In French, the word souvenir literally means "to remember." In English, it seems to mean "plastic trinket." Try these suggestions for bringing home a more meaningful keepsake from your next family trip. You'll save money, too!
- Fill a clear jar with small items you collected in the area like acorns, stones, seashells, or twigs. It will look beautiful and unique on your shelf.
- Save and laminate the paper placemat your child decorated in a restaurant she liked so she can use it at home. (You might need to ask for a clean one!)
- Gather paper scraps (ticket stubs, museum maps, and restaurant business cards) and use them to make a collage poster for your wall. Try adding "garbage," such as candy wrappers or receipts, for some extra spunk.
- Ask your child to draw things he sees (beach, building, hotel room) or his favorite parts of the trip (zoo animals, ice cream sundae, boat ride). At home, frame and display his art.
- Have kids write special vacation moments or stories on the backs of postcards, then make a "story book" by putting the cards in a small photo album with clear sleeves.
