Going on vacation can be fun and relaxing, especially if you go somewhere very exciting and different from the place where you live. Most people feel the desire to share that excitement with their friends and loved ones. One way many people do this is by buying souvenirs to take back with them and give as gifts. In any tourist destination, there are gift shops full of Eiffel Tower scissors, snow globes of New York City, or tiny replicas of Big Ben.
While souvenir shopping is sometimes fun, it often ends up being unnecessarily stressful. Looking for perfect gifts for each friend and family member can often lead to a frantic rush on the last day of vacation. Here are a few tips for avoiding that rush.
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 wait until the last minute. To make your last day of vacation enjoyable and stress-free, plan ahead and do most of your souvenir shopping before the last day. That way, you can relax and enjoy the final hours of your vacation, rather than spending them in crowded, overheated gift shops, waiting on long lines and becoming frustrated because you can’t find everything you need.
It is a wonderful thing to share the fun of your vacation with other people, and to show them that you were thinking of them. Follow the tips above for wise souvenir shopping. Your friends and family will definitely appreciate the Eiffel Tower scissors, Niagara Falls photo books, or London snow globes that you bring back for them.
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