What souvenirs did you buy when you traveled overseas?
By friendship
@friendship (2084)
Canada
April 21, 2008 6:59pm CST
I used to buy T-shirts, post-cards, icons of the country, when I traveled overseas. How about you?
9 responses
@lvaldean (1612)
• United States
22 Apr 08
It truly depends upon where I travel. If the country or city is known for something specific, cultural, native artwork or handcrafts then I try to find something that has meaning to that country and that will have meaning to me. If I am going to be someplace longer, such as living for a bit then I will go for something larger, piece of furniture (antique usually) that is native to the country.
I have a special love for jewelry so if there is custom / native handcrafted jewelry to be had I will always go for this.
Another favorite is wood carvings and hand woven baskets.
I have been really fortunate in my travels and have collected great and unique pieces from around the world.
@friendship (2084)
• Canada
22 Apr 08
Piece of furniture... I have never thought about it. Did you have any difficulty to pack them?
@lvaldean (1612)
• United States
22 Apr 08
Furniture is a fun one. The answer is it depends on what it is and where you are. Usually you can get the seller to ship for you. If you are living in country for a while you just include it in your shipment home. If you are actually traveling then you arange for shipment.
I lived in Asia and traveled throughout the area. It was fairly easy to have items shiped into my "home" country, although duty could be expensive. Since I was on expat assignment I just shipped all my lovelies home with me when I came. That was a good one as I picked up a great number of pieces that time. I also had an arrangement with a antique dealer in my home country when the seller couldn't or wouldn't ship, then I would just call her and she would make the arrangements.
Traveling through Europe I have picked up a few nice pieces and sent them home. Never really had a problem. I don't buy really huge pieces. Usually though I just work with a freight forwarder and pay the charges. Most antique stores know how to ship out of country.
Here in the US, as long as a piece isn't really oversized UPS will ship for you. Again, most of the stores know how to ship.
I guess when you get as old as me and as travel worn as me you just learn the tricks.
@megumiart (3771)
• United States
22 Apr 08
I love getting stuffed animals and pins as souvenirs. I havea huge collection of stuffed animals. xD
@kevsgirlalways (5883)
• Malaysia
2 Aug 08
usually when i travel to another country i'll get some t-shirts, fridge magnets and some shot glasses. i love to buy hard rock merchandise from the country i'm visiting too! 
@bubblyapple (2653)
• Philippines
22 Apr 08
whenever i travel, overseas or locally, i buy REFRIGERATOR MAGNET/S that shows different pictures or things about the place. aside from the fact that it is cheap, it does not take a lot of space in my house. :
@rhane7315 (5649)
• Philippines
23 Apr 08
anything lol as long as they're cute. i really love cute things
@maximax8 (31053)
• United Kingdom
23 Apr 08
Since the early years of my traveling I have collected costume dolls from around the world. I have a fairly large collection with some charming looking dolls like one made out of wood from Romania and some hand made ones of material from Belize. I also have collected many postcards from the all different destinations that I have visited. Sometimes it is wonderful to bring back a few foreign coins or notes. From the Cook Islands I brought back a three dollar note and a triangular coin. I have bought T-shirts in some of the cities and beach resorts that I have been to.
@jellyjam74 (205)
• Canada
22 Apr 08
i've started collecting shot glasses and small snow globes from the places that i visit. i've always loves snowglobes, and the shot glasses started as an accident. someone bought one for me, then i got one from a local bar, and it just went from there.
@reejane (293)
• Philippines
23 Apr 08
I've never been outside the Philippines but I normally asked my friends to buy me a keychain.
I'm starting to collect keychains from all different places. I have a keychain from Singapore and Las vegas now. That reminds me, I'm going to ask a friend to buy one from Dubai since she will be coming over here next month...hehehe.
