What's In Your Suitcase? photo courtesy of kthread

The world seems to be shrinking. These days you can easily get the special chocolate, wine and accessories in America that once required a trip abroad to purchase. While it’s great for convenience sake, it makes coming home with unique, special and hard-to-find gifts very difficult. No one wants to lug home a special treat, only to find it at their local World Market or specialty grocery store. To find a truly unique gift, try these suggestions:

Go Off the Beaten Path

To find the most unique gifts, ask the locals. Where do they shop for one-of-a-kind items? What can’t they live without? Likely they’ll send you off the beaten path– way off it. Shop in locally owned antique stores or boutiques. Your loved one will appreciate the uniqueness of their gift from your travels.

Buy Art

Art is one of those things that can’t be simply recreated, or shipped to every chain store. Pick up prints, pottery or handmade items crafted by local artisans. When you bring these items home you are truly bringing a piece of your experience back with you.

Stay Out of Souvenir Shops

Instead of picking up souvenirs at souvenir shops, visit local garden centers, grocery stores or markets. Things that locals may not see as very special, actually are because they use them so much. You might find some great tea, candy or local flower seeds to grow in your own garden.

Give Photos

If you’re passionate about photgraphy, why not give some of your snap shots as gifts? Turn them into mugs, mousepads or notecards and give them as gifts. That way you can definitely count on the fact that they are one-of-a-kind and unique because you are the one that created them.