Buying souvenirs is one of the best parts of travelling, but it can also be overwhelming. From endless rows of identical T-shirts to tacky knockoffs, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the choices out there. This guide will help you find gifts that are both meaningful and practical so you don’t come home with a bunch of stuff you’ll regret buying.
Know what you want
The first step to buying a souvenir you won’t regret is knowing what you want. Before you go shopping, take some time to think about what your tastes are and what might make the best souvenir for your needs. If there’s something specific that appeals to you–like artwork or jewellery–then buy only those things. Don’t be tempted by some good deals on generic tourist trinkets that would work just as well as a gift for someone else.
The important step is knowing what kinds of things you like and why you like them. Do you want something that will serve as an object lesson? Or something that will remind you of how beautiful a place was? Maybe even something that will show off your personality?
Be clear about your budget
Before you start shopping, it’s important to be realistic about how much money you have to spend. Make a list of things you want to buy and then set a budget for each item on that list. If there is any room left over after all the items in your budget are accounted for, then go ahead and spend it!
But don’t be afraid of haggling–it’s part of the experience when travelling abroad. You will often find souvenirs sold at different prices depending on where or who sells them; so don’t hesitate to ask if there is another price available before making a purchase.
Consider what you’re going to do with the gift
If you’re going to use it, make sure it’s something that will last. If you’re going to give it away, think about who will appreciate it. If you’re going to keep it, think about how you’ll display it and whether or not this thing can be displayed at all (some souvenirs are meant for travel only).
Think about who you’re buying for or who will be seeing it
When you’re choosing a souvenir, consider who will see it.
For example: if you’re buying a souvenir for your parents or grandparents, then something that’s sentimental and meaningful will be better than something they don’t care about.
Also, think about who else might be seeing the item–if there are friends who would appreciate the gift too!
Research where the best deals are
The first step in buying souvenirs is researching where you can find them. You’ll need to look at shops, markets, and online stores to see which one offers the best deals. Researching what’s available will also help you avoid spending too much money on an item that’s not worth its price tag. You might find that some shops offer better deals than others so try shopping around before making a purchase decision.
Buy from local artists or artisans
When shopping for souvenirs, look for items made by local artists or artisans — they’ll have unique items that will be perfect for your collection. You can find these shops at markets or boutiques throughout many cities around the world. In addition, many cities have their own signature products that they sell as souvenirs.
Pick items that can be used at home
You might be able to find something really cool at a souvenir shop or from a street vendor, but if you’re looking for an item that will actually bring back memories in years to come, these are the ones to look for:
Pins or magnets
These are small enough to bring home with you without taking up too much space in your luggage. They’re also easy to pack since they don’t require any special preparation. Pins and magnets can be used as decoration or as reminders of your trip — just stick them on your fridge or locker at school!
Clothing
Clothes make great souvenirs because they’re useful at home, too. Wear the shirt out on Saturday nights; wear the hat while walking around town; use those socks as pyjamas when it gets cold outside — wearing travel clothes will bring back fond memories.
Holders
Stubby holders are perfect for this sort of souvenir because they come in many different designs and materials — you can even find personalized stubby holders with your name or initials!
Buy something that makes sense for your life
If you’re buying a gift for someone else, make sure it’s something they’ll actually use or enjoy. If you’re buying something for yourself, make sure it fits into your lifestyle. For example, if you’re going away on business and need an extra suitcase anyway, then get a good one! But if that’s not the case and you just need something small and affordable, then skip it altogether.
Look for unique items
If there’s one thing all travellers have in common, it’s that we all want to show off our adventures with our friends and family back home. One way to do this is by finding something unique that no one else has — like an authentic piece of art or an unusual trinket from an exotic location. These items will make great conversation starters when people come over to visit, and they’ll also bring back memories from your trip every time they’re displayed in your home or office space!
The best souvenirs are those that reflect the culture of where you’re visiting. If there’s a specialty item from that place that reflects its traditions, then by all means buy it for yourself.
Even if you don’t have a lot of money to spend, there are still plenty of ways to get creative and make your souvenirs stand out from the crowd. If you’re buying something for yourself or someone else who will appreciate the effort that went into making it special, then take the time to find something unique–even if it means spending hours searching through shops or markets until finding just what you need!
