BSR “Doll Rico”
There is a deep evil lurking on the BSR online shop. Between the recycling dividers and branded backpacks sits “Rico”, a blue-eared demon with three strands of hair and nothing behind its beady eyes other than ill-will. Rico is the famous little sweeper Rico from the children’s book series Zwei Feger im Dienst (“two sweepers at work”), but we reckon he’s actually a creature the BSR sends out to torment you if you sort your recycling wrong. It’s the perfect gift to traumatise your children or for fans of esoteric collectibles. Just don’t blame us if it starts moving in the night.
- €20, bsr.de
TOI TOI tissue box
Impress everyone in your office with this perfect desktop accessory – because nothing says cleanliness like a public toilet. Whether you’re Team TOI TOI or Team DIXI, you can pledge your allegiance to your favourite portable bathroom by rocking merch from their “fan shop”, which sells a wide range of toilet-themed products for all occasions, including cooler bags, beach towels, travel pillows and even pool inflatables.
ICE mini Bluetooth speaker
This pocket-sized speaker is a perfect replica of everyone’s favourite high-speed engine and provides what we’re sure is very high-quality sound, with Bluetooth connection so you can enjoy your music anywhere (just not on an ICE train, unless you want to be scolded by a fellow passenger). It is sold by Deutsche Bahn, so expect some delays in connection.
- €29.90, bahnshop.de
Berliner Ensemble Brecht Ultras scarf
Olé! The Berliner Ensemble has produced a fake football scarf for their “Brecht Ultras”, in homage to their founding father, Bertolt Brecht. With a stylish neon-yellow-and-black design, it’s the ultimate art-bro accessory and pairs perfectly with a tiny beanie and glasses. We hope it inspires a subculture of theatre hooligans; after all, it’s the perfect product to wear to start scraps outside the Schaubühne or set off flares during Mother Courage and Her Children.
Staatsoper Unter den Linden honey
Did you know that there are beehives on the roof of the Staatsoper? Not content in just producing high-quality culture, the concert house has branched out to honey, with stock produced by its in-house bees (are they classically trained too?). This sweet treat is perfect for soothing your throat before you belt out an aria.
€9, staatsoper-berlin.eventim-inhouse.de
Lidl sliders
It may not be municipal, but it’s a Berlin institution nonetheless. Pay homage to the mighty grocer with these branded sliders, turning the middle aisle into your runway with this piece of checkout couture. As one reviewer says: “Affordable, comfortable and practical, these slippers have everything your heart desires.”
- €5.99, lidl.de
S-Bahn backpack
Zurück bleiben, bitte, there’s a hot new accessory trending this spring. For the low price of €44.90, you can adopt the swag of an S-Bahn driver by purchasing the official work backpack issued by the train company. Now you too can pause for an unnecessarily long time at stops, make indecipherable announcements, and close for engineering works. With many practical sections and pockets, you’ll be the envy of everyone on your (delayed) commute.
TV Tower pasta
Berlin is a city of many opinions, but there’s two things we can surely all agree on: everyone likes pasta and the Fernsehturm. Now you can combine these two crowd-pleasers into a starchy supper, available to purchase in the TV Tower gift shop. Who doesn’t want to eat a Berlin icon?
Bundestag baby bib
Do you want to condemn your children to a life of public service? Get them a Bundestag baby bib! Only available in a charming municipal grey colour, this is the accessory for serious infants only. It’s never too early to start encouraging your children’s career prospects. With two designs – the “Future MP” and (if your child is particularly contrarian) “Leader of the Opposition”, you can inspire your little politician to aim high – but not too high, there’s no “Chancellor” bib.
- €14.90, bundestagsshop.de
Berlin Feuerwehr – “Attack Squad” mug
Peruse the Berlin Fire Brigade’s delightfully old-school website for a gift for your loved ones. There are products in many charming designs, but we particularly like this “Attack Squad” mug, which depicts a slightly low-res image of a team tackling a blaze. You can even add your own text. According to the website, “everything tastes better from this red mug” – so why not test that out and enjoy quenching your thirst while supporting our emergency services?
- €15, feuerwehr-fanshop.de
