I've already mentioned several times how much I love the holidays. Something about the bustling energy, delicious treats, and pretty lights gives me a warm fuzzy feeling every single year. I know it doesn't happen for everyone, and that makes me so sad! If I could, I would share this amazing glow with everyone because it really does make December the "most wonderful time of the year".
My favorite part of Christmas, though? Gifts. I know, I know! Christmas is about giving, family, love, and the spirit of the holiday. Trust me, I'm all on board with that too! Besides, I don't mean receiving gifts. My specialty is giving them.
Whether it's Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, or "just because", I love spending time finding or making a gift that is just right. I'm pretty good at it too, if I do say so myself. ;) It's so exciting to watch someone open a present and grin from ear to ear. Even the tiniest thing can brighten someone's day.
Study abroad can be a bit of a challenge when it comes to picking out souvenirs for everyone back home. Especially when you get back just in time for Christmas. You have to pick and choose who to buy for, budget out a specific amount for each person, and make sure it can fit in your suitcase on the way home. It can get a little touchy and even overwhelming. Don't panic! There are tons of options if you get a little creative. Because friends and family read this blog, I can't exactly give away all my good ideas ;) but I do have a few tips and tricks if you're struggling to come up with ideas.
1. Think ahead
There are so many awesome gift ideas I could have been working on throughout my trip, but I didn't think of them until last minute! Before you depart, start gathering up inspiration. Trying to get everything together in the final weeks of your trip way less enjoyable than gradually collecting things from different places.
2. Collect
Photos, rocks, key chains, and more! Little collections of the same thing from every city you visit can be very inexpensive and make really meaningful gifts. This kind of present shows the person you give it to that you were thinking of them every step of the way. You can even write little description tags for each piece to give the person a sense of the place you were in.
3. Create
Sometimes home made gifts are the best kind. This rule applies at home and abroad too! Take a little journal with you and write a note on each page to the person you want to give it to. You can even tape tickets, flowers, and other little trinkets on the inside. I know a person in my program who draws a picture of the scenery in every city and sends them to her friend back home. There is so much you can do when you travel and all it takes is a little thought and effort.
4. Buy local
If you're looking to buy something a little bigger, aim to buy locally crafted goods. Sure you can buy a nice scarf just about anywhere, but wouldn't it make a cooler present if the tag says "handmade in (insert place here)"? Lots of places sell goods that are made in china, so make sure you look for quality stamps or stickers on products before you buy.
5. Tell the Story
When you give your gift, be sure to include some information about where you found it! Souvenirs are meant to bring a little bit of your adventure back to the people you love, and they're going to want to know all about it. Telling them how you found their present in a little street market one day while walking through a small village makes it more sentimental and personal than, "I bought this for you in Russia".
6. Look in unusual places
Some gifts you can actually find at local supermarkets or convenience stores! If you're looking for something very typical of your country, this is honestly the best place to look. In this case, telling where you found it is not as important as explaining why you picked it. Laundry soap might make a great gift if you explain that nearly all french people use solid laundry soap and grate it by hand because it's gentler on soft fabrics and preserves clothing super well.
7. Wrap it up
Find creative ways to wrap your gifts. Packaging can make or break any present, as weird as that sounds. I'm a huge fan of home-made wrapping paper. Observe the way people in your country arrange gifts, and take a few tips from them. Presentation is a fun part of gift giving and adds a special charm.
8. Put it in a basket
Gift baskets are awesome presents. You can go with a theme or compile a hodge-podge of fun little trinkets. My favorite part about this is that you can personalize them so easy, and offer variety if you can't decide on just one thing for someone! Have a friend who loves beauty products? Snag little sample sizes of things from a different store in every city. Grandma loves to cook? Pick up some cookie cutters in Germany, a wooden spoon in France, and a recipe book in Italy. There are no limits to what you can do.
9. Don't stress
Remember that whatever you do, people are going to love that you were thinking about them while you were away. Gifting should be fun, not stressful! Even if you don't get the magnificent presents you might have been dreaming up, it really is the thought that counts.
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