When travelling abroad – whether visiting new destinations or loved ones who have emigrated – the holiday season brings with it the joy of gift-giving.
“Shopping for presents at local markets or directly from artisans while travelling means you’ll bring something home that tell a story – of the people, the destination, and the culture. It allows you to delight your loved ones with something unique while also giving back to the community you’re visiting, making it a gift that gives both ways,” says Lynette Machiri, Customer Experience Leader at Flight Centre South Africa.
But with the excitement of holiday shopping, one must also be mindful of what you’re buying, how you’ll transport gifts home, and whether the items comply with customs regulations.
From ethically sourced souvenirs to travel hacks for flying with fragile presents, this guide will help you shop responsibly while bringing home memories and mementoes you’ll treasure long after you return.
DO support local artisans and craftspeople
Many artisanal communities rely heavily on tourism income, especially during the holiday season. Opting for locally made gifts benefits the local economy and brings authentic, handcrafted products to the loved ones waiting back home.
“Local artisans depend on tourism sales. Even small purchases add up, helping them support their families and maintain their craft,” comments Machiri.
Think hand-woven scarves from Morocco or ceramics from Greece. These kinds of purchases hold more personal value and tell the story of the destination.
Here’s a general checklist of important questions to ask to help drive mindful buying decisions:
- Is this item made locally, or is it imported?
- What materials are used in making this? Are they sustainably sourced?
- Does this item support a local community, artisan cooperative, or family-based business?
DO have fun bargaining, but be fair
Bargaining is an exciting part of the local shopping experience in many countries, but it’s important to keep things respectful. While getting a good deal adds a thrill to the experience, be mindful of the value of a locally made item and consider the impact of a small extra cost on someone’s livelihood.
DO ask about sustainability and source
Before purchasing, it’s a good idea to ask questions about the origin or materials used – particularly when buying wooden or fabric souvenirs. By making more eco-conscious decisions (e.g., buying certified wood products or crafted, recycled materials), you’re playing a part in supporting sustainable tourism.
DO know which items to avoid
There are some souvenirs that should always be avoided for environmental or ethical reasons when picking up gifts for friends and family back home. Here’s a list of products that cause more harm than good:
- Coral and shells: Coral reefs are essential to marine ecosystems, and shells play a big role in marine habitat health. Removing them threatens fragile environments.
- Exotic animal products: Alligator, turtle, or ivory items are typically derived from endangered or protected animal species. Their purchase fuels illegal wildlife trade and will land you in trouble with customs.
- Wooden items (without certification): Illegal logging leads to deforestation and habitat destruction. It’s essential to buy certified wooden products if choosing wooden souvenirs.
Here are a few certifications to keep an eye out for:
- Fair Trade Certified: Ensures that products were made with fair compensation, safe labour conditions, and sustainable environmental practices.
- Rainforest Alliance Certified: Specifically focused on eco-friendly practices, this certification ensures that the product, whether it be wood, paper, or agricultural products, comes from sustainably managed forests or ecosystems.
- Forest Stewardship Council (FSC): Products certified by the FSC are made from sustainably sourced wood, ensuring that no illegal logging practices or deforestation have occurred behind the scenes.
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): For textile, clothing, and fabrics, a GOTS certification guarantees textiles like cotton, wool, or linen meet organic and fair labour standards from the ground up.
DO choose easy-to-carry gifts
Opt for gifts that don’t require much wrapping or fragile packaging. Consider experience-based presents like a voucher or small, travel-friendly items such as jewellery or scarves.
DO ship gifts ahead of time
Avoid the difficulty of carrying bulkier gifts by shipping them to or from your destination in advance.
DO use hard-shell suitcases for fragile gifts
If you must bring a delicate gift with you, opt for a hard-shell suitcase when flying. Wrap the items tightly in clothing or bubble wrap so they stay protected from the rigours of baggage handling.
DON’T wrap gifts before you fly
Avoid the temptation to wrap gifts before your flight. Security personnel may need to unwrap them, especially if they are in your carry-on luggage. Instead, bring gift bags or wrap the gifts after arrival.
So, be sure to fit in some mindful Christmas shopping on your year-end getaway – it’s your chance to spread joy in more ways than one.
“When your purchase helps sustain local crafts and economies, it becomes a tangible connection to the cultures you’ve encountered and an opportunity to give something meaningful back, making festive season travel all the more magical,” Machiri concludes.
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