“Money isn’t everything.” We’ve heard this phrase a thousand times, and while most of us need and appreciate money, it’s not always necessary. What happens when strangers on the street go out of their way to direct you somewhere? What happens when a concierge watches your bags long after you’ve officially checked out? These little favors are priceless, but it might be awkward to show your appreciation by forking over a wad of cash. Some people are just nice, many service workers consider this kind of generosity a point of pride, and some cultures are repelled by knee-jerk tipping. So how do you thank someone for a memorable act of kindness, aside from just exclaiming, “Thank you”?
Not surprisingly, travel personality Samantha Brown has a creative solution, which she describes in a blog post on her website. “Give them a souvenir from your hometown,” writes Brown. “I learned this genius travel hack from my producer while we were filming in southeast Asia. She always traveled with a dozen I Heart NY shirts. At first I found it puzzling, but once I saw the smile spread across a tee shirt recipient’s face, I got it.”
One of Brown’s many areas of expertise is budgeting; her money advice has helped many people avoid embarrassment while traveling. And buying souvenirs isn’t exactly free or easy; you’ll have to stock up on mementos before your trip, and they’ll have to be light and easy to carry, which is why a T-shirt makes a lot of sense.
Picking hometown souvenirs to give as thanks
Naturally, you don’t have to hand out “I Love NY” T-shirts, so the list of potential items is infinite. To make this souvenir thank you gift truly special, think of something that is unique to your community. Is there a food that packs well, like a local candy or preserve? Contrary to expectations, grocery stores can make the best place to buy travel souvenirs. Is your state or city known for a natural resource, like a wood, metal, or stone? Polished turquoise might represent the Southwest U.S., for instance, or seashells from the Carolina coast; just make sure that these items are responsibly sourced and legal to carry across borders. If there are local artists you love, you might consider buying postcards or small prints of their works.
That said, you may not find an appropriate item or handicraft that is specific to your region. Some famous knickknacks are prohibitively bulky or expensive; no traveler wants to carry a dozen jackalope sculptures or handmade Mardi Gras masks on their person while walking around Paris, just in case someone needs an impromptu token of gratitude. In that case, you might find more typical souvenirs that bear the name of your community, like coffee mugs or novelty spoons. They may not be useful, but they’ll remind the recipient of the time you crossed paths — and where you came from. Here’s a whole list of budget-friendly souvenir ideas to consider for your next trip.
As Samantha Brown reminds us, it’s not about the gift itself, but its far-flung origins. “Imagine giving Swiss chocolate to someone in Switzerland … as a thank you,” she writes. “It feels a little lackluster, doesn’t it? A treat from halfway around the world? Now we’re cooking with gas!”
