How to Buy Gifts and Souvenirs for Others When Traveling Abroad

Sometimes one of the most meaningful things about travel is sharing your trip with the friends and family you missed while away. A thoughtful gift can communicate important aspects of your travel experience to loved ones, as well as the connection you maintained with them while apart.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Money Belts
• Local Guidebooks
• Photo Albums
• Travelers' Checks
• Cameras
• Film
• Cameras

1. Talk with your friends and loved ones before you leave about places they would be interested in seeing or gifts they would like you to bring back for them.

2. Take photos or collect momentos during your trip that remind you of those you miss back home, and give these as gifts when you return.

3. Look in your guidebook for tips on shopping for local crafts and specialties particular to the region you are visiting. Not only are regional products likely to be unique and of good quality, you will also be giving back to the local economy by supporting local artisans.

4. Visit local stores, shops and markets away from tourist centers and hotels. Although an item may be commonly used in the local culture where you're visiting, the recipient back home will probably think the gift is beautiful and unusual.

5. Look for gifts that you connect with certain aspects of your travel experience and that the recipient will understand and appreciate. For example, purchase a beautiful teacup similar to the ones used at that favorite cafe you wish you could patron with your sister; bring back a tape of local music for the brother who would get a kick out of the discos you visited.

6. Collect small gifts that move or inspire you along the way, even if you don't know to whom you will give these when you return. You may surprise yourself sharing stories and reflections about your trip with someone unexpected, and a small gift from your trip will be appreciated after a lovely connection.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider making a gift for someone using materials you have collected for them along the way: Find beautiful paper and envelopes and decorate these with colorful stamps for a friend who faithfully received your letters and e-mails; make a collage of wild life photos to cover a journal you have purchased; when you give a small vase, include pressed flowers from a meadow you saw in bloom.