I’m against souvenirs. They’re usually cheaply made items that tourists will throw away after the first showing to all their friends and family at Christmas.
If it’s not the stress of buying a souvenir for everyone, it’s the frustration of trinkets upon trinkets. Will it fit into the suitcase? Does it fit in the budget? Will the receiver like it?
When I first began traveling, I bought souvenirs for everyone. It seemed like the thing to do. But then, my dad didn’t need another key chain, and my mom was out of space for the cute figurines. Time for a new motto.
No souvenirs.
Perhaps it seems cold hearted, but if a friend didn’t visit the city or country with me, the souvenir meant nothing to them (other than the fact I thought of them). My little gift to them was just another thing to collect dust or be donated in a year’s time.
But, sometimes you still need to bring a souvenir back as a “thank you” or a “remember me”.
1. A jar of jam or sauce
It’s a cute, flavorful oddity for your friend that came from some exotic location. It will be eaten and enjoyed. Then, one day, it will be no more. It’ll no longer take up space or collect dust. Useful and thoughtful.
2. An article of clothing? No, not a t-shirt. Maybe not even a scarf.
If you know your friend’s style, you could pick up a lovely item for them. A clothing piece will be incorporated into their wardrobe, and it will be used throughout the week. This is my favorite option when I purchase something for myself in a place I’m visiting. Practical and playful.
3. A kitchen item
People spend time in the kitchen, working with food or eating food! If you’re visiting a place that specializes in woodwork or pottery, a gift option is clear. Can you have too many cutting boards or mugs? Okay, I suppose you can, but buy them something to replace an old thing. Usable and classy.
4. A set of earrings or a bracelet
Travel-sized. Eccentric. Classic. Jewelry from other countries or cities will feel one of a kind. It’s especially neat to wear said item and receive a compliment, just to reply, “Thanks, a friend brought it back from Spain for me.” Eclectic and cultural.
5. A postcard or a postagram
Decorations for the refrigerator or the work desk (or could be a bookmark). And if you want to personalize your gift, you can use postagram, which uses a photo that you choose! When I lived in Austria, Postagram saved me money when I was sending to people in the US. Multi-purpose and fun.
6. A bottle of alcohol
You know your friends better than I do (I sure hope so). Some of my friends would appreciate this, and others would hate it. You can cook with alcohol. You can drink it. You can leave it in the bottle for looks. You can even give it away! Usable and classic.
7. A bag of local candy
Although a common option, it doesn’t stop being awesome. In Austria, it’s easy to know what to purchase. Mozart kugel. Chocolate wrapped around a pistachio marzipan center. When you share candy from another country, it’s like split second of being there yourself.
My list of Never Evers:
Never ever buy figurines. Never ever buy t-shirts. Never ever buy items you have no purpose for (chances are your friends and family will not have a purpose for them either). Never ever buy a sports team item for a non-fan. Never ever. Just ever. Don’t do it.
What souvenirs do you love? Do you hate any souvenirs like I do?