Tips on How to Shop for Souvenirs

Have you ever gotten a Souvenir that you wanted to give back? You know that over-sized mug with the name of the city on it that you only use to store spare change. Or what about that sun visor that your grandparents brought you back from their vacation in Daytona Beach, Florida. You know the visor with the picture of the pink flamingo and palm tree embossed in green glitter. It's probably still in the back of your closet and you're waiting for it to come back in style. Let me give you a hint my friend, even when those visors were in style...they weren't!

So how do we resolve the shopping for Souvenirs fiasco? Let me start by giving you the basics. If you follow these 3 tips you'll never have issues shopping for Souvenirs ever again.

1. Be Practical - The best gifts I've ever received where gifts that were practical. I remember when a friend of mine went to Jamaica and she brought me back a CD carrying case with the name Jamaica on it and I LOVED it! She knew that I had tons of Cd's all over my car and very little storage. So for me that gift was extremely practical and 10 years later, I still have my favorite CD case from Jamaica.

2. Be Relevant - Have you ever received a Souvenir shot glass from your favorite uncle that just came back from Aruba and you're only 16? Been there, done that. Be appropriate when you are buying gifts for minors. Since they can't legally drink until their 21, why buy someone a gift that they have to store away for 5 years? If you have a teen, why not pick up a great t-shirt that they can wear to school or even out to the mall when they are hanging out with their friends.

3. Be Original - I know it's easy to pick up that key-chain or shot glass, but be original when you shop. I remember vacationing in Cancun Mexico and not only did they have a great selection of high quality sterling silver, but the prices were great! I was able to pick up some silver jewelry for friends that was completely unique and the pieces were actually one of a kinds, so you wouldn't see yourself coming and going. To add to my excitement, they were Duty FREE, so I didn't pay any taxes.

If you stick to these 3 tips on how to shop for Souvenirs, not only will you save money, but you'll make some wonderful friends and family members extremely happy. So, get set, get ready...let's go Souvenir shopping!