Taking the Kids: Shopping on vacation
But how many times have you brought home an (expensive) pile of junk? Once in France, my daughter Mel, then about 7, insisted on getting an umbrella hat -- literally a hat with a little umbrella on top -- that she decided would be ideal on rainy days. Of course, it broke before we even got home.
It's wise to have a conversation with the kids in advance of the trip. How much can they each spend on souvenirs? Would they prefer one "big" souvenir or several smaller things? How can they save for souvenirs? Some families put loose change in a big jar for months, and then divide up the amount. (Kids can do extra chores to earn souvenir money or ask grandparents for money for their birthday to go into their souvenir fund.)
Discuss as a family how much time you want to spend shopping. Perhaps the family can split up (as mine does) allowing the dedicated shoppers to browse as long as they like while the others opt for another activity, so that no one is whining or waiting impatiently.
Even kids suggest it's smart to be strategic in making souvenir choices, those I've interviewed for my Kid's Guide books have said:
-- Choose something you can only get where you are visiting, or something that will remind you of your experience -- a T-shirt from a Broadway play, a Cubs hat from the baseball game you saw in Chicago or a miniature cable car in San Francisco.
-- Choose something you will use every day, like a key chain with a lobster on it from Maine, or one with a surfboard from Southern California.
-- Browse craft markets where you can meet local artisans.
-- Start a collection -- national park patches, pins from different cities or theme park attractions; magnets.
-- Buy a picture frame emblematic of where you are and print out one of your favorite selfies when you get home.
-- Ask your parents or grandparents to allow you to choose a souvenir Christmas tree ornament -- the funnier the better. We have bears on skis from Colorado, pirates and glittery fish from the Caribbean, miniature canoes from Minnesota and Eiffel Towers from France, among others.
-- If you aren't flying, bring home something you've enjoyed eating on vacation -- blueberry jam from Maine, salsa from the Southwest or pralines from New Orleans. Bring enough to share with your friends!
Don't forget a present for your pet. Happy shopping!
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