When we travel, many of us purchase souvenirs not only for ourselves, but for friends and family back home. The trick, of course, is deciding what to buy. Here are a few ideas:

Edible Goodies:: This is an especially good idea when buying for a family. Individual souvenirs can become costly and cumbersome, but a bag (or basket) of local treats can be a great gift. Many areas have a specialty. If you go to Vermont, it's maple syrup. In Maine, you'll find blueberries and blueberry flavored goodies everywhere. At the shore, saltwater taffy is ever popular. Plus, you don't necessarily have to hit expensive specialty shops to find great items. Check out the local supermarkets where you'll find interesting new products for all to enjoy.

Books: Books make great souvenirs, primarily because there's something for almost everyone. Maybe your father is a history buff and your sister just adores ghost stories. At local bookstores you'll be sure to find just the right thing to bring home to them. Most bookstores these days have sections dedicated to local interest and include topics ranging from geology to pictorial travel books, from field guides about local flora and fauna to accounts of UFO hotspots. For the cook, pick up a cookbook filled with local recipes. Or why not consider buying books penned by local authors? They make great souvenirs for the family, with the added benefit of supporting local talent. And don't forget to check out the children's department because books make perfect gifts for kids back at home, too.

Local Crafts: From jewelry to pottery, many regions have artistic specialties. For obvious reasons, areas beautiful enough to become favored vacation destinations often attract artists, and you'll see art studios scattered amidst other touristy destinations. Plus, many vacation destinations have wonderful arts and crafts fairs on a regular basis where you can often pick up beautifully-crafted pieces for reasonable prices.

Start a Trend: For those who travel on a regular basis, perhaps for business, and want to bring something home without spending a fortune, why not start a trend. This is a particularly good idea for children, who often expect gifts from traveling parents. Bring a special destination-themed pen home to the kids from every destination, or perhaps a magnet.

Keep it simple: Souvenirs don't have to be grand or expensive. Remember it's the thought that counts.

Most importantly, all gifts should come from the heart. Don't buy something simply for the sake of buying. The people you're buying for are people you know and care about. Ultimately, you'll know the right souvenir to bring back to them when you see it, and that's what it's all about.

Lisa Koosis
Writes for http://www.Writing.Com/