Berlin is a gold mine for out-of-the-ordinary gifts. From bags made from recycled milk cartons at Luxus International to bins that applaud when receiving rubbish at Der Verrückte Laden you’ll find something to suit all tastes.

Kwikshop in Mitte is crammed with quirky options, such as ‘stamp jewellery’ that leaves an inky impression on fingers (€5; also available at www.kwikshop.de).

The cafe and gift haven Misses & Marbles is a classic Berlin knick-knack store selling curiosities from local designers, including cute embroidered kids’ T-shirts, super soft baby blankets, and cosmetic bags and wallets crafted from recycled materials.

Novelty gifts with a Berlin theme are widely available. The best are to be found at Ach Berlin (chic streetwear with Berlin motifs and trinkets, including cookie cutters in the shape of the Brandenburg Gate); Aus Berlin (candles in the shape of the Berlin TV tower and Berlin!, the fragrance); Ampelmann Galerie Shop (where the legendary traffic light men have been imprinted on everything from umbrellas to sports bags) and Steiff (the famously durable Berlin teddy bears with price tags to match).

Mondos Arts is an ode to the former DDR, where you can pick up fun gifts such as Monopoly with streets from the former East.
If it is cooking kitsch you’re after, Mobilien in Schöneberg has cheese graters, tea light candle holders and dustpans crowned with Japanese-style dolls and colourful retro toasters, which are also available online.
For something a little more exotic, Ypsilon has beautiful Asian tea sets, table lamps and trinkets from Japan and Vietnam, while Tuma Be! sells oversized chess sets and oriental accessories.
Sophisticates will be impressed with the upscale range at Berle’s Trends and Gifts in Mitte, which includes a very funky fold-up shiny silver bike.

If you’re stuck on a gift for him, you’re unlikely to leave Herrlich Männergeschenke empty-handed, where sleek pens, pocket compasses, and leather bags feature prominently.

At Filmposter.net you can search among the 2,500 strong collection of movie posters (also online). Otherwise, take the DVD with your favourite scene to Specler Store who can blow them up to your desired size (from €95).

Even the artistically challenged will enjoy creating a personalised gift at Paint Your Style, where blank porcelain mugs and bowls are waiting to be prettified and burnt to a glossy finish in the kiln.