When you take a vacation, half the fun is documenting all of your memories. While pictures are the obvious choice, they’re just the beginning when it comes to the many options you have for souvenirs. Here are a handful of ideas for ways to savor the trip even after you return home.
Mugs
Practical AND pretty, mugs are an ideal present for coffee, tea, or hot chocolate lovers. While they can prove a little tricky to transport, it’s a gift that will be much-appreciated and get much use! Pro tip: wrap it in a sweatshirt or jacket and pack clothes around it in your suitcase for extra padding.
T-shirts and Sweatshirts
Nearly every vacation destination has one of those tacky gift shops with funny magnets and silly apparel. However, if your friends and family have a sense of humor, they might just appreciate a tongue-in-cheek shirt that reads “Someone in San Francisco loves me!” or “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.” If you’re on a family vacation, have each person pick out for another member of the crew to make it really interesting.
Framed Photos or Albums
Photos will always be the best reminders of an adventure. Instead of just uploading them to Facebook, though, use a website like Snapfish or Shutterfly to make actual prints of your favorite pictures. These sites even allow you to create full albums, mugs, pillows, and more. With the holiday season around the corner, a festive ornament with your best shot or a beautiful canvas print will make for a great keepsake for you or someone else.
Postcards
If you want to leave the picture-taking to the professionals, grab a handful of pretty postcards from your destination. This idea is particularly great for multi-state road trips, since you can use each postcard as a scrapbook title page, or incorporate them into a colorful collage.
Snowglobes or Music Boxes
You’ll probably find less expensive ones at the aforementioned souvenir shops. However, it’s usually worth the effort to seek out a high-end boutique that carries more well-made creations because, as they say, you get what you pay for! These whimsical gifts last forever, and are one of the few items that will please just about anyone, from your four year-old niece to your elderly grandparents! Plus, there’s typically the opportunity to ship these to your home instead of lugging them around with you.
