Getting a good souvenir when on holiday can be a bit tricky. Whether it is for yourself or as a gift for a loved one. In this guide, I’ll make some suggestions on what you can look out for next time you’re out souvenir shopping.
These should be fairly easy to find even as last minute souvenirs at the airport. Every tourist shop will have a variety of these available. Go for something that truly represents the city/country you are in. Don’t be afraid to go for the obvious, at the same time try to look for something unique if you can. Even though you’ll find something at the airport, try to avoid that. You’ll get the same if not better stuff in the city.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with a “I love “insert country”” t-shirt. Nothing wrong! I have one. And even though it’s not something you will probably buy at home or something that will win you fashion points, it’s a nice souvenir from the country. If you are into sports, why not purchase a sports t-shirt of whatever sport is popular in the country. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, you could also opt for something a bit more traditional – go to the local markets and check out what is being sold at the stores.
Every city/country is known for something. Pyramids in Cairo, the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Get yourself something that will remind you of those experiences you had. Again it could be something very obvious and cheesy or something very unique and obscure. It is your memory and whatever reminds you of that memory, you should buy.
Depending on what your country is famous for you could get back many things that will not necessary go on display, but in your stomach. Potential buys in this category include honey, tea, coffee, chocolate, Turkish delight and spices. Double check what you can and can’t pack in your carry on. Last thing you want is to get your mountain sourced super expensive honey getting confiscated at the airport.
You may be someone that likes to look for the unique and obscure things (I am). This truly depends on you. I have recently decided on collecting a local restaurant menu from the countries I visit (wish I started this ages ago). I love food and so these menus reminds me of the food experiences I had. You could also purchase local newspapers or magazines especially if you can get it in cool handwriting like Arabic or Chinese. You could also try and find something unique in the culture and try to purchase something connected to it e.g. Chinese chess set, Korean chop sticks, Japanese knives or expensive Arabic Oud sticks.
