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I was checking out my local souvenir store the other day to buy a gift to send to a friend overseas. Everything I picked up was so expensive, yet looked so cheap, and nearly all of it was made in China. Then I remembered the kinds of souvenirs I buy when I’m traveling in other countries, and I left and went to one of the shops I visit every day.

Why? There are all kinds of “local” items you can buy in regular shops, especially supermarkets. When I lived in Japan, I used to send gifts home to friends that I’d bought at the local 100 Yen shop (please don’t tell my friends I was such a cheapskate): Packs of pretty origami paper, bamboo chopsticks, pencil cases covered in funny English. In Germany I bought special German candies, cookies and other confectionery at my local supermarket. My friends loved them. Think about it: A bottle of wine from an Australian vineyard is much better gift than a made-in-China koala.

So next time you’re traveling, find your souvenirs and gifts somewhere other than a souvenir shop. Look for local products like candies, drinks, stationery and crafts in regular shops. Not only will you save some money, your family and friends will probably enjoy the gifts even more, and you’ll have something more authentic to remember your trip by.

(Photo via flickr cc)