Is It Practical to Buy Souvenirs from Your Trip?

Souvenir shopping is a beloved part of many travel itineraries. It’s natural to want a special keepsake to commemorate your trip and bring a touch of that magic back home. Whether for yourself or as a gift for loved ones, the choices can feel overwhelming and sometimes inauthentic.

To avoid cluttering your home with meaningless items, consider a mindful approach by selecting souvenirs that will be used or appreciated. Personally, I often purchase one or two luxury items that have lasting value.

For many Asians, including myself, buying souvenirs for family is a must. These mementos not only evoke positive memories but also offer a way to share your experiences with friends and family.

WHAT TO BUY?

Consumables are often the most appreciated souvenirs. From personal experience, chocolates are a safe bet—they disappear quickly when I bring them to the office. Opt for individually packed options, and be cautious with unique tastes like dried durian, which may not appeal to everyone.

Consider the practicality of a souvenir and how often it will be used. Recently, I bought my mom Chanel concealer from the Hong Kong airport, which she loved.

Some items may be cheaper abroad, but significant discounts on expensive goods, like handbags, may still result in a high cost. If you love handbags, who am I to tell you not to grab that discounted LV or Goyard in France?

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When buying for family and friends, choose items you know they’ll enjoy, not just what you like. Remember, not every destination has something for everyone, so select items that match their hobbies or interests.

WHAT’S YOUR BUDGET FOR SHOPPING?

Budgeting is key. Plan ahead by researching before your trip, especially for high-end items like jewelry, art, and antiques. Avoid heavily trafficked tourist areas to stay within your budget.

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Explore local markets for unique items at lower prices. For food souvenirs, shop at local grocery stores for authentic sweets and snacks. This approach saves money and helps you find items that truly capture the spirit of the area.

Enjoy your travels!

Sources: 1,2, & 3

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Excellent Places To Find Low-Cost Uniquely Singaporean Souvenirs

If you are traveling Singapore for the first time or if you are visiting relatives overseas, it is great to have a uniquely Singaporean keepsake with you. Looking for the keepsake or souvenir can be a challenge when your budget and time are constricted. But, not anymore! The key is to find the famous bargain shopping places that can be easily accessed. Thus, your shopping trip will only take a few hours of your day.

With that in mind, here are places where you can find affordable Singapore souvenirs:

1. LUCKY PLAZA

There is no doubt in my mind that bargaining is widely acceptable in mostly all the shops at Lucky Plaza. This shopping center is conveniently located at Orchard Road so, you can simply drop by while you are cruising along the huge stretch of malls. The varieties of souvenirs that you can buy are abundant with a price starting from S$2.

2. PENINSULA PLAZA

Nearby the tourist spots such as Asian Civilisations Museum, the Esplanade Theatres, St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Parliament House, and Funan DigitalLife Mall, Peninsula Plaza proves to be a go-to shopping center for cheap keepsakes such as magnets, postcards, bags, and key chains. The prices of these keepsakes range from about S$3-25.

Image Credits: Riza Nugraha via Flickr with Creative Commons License

Image Credits: Riza Nugraha via Flickr with Creative Commons License

3. BUGIS STREET

A well-known bargain hub located opposite Bugis Junction is called Bugis Street. It houses a variety of shops that sell souvenirs such as clothing, bags, accessories, cups, magnets, chocolates, stamps, and so much more. The prices of these items range from about S$3-30. You may freely bargain with some stall owners.

Now, if you have no idea what to get for your friends and family, you may try to shop for these items:

1. SINGAPORE PRESSED PENNIES

Almost all the popular tourist attractions have automatic pressed penny machines where it is priced at about S$2 per penny. The engraved design of the coin features the name of the place where the souvenir was taken. For example, it is available at Universal Studios Singapore, National Museum of Singapore, Singapore Zoo, and Gardens By The Bay.

2. ANYTHING WITH THE MERLION

The Merlion represents the roots of Singapore being a “Lion City” with its lion head while the body of a fish represents Singapore’s dawn as a fishing village. With a souvenir featuring the national icon – the Merlion, your gift recipient will surely appreciate where it came from. Prices of Merlion merchandise such as chocolates, key chains, magnets, snow globes, mugs, and picture frames range from S$2-20.

These Merlion-based are available at all souvenir shops.

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