Travel Souvenir- Magnets or Memories?

This post is an after thought based on a recent article I read in the newspaper about buying souveneirs. One of the most “touristy” things to do in any place you visit, the first thing we end up buying is either a fridge magnet or a black or white Tshirt that screams the city name  in large letters. Be it Bangkok or Dubai or Singapore, only the words change, the product is pretty much the same and most likely imported from China / Bangladesh/ India.

It’s always wonderful to buy something that reminds you of the place.  The item could represent a particular tourist spot you visited or probably has the city name embossed on it. This definitely would give you a memory every time you look at it .But at end of the day it all looks the same. This does not mean that you need to get something very expensive like a craft/art item which may set you back by hundreds of dollars. It could be small but definitely an unique thing. It should distinctively represents the place you visited and gives a classic look to your living room

Mars & Hersheys Chocolates

I have been sick of people buying me “Mars”/Snickers”/Toblerone” chocolates or the mini Hershey Kisses packet esp from US, which you probably get at half price in a nearby Indian supermarket.

I have always encouraged friends and relatives to look for something unique, something cheap but definitely reflects the culture and beauty of that place they have been to.

Here’s a short collection of things I bought from my previous trips (trying as far as possible to not buy the standard magnets or postcards)

My Interesting Souvenir Collection

Germany :

• Cuckoo Clock from Black Forest :This was the place where they invented cuckoo clocks and I couldn’t find a better gift than that

 

• A circular plate with a small picture of every major city in Germany

Holland/Amsterdam :

• Got a mini Dutch windmill

• Apair of mini glass shoes that ‘s quite famous out there.

• Additionally got a tin of Dutch Waffles

Switzerland :

• A mini Beetle car model with  “Made in Switzerland” written on top of it.

• A mini shot glass in red with crystals embossed and Switzerland written beautifully over it.

Mexico :

A friend who had been to Mexico got me a small spoon which had a beautiful owl design hand painted all over it.

Thailand :

A friend got a replica of “Wall E” toy fully made of automobile spare parts, nuts, spark plugs etc and it was quite amazing ( from Chatuchak Market)

What are the most interesting things you have bought on a vacation. Share it over comments here..

Also do check out Kris’ post on the best souvenirs , shared by a lot of travel bloggers.