If you live in Germany and visit family abroad, you probably know the question: "Can you bring something from the pharmacy?" Many well-known skincare and oral care brands are easy to find in Germany, and people back home often ask for them by name. Here is a practical list of ideas, sorted by who you are buying for, plus tips for packing and ordering ahead.
A quick note first: German drugstores (dm, Rossmann) and pharmacies (Apotheke) are different. Drugstores sell their own house brands and everyday products. Pharmacies carry brands that are mainly sold in pharmacies, such as La Roche-Posay, Eucerin, Avène, Vichy and Ducray, and pharmacists can advise you.
Skincare and sun protection
Sunscreen is one of the most practical gifts, especially for sunny countries.
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF 50+, also available tinted
- Avène Ultra Fluid Perfector SPF 50+ (tinted)
- ISDIN Fusion Water Magic SPF 50
For an even-looking skin tone, serums targeting dark spots are often requested: the Eucerin Anti-Pigment Dual Serum with Thiamidol or the La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Serum. See all products in Sun protection & pigmentation.
Small, light and useful for almost anyone: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 and Cicaplast Lips.
Something a bit special
The Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse is a dry oil for face, body and hair and works well as a gift. Foundation with good coverage, such as Vichy Dermablend, is another frequent wish. Tip: ask for the shade first. We stock shades 20 Vanilla, 25 Nude, 35 Sand and 45 Gold.
Hair care
Caffeine shampoos from Germany are well known. The Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo C1 and Alpecin Caffeine Liquid are light and easy to pack. For women there is the Plantur 39 Phyto-Caffeine Shampoo. More in Hair loss.
Oral care
German toothpaste is a small gift that people really use. Popular choices include elmex, Sensodyne and parodontax, for example elmex Opti-Schmelz Professional or Sensodyne Repair & Protect. Browse Oral care.
For parents and grandparents: measuring devices
A home blood pressure monitor is a useful gift. For older people, an upper-arm device such as the boso medicus uno is often easier to use. Blood glucose meters are available in mg/dL, for example the Accu-Chek Guide. Please check which unit is common in the destination country and whether matching test strips are available there. Medical device. Read the instructions for use. All devices: Measuring devices.
Vitamins
Food supplements are light and keep well, for example the Vigantolvit Vitamin D3 2000 IU vegan softgels. Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and teeth. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. More in Vitamins & iron.
For the little ones
Gentle baby care like the Weleda Baby Calendula Nappy Change Cream or kids' sunscreen such as Ladival Sun Milk for Sensitive Children's Skin SPF 50+. See Baby & family.
Packing tips
- Liquids: hand luggage has limits for liquids, so pack serums, shampoos and sunscreen in your checked bag.
- Seal everything: put bottles in a zip bag in case something leaks.
- Bring the invoice: on request we provide the invoice in German and English, which can help at customs.
- Check import rules: every country has its own rules, especially for food supplements and devices. Please check before you travel.
Order ahead, pick up or get delivery
- Order in time: delivery takes 2 to 4 working days, so leave a few days before your flight.
- Delivery or pickup: we ship within Germany, free from 39 €. Or pick up at Phönix-Apotheke in Hamburg-Wandsbek and save 5 % with the code ABHOLUNG5 (pickup only, not combinable with other codes).
- Gift wrapping: send us a short message and we will wrap your order as a gift.
Please note: we only ship to addresses in Germany. Prescription medicines are not part of this offer.
Not sure what to choose?
Message us on WhatsApp at +49 40 695 81 81. We give advice in German, English and Farsi and can help you put together a gift set. More on our gifts for family page.
