A souvenir (from French, for memory), memento or keepsake is an object a traveler brings home for the memories associated with it. Souvenirs include clothing such as T-shirts or hats, postcards, refrigerator magnets, miniature figures, household items such as mugs and bowls, plates, ashtrays, egg timers, spoons, notepads, and paintings plus many others.
The above is the Wikipedia definition for Souvenir. We all buy things when we travel, things to help us remember the vacation and the fun associated with it. I tend not to buy nick nacks or trinkets; but items I need or items that I will use repeatably. The pink fleece purchased in Savannah because the weather was colder than expected and I needed another layer. So, it's useful...serves a purpose. I had been looking for a fleece, have plenty of sweatshirts but no fleece so; this is an item I was going to purchase anyway and didn't therefore spend extra money.
The Vera Bradley purse is also an item I had been wanting, needed a new purse and would have purchased anyway. But, I think the prices are crazy and so hadn't purchased one. While vacationing in Hilton Head, hubby saw a sale sign and so.........got this baby at 50% off which makes it reasonable to me.
So, I've purchased items I needed, items I wanted, items I'm using and will continue to use and have meaningful souvenirs; but nothing to dust or get broken when knocked off the table or counter. This handy tip will save you money, but still give you the opportunity to purchase a special something in your travels. Stir clear of the tacky little knick knack souvenir shops, you'll be glad you did.
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I agree! The best souvenirs are those that we will actually use, not just for sentimental value, like a T-shirt or mug. There are some really good souvenirs that we don't necessarily use though that are brought to remember the trip by.
ReplyDeleteEvery time I go for a vacation, buying and bringing souvenirs to my family and friends has been a part of my traveling life.
ReplyDeleteP.S.
Thanks for updating the love link to my new domain. I highly appreciate it Sandy. It actually now works perfectly fine. :D
I also would like to inform you that I already made comments from your most recent posts whether before or just now.
Have a great week! ;D
I am with you on this. I would much prefer to get something that is useful and something that I need. And you are right, this will save me money and yet get something special.
ReplyDeleteI like to take good souvenirs while traveling.I don't spend too much money behind it.I like souvenir which is truly usable and good to remember memories..
ReplyDeleteThanks for share with us...keep it up///lolx
ReplyDeleteI too prefer to buy practical souvenirs: purses, shoes, earrings..and my list goes on and on :)
ReplyDeleteApart from that I do get 1 (just one) fridge magnet for my collection.
Great tips Sandy, I use to buy souvenirs, but now I take photos to remember, but of course when we go somewhere new Bill has to have a Harley t-shirt from the local Harley shop to add to his collection.
ReplyDeleteI like to buy souvenirs for myself that are meaningful to the country and for others what they like. Who cares if it doesn't say Paris on it, but a nice set of jewelry from Paris is nice. For myself, Belgium is known for lace so I bought a lace handkerchief.
ReplyDeleteAfter buying a lot of stuff, I've come to realize that photos are the best souvenirs. So, I've invested in a good DSLR camera :)
ReplyDeleteI've got key chains from Houston, snow globes from Atlanta and T-Shirts from Washington DC.
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