Not all souvenirs are worth bringing back
Everyone loves to bring back souvenirs from their travels but—let’s face it—the majority of these items end up at Good Will a couple of years down the line or in the trash. If you’re going to bring back a souvenir, make sure it’s a keeper.
Here are 5 tips on how to save money and keep your home clutter-free.
- Buy souvenirs that are useful OR consumable. If you can use it, it won’t go to waste and it won’t end up in the donation bin—think; wine, liquor, sweets, cookbook, even a letter opener.
- Ask yourself if you would still want/use it in a year. Be honest with yourself. Are you really gonna be into that t-shirt, hat, scarf, bracelet, museum print, jewelry box, OR coffee-table book a year from now?
- Do not start a souvenir collection unless you’re prepared to display it prominently in your house. Think—refrigerator magnets OR fancy dish towels—not shot-glasses or figurines. Along these lines, don’t collect things that you don’t need multiples of—like key chains, coin purses, or bottle openers.
- Pick something that is meaningful and symbolic of your experience. Maybe that’s a snow globe or maybe it’s a handcrafted leather belt. This is completely subjective—just make sure it passes tips 2 and 3 first.
- If you’re buying a souvenir for someone back home, it is best to get something consumable—meaning they can eat, drink, or use it to its completion. Most people ditch their own souvenirs after a couple of years. Why would they want to keep yours around?
Keep these five tips in mind when you’re out souvenir hunting and you should do alright.
Happy Shopping!