7 best souvenirs to get your loved ones when you travel

Now, forget that chocolatey yumminess and opt for something that no one else could get them, and that they couldn’t have gotten otherwise.

If you have someone close to you who collects something, you can obtain them a special item to add to that collection.

The following is a list of the kinds of souvenirs and gifts that will be your best options to bring back for your friends and family.

1. Bags

Relatively cheap and easy to come by, buying a bag should be the first thing on your list!

The best thing about buying bags as presents for friends is if you run out of space in your own handbag you can use the "present" you've purchased as a temporary solution.

That boring bag you got somewhere in New York? Someone somewhere will cherish that bag as if it was an Hermès Birkin.

2. Sand or soil

Scoop up sand from a beach somewhere remote and take to your loved one.

Chances are they would appreciate it, because who doesn't want to show off sand from Iceland to friends.

3. Currency

This is another souvenir with multiple benefits. That crumpled note of foreign currency that you didn't get round to spend will make a close friend or family member very happy. Unusual currencies are best given to those who have travelled the least. They'll either frame it or stash it in a safe place, looking forward to the day they can spend it.

4. Christmas Decorations

it's now possible to pick up weird and wonderful Christmas decorations from most countries in the world. From an odd shaped Santa Claus' and weird Reindeers to a singing star, spare nothing odd for Christmas decor.

5. Collectables

Souvenir shops offer a wide range of collectable items like keychains, glasses and corkscrews. If someone close to you collects a certain type of item, getting an iteration of that item from your trip can be an excellent gift.

6. Local Crafts

From traditional beads to pottery, these traditional works of art convey the personality of the area in a way mass-produced objects cannot.

They are especially good gifts for those friends who are interested in the place you travelled, or for people with whom you really want to share the culture of the region.

7. Alcohol

Alcohol is also a popular gift to bring back for adult friends. Many people collect wines from different areas, so if you find a place during your trip with a particularly good local wine, that can make an excellent gift.

Also, alcohol is made with different ingredients and processes in every region, just like food varies from place to place. If you’re travelling to a place that is famous for a certain type of alcohol that could also be an opportunity to get a very authentic bottle for a friend who favours it.