Everyone loves getting away to a location that feels exciting and completely unlike their hometown. When we have a chance to take a vacation, we usually want to bring back something to share the trip with friends or relatives, and to let them know we were thinking of them. Usually, this involves the purchasing of souvenirs. Anywhere there are tourists, you will find gift shops filled with items like Niagara Falls short glasses, New York City snow globes, or Eiffel Tower scissors.
Choosing souvenirs can be a lot of fun, but it can also be stressful. Lots of people find themselves frantically searching gift shops on the last day of their trip, trying to find the perfect gift for each person on their list. Here are a few tips for wise souvenir shopping.
1. Set a budget. Gift shops have a way of displaying things to encourage impulse buying. This, combined with the fact that most people spend money more carelessly on vacation, can lead to excessive, unnecessary spending. Decide exactly how much money you can afford to spend on souvenirs, and do not go above that amount.
Make your gifts personal. Get things that you know each person will use and appreciate. Bring you writer friend a pen and a notebook. If you know someone who bakes, bring them oven mitts. Find things that let each person know you thought of them individually.
3. Get creative. You do not have to bring everyone gifts that are overtly specific to the place you went. You could bring a candle, a nice bottle of wine, or some other non-souvenir item. Often, this kind of gift is appreciated more than a traditional souvenir. No one really wants to wear a t-shirt from a city they have never visited, but anyone can appreciate a nice candle or specialty food item.
4. The smaller, the better. You do not want to add crazy amounts of stuff to your luggage, especially if you are flying. Airlines have a limit on the number of carry on bags you can bring, too. Sometimes they will let a shopping bag slide by without counting it, but not always. Try to find souvenirs that are small and easy to pack, such as key chains, pens, and other non-fragile items.
5. Plan ahead rather than waiting until the last minute. If you want a relaxing last day rather than a stressful one, do not leave your souvenir shopping until the end of your vacation. This will only create a last day marked by hours in tiny, overcrowded gift shops. Do a little bit of souvenir shopping each day. That way, you will get everything done and avoid this last minute rush.
Souvenir shopping can be fun, and can be a nice way to share your trip with others, if you do it in a savvy manner. Whether you come home with Eiffel Tower scissors, a London shot glass, or a t-shirt with Niagara Falls on the front, your loved one will appreciate the fact that you thought to bring them something.
Choosing souvenirs can be a lot of fun, but it can also be stressful. Lots of people find themselves frantically searching gift shops on the last day of their trip, trying to find the perfect gift for each person on their list. Here are a few tips for wise souvenir shopping.
1. Set a budget. Gift shops have a way of displaying things to encourage impulse buying. This, combined with the fact that most people spend money more carelessly on vacation, can lead to excessive, unnecessary spending. Decide exactly how much money you can afford to spend on souvenirs, and do not go above that amount.
Make your gifts personal. Get things that you know each person will use and appreciate. Bring you writer friend a pen and a notebook. If you know someone who bakes, bring them oven mitts. Find things that let each person know you thought of them individually.
3. Get creative. You do not have to bring everyone gifts that are overtly specific to the place you went. You could bring a candle, a nice bottle of wine, or some other non-souvenir item. Often, this kind of gift is appreciated more than a traditional souvenir. No one really wants to wear a t-shirt from a city they have never visited, but anyone can appreciate a nice candle or specialty food item.
4. The smaller, the better. You do not want to add crazy amounts of stuff to your luggage, especially if you are flying. Airlines have a limit on the number of carry on bags you can bring, too. Sometimes they will let a shopping bag slide by without counting it, but not always. Try to find souvenirs that are small and easy to pack, such as key chains, pens, and other non-fragile items.
5. Plan ahead rather than waiting until the last minute. If you want a relaxing last day rather than a stressful one, do not leave your souvenir shopping until the end of your vacation. This will only create a last day marked by hours in tiny, overcrowded gift shops. Do a little bit of souvenir shopping each day. That way, you will get everything done and avoid this last minute rush.
Souvenir shopping can be fun, and can be a nice way to share your trip with others, if you do it in a savvy manner. Whether you come home with Eiffel Tower scissors, a London shot glass, or a t-shirt with Niagara Falls on the front, your loved one will appreciate the fact that you thought to bring them something.
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