“W
hat did you bring me?”Parents and significant others often hear that question when they return from travel. A hotel soap or a bag of airplane peanuts simply doesn’t cut it.
If you’re single, you may want to start a personal collection of memorabilia to bring back those wonderful bleisure living moments.
Of course, there’s the ubiquitous tee-shirt or hoodie, available at any gift shop. But they’re bulky to pack. Plus, if you travel a lot, you, your spouse or kid may get tired of looking like a walking or sleeping travel website.
So…here are some other travel gifts and collectibles that we think are a little bit off the grid:
- Ornaments. Transform your holiday tree into a world map.
- Magnets. Pick up some regional or international fridge flair and you’ll be wanderlusting every time you cook.
- Coasters. You might be lucky enough to snag some good ones at the bar for free, or you can always pick up a fresh pack.
- Regional Foods. Europe has some quirky candy bars and LaGuardia airport has a whole “Discover New York” store between Concourses B and C. Need more space in your suitcase? You can always eat the food before you travel and keep the wrappers as a momento.
- Keychains. Lose yourself in your memories, but don’t lose your keys!
- Pens. Yeah… they’re sort of boring, but you can turn them into wall art or display in a fancy case.
- Postcards. Never out of style. They can be framed or simply stacked in a box in your closet.
- Shot Glasses. Breakable, but small enough to tuck into socks or undies for safe travels. Always great for a display.
- Charms. Charm bracelets are back. And, with a small token from each place you’ve visited, your wrist becomes a portable memory keeper.
- Tote bags. If you’re not already carrying your groceries home in a reusable tote, you should be. Be kind to the environment and reminisce about your favorite trip all at the same time.
- Pictures. Retro, but timeless… Take the best of your travel shots and use Blurb or Shutterfly to convert them into a photo album.
- Tattoos. Sure, you could decal up your laptop up (like the steamer trunks of days passed), or you could decal up your body. A bit extreme? Maybe. Or perhaps just the best conversation starter ever…
Photos:
5: Honou
6: Custom Floaty Pens
12: BoredArt.com
What do you think?