorative, Delfts Blauw souvenirs are a good choice. Mugs, coasters, small canal houses, or ornaments are easy to find and feel more personal than a random keychain. They also have that recognisable Dutch look without taking up too much space in your luggage.
5. Tulip gifts
Tulip-themed gifts are another affordable and cheerful idea. Tea towels, tote bags, notebooks, or small home decorations with tulip patterns are easy to pack and often useful. Tulip bulbs can also be a nice gift, but again, check whether you are allowed to bring them into your home country.
6. University of Twente merch
If you want to bring home something that literally represents your time abroad, then there's really only one way to go: a little (or not so little) University of Twente souvenir! A cosy UT hoodie, a classic canvas tote bag or just some socks or a water bottle: they are not just practical, but they also carry a story. It is a lovely way to show your family where you have spent your semesters, and it serves as a great conversation starter about your student life in Enschede. You can buy UT merch in the gift shop, located in the Contact Centre (Boerderij) on campus, or online via this website.
7. FC TWente football shirt or scarf
Talking about keeping it local, nothing says Enschede quite like the bright red of FC Twente. Bringing home a football shirt or a classic scarf from the local club is a brilliant gift, especially if you have football fans in the family. It is a unique piece of Twente culture that you cannot just pick up at a standard tourist shop in Amsterdam. Whether your family actually follows the Dutch Eredivisie or just appreciates a cool, authentic sports jersey, it is a fantastic way to share a piece of Twente with your family or friends.
8. Condiments
There are also plenty of smaller everyday Dutch products that can be surprisingly fun to share: Dutch mayonnaise, peanut butter, chocolate sprinkles (hagelslag), syrup, tea, coffee, or hot chocolate mix. These gifts are less “touristy”, but they give your family and friends a taste of normal Dutch life. I got my parents some Albert Heijn natural peanut butter and they loved it.
If you are shopping on a student budget, a simple combination works well: a pack of stroopwafels, a Tony’s Chocolonely bar, and a small Delft Blue magnet or keychain. It is thoughtful, affordable, and easy to repeat for several people.
For closer family members, you could make a small Dutch gift package with aged cheese, stroopwafels, chocolate, and a mug or tea towel. It does not have to be fancy, but it shows that you put some thought into it.
In Enschede, you do not need to rely on expensive tourist shops. Stores like HEMA, Xenos, Dille & Kamille, supermarkets, local cheese shops, and even the market can have plenty of good options. The trick is to choose gifts that are practical, recognisable, and a little bit personal.
After all, the best souvenir is not just something that says “Netherlands” on it. It is something that lets the people back home experience a small part of the life you have been building here.
