We all love to take vacations, especially to exciting or exotic places. Many people want to bring something back to their friends and loved ones, to share the joy of their vacation. Often, people choose to do this buy bringing home souvenirs. Tourist hot-spots are full of gift shops and souvenir emporiums containing New York City key chains, Eiffel Tower scissors, or Niagara Falls t-shirts.
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.
2. Personalize your gifts. Think of the personality and interests of each person on your list. Rather than buying them knick knacks that will just clutter up their houses, get things you know they will like or use. If you know someone who has a collection of snow globes or spoons, you can get them something to add. If you know a writer, bring them a journal and a pen. People will appreciate the extra thought behind these gifts.
3. Think creatively. You do not have to purchase everything from a gift shop or souvenir shop. Most tourist destinations will also have other kinds of stores. Lots of the people on your list might actually prefer a nice candle or a specialty food item rather than a t-shirt or knick knack bearing the name of the place you've been. After all, if that person was not there with you, they might feel strange wearing a t-shirt from somewhere they have never been.
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. Do not leave your shopping til the last minute. If you wait until the end to do your souvenir shopping, you are guaranteeing yourself a stressful, frenzied last day of vacation. In order to have a relaxing, enjoyable day, get most of your shopping done before hand. You can save a couple of items for the end, but you don't want to spend the final hours of your vacation sweating in lines at gift shops. Also, if you leave things until the end, you are more likely to overspend. This is especially true if you end up buying things from airport gift shops, which are notoriously more expensive.
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.
2. Personalize your gifts. Think of the personality and interests of each person on your list. Rather than buying them knick knacks that will just clutter up their houses, get things you know they will like or use. If you know someone who has a collection of snow globes or spoons, you can get them something to add. If you know a writer, bring them a journal and a pen. People will appreciate the extra thought behind these gifts.
3. Think creatively. You do not have to purchase everything from a gift shop or souvenir shop. Most tourist destinations will also have other kinds of stores. Lots of the people on your list might actually prefer a nice candle or a specialty food item rather than a t-shirt or knick knack bearing the name of the place you've been. After all, if that person was not there with you, they might feel strange wearing a t-shirt from somewhere they have never been.
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. Do not leave your shopping til the last minute. If you wait until the end to do your souvenir shopping, you are guaranteeing yourself a stressful, frenzied last day of vacation. In order to have a relaxing, enjoyable day, get most of your shopping done before hand. You can save a couple of items for the end, but you don't want to spend the final hours of your vacation sweating in lines at gift shops. Also, if you leave things until the end, you are more likely to overspend. This is especially true if you end up buying things from airport gift shops, which are notoriously more expensive.
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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