We mailed stuff home from Europe as we were traveling to several countries and wanted to travel light. Mailed some clothes we realized we were not going to use (it was a very hot summer for Europe)and a pair of shoes that were hurting from England. Mailed tulip bulbs and some guide books we were done with from Amsterdam. Mailed some other stuff from Switzerland. Not cheap but not outrageous, cheaper than excess baggage on a flight and sooo nice to not have to carry it. The English post office actually sold sturdy plasticky mailing envelopes (like the ones some stuff you order on the internet comes in). </p>
<p>Something to consider if weight becomes an issue.</p>
<p>Another vote for charms for the females. A relative went abroad many years ago on a tour with stops in lots of countries. Collected charms (all sterling silver) and gave to me when I was quite young. It remains one of my favorite pieces of jewelry…and kept my kids well occupied when I wore it and we were at an event where they had to sit still. </p>
<p>As a teen, I started my own gold charm bracelet…and have added to it from places I’ve gone. Nice thing about collecting charms is they don’t take up much room in the luggage!</p>
<p>Didn’t read everything - sorry if I repeat things. </p>
<p>If you want to get a cuckoo clock, look online before you go - Get an idea of what style you want, and the going rate. They are popular imports, and often can be had cheaper here. Few people who actually live there buy them - they are now mainly for tourists, so prices are high in tourist areas. The ones you buy online are exactly the same, but you don’t have to cart them around.</p>
<p>Murano glass from Italy is cheaper at Marshalls and TJ Maxx. Of course the selection is smaller. </p>
<p>Some of my favorites:<br>
In England, I bought salt and pepper shakers at the airport - one is an English Bobby, and the other is a Beefeater. (Small, easy to transport, and very English!) I also have a small Wedgewood plate.
In Rome, a street artist did a charcoal portrait of my daughter - stunning.
In Venice, we bought an oil color of a canal street from a street vendor. We also bought a small tapestry, which we have framed.
In Munich, most Americans like to visit Hofbr</p>
<p>Wow–thanks for these great thoughts and suggestions. Posters have been mentioned by others too, as have drawings and other artwork. Had not thought about that before but it might be a good idea.</p>
<p>Last time I was in Europe was 25+ years ago, but–
at the time I bought a couple small etchings from a street vendor in Paris. Inexpensive, but pretty and timeless-looking. Put them in simple black frames and they look very nice hanging in my hall, and are a reminder that I was indeed in Paris! </p>
<p>Worst trip memento was from (STB ex) H. He was going to Octoberfest so I asked him to bring home a Christmas ornament. He didn’t bother, but did give me one of the tee shirts he’d bought for himself, after realizing it was too small. Bleh.</p>
<p>I love my German beer mugs with the brewery names on them. We also brought home Weiss beer glasses. I wish I had some of the cute glasses they serve wine in. I have a large collection of German beer coasters and an even larger one of Christmas ornaments. (But we lived there five years.) We were in Germany this summer and our son bought himself a leather jacket that he’s worn practically every day it’s cool enough. </p>
<p>In Scotland I’ve gotten MacIntosh inspired jewelry both times I’ve been. This time also requested earring from another local craftsperson.</p>
<p>From France the best thing I got was at a farmer’s market a colorful round tablecloth with a washable surface.</p>
<p>I think textiles are always nice–useful and easy to pack. I have gotten (unframed) art, and for a while I was getting myself earrings every place I went. I think I have enough now…</p>
<p>My S and DIL brought us back a bottle of genuine Limoncello from Italy! and a Carnivale mask from Venice.</p>
<p>I also like spices or special sauces from places–when you make the recipes it brings back memories.</p>
<p>HImom - the tax refund option is great if you can make it work, but they seem to make it almost impossible. First you have to have the item with you in case they want to “view” it. Then you have to find the darn place at the airport. At times this requires 2 separate stops which may or may not have a long line and which is never conveniently located. One to get the stamp and then another to get the refund (of which they kill you on currency conversion). </p>
<p>Do you homework up front by asking the folks on TripAdvisor where the refund desks are located at your departure terminal and allow at least 1/2 hour extra. Smaller airports seem to work better.</p>
<p>I did one at Gatwick or Heathrow one year. It was hard to get done. The office before security was not open yet. Went through security to a desk on the other side. Was told I had to get something stamped at the outside office (which was closed). Turned out there was an office in the middle of security (there was xray your bag security then take off your shoes security and the place I had to go to was between the 2). So went back, got stamped, did the shoes again, finally got the VAT back.</p>
<p>Worth it if you have the time, patience, allow enough time, and it is more than a dollar or two.</p>
<p>We’ve always taken the VAT refund and never found it to be a problem. If you buy a lot, the refund is nice!</p>
<p>DH always buys “street” art and frames it when we get home.</p>
<p>I bought a cuckoo clock in a little shop in either Salzburg or Innsbruck (can’t remember which) and had it shipped home. It may be touristy but I love it. The motif was unique (cats), and I never saw another like it and was glad I purchased it.</p>
<p>We tend to buy what’s unique to the area. I bought a nice carved wood chess set, in the same shop where I found the cuckoo clock, for one of my sons who collects chess sets.</p>
<p>We’ve bought back “Mozarts” (chocolate candy) from Austria as gifts. Also Swarovski crystal items, mainly pins, animal figurines, and jewelry, from Austria and Germany. (Some items are only available in the European market.) Also Murano glass and some mineral items (like raw amethyst) from northern Italy. If you’re going to be in the Black Forest/Munich area, you might schedule a trip to Oberammergau (not far from Ludwig’s Linderhof castle, which is a gem and worth seeing) as this is a Passion Play year and there will be many mementos available connected to that. We picked up a very pretty, colorful folding paper menu (free) from the Hofbrauhaus in Munich and a nice smallish book from the Residenz Palace in Munich with color pictures of the treasures and a history. I seem to recall that you can buy little porcelain pieces from the Nymphenburg Palace near Munich.</p>
<p>Prints are nice. They’re easy to pack in a suitcase as most are rolled up in a cardboard tube. We’ve picked up many from Great Britain and Ireland. My S gave me a nice watercolor of the Arc de Triomphe; also a crucifix from Canterbury (even though I’m not religious).</p>
<p>I’m sure anything you get as a gift will be appreciated. Enjoy your trip!</p>
<p>p.s. BunsenBurner: What a gorgeous tea set!</p>
<p>Oh. Just thought of something else we’ve brought back as gifts that were well received: carved wood walking sticks (for anybody who likes to hike). I thought they were going to be a problem getting through airport screening/customs, but no. Received the same treatment as canes. X-rayed like everything else, and airport personnel presumed I needed it to assist walking. :)</p>
<p>Original art work designated as an antique, (another reason to buy at a reputable dealer) does not require a VAT. So no pesky lines at the airport. On the Rive Gauche try---- X. Seydous Estampes, 43 Rue Jacob. You can take a look at it (and the other shops on Rue Jacob) by way of “street view” on Googlemaps. Book dinner at a restaurant down the street…“Au 35”. “Laduree” for pastry and tea is just a block east as well.</p>
<p>What I love to buy for myself is costume jewelry - usually a striking necklace…I love to think of the little glass shop in Venice where I bought it (or even the Monoprix in Paris!) And if I’m lucky enough, someone will ask where I got it and I can shyly say, “oh, I got it in Paris…”</p>
<p>I read that some folks are using computer printers and passing off work on them as “originals,” so its important to know what you’re looking at and what it’s worthy paying for.</p>
<p>Another idea: I got the latest CDs of the “hottest” European bands. These were a huge hit with DD and her friends who were into international music.</p>
<p>That’s a thought, tho our D likes Pia (who sings things other than the “hottest” – more Andrew Lloyd Weber and classical things). Thanks for that thought.</p>
Sorry your STB ex showed such poor taste, hence the STB status. ;)</p>