We all know it. We come back from a dream vacation, full of excitement, sunshine and a bag full of... Yeah, what? Another miniature Eiffel Tower, a refrigerator magnet with a tacky image of the beach, and a T-shirt that says “I love, ” is on the shelf. After a fewer weeks, these items, bought in a hot summertime euphoria, lose their charm and become mute dust collectors, which is popular ‘Pary traps’. They play space, and alternatively of bringing back good memories, they make you feel guilty. It's time to break that habit. There is simply a full doctrine of the wise bringing of souvenirs—those that will not only be beautiful but besides useful, becoming an integral part of our lives, not just an exhibit on the shelf of shame.
Change of perspective: from "minor-object" to "minor-experience"
The key to success is simply a fundamental change in thinking. alternatively of asking myself, ‘What can I buy to remember this place?’, let us ask ourselves: ‘What subject or experience can I take with me to enrich my regular life and remind me of this journey?’ The answer to this second question immediately eliminates 90% of the offer of souvenir shops. We halt looking for objects, we start looking history, taste, odor and functionality.
Souvenirs that you can eat and drink – the essence of taste
This is the safest and 1 of the most pleasant categories of souvenirs, due to the fact that by definition they are temporary and do not make permanent mess. Instead, they offer an authentic, sensory experience that allows you to return to the flavors of your vacation long after you return.
- Bring what? alternatively of an olive magnet, bring bottle of craft oil from a tiny household press in Greece. alternatively of a pepper keyring, buy a bag of smoked peppers pimentón from Spain. another excellent ideas include: local cheese, sausages, a jar of pesto from Italy, a bottle of wine from a tiny vineyard, a packet of aromatic coffee from Portugal, exotic spices from Morocco or unique tea from Asia.
- Remember: Always check customs rules for food imports, especially outside the European Union.
The Memorials You Will usage all Day – Beauty and Function
It is simply a category for pragmatists who value objects combining aesthetics with utility. The point is to bring back something that will replace an already owned, utilized item or fill a real request in our home.
- Bring what? Think of everyday objects. alternatively of another print cup, buy hand-painted ceramic cup from a local artist where you'll have coffee all morning. another ideas are: wood cutting board made of olive wood, linen tablecloth or kitchen cloths from Portugal, a beautiful woolen blanket from Ireland, a unique bookmark for books, silk shawl or handmade jewelry.
- Remember: The key is quality and authenticity. Avoid mass production. Touch, check the material, ask for origin.
Memoirs for the Spirit – Art, odor and Sound
If you want to bring something purely decorative, bet on art or objects that make an atmosphere and affect your senses.
- Bring what? alternatively of a plastic figurine, invest in small image or graphics bought at the local artists' market. It may be a watercolour overlooking your favourite alley or a modern poster. another ideas are: natural scented candles with local odor (e.g. lavender from Provence), incense, essential oils, or a CD with the music of a local artistthat became the soundtrack of your journey.
- Remember: Make certain the art kind fits your interior. A evidence with music or playlist on Spotify is simply a souvenir that does not occupy any physical place!
Red flags: what to avoid like fire
To facilitate the task, it is worth creating a list of “forbidden” souvenirs. Avoid objects that are:
- Mass produced: If you see "Made in China" on the description and you're in Italy, put it down.
- Caricatural and kitschy: Viking hats with plastic horns or sombrera you'll never wear.
- Unpractically large or heavy: A sculpture that can't fit into a suitcase is asking for trouble.
- Made of illegal materials: Avoid souvenirs of ivory, coral, shells of protected species or exotic animals. It's not just unethical, it's illegal.
The best souvenirs are the ones that tell the communicative and become part of our lives. It's a cup that remembers the mornings on the Sicilian balcony. It's spices that reconstruct the taste of dinner eaten in Marrakech. It's a scarf that he protected from the wind while walking across the Scottish hills.
Ask yourself 3 simple questions before buying:
- Will I usage it?
- Does it fit me and my house?
- Will I be happy about it next year or ashamed of it?
If the answers are yes, you found the perfect souvenir. 1 that won't play the apartment, but will enrich it with an authentic part of another planet and, most importantly, your own priceless memories.
Continued here:
Summer souvenirs – what is worth bringing to avoid playing your apartment?
