Gift-giving is becoming much more common at Christmas than it used to be. Here is the DutchNews.nl list of perfect presents with a touch of Dutchness for that last minute shopping list.

Kids stuff

Museum shop gifts have never been better. Forget the reproduction silver dishes and the wheelie suitcases featuring the Girl with the Pearl Earring. Start them off with Dutch art at a young age: Vermeer’s Melkmeisje from Playmobile €4.95

Learn to read the Dutch way. Essential reading for all would-be Dutch kids – Jip and Janneke in English. Bought from local bookshop ABC for €19.95

Hema also has a wide collection of Jip and Janneke themed goodies.

For the little dreamer: we love the duvet covers from Snurk (snore)… for horizontal living. There are ballerinas, astronauts and all sorts of fantasies but our favourite is Bob the Beagle. €59.95

Bike stuff:
How could we recommend gifts from the Netherlands without mentioning bikes. These are our favourite bike accessories.

A plastic bike saddle cover keeps the rain off and your seat dry. Everyone should have one. From €11.75

A stand-up bike pump is a whole lot easier than the traditional hand-held pump attached to most bikes. Available at every bike shop. Bit awkward for packing mind you.

Keep the police at bay. Portable bike lamps from Hema, your local bike shop or the dispensing machine in the bike park. They cost just a couple of euros but save €25 a time in fines – perfect for the teenagers in your life.

Designer stuff

If you are feeling flush, anything by Hella Jongerius. We particularly like the animal bowls – no not for feeding your dog.

For the lady in your life. Check out the gorgeous gloves from Hester van Eeghen. We want them in every colour.

Not perhaps the most beautiful object but a perfect example of pragmatic Dutch design… sturdy, weather-proof and folds up small – the storm umbrella.

Household stuff

The Dutch love their potted plants, and here is a way to show them off with a difference. From Droog Design

No more excuses for forgetting to send a card and failing to take a cake to work.

You cannot get more Dutch than a birthday calendar – preferably hanging on the back of the downstairs loo door.

Buy a classic version from Verjaardagscalender for €15.95 or have your own made with AH or Albelli.nl’s photo service.

And finally, everyone’s favourite Dutch biscuit, combined with a pretty box – and cheap at the price. Albert Heijn stroopwaffels €3.95 in a souvenir tin.