My mom brought us back a cuckoo clock from Germany. I rolled my eyes but we put it up and everyone LOVES it. It’s now the gift I give to each kid when they move into their first apt.

I like to take 1 or 2 sugar packets from cafes we have gone to and then use them in my coffee when I’m home so I can think about my trip

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Consumables: chocolates, cheeses, olive oil (Italy / Greece), balsamic vinegar, wines / liqueurs.

Cheese?

I’m not the PP, but you can bring back vacuum packed hard cheeses.

Anonymous wrote:Consumables: chocolates, cheeses, olive oil (Italy / Greece), balsamic vinegar, wines / liqueurs.

Cheese?

I would bring back 5 gallons of olive oil from Italy if I could lol I swear to god, it's like goat cheese in France - you just do not taste same stuff in US. I wish I could take Italian tomatoes home too hah!

Agree with MaxMara clothing.

I don't know I mean they do just about so many things related to food and art so much better in Europe than here..

You could get linens, food, pottery, wine, I mean I can't think of anything that isn't actually better quality for less there.

I always try to buy one piece of jewelry, even if it's an inexpensive piece from a street vendor. I also love to buy pretty scarves.

I always love visiting local bookstores and buy a book, bookmark, and resuseable bag with name of bookstore . Also any interesting local art that will fit. Usually try to find a beautiful coffee book at airport as well.

Other things I've enjoyed from my recent travels:

Greece: linen shirts, summer dresses, olive oil
France: macarons, chocolate, wine
Portugal: linen, leather sandals, tablecloths
Egypt: inlaid decorative boxes
Spain: olive oil, wine, dresses and resort wear in coastal cities
Colombia: resort wear
England: stock up on my favorite full bodied teas and biscuits
Argentina: beautiful leather goods
Grenada: spices

I look for a shop with a variety of items made by local artisans. Found great shops in Dublin and London and Tokyo. Couldn’t find one in Rome. Happened on an outdoor craft show in Madrid. Heaven.

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone buy those Swiss cuckoo clocks anymore?

Found one shop that sells cuckoo clocks- they were very pricey $500 and up if it did the actual bird on the hour others had dolls or swings etc as. pendulum and they were much cheaper.

Love going to grocery stores in other countries and buying snacks, candy, and anything else that catches my eye. Reusable shopping bags are also great.

On a trip to France last year I also got a bunch of stuff from French pharmacies (e.g. Nuxe products and French sunscreen). Also got kitchen towels and soap from a market in Provence that made great gifts.

I like to buy art from local painters in the parks. You roll them up and mount or frame once you get home. Very affordable.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Some of the replies aren't listing what I would consider souvenirs. Souvenirs are supposed to be cheap little things.

Ie. A table? Not a souvenir. You’d probably have to pay VAT tax on some of these items.

Things I buy that remind me of the trip = souvenir.

A table doesn’t count. It’s not a token.

Anonymous wrote:I always buy Christmas ornaments from the places I travel. Then I’m able to remember each trip fondly as I put them on my tree each year.

I do this too

Consumables: chocolates, cheeses, olive oil (Italy / Greece), balsamic vinegar, wines / liqueurs.

I always buy Christmas ornaments from the places I travel. Then I’m able to remember each trip fondly as I put them on my tree each year.