Navigating Vacation Souvenirs!

Family vacations, which already cost a bundle, can become even more costly if your kids are avid shoppers like mine!  In my case, I know that the apples haven’t fallen far from the tree, but this can be a challenge for any family.  Theme parks have it figured out – guests exit from rides and attractions THROUGH the gift shop!

We’ve returned from some trips with a crazy array of t-shirts, stuffed animals and toys that just aren’t that appealing back at home!  So what to do?  Here are some of the thoughts that I’ve gathered over the years after having visited a wide variety of vacation destinations!  In true Busy Bee style, I try to shop in the same way each time! 

For Our Family

  • I love to take advantage of the professional photos that are offered at theme parks and even on the ski slopes. A fabulous picture is priceless! 
  • I also try to buy frames that are personalized with the destination’s logo, park symbol or hotel insignia.  Most gift shops offer a nice variety of frames.  You can insert your professional photo or a great candid shot.  At this point, we have a fun and colorful collection of frames from all around the world!

For The Kids

  • I try to steer the kids away from the toys and towards books of all kinds - pictorial souvenirs of the location, story books and coloring books related to the destination.  For example, the Atlantis Hotel in the Bahamas sold a darling book about a little girl who lived in the hotel.  For bigger kids, the resort sold a guide to marine life.  Of course, we came home with both of these and both books went into school for sharing time.
  • If you must buy t-shirts, look for simple designs which kids or adults wouldn’t mind wearing at home!  Limit everyone to ONE!
  • Other items that are fun to buy and are actually useful might be a beach towel, a princess outfit (but only if your daughter will agree that it will be this year’s Halloween costume!), bathing suit, pajamas, or CD.  Keep in mind that many theme parks will send your purchases back to your hotel or the park’s front gate so that you don’t have to carry shopping bags all day!  Don’t forget to ask if this service is offered at your destination.
  • In an effort to keep parental costs down, appeal in advance to grandparents and other relatives for birthday and holiday gifts of “Disney Dollars” or other theme park gift certificates for the kids to use while on the trip!
  • Another souvenir that I actually enjoy buying is silver charms for my daughters’ charm bracelets.  Silver charms are small (easy to pack!), reasonably priced and are especially cute when the charms are three dimensional!  On occasion, I’ve add to my own gold charm bracelet when seeking a reminder of a special trip.
  • And saving the best (or cheapest?) for last, there are a number of fun things that your kids can collect while on vacation that are FREE!  Consider saving one room key from each hotel that you stay at!  Many of these “credit card” style keys have great pictures of the hotel on the front!  We’ve also saved cute menus from restaurants where we’ve had a delicious meal.  Other options include match books, note pads from the hotel room desk, or a cool rock or sea shell found while exploring.  I’ve used a permanent marker to inscribe the date and location on the underside of the rock or shell!

Just for Me

And now, my last thought!  As a busy person returning from a trip to extra laundry, mail, and chores, I brighten my post vacation days with a pen!  Clearly this sounds crazy, but I have a personal tradition of always swiping a pen from our hotel!  I keep the pen handy and use it often!  As I pay bills, sign permission slips and tests, I get a little reminder of fun days!  Some of my recent favorites include the Disney Land Hotel, The Atlantis and the Frontenac!

Try approaching your next family vacation with some of these ideas and see if you come home with a little extra change in your pocket!

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