Oktoberfest Essentials: Gift Ideas for a Fun Celebration

Oktoberfest is a big event that originated in Germany and is now celebrated across the United States and the world. Just to give you a heads-up about how massive this event is, over 7 million liters of beer are consumed every Oktoberfest!

During this time, people wear traditional Bavarian clothing as they join fun activities while traditional Bavarian music is played. People enjoy the beer and the Oktoberfest meal served at events to immerse themselves in the Bavarian culture.

In the US, it is a huge celebration, especially in Ohio. The state holds the largest Oktoberfest celebration in the country and it is called Oktoberfest Zinzinnati. If you plan to visit some friends there or family members, don't forget to bring some gifts to make the event extra special!

It Started with a Wedding

Before the modern party and events we have today, Oktoberfest started as a wedding celebration for the union of soon-to-be King Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. They wed on October 12, 1810, and the King invited the whole city to celebrate with them.

There were feasts, beer, and a race. The celebration lasted for five days. With all that fun, it was decided that every year the festivity would be celebrated. Fast forward to today, this event is now called Oktoberfest and is celebrated not just in Germany, but worldwide.

Why Oktoberfest is Celebrated in America

The first Oktoberfest was hosted in La Crosse, Wisconsin in 1961. The idea was brought up by some German-descent employees of G. Heileman Brewing Co. when they were thinking of business promotions.

During this time, the civic leaders of La Crosse were looking for an event to be celebrated by the community. The malting company decided to partner with the leaders to turn the idea into a success. The Chamber of Commerce funded this in 1961 and it has continued to be an annual event throughout the US.

Today, Oktoberfest in America is rooted in tourism and the fun that it brings. It's about the Oktoberfest menu served by local restaurants. It's about putting up Oktoberfest party decorations to get that traditional German feel. Families of German descent may even put up a German flag. 

Many meet up with friends to try traditional German food. People also visit the traditional German architecture in Helen, Georgia. Besides the beautiful houses, Oktoberfest decorations like stands and wooden signs adorn the place to transport visitors to the beauty of Germany.

Top Activities During Oktoberfest 

Stein Holding Competition 

In Germany, it is called Masskrugstemmen. This game is a test of strength for all participants. To play this game, contestants are gathered together to hold beer steins for as long as they can. But there's a specific way of playing it.

A participant should hold the beer stein with a stretched-out arm parallel to the ground. The other must stay as a straight arm on the side, not supporting the body in any way. Beer steins must be held by the handle. The thumb must not be touching the top of the handle. No hand-switching and spilling.

Stein Racing 

This game, originally called Bierlauf, demands balance, agility, and speed. Participants must line up on a starting line holding beer steins strictly on the handle. Once the signal is given, they must race each other to the finish line aiming to spill as little as they can as they go.

Every beer stein is filled to the top. The other hand must not touch the stein. The first participant to arrive at the finish line with the least spilled beer wins.

Sausage Eating Contest 

This game is one way to enjoy Oktoberfest food. German sausages are served on a plate for each participant gathered at the competition table. There will be a signal, usually a whistle that will mark the start of the game.

Within a time limit, usually 1-5 minutes, the players must eat as much of the served sausages as they can. No utensils are allowed, only hands. The player who gets to eat the most wins the Wurstessen title.

Pretzel Tossing

This is another fun one of the Oktoberfest games. You can also do this in your Oktoberfest party at home. Also called Brezelwerfen, for this game, all you need are pretzels, a Bavarian walking stick, and participants.

Players are partnered as pairs facing each other, six feet apart. One will hold the pretzels and the other the Bavarian walking stick horizontally. The pretzel must be thrown to the other contestant into the held stick.  The pair that has got the most pretzels on the stick wins the round.

Fun Gift Ideas to Celebrate Oktoberfest 

Some people go out to join Oktoberfest celebrations while others host an Oktoberfest-themed party at home. Make the celebration more special by giving your friends and loved ones special gifts for your Oktoberfest party. Here are some ideas you can choose from.

At-Home Celebration 

Classic Beer Mugs

There's just something special about drinking in a beer mug. The classic solid handle and thick glass let you see the bubbling activity of the beer while keeping it chilled. It's a gift you can customize with a text of your choice to celebrate good beer with friends and family this Oktoberfest.

The Tulip Glasses

This tulip-shaped beer glass is designed to capture the beer’s flavor and aroma, just before enjoying its taste. If you want this gift to be extra special, you can customize it with an Oktoberfest message fit for the celebration.

Modern Flute 

Some people don't enjoy beer, but they still want to be part of an Oktoberfest party. They don’t have to feel left out with a bottle of champagne and these modern champagne flutes.

Shaker it Off

Cocktails outside Oktoberfest events are not as popular as beers during Oktoberfest. But you can still make one at home! Give your friends and family this stainless steel shaker for your upcoming Oktoberfest party. Enjoy and create unforgettable memories as you celebrate in the comfort of your home.

Snacks to my Beer

Beer is best enjoyed with a loved one – and with snacks. Stories are told, and sometimes, even unforgettable lessons are learned. You may not be at a beer festival, but enjoying beer at home with family and friends is also the best. Bring this package as a treat to them when you visit on Oktoberfest.

Ginger Mix 

Here's an addition to your cocktail creativity this Oktoberfest. This cocktail mixture is enough for up to 16 cocktails! Perfect for an Oktoberfest party held with friends and family. You can create enjoyable drinks paired with vodka, rum, or gin, as a few examples.

A Wine-derful time  

Another gift to make sure the non-beer drinkers enjoy the Oktoberfest party. This double-walled stainless steel wine chiller can keep that wine you saved up for your friend cold for up to 4 hours. Just keep it in the fridge until needed and you're good to go.

Call the Shots

Another gift idea for your Oktoberfest party. This gift is for your friends and family who would want to enjoy other drinks such as whiskey, tequila, or vodka. You can make it more special by personalizing their name on the shot glass.

Better State than Ever

Are you going to another state to celebrate Oktoberfest with friends and family? You can bring them a gift that showcases their state. It's customizable to show any state that you want. You can give an Oktoberfest trivia, choosing to print the state of Wisconsin where the first Oktoberfest in the US is held.

Let's Rock this Party

Gather your family and friends together and enjoy your homemade spirits. Fill these rock glasses with your favorite mojito or whiskey while you enjoy snacks or German food at your Oktoberfest party. This is also a good gift to give the host of the party! It's simple, stable, and is dishwasher-safe.

It's the Aroma

A gift idea for brandy lovers at your Oktoberfest party. This brandy snifter is perfectly shaped to direct its aroma towards the drinker. Cheese or a classic German food like sausage cut into bite pieces can be partnered with brandy to enhance the experience.

Pick-A Snack

Carry a snack gift box as you visit your friends and loved ones this coming Oktoberfest. Beer and other drinks are best enjoyed with snacks so this gift set is a good pick to give. Indulge your taste buds with this snack set and a good Oktoberfest beer.

Tools for Treats

Usually, there’s always cheese at Oktoberfest parties. If you are visiting a friend or family hosting a party for this event, give them this gift that they can use to prepare and enjoy cheese. This gift set is packed with a charcuterie board, a charcuterie spreader, a wooden bowl set, and assorted snacks.

A Taste of Germany

Are you thinking of some good Oktoberfest party ideas? Pay homage to its country of origin with this Oktoberfest party box by The Taste of Germany. Packed with traditional German foods and Bavarian flag-themed paper tableware, this party box is set to make your Oktoberfest party memorable.

On-the-Go Fun 

Buck-et Up!

Oktoberfest is enjoyed all around the world! To level up the experience for this event, why not try brews from other countries? But all in one bucket. This set by Gourmet Gift Basket contains assorted bottles and gourmet snacks. It is perfect for Oktoberfest celebrations with your friends and family.

For its Namesake

Welcome the upcoming Oktoberfest by bringing some Sierra Nevada for your friend's Oktoberfest party. The independent craft brewery has decided to partner with German Brewer, Brauerei Gutmann, to create this classic Festbier. They take pride in its biscuit-y malt flavor and clean finish.

Hug in a Can

Are you thinking of gift ideas for an Oktoberfest party? Maybe something that can serve as a souvenir too? You can try this gift bundle by Beer Fridge. It is filled with your choice of 8 or 12 cans of craft beer, a cap, a pint glass, a sticker, and a magnet.

A Beer-y Good Collection

Do you want some spontaneity in your collection this Oktoberfest? Consider this gift box by Beer Fridge. Featuring different types of craft beer perfect for beer lovers. You can have a box of 8, 12, or 24, fit for your family and friends' Oktoberfest festivities.

Oktoberfest in a Box

Looking for some craft adventure you can delight in with friends and family for your Oktoberfest celebration? This gift box may be perfect for your needs. Give Them Beer curated a collection of six samples for Oktoberfest fans, all made by American breweries and ready to be enjoyed.

Craft-y Time

What's a better way to enjoy Oktoberfest than with the top-rated craft beers of 2024? Your craft beer-loving friends and family will have an adventure as you give them this gift set to power up the coming Oktoberfest event.

A Perfect Pair

Snacks and good Pils. These two just go perfectly together. This gift contains a set of nuts, cheese, beef jerky, and brews in beautiful beer bottles. If you want to spend a lowkey time with friends and family this Oktoberfest, Brocrates has got you covered.

A Beertastic Time

Pump up your Oktoberfest event with this Mega set by Brocrates. This specific gift set is filled to the brim with pistachios, peanut brittle, a cutting board, and a keg. The keg is travel-size, so it's perfect for your on-the-go fun with friends and family.

From the Fans

Looking for the perfect selection for your beer-tasting this coming Oktoberfest? Craft Beer Kings has curated a set fitting for a fun-filled experience. This gift set holds a collection of craft beers that the staff loves. So you know that the gift you ordered will carry a fan-favorite collection.

A Sleeve to Hold

Do you want a souvenir for your friends and family to remember this year's Oktoberfest event? Check out this Bavarian flag-themed cooler. Zazzle has both styles for cans and bottles so you can enjoy both beer containers with a solid grip. You can also personalize it with a text of your choice.

A Hangover Relief Kit

Hangovers are a common thing after the festivities. If you’re all getting drinks and snacks aplenty, give out this hangover kit. It is filled with essential remedies like Advil, wipes, sanitizer, and Alka-Seltzer Hangover Relief.

A Beer-y Oktoberfest Party

This sign will let guests know they are in a very Oktoberfest-themed party. As a gift, your friends or family can hang it on a wall inside the house or have it perched up on the back porch. It's also a beautiful sight when on the table together with Oktoberfest foods and drinks.

A fun-tastic Oktoberfest celebration with Shadow Breeze.

200 years after the wedding celebration in Bavaria, Germany, here we are still continuing the fun event of Oktoberfest. This testifies to how people love spending time together over snacks and brews. Be it at home, or joining a big event, Oktoberfest fans will gather together to enjoy each other's company.

As you visit your friends and loved ones, or maybe they come to you, make the event more special by giving them gifts they can bring home. The gifts will be full of good memories that you spent together this Oktoberfest.

From carefully curated gift boxes and personalized items, Shadow Breeze has just what you need. If you want products that are in different gift packages, you are more than welcome to try our build a gift box service. With three easy steps, you can have your gift just in time for the next Oktoberfest event. 

Happy Oktoberfest!

Want more gift ideas? You can read our other gifting blogs!

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