It’s something that we’ve all probably done at least once in our lives – but experts have urged people to be more mindful about what they’re doing whilst on holiday
When you’re soaking up the sun in an exotic location, it’s natural to want to hold onto those holiday vibes and share a slice of your adventure with loved ones back home.
The temptation to sweep through the nearest souvenir shop and grab a bunch of cheap keepsakes like keyrings, ornaments or shot glasses from your holiday spot can be strong. However, a gifting guru has sounded the alarm on these impulse buys, warning that these items often end up as nothing more than dust-gatherers, contributing to clutter and hitting your wallet unnecessarily.
Jessie Sampson from Hurley Burley is on a mission to ensure holidaymakers bring back memories that endure well beyond their return flight, prompting her to devise a ‘no-buy’ list to help tourists avoid common souvenir mistakes.
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On the flip side, Jessie has also highlighted certain keepsakes that are more likely to be cherished over time, offering tips for choosing souvenirs that won’t just be thrown in a drawer when you return, reports the Daily Record.
Holiday souvenirs to avoid
Keyrings
Jessie said: “Those souvenir keychains with jangling bells and miniature landmarks? They might look cute at first, but trust me, the novelty wears thin faster than a flip phone battery. Instead, consider collecting something that sparks conversation.
“Maybe a local board game teaches you the rules of a different culture, or a quirky, hand-painted sign with a funny saying becomes a talking point every time you see it. Choose souvenirs that ignite curiosity and connection, not just noise pollution on your keychain.”
Cheap t-shirts
Convincing as they may be, snatching up one of those ‘I was here’ T-shirts from tourist shops is not recommended. If you’ve been somewhere exciting and are itching to share your adventure, the desire can be strong.
But Jessie advises against purchasing these ‘generic’ tees, which are likely to be thrown in a drawer unworn. She suggested that a better choice might be clothes that capture the distinct fashion of the place you visited.
Snowglobes
Purchasing a snowglobe might seem like the perfect souvenir while you’re caught up in holiday bliss, but the reality settles in once faced with the task of stuffing this hefty object into your luggage. Not to forget the struggle of finding an appropriate spot for it at home.
Jessie said: “Sure, they’re fun to shake in the shop, but imagine lugging that home and finding a place to display it. Think lightweight, packable keepsakes that won’t dominate your living space.”
Cheap trinkets
The excitement of being somewhere new can make it really easy to go overboard in the souvenir shop and pick up mass-produced trinkets, but unless you’re actually going to use them, it’s wise to leave them on the shelf.
Jessie said: “These often end up broken or discarded quickly. Look for souvenirs made with love and care by local artisans. They’ll be better quality, more interesting, and support the local economy.”
‘Just in case’ gifts
The last-minute rush to buy souvenirs at the end of a holiday is something many of us will have experienced, as there’s sometimes a certain ‘obligation’ felt.
But Jessie advises taking a different approach to souvenir shopping by being more thoughtful, thereby giving your loved ones something they won’t just toss aside or forget.
Jessie suggested: “Did your friend love the street food? Find them a cookbook with local recipes. Is your mum obsessed with scarves? Look for a handwoven one in a style specific to the region you visited. Souvenirs that cater to individual interests show you put thought into them, making them much more cherished.”
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