My friend went on vacation and all I got was this lousy ... fill in the blank.
Souvenirs, yes or no?
When you travel, do you bring a lot of items home from your destination?
For yourself? For family? For friends? For everyone you have ever met?
Honestly, do people even do that anymore?
Shopping has always been a huge part of any holiday I’ve ever taken. I find it part of the fun to search out special items for the people on my list. Some people find it just another chore, but I actually enjoy it.
I got wondering, though, if most people appreciate it or would rather you didn’t bother. With the price of everything these days, even a trinket can be expensive and doesn’t look like much.
Magnets are easy to transport and usually inexpensive, but are they tacky? Do you want to be remembered of your trip every single time you open the fridge?
And does someone who didn’t go on the trip want a reminder?
Myself, I am always drawn to mugs. But do any of us really need another mug? I will answer for everyone on the planet: No, we do not.
Will I buy more? Yes, yes I will.
Postcards? I doubt many are written anymore. I am doubtful I would send them anyway as I’ll be home before they will be received.
Writing “wish you were here” on a beautiful picture of a sunset on an exotic island to people back home shivering just seems cruel.
I think souvenirs are meaningful, reminding us of a special time, a new culture, a magical locale, a unique adventure or time spent with a loved one.
According to an article on LinkedIn: “Souvenirs are more than just keepsakes. They serve as a way to preserve memories, express identity, connect with others and promote cultural heritage. They can be huge memory triggers. Souvenirs bring back memories of not only the experience itself, but also the emotions we felt at the time.”
I have way too many mementos of everywhere I’ve ever been, but they do have meaning to me. It has been suggested by some that there’s no way I can appreciate all the tokens I have collected. Truth be told, I can pretty much tell you where and when I bought an item, and why it's important to me. I can also usually recall the price tag.
How can bringing a gift back for someone else be a bad thing?
“They can express love and appreciation and show someone you were thinking of them while away," they say.
If you need more reasons to buy things, consider souvenir shopping is a huge boost to the economy to the tune of billions of dollars globally.
What you buy doesn’t have to be expensive. I have treasured rocks, twigs, feathers and sand because someone cared enough to collect it for me.
Sure, a magnet might set you back a few bucks, but to me memories are priceless.
A trip wouldn’t seem complete without a suitcase of trinkets.
Maybe I’ll find some mug-shaped magnets? It's a win-win!
