Sometimes souvenir-shopping can be very stressful especially if you ’re shopping last-minute or worried about the cost and you have quite a few people to gift. Souvenir gifting does not have to be a chore. Whether it’s for yourself or for your circle of friends, these neat souvenir ideas are here to give you insights to being creative with your souvenirs.
Coins
This applies if you go to foreign countries and hold foreign cash. Coins are unique to each country and it’s a simple reminder of the countries you have visited. Coins are very versatile. It could become a collection displayed on a frame. Coins with holes on them such as the Japanese 5 Yen coin can also be used as an accessory. Just put a suede string or aluminum necklace chains then you can wear them. Vice versa, you can even collect the coins of your own country before going abroad visiting a friend, or even a host family. The feel of antiquity from a collection of coins make it versatile a gift that you can gift to almost anyone.
DIY Map Photo
Anyone with a decent phone camera and a tiny bit of crafting could make this project into something brilliant and memorable. A polaroid instant camera would make the process even easier. The subject of the photo could be yourself, a loved one, or an iconic place that you find the most memorable for you. It’s an excellent way to translate your compilation of memories across many places into something tangible. This DIY project is a great way to decorate a space on your wall, or on top of your study desk—so that you’ll have something to smile for whenever studying or working gets tedious.
Snacks
Not only do they make excellent souvenirs—they taste good! Yay food! Snacks are one of the most affordable options from whichever destinations you go to. And we don’t only mean those packaged, ready-to-gift sweets sold at the airport—although by any means you can always choose them—especially in foreign countries, there are often everyday snacks you see back at home with a great deal more variations. KitKat and Pocky manufactured in Japan are excellent examples of this. There are even a Sake variation (Japanese alcoholic drink made of fermented rice) of KitKat, and Wasabi KitKat. A lot of traditional snacks unique to the region are also often packaged well and can last through your journey. Next time you go abroad, go get your favorite snack you’d likely find in the average supermarket in your destination.
Postcards
They’re very inexpensive and versatile. You can display your accumulated postcards on a frame, or make a cork board project out of them. Hang them on your walls with some ideas from Pinterest. Postcards are also an excellent way to write to your family and friends whenever you’re currently in; letting them know of your current location. You won’t even have to bring a souvenir home, then.
Seashells
Group them together in a bottle or in a jar filled with white sand, and you’ve got yourself a pretty neat souvenir and a decoration. You can also write down the place, date, or even who you’re with or who you’ve met during your trip.
