Souvenir Shopping
Ever since we jumped into action and started packing for the US, I’ve had souvenirs on the mind. Martin and I are horrible about these things. Last time we made a trip home, I grabbed German chocolate bars for everyone when I went to the grocery store. Martin and his dad were at the lumber yard at the same time. They stopped by another grocery store, and well lets just say we probably filled an entire suitcase with nothing but sweets.
That day of double gifting was rarer than the sound of airport security saying please and thank you. Usually, we totally forget.
Our honeymoon is a perfect example. We stayed at a little hotel the last night (after a week of camping and outdoor adventures). When we asked the owner where he recommended we go for breakfast, he got really excited about this place called Pig ‘N Pancake. Now if you know anything about the Pig ‘N Pancake chain, you know it’s a greasy place full of families and meat – not exactly the best place for two vegetarians on a honeymoon.
We went there anyway. I got a glob of syrup on my shorts, and we placed our order. That was about the time that I remembered that we didn’t have a single souvenir from the entire trip. It was early on Sunday morning, so Martin quickly scoped out the gift shop. I thought he’d come back with something like a seashell animal or shot glass. He didn’t. He just came back laughing at his own brilliance. He had a small item in his hand wrapped in tissue paper that he slowly revealed to me like it was magical.
So like I said. We’re not exactly good at sentimental shopping. (It’s a good thing your average chocolate bar from Germany tastes better than anything in the US so everyone is always excited to see us when we return, kind of like little kids get when their grandparents come for a visit with gifts.) We like to limit the clutter and nicknacks as best as we can to keep things simple. I just don’t know if this is what I expected!
My husband selected this magnet to memorialize our honeymoon:
April 16th, 2009 at 4:55 am
I love it! And I actually collect magnets from our travels. I hope that little guy is on your fridge with pride! What a cute story. And I love that you camped on your honeymoon. I miss camping. Once Ms F is a little older we can’t wait to take her with us! Very cute post Katie. :)
April 16th, 2009 at 5:59 am
This reminded me — after several people asked what I collect as souvenirs from the places we visit, I finally figured out we collect photographs. They’re portable and don’t create clutter, and they help us remember all the little details.
April 16th, 2009 at 6:06 am
Love that magnet! I would smile every time I looked at it and, to me, that’s the best kind of souvenir!
April 16th, 2009 at 6:17 am
That’s hilarious! What a great little momento to bring a smile to your face:)
April 16th, 2009 at 9:02 am
That is so funny! And perfect! I’m sure it makes you smile every time you look at it. We’re bad about bringing gifts back too, but since everyone covets the chocolate bars we bring back, we just load up on those and all is well.
April 16th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
We decided a while ago to just buy a Christmas ornament from each place we travel. Helps cut down on the clutter and we actually use them each year on the tree. Each one reminds me of a wonderful vacation.
April 16th, 2009 at 7:14 pm
I have a story about souvenir magnets and karma.
When I was 7.5 months pregnant with my daughter we went to Las Vegas for my sister’s wedding. My husband and I flew home with my grandmother. At the airport my grandma was looking at magnets, saying she wanted to buy one for my mother. She was looking at a few, and then I saw the world’s ugliest magnet. It was Luxor-themed, only the colours were wrong and it was huge. We had stayed at the Luxor and my sister was married in the chapel there, so I knew my grandma would like it. Then I smiled smugly thinking of my mother having to display the world’s ugliest fridge magnet to make my grandma happy.
As we were dropping off my grandma, she gave me a hug and slipped me the magnet and smiled. She told me it was really for me and the baby, since she might never take another trip with ‘us’. And so that’s how the world’s largest, tackiest souvenir magnet ended up on my fridge and I learned about being kind to my mother. ;)
April 17th, 2009 at 2:03 am
Love the story. Edibles are great souvenirs. Who doesn’t like chocolate?!
April 17th, 2009 at 9:34 am
Amber, your experience is too funny! I could see the exact same thing happening in my family. At least it’s something you can always laugh about.
Like Mom in High Heels says, no one seems to mind the chocolate from Germany ONE BIT. Guess what we’ll be bringing back to the US again?
Katie
April 21st, 2009 at 8:13 am
At least it’s original. There probably aren’t many other folks who can say that is their honeymoon souvenir!
November 10th, 2010 at 4:02 pm
I know this is an old post but it’s new to me because I just read it! I try to buy pencils as souvenirs. Then I actually use them at home. They are also lightweight and good gifts for friends and kids, too.