When you're young, it's fun to make a list and bring each of your friends gifts that you've carefully selected from a kiosk. Whether it's a keychain with your best friend's family crest stamped above her last name or a snow globe with a kiwi perched inside, gift buying feels important.
However, problems can arise, even at a young age. What if you leave someone out? What if you can't find them that perfect gift?
I once spent an entire trip to Alaska looking for a stuffed salmon to bring to my boyfriend at the time. (What else was I supposed to pick up for a teenage guy?) Looking back, it was a funny series of events―who knew stuffed animal fish were that hard to find? But it just shows how consuming it can be looking for an item others will remember your trip by.
My Grandma―a seasoned traveler I've mentioned quite a few times on this site―had some advice for me when I reached the age where buying souvenirs for a bevy of friends became more of a stressor than a fun activity.
She told me, "the gift means more to you than it does to them, you're the one who was on the trip." It's nice to show someone that you're thinking of them, but, at the end of the day, the ornament/keychain/T-shirt won't have the sentiment for them that it has for you. Focus on making memories.
Now, this may seem like a negative thing to say, but that's not how she intended it. Of course she picked up gifts for her loved ones, and if someone was building a collection she made it a point to purchase them an addition; however, her advice rings true. Don't stress yourself out over a gift. If you see something along the way you know they'll get a kick out of and actually use, buy it!
Whether it's a keychain with your best friend's family crest stamped above her last name or a snow globe with a kiwi perched inside, gift buying feels important.
Or, write a stack of postcards from each place you visit detailing your trip and how much you wish the recipient was there. Not only will they know you remembered them, but they won't have a knick-knack sitting around collecting dust from somewhere they've never been. Plus, everyone loves snail mail.
Disclaimer: If you enjoy shopping for others don't let this advice discourage you from doing so! Trust me, I love buying presents for people, especially my mom, when I'm traveling and I still do it. It's just not the very first thing on my mind everywhere I go anymore.
Disclaimer: If you enjoy shopping for others don't let this advice discourage you from doing so!
Now, on to buying things for yourself.
Once again, let's listen to what my Grandma had to say. If you see a unique item of clothing or a stunning piece of local art that you're in love with, splurge!
I can't tell you how many times she told me, "as soon as you get home you'll wish you picked it up." She was always right. (I still mourn that handcrafted leather backpack I debated purchasing in Greece...the adventures we could've had together...)
Obviously, I don't run around buying every item I see on a trip. Often, I walk away and come back to multiple gifts before choosing one to purchase for myself.
One of my biggest role models, a former professor, buys a ring from every country she visits and stacks them on both hands. If you point them out, she'll run her fingers over them and name where she got each one. It's a unique way for her to be connected to her adventures all the time.
As for me, you probably know my main focus is documenting everything in a travel journal. Yet, I can't pass up a good statement piece.
A pair of handmade sandals from a hole-in-the-wall shop in Santorini? I bought them. Now I wear them almost every day. A leather journal with an evil eye sewn onto the front? I shelled out a few Turkish Lira for it, and now it's a permanent fixture in my backpack.
Not only does the item I decide to purchase while traveling become a focal point in my home or in my closet when I return, but it has a memory attached and collects stories as I use it.
In fact, I wouldn't have met my best friend if it hadn't been for those Santorini-made sandals my Grandma coerced me into buying during our last trip together...but that's a story for another time.
What's the silliest souvenir you've ever brought back for someone? What souvenir have you used the most since you returned from an adventure? Be sure to comment below!
📍London, United Kingdom
📍 Santorini, Greece
📍Alaska, United States
📍Kuşadası, Turkey
