Low cost souvenirs that won’t break the bank

Whenever I go off to a new destination I always want to bring something home to my family, whether it’s something they will think is really fitting to their personality, or just a small little gesture because you were thinking of them.

Here are my tips to brining home trinkets that won’t leave your pockets empty.

Postcards

You can actually do quite a lot with postcards. Instead of paying to send them overseas and writing a message on the back — which can cost a lot for postage depending on the country — I bring the postcards back and put them into a nice little frame, including a little message in between the frame and picture. Or I just wrap the message in with the frame. This is much cheaper than paying for the postage and shipping in destination, and requires a little more effort on your end to put it in a frame. Your loved ones can then leave it somewhere nice in their house, rather than on the fridge for maybe a month or two.

Wine and beer

In some destinations alcohol is much cheaper than what we would pay here for a half decent bottle. When I lived in Europe, I used to bring my family some nice red and white wines and Czech beer when I visited for the holidays. Make sure you know what you can take out of the country and bring into Canada first before you pack it.

Bargain a little and get a lot

Most countries in the Americas have great markets, but the vendors typically start with a high asking price, with the intention of haggling. My tip is always that if you say it’s too expensive, or offer them a lower rate. It can be done, especially in the Playa Del Carmen markets in Mexico.

Christmas markets

Christmas markets in Europe are some of the most magical markets you will ever get to experience, with all the lights and festivities. I spent a lot of time at the Christmas markets in Europe and got a lot of things that I wouldn’t normally be able to get back home. It was a lot more affordable and very high quality. Chocolates, custom made goblets engraved, hand made scarfs, jewelry and much more!

Fridge magnets

Whenever I go to a new city, I always get something to remind me of the destination. Fridge magnets are inexpensive and I get to see them everyday when I open my fridge. These are also great gifts. My mother must have more than 100 from myself and two sisters who bring so many back to her. Yet she keeps asking for more!