Tried-and-true souvenirs

In regard to Rick Steves’ article on shopping and souvenirs (April ’10, pg. 63), I would like to add my favorite souvenirs.

• Small items that can be hung on the Christmas tree, making it a “traveler’s holiday tree.”

• Tablecloths or fabrics, which become daily reminders of trips we have taken. (Lace curtains from the Netherlands hang at my kitchen window.)

• Tea towels with pictures or recipes.

• Various kitchen items — toast holders from England, handle-less tea sets from Turkey, espresso cups and spoons from France, bread basket liners from Portugal….

• Useful pottery, like vases, oil containers, sugar bowls and candle holders.

• Food items — herbes de Provence and other spice blends, sea salts, jams, candies, cookies, teas and coffees.

• Clocks, especially cuckoos.

• Garden signs and gnomes.

• T-shirts!

JAN BAWEJA

Olney, MD