As you explore an exciting new holiday destination, it's natural to want to lengthen your memories with memorials for yourself and gifts for your loved ones returning home. The temptation to clean your nearest souvenir shop with cheap trinkets such as key rings, ornaments, shot glasses is just too realistic.
However, the gift of Guru Jessie Sampson of Hurley Burley warns against this impulse shopping. She points out that these items often become dust collectors, contributing clutter and waste money unnecessarily. Jesse is on a mission to help holiday markers create lasting memories without the burden of unwanted nicknacks, devising a “no-boo” list to dodge the typical tourist tats, and instead choose souvenirs that you will cherish after your tan fade.
Holiday souvenirs to avoid
Key ring
Jesse said: “A souvenir keychain with jungling bells and miniature landmarks? It may look cute at first, but trust me, something novel will be thinner and thinner than the battery on a flip phone. Instead, consider gathering up what will spark a conversation.”
“Local board games tell you that different culture rules, or quirky hand-drawn signs with funny proverbs, are talked about every time you see them. Choose souvenirs that spark curiosity and connections as well as noise pollution in your keychain.”
Novelty T-shirt
“I was here” t-shirts are often a go-to for vacationers looking to show off their latest trips. However, Jesse warns that these “common” t-shirts are often relegated to the back of their wardrobe, suggesting instead choosing clothes that capture the essence of their destination.
Snow Gloves
These may seem like great ideas from the time, but you'll regret this when you put away a big, bulky item in your case at the end of your holiday – not to mention trying to find a place to put it at home.
Jesse said: “They are fun to shake in the store, but imagine holding the house and finding a place to display it.
Cheap ornament
The excitement of being in a new place can make it very easy to go overboard at a souvenir shop and pick up mass-produced trinkets, but it's wise to keep them on the shelf unless you're actually trying to use them.
Jesse said, “These are often broken or disposed of. Look for souvenirs made with love and care by local artisans. They are of better quality, more interesting and support the local economy.”
A gift for “just as a precaution”
Along with the gift of “accidentality”, many vacationers get caught up in the trap of knowing the drill well. I hurry to grab a souvenir for my obligation.
Instead of falling into this trap, consider choosing a gift with greater care and personal value so as not to collect dust on the shelf.
Jesse said, “Did your friend love street food? We found a cookbook with local recipes. Is your mother crazy about scarves? Look for something hand-woven in styles unique to the area you visited.
