Finding interesting American souvenirs is as easy as walking into the neighborhood drug store, grocery store or Walmart. Most carry local postcards, and some carry souvenirs spoons, pennants, spoon rests, salt $ pepper shakers and even non-Christmas water globes. Most Love’s service stations carry a wide array of American and local souvenirs, including resin figurines, pots and children’s toys. This makes picking American travel souvenirs easy while on the road and away from home.
In San Antonio, I found a water globe with the River Walk in it. Appropriate, I thought. Many places have their most famous buildings or natural landmarks represented in these non-Christmas snow globes. The snow may still be white, or it can be glitter. The range of New York snow globes is quite wide, and would make an interesting collection in their own right.
For those with a practical bent, there are back scratchers and rulers with small scenes from the locale. Pencil cases can sometimes be found for a state or specific location, and there is the ubiquitous souvenir plate, although many have very low shoulders and pierced rims, making them only suitable for passing cookies or other non-liquid functions. Look for round metal or plastic trays with emblems of the state or location as well.
Stores near college campuses will carry various souvenirs with the college logo or sports mascot. You can also checkout the local bookstores for a “around here” section, and bring home some local color in the way of books written about the area. Don’t forget to check the children’s section of the bookstore for local color books.
One good source for local souvenirs are the museums in the area. They usually do not charge to go into the gift store, and you can shop without looking at the museum contents if time is pressing. Here again, do not forget the children’s section, where fun souvenirs are often found.
American souvenirs are readily available with just a little looking, even at “ordinary” store like gas stations and grocery and drug stores. Keep an eye out as you travel and begin or add to a collection you already have. Happy hunting!
The images on this post are from Stock Xchnge.
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