It sure is fun to go places and discover different cultures from places you only see in postcards. Wouldn’t it be nice to share a piece of Paris or Madrid with your friends and family back home, too? So why not bring them home a little souvenir? Buying a little present for a friend while visiting a new place would be very sweet, it’s almost like saying “Wish we went on vacation together” or “You should visit that place next month.”

Souvenirs need not be expensive, a colorful intricately handmade fan from Madrid or a bookmark with some historical facts from one of London’s second-hand bookstores wouldn’t cost you that much, plus it’s not bulky, so you won’t have trouble bringing it back home. You could even buy one for yourself to remind you of the wonderful experience you had looking around for these little treasures!

If you plan to travel and make a home exchange, it would be a good idea to ask your home exchange partner some good souvenir or gift shops where you could get small gifts for everyone. You could exchange ideas what would be the best souvenir to buy around the city and where to get it so as not to waste time looking for “that perfect little surprise gift” for your loved-ones back home. Some ideal gifts would be something that represents the culture, lifestyle or historical background of the place you are about to visit.

Go ahead and surprise your drinking buddy with that Manneken Pis shot glass sold off the streets of Brussels… it sure would cost you a few bucks, but the excitement and appreciation you get in return would definitely be priceless! Remember: it’s the thought that counts!