When we travel, I love to bring home mementos of our journey….both for me and for friends and family. But this can be challenging. What do I get? How do I get it home? It needs to be small, unbreakable (most of the time!), useful and fun.
When going to Alaska, I love to buy small boxes of smoked salmon for gifts. I have also discovered Alaska sea salts by the Alaska Pure Sea Salt Company. This company is based in Sitka, Alaska. I first discovered them in Ketchikan along Creek Street. I have tried the Alder Smoked salt and the Sitka Spruce Tip flake and can recommend both! They are delicious on steak, chicken, fish and roasted vegetables.
Since first finding this easy, packable souvenir, I have looked for salt and seasonings in other ports. I have found some in the Caribbean and in European ports. Keep your eyes open in outdoor markets and tourist shops.
Smoked Alaska salmon can be found in every port and on most cruise ships in the gift shop.
One of my all time favorite things to do in a foreign port is to visit a local grocery store. I usually can find small jars of mustard packaged in something fun, like a drinking glass. France is where I first discovered these, but I have also found them in Germany and Sweden. It’s so much fun to open the jars months later and experience a taste of my journey! Have a look around the store….you may find some local candy, flavor/cooking packets or other small items that you can easily take home with you.
My son recently brought home this awesome platter he found in England at a Sainsbury. Since it is unbreakable, it was easy for him to put in his luggage.
A few years ago we cruised to the Baltic and visited St. Petersburg, Russia. We really wanted something special from here, but did not want to buy the typical Russian dolls. Imagine our surprise when we walked past a Starbucks and found these!
It looks like the Russian Matroyska nesting doll, but is a VERY useful hot/cold drink holder! And for less than $10 each…how could we say no! The perfect memory. Both my daughter and I got one and use them constantly.
Other favorite souvenirs are kitchen items….such as dish towels and oven mitts. These are always fun to use and bring back great memories of our travels. And of course…don’t forget mugs and the tea to go in them!
These are just a few of my ideas and things I look for. We are always on the lookout for T-shirts and sweatshirts, but how many of these do you really need and/or wear?
What are some of your favorite things to bring home? I’d love to hear about them…maybe you will inspire me!
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