Anonymous wrote:I'm not a shopping person, but I do look for small serving pieces - an olive plate from Greece, for example. A cheese plate from France. Something I know I will use, but doesn't take up much space.

I love this.

Anonymous wrote:Be specific, if possible. I’d love some ideas and places to shop. We will be in France, Spain, Italy, and Greece. I’d love ideas from other places in Europe, too!

Thanks

Magnets. We buy a single magnet from every place we visit (domestic and abroad). The children get to pick, and it must reflect something that place is known for. We have a beautiful collection. My favorites are from the local artists and galleries, if we get a chance to visit them.

I take a sharpie and label with the month and year we visited, and place it on the side of our fridge. We love seeing our magnet collection and periodically reminiscing about a particular adventure. It’s also easily portable for when you have to move.

Anonymous wrote:We get a couple of Christmas ornaments every time we travel

We do that too, a Christmas ornament from each place we visit. So from Toledo, Spain we bought a small traditional sword and hang on our Christmas tree. Austria, a small Swarovski crystal decoration etc… I typically buy some jewellery for me, coconut shell painted earrings in Hawaii, gold enamelled earrings from Spain. Typically less than $100 for my jewellery. Sometimes random things like candle, soap, oil etc.

In Spain, go to a Sargedelos store. they have great pottery, dishes, purses, etc. Its beautiful stuff.

A German Christmas Pyramid.

Italian shoes.

A handmade marionette found in Prague.

Anonymous wrote:Amsterdam. Double headed vibrating dildo. Srsly, that place has issues.

You win.

I like buying local pottery. I have some fantastic pieces from Poland, as well as an amazing art piece from Egypt. Otherwise I don’t really buy souvenirs other than food products for my pet sitter.

Amalfi Coast kitchen items. So colorful

France: so many brands from Paris that are much cheaper, for clothing and bags. Roam the boutiques. I do love their macarons as well.

Italy: leather jackets, shoes, Italian brands like MaxMara, purses, ceramics - I love the art gallery at La Caravella. Tablecloths, spoon rests, etc.

Also always a fan of refrigerator magnets and unique art pieces.

Sandals custom made all over Greece

My French kitchen knives are one of my most prized possessions and make me happy every time I use them.

I'm not a shopping person, but I do look for small serving pieces - an olive plate from Greece, for example. A cheese plate from France. Something I know I will use, but doesn't take up much space.

Serving stuff from Provence - a really pretty tablecloth and some pottery. I still regret not buying one of those French door knockers that is a hand holding a ball when I was there 15 years ago even though I know I can buy it online now.

In general: Christmas ornaments, wall calendars for the next year, napkins in characteristic prints, fabric bread "baskets," earrings, T-shirts for me, DH and people at home

Delft & Provence: wipe-off place mats for the kitchen table in characteristic prints
Bellagio: hand painted spoon rest
Belgium and Switzerland: chocolate
Killarney: sweater

Kitchen stuff that we will use- in Portugal I bought espresso cups, a few mugs, an olive dish. I also have espresso cups from Paris. I have an awesome pepper grinder from Turkey. I also like to get a Christmas tree ornament.