What to bring home to your loved ones when you travel (part 1)
As you have seen from my recent social media posts, I went to Italy for a couple weeks for a 20th anniversary trip...but really it was a work trip too because I couldn't NOT see my lighting artists, fabric manufacturers, rug makers etc. in the flesh! We spent more than half our trip with various vendors I've worked with before or want to work with, and then we spent some time SHOPPING for the people we love. Buying from a local artistian is the way to go when you aren't at home (and even when you are at home). It also is a great way to support the local economy in the area.
Christmas Ornaments
Now, this first suggestion happens to be a gift I buy for myself every time I travel and something want to recieve when someone goes somewhere new. Not everyone celebrates Christmas, but ornaments are a great souvenir because they are small, easy to transport, and pretty cost-conscious. It’s also a great way to track where you’ve been and collect unique Christmas pieces from different countries. I personally have over a thousand ornaments from travels that I've collected over decades! If you do this, try to get something that is an immediate reminder of a specific memory or the place you went such as this = grapes + handmade glass= ITALY trip!
Textiles
The first thing you should consider when buying a gift or souvenir is if any weight will be added to your luggage (unless you plan to freight it over). That's why textiles, like clothing napkins, tea towels, or other fabric goods are thoughtful and convenient gifts to bring home. You can easily roll them up in your suitcase and don’t have to worry about anything breaking. I'm not personally a fan of the t-shirt emblazoned with I LOVE ROME on it, so something useful like these gorgeous towels are more my style!
Local Art
Local art can be found everywhere! When we were in Volterra, Italy (yes, it was featured in Twilight, but we went for my love of Etruscan art) I found the most exceptional gallery I've ever been in. It was like being transported into another time in its architecture but with modern art! As I was gushing about a painting, I had no idea I was speaking to THE Olga Neiscier - the artist that made the masterpiece I was so obsessed with. Now, this art is very high end, and the piece I have a love affair with is not what we would call a souvenir. It is something that would be carefully freighted over and passed down through generations. Of course, not all art needs to be life changing and extremely expensive. Not only are these gifts handmade, but they are also one of a kind, just like your mom, or dad, or best friend. The mindset for sourcing art as a gift is this- what would they love? Not what I would love. If you think it would speak to them or touch their heartstrings you have a winner. If it speaks only to you, keep looking.
*Picture of Olga next to her stunning artwork. Listening to her speak of her process and the real petals incorporated almost made me weep. It was so beautiful! Find the gallery here: http://kalpa-art.it/news/
Postcards
My girlfriend purchases postcards to send back to her family. In each one, she writes a personal and detailed note about her trip there. Not only are these obviously the easiest to transport, but they are also inexpensive and extremely thoughtful. Fun fact - you can send a postcard from the Vatican! If you get a postcard at the museum gift shop and fill it out, you can mail it out right at the exit door in a huge yellow mailbox to the right! A unique postal code that most people will never have!
*This pic is on the grounds of the Vatican and not the one inside the museum because they wouldn't let us take pics of it for whatever reason!
The whole point of souvenier shopping is to bring those that you love along with you on your travels and help them feel cherished. Whatever tells them “I thought of you”, whether inexpensive or elaborate, I'm sure it will be well received! If you are gifted something you don't love, stay tuned for my next post about what to do with those items!
XOXO- Brit
