Enjoy your summer vacation without spending a lot of money on souvenirs. You don’t have to skip them altogether. Just use the following tips that will allow you to bring home the goodies without going into debt.
The Penny Press
Most popular locations, including Disney World, have pressed penny machines. For 51 cents, you can use the machine to press a design into a penny. Usually, there are several designs to choose among, and the pressed pennies are fun to collect. You can even purchase a special book to keep them in place, or make one of your own.
Local Store Loot
Many grocery stores, dollar stores and mart stores offer t-shirts, mugs and other items with the town or location stamped on them. Souvenirs here cost just a fraction of the cost you would find for the same or similar items in the official gift and souvenir shops. Consider shopping for vacation related souvenirs at one of these stores.
Secret Stock Up
Find out what items your family would be most interested in and see if you can secretly stock up before you leave. For example, you can shop the clearance rack at the Disney store, or get a bunch of fun items at the dollar store, such as fun-shaped sunglasses, to sneak into your suitcase. Thrift stores and garage sales can also be a source for souvenirs.
Find It Free
Favorite souvenirs do not have to come from a store. You can usually find plenty of free items to take home, such as an interesting paper placemat from a great local diner or restaurant, match books or maps. One family I know collects rocks, labels them with the date and location and then displays them on a shelf in their home. It is a nice way to be able to look at all of the places that they have been and all of the fun times that they have had.
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