essay buying a local souvenir

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Get your favorite articles delivered right to your inbox, 10 reasons buying local is great for you and the planet, by lori starling.

Help keep One Green Planet free and independent! Together we can ensure our platform remains a hub for empowering ideas committed to fighting for a sustainable, healthy, and compassionate world. Please support us in keeping our mission strong.

Are you tired of shopping in a crowded Walmart where everyone is literally rushed, the produce is shipped in from who knows where, and natural, cruelty-free products are few and far between? If so, then give shopping locally a shot!

Finding out where your local service and food businesses and farmers’ markets are located in your area is only a click away online. If you are not enirely sure why buying locally is important, please check out this handy list. Does your family not understand why you only want to buy your food from farmers’ markets or buy homemade soap from your neighbors? This list would be for them too.

1. Fresher food is available at your local market.

A lot of the time, the food at the farmers’ market comes directly from that specific farmer and was picked within the week! Talk about your food being super fresh compared to the store-bought food, where who knows how long the transportation time was from the farm to the store (and it probably had a stop or two in between). There is only one way to get your produce fresher than the farmers’ market: by driving to a local farm that offers a pick-your-own program! Picking your own strawberries, peaches, blueberries, and more is a great way to become more grounded in the earth and get connected with your food!

2. There is way less packaging involved. 

According to scientists, in 2010, around eight million tons of plastic trash ended up in the ocean. What is even worse is that the number is expected to increase tenfold over the next decade! Plastic is a global issue, and it can be easily combatted by choosing reusable over plastic. If you choose to buy locally, most of the items being sold have limited packaging. Bring your own reusable bags, and you should be good! Even better, choose to shop local, ditch plastic, and join One Green Planet’s #CrushPlastic movement.

3. Buying local helps the local economy. 

When you buy local, it stays local. More jobs will be created in your town, the community will prosper, and people will be more connected than ever to their own town. Your money helps businesses local to you, as well as your neighbors, hence reason number four.

4. Buying local helps Support your neighbors.

Whether you are buying a product from the farmers’ market or using a local service business, you are not only supporting the local economy but also supporting your neighbors. The farmer down the road, the mechanic that owns the local automotive repair shop, or the woman that sells her homemade skincare and bath products, appreciate their customers so much more. Why? Not only do they get to meet you, a person who uses their products face to face, but your Support helps them and their businesses survive. You help feed their families, pay their bills, and put a roof over their family’s heads. It is a huge deal to buy locally for this reason alone.

5. You know where your food comes from if you buy it at the market.

This is often something that not enough people consider. How is your food produced? What types of pesticides or herbicides are being used on your produce? Does the farmer use any form of permaculture? Does that natural body butter contain ingredients that use palm oil? This reason only really applies to farmers’ markets, but you and everyone else have the right to know where the food is coming from. This connects you to your food and allows you to make healthier choices for yourself.

6. Buying local is actually better for the planet.

Not only does shopping or buying locally from the farmers’ market or other local markets reduce waste from packaging, but it also reduces the use of fossil fuels. Food miles not only consume energy but they contribute to poor air quality,  and you will be served older food, which could have effects on your health.

7. The experience is way more fun.

Going to the grocery store would not seem like the most ideal place to have a good time. At least, I don’t think so. When you go to the farmers’ market or local indoor natural market, a lot of times you will see smiling faces, hear live music, eat awesome food, and get locally-grown, fresh food for a steal. There are also some farms, known as “pick-your-own,” where you can actually pick your own food at the farm (such as strawberries, blueberries, pumpkins, etc.). This is especially fun when you have young kids.

8. You get to meet your farmers.

If you get to know the farmers that are producing your food and products, you not only know exactly how they are produced or grown, but you can sometimes get the hook-up. Have you ever heard of a CSA program , (community-supported agriculture program)? If not, it is definitely something to look into in your area. It is a way to directly Support your local farmers, get a weekly fresh batch of produce and goodies, eat seasonally, and sometimes even be able to pick the food in your weekly order. CSAs are not only good for the planet and the local farmers, but they are healthier for you. Often, a CSA is cheaper in the long run as well.

9. It can help you save money.

A lot of the time, buying local, organic produce from a local farmer (whether it is in a CSA program, at the farmers’ market, or organic food co-op), it is cheaper than buying it in a conventional grocery store. In conventional grocery stores, sometimes it will say that the produce is “organic” and “local,” but if you take the time to look further into where it actually comes from, there are still chemicals on the produce to preserve its look, (so it can travel more distance and remain looking fresh), and some hike up prices because of the label. Sometimes, when it says “local,” it can actually be grown from around 100-200 miles away  from the store it is being sold in.

10. Buying local gives you the opportunity to buy in bulk.

This is not just referring to buying produce but also to bath products. As stated in reason number two, to shop local, there is less packaging, hence making it easier to add more to what you are buying. Personally, at one of the farmers’ markets I attend, the woman that runs the natural body care company that I purchase my bath items from uses all recyclable and refillable containers for her products in the first place. This makes it so much easier for me to just bring back the empty container to get it refilled. Also, buying in bulk often times saves money. Now, who doesn’t like that?

No matter if it is your local service business or your local food market, give shopping locally a chance. If you do, you will not only experience fresher food and kinder service, but you will have the satisfaction of knowing you are helping your neighbors and the planet.

Image source: Caroline Culler /Wikipedia Commons

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Why we buy souvenirs

There are many souvenirs you can bring back from your travels and maye you asked yourself "why we buy souvenirs".

A uniquely colored shell from the beach can be a great souvenir, equally a funny fridge magnet or a modern souvenir, but also an artistic object of great value.

But why do we buy souvenirs and mementos? The following reasons answer the question:

We want to have a symbol to remember something: a place, an atmosphere, a taste, but also conversations and their contents. Then, we want to bring back gifts for our loved ones at home. Sometimes we also want to take the opportunity to purchase something unusual as a gift for others important to us on a special occasion. In any case, it depends on the type of the person.

We thought to write our observations about why people buy souvenirs based on discussions with thousands of visitors we have met in our store in Katakolon , the port of Olympia, Greece.

Souvenirs as Memory

This seems to be a very important part of the souvenir shopping experience and the most obvious answer to wh. we buy souvnirs.

People want something that helps the memories stay fresh and alive.

A small piece that originates from the place you traveled and captures the moments of fun and relaxation you lived serves as a “memory pointer”.

These purchases are a symbol of having a nice life besides everyday normality.

People always want to be reminded, to look back on nice places they have been and nice things they have done.

Souvenirs as Gifts

People want to purchase something nice for friends and family, because they are thinking about the loved ones that could not join them during vacation.

Often, this also shows an attempt to share the experiences somewhat. Also, there is always a nephew, a parent, a colleague or a friendly neighbor to whom you want to show that you are thinking about them.

Maybe the gift is for someone who helps by watering the plants in your garden while you are traveling. Maybe it is a gift for the woman in your life , or your best friend...

People describe that sometimes there is a piece that immediately makes them think about someone special and then they purchase it.

Sometimes what matters is just a certain time, e.g. before Christmas, when you use the opportunity to shop for unique gifts.

Souvenirs as Evidence

The “evidence souvenirs” are a great conversation starter among friends.

They are a “document” giving you the opportunity to talk about your vacation and they are a physical proof that you were there.In many cases the souvenir itself represents a piece of the country you visited.

For example something with a picture of the place or a replica / model of a point of interest.

Often these purchases are made by people who want to show their experience and who are proud of having visited a place others could not.

Are social media pictures and posts souvenirs?

In our times many people post every part of their traveling experience in social media such as Instagram or Facebook.

Often, they capture moments in real time and the followers - family, friends or even strangers - witness the travel and take part in a small part of it.

Among tourism marketing specialists there is a discussion whether these posts are a kind of souvenir.

They do capture evidence of the travel and can serve this purpose. But will they ever be the same?

Can a picture or a comment take the place of a physical object that can be seen in the real world?

An interesting aspect is, that people who share their travel impressions in social media also buy more souvenirs compared to people who do not share every bit online.

Research findings show that frequent social media posters are more apt to use souvenirs as gifts and souvenirs as evidence.

Which type of souvenir purchaser are you?

The above reasons show why we buy souvtnirs and that souvenirs are something important.

They help to remind special moments and unique experiences. They can be a great gift or an evidence of the travel.

In any case something that triggers feelings and nostalgia .

What are your thoughts? Which is your favorite souvenir so far? What memories and feelings does it trigger?

Further reading:

• Souvenirs: What and Why We Buy (Hugh Wilkins) - scientific paper
• The various types of Greek souvenir shops - blog article
• Gifts from Greece.... - blog article
• Greek designers souvenirs e-shop

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I Only Buy Souvenirs That Are Actually Useful — and It's Changed the Way I Travel

It's the best way to relive your travels.

Kailey Whitman/Travel + Leisure

Whenever I grab a pinch of salt while cooking, I think about the road trip my mom and I took to Burlington, Vermont, right after I graduated from college. When I drink my morning coffee, I reflect on the first weekend my boyfriend and I spent together in upstate New York . And when I reach for a pen at my desk, I’m reminded of another mother-daughter vacation to Copenhagen. It’s not just because I have a really good memory — it’s because my home is filled with thoughtful souvenirs.

Most of my travel itineraries revolve around restaurants, bars, and coffee shops — mainly because I’m a far more pleasant traveler when I’m well-fed and caffeinated. But local shops and flea markets always make their way on my list of trip must-dos. In part because they’re a great way to understand a culture more deeply, but also because I’m constantly on the hunt for a good souvenir.

When I look around my home now, and the physical representations of my travels I’ve filled it with, I’m reminded of the souvenirs I eyed — and begged my parents to buy, with a middling success rate — as a child. Think stuffed animals, bags of polished rocks, and miniature license plates with my name on them. The items themselves might not have had much sentimental value, but it was more about what they represented. These little trinkets — whether they were a ridiculously shiny gold-tone Eiffel Tower keychain or a magnet in the shape of Florida — said, "I was there."

Whenever I returned home, the knickknacks would usually find themselves on a shelf or in my closet, and I wouldn’t give them much thought after getting back into my routine. That’s why now, as an adult, I’ve found that souvenirs in the form of items I actually use daily are much more valuable to me.

That’s not to say I don’t love the occasional novelty sweatshirt or bumper sticker, but I tend to buy goods made by local artisans and designers: ceramics, glassware, home linens, clothing, etc. My salt dish from Burlington, my mug from upstate New York, and my ceramic vase from Copenhagen are just a few of the items I’ve purchased as functional souvenirs. At this point, they’ve been in at least four apartments, and I have no plans to leave them behind any time soon. 

Kailey Whitman/Travel + Leisure

On a recent trip to Mexico City, I was on a mission to come home with meaningful souvenirs. I knew I wanted to bring something home that I could remember this trip by — the first big trip I took with friends since the pandemic began.

While browsing a clothing store in the Roma Norte neighborhood, we stumbled upon a rack of silk dresses from a local designer Carla Alfonsina . (She is an illustrator and tattoo artist, and the dresses feature her own drawings.) We crowded in the small dressing room, trying on two different printed versions of the dress, helping each other tie the silk straps in the back and elbowing each other to get a look in the mirror. It was dumb luck — the dresses fit each of us and our styles perfectly.

We each bought one. None of us live in the same city, so we’ll never run into the issue of wearing our matching dresses at the same time and place. (Although, I like to think of us unintentionally wearing them together from across the country.) I’ll be reminded of that charming shop, that beautiful day, and my wonderful friends every time I wear it. 

For me, travel is about being present. It’s about, briefly, leaving my life at home and immersing myself in a different world. When I’m back at home, though, I’m able to recapture some of those feelings thanks to my souvenirs. Even if just for a moment, I can transport myself back to Burlington, Copenhagen, or Mexico City, just by reaching for a pinch of salt, grabbing a pen, or slipping on a dress.

Related Articles

More From Forbes

Souvenir secrets: why you buy them and what top travel execs love best.

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We all have carried souvenirs home from our travels. They are often trinkets, sometimes more meaningful takeaways and occasionally substantial investments. Our desire to garner mementos is strong.  Souvenir , a sweet new book by Rolf Potts, is a little gem (easily tucked into a jacket pocket) filled with big insights — the newest in publisher Bloomsbury's book series called Object Lessons , which delves into the hidden life of ordinary things. Souvenir  explores our passions for such possessions and why we are compelled to transport items from one spot to another, reminding us of an inspired moment, locale, adventure, voyage, person, emotion. Even a rock or piece of driftwood can symbolize a personal on-the-go narrative. Souvenir 's introduction, titled "An Embarrassment of Eiffel Towers," is a delight to ponder, particularly for travelers like me, who have fallen in love with a faraway place so much so that accumulating a collection is a riveting recourse for keeping the away journey  ever near. I own 11 decorative Eiffel Towers in varied sizes (from 2 to 17 inches tall) and materials (glass, wire, metal, porcelain), all of which are elegantly lined up in a row atop my piano. Each Lilliputian tower represents a visit to the City of Light. With glee, I anticipate adding another tower soon, thus beholding a dozen, after I touch down again in Paris later this spring. How many artsy Eiffel Towers do I need? That's like wondering whether I will ever have enough experiences of Paris itself.  Impossible,  s'il vous plaît . Souvenirs recall a spell cast, a dazzling destination magic to which we have been drawn. A talisman welcomed home.

In the spirit of appreciating souvenirs, I reached out to leading travel company executives to discover which keepsakes they deem dear. Here, their fascinating and fun replies:

J. ALLEN SMITH, President and Chief Executive Officer of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts :

Best Souvenir  "With four children, I tried to find souvenirs that would be meaningful to them. Ultimately, I settled on snow globes, something my youngest daughter adored. I gained an appreciation for the idiosyncratic expression of a place’s identity that was represented through a snow globe. Soon I was caught by the snow globe bug and loved the process of seeking out those that were unique and well-made (as there are many cheap ones). Perhaps my favorite is one I acquired in Abu Dhabi. While the merchant referred to it as a snow globe, it was in fact a sand globe. The glass sphere contained sand and depicted a desert scene with camels — naturally there was no water and no 'snow' when it was shaken!"

Cool Collection  "Our snow globe collection is displayed on shelves in my daughter’s bedroom."

Why Bring a Thing Home?   "Given my very extensive travel, this is a way for me to share something about the places I’ve been and to facilitate a conversation with my children about what makes each location special."

JASON MONTAGUE, President and Chief Executive Officer of Regent Seven Seas Cruises :

Best Souvenir    "I purchased two Murano glass swans for my wife when we visited Venice for the first time. It was just the two of us in a private taxi traveling through the canals and over to the Venetian island of Murano, where we watched a master glass artist making his creations. Incredibly fascinating. Before we left the island, we searched through their store and found two perfect swans — a favorite of my wife — so that was an easy decision. They are displayed in the center of our house and they always bring a smile to my face. This souvenir takes me back to that first time we visited Venice. What a romantic place."

Cool Collection    "There isn’t one thing we look for. It doesn’t always have to be expensive. Our goal is to find something special just to us."

Why Bring a Thing Home?  "Traveling is an amazing experience. Part of that experience is in the memories you create. I find it rewarding to get something that serves as a wonderful reminder of all those memories. When I see them, it reminds me of times I had with my family and friends."

BRETT TOLLMAN, Chief Executive Officer of The Travel Corporation :

Best Souvenir    "A n incredible Japanese kitchen knife that I bought in a small store in Tokyo, situated inside the large, open market there. I love cooking at home for family and friends, so the knife is a very practical souvenir for me, which I use often. It is a great souvenir because I had never seen one like it before; you can only buy it in Japan. Every time I pick it up, I am reminded of one of my favorite countries to visit."

Cool Collection    "I very much respect the importance of leaving a small footprint and recognizing and following local customs. During the more than 23 years that my wife and I have been married, we have always collected a small memento of each place we visit to enhance the fond memories. What we found easiest to collect have been innocuous stones or seashells that we’ve picked up on our travels. These we store carefully at home. Every stone or shell looks different...each of them represents a journey we took together where we met new people (some of whom have become life-long friends), created wonderful memories, tasted new foods, understood and embraced new cultures and all the other joys and benefits of travel. We have always been very careful to never take or remove anything that we weren’t meant to — or anything that would be disrespectful or inappropriate."

Why Bring a Thing Home?    "Buying souvenirs that are meaningful, useful and admired for their craftsmanship or artistic value recognizes and supports local artisans and craftspeople, which in turn also directly benefits their families. Paintings from indigenous people in Australia, New Zealand and Africa, beautiful sculptures, local books, paper goods, cooking ingredients and materials and clothing are things we curate and keep on display at home. I also love the opportunity to meet and speak with artisans and craftspeople, learning about them and how I can pay them to customize gifts that I bring home to others. For example, last year I went to Kenya with my family to build a school for the WE.org charity. I met some of the women from their enterprise, who do beautiful bead work. Subsequently, I sent them 10 pairs of Birkenstock sandals on which they created beautiful beadwork. Then I gave these sandals as holiday gifts to family and friends."

RUDI SCHREINER, President, Co-Founder and Co-Owner of AmaWaterways :

Best Souvenir  "One of my favorite souvenirs is a sunset watercolor painting of temples and pagodas that I bought from two young artists while visiting the ancient city of Bagan, Myanmar.  I used to love to paint when I was younger, so I really enjoy buying paintings directly from local artists when traveling. Local art is one of the best ways to capture the vibrancy of the people and the country. With my wife,  Kristin Karst [AmaWaterways Executive Vice President, Co-Founder, Co-Owner ], we  were in Bagan visiting some of the 2,229 remarkable temples and pagodas. I first spotted the painting for sale by two young artists while visiting one temple. Kristin and I both liked the painting very much, but I hesitated as we just didn’t have time to stop. We continued on our visit, but I kept thinking about the painting and regretted not buying it. Awhile later, after climbing a very narrow staircase to the top of yet another temple, to our surprise the smiling faces of the same two artists appeared with our much-admired painting in hand. After a very short price negotiation (they wanted $40, but Kristin only had $35 in cash), we happily concluded the sale and I thanked the young men for their pro-active salesmanship!"   

Cool Collection    " The beauty of buying the work of local artists is that there is such a range of mediums — I never have to restrict myself to one type.  The art is displayed throughout our home. I do change it up from time to time. I sometimes give artwork to my children, who share my love of art. "

Why Bring a Thing Home?  " I don’t take a lot of photos when I travel, but I have a great visual memory and art seems to bring back so many vivid images. It really lets me relive the moments and the people I met along the way." 

ROELAND VOS, President and Chief Executive Officer of Belmond :

Best Souvenir  "A well-thumbed, authentic Italian cookbook, found buried in a market stall in the center of Florence. It is a treasure trove of classic Italian recipes. Each meal created from it transports me back to the great culinary pleasures of Italy — what we at Belmond call the art of Savoir Vivre  or Good Living ."

Cool Collection  "Like travel, books can take you on a journey of exploration without limitation. I try to immerse myself in the local culture, history and cuisine of each place I visit — through reading books and, wherever possible, taking a cooking class to discover the most traditional food. I have quite a collection of cookbooks today."

Why Bring a Thing Home?   "I collect books, particularly cookbooks, because they help me to recreate wonderful food and remember exceptional travel experiences back home. And that is exactly what a souvenir should do."

SHERWIN BANDA, President of  African Travel Inc. :

Best Souvenir    "A piece of traditional clothing from each destination that I visit. Traditional clothing is colorful and reflects the energy and tradition of each country. Africa is so vibrant and special."

Cool Collection    "I love to buy a gift for my son everywhere I travel. This is great enjoyment for me. He places the items in his room and has fantastic collections of stuffed animals, hand-crafted toys and hand-made musical instruments. He will learn about the history of the places as he gets older."

Why Bring a Thing Home?    "It is an incredible memory of the culture of the people and places."

CHRISTINE DUFFY, President of  Carnival Cruise Line :

Best Souvenir   " I collect Starbucks coffee mugs from around the world. I have approximately 50 mugs so far, but Starbucks has 94 different destination mugs so I still have a lot more to collect.  Actually, I don’t drink coffee. I drink tea with milk — the British way — every morning from one of these mugs!  I pick a mug based on my mood and the colors on the mug…some are sunny and bright like Miami and Los Angeles." 

Cool Collection   " I keep my mugs in kitchen cabinets at my  condo in Miami and my home in Philadelphia , but I display them on trays when entertaining. T hey are great for soups or for serving ice cream sundaes or other desserts. They stir up great conversations about my travels around the world. The mugs  are stackable so they don’t take up too much room. Each one has a unique artist design that reflects the skyline or sights from a city or country. The inside of each mug is painted brightly in a different color."

Why Bring a Thing Home?   " When I travel for business, I don’t have time to shop for souvenirs. But I can always get to a Starbucks or find one at the airport on my way home. I collect these mugs as reminders of all the great places I have the privilege of visiting. I’ve also started getting them as gifts from my kids when they travel, which I love."

CRAIG REID, President and Chief Executive Officer of Auberge Resorts Collection :

Best Souvenir    “I love to pick up souvenirs on my travels. It’s hard to single out one as a favorite, as I love them all. I prefer to buy local art or crafts that speak to artisans’ creativity and the richness of the culture."

Cool Collection    "Among my most treasured pieces are Native American pottery from New Mexico, pottery from Mexico and wood carvings from Costa Rica and Nicaragua.”

Why Bring a Thing Home?   “I am heading to Costa Rica in two weeks. I will be buying a hand-carved Boruca mask , about which I am extremely excited. I will visit the artist's village. I love these masks because each is unique, expressive, beautiful and will no doubt provoke interest and questions by those who see it back home. Most important, it will be a reminder of everything that is so special about that region of the country.”

EDIE RODRIGUEZ, Americas Brand Chairman  of Ponant Cruises : 

Best Souvenir  "The best souvenir from all of my travels was obtained more than 30 years ago on my first trip to Israel. It was (and still is) a granite tablet with The 10 Commandments on it — so special to me because it is simply the way I choose to live my life. I keep it on my kitchen counter and it is a daily reminder."

Cool Collection   "Chess sets that are unique to each country. My favorites are ones from Kenya and from Italy. I have a game room in my home. The chess sets are displayed in there, where they are always ready to be played."

Why Bring a Thing Home?   "Buying a souvenir means to me that I am carrying a memory home. It is in a physical form concurrent with the memories that are in my heart and mind: when and where I acquired that souvenir. The souvenirs always warm my heart and bring a smile to my face. Those memories are what I value the most."

BETH NEUMANN, Chief Executive Officer of Starboard Cruise Services :

Best Souvenir   " My favorite is a Cartier Ballon Bleu timepiece that I bought onboard an incredible new cruise ship in China. I had not purchased (or worn) a watch in more than 10 years. The trip was fantastic. I was learning about China, spending time at the ship's top restaurants and onboard entertainment with friends and colleagues. I walked into the ship's Cartier boutique and immediately connected with the boutique manager. Not only was she in the know about the best experiences on the ship, but her passion for the art of Swiss watchmaking intrigued me. She invited me to a special intimate dinner celebrating Cartier and watchmaking, where I learned about its history and was even able to try using Swiss watchmaking tools myself, reassembling a watch. After that, I could not help but purchase a watch to commemorate my journey in China. Every time I look at it on my wrist (or am asked about it), I remember the joy of that trip! It also serves as an inspiration for what we do every day in our business."

Cool Collection   " I collect jewelry from everywhere I travel. Jewelry is a special memento that I can wear. Jewelry is also made by artisans; their stories about their inspirations connect me to the destinations. Jewelry is an art form that crosses cultures, yet evokes the essence of each culture. My purchases range from Bulgari in the Mediterranean, Tiffany in NY and John Hardy in Asia to local artisans in South America, Alaska and the Caribbean."

Why Bring a Thing Home?   " A souvenir represents the memory and celebration of the experience. Each time I look at a piece of jewelry acquired on a trip, I bask in the joy of that vacation, the family and friends with whom I traveled, the fun, the celebration and the discovery of new people, places and things."

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The Importance of Buying Local

• by Adam Lague

minute read

The pandemic’s effect on international trade has made buying local more important than ever.

The 2020 golf season has been and will be one of the most challenging we’ve ever seen. COVID-19 has changed the way we live, work, and operate our golf courses in the short term, but many of its effects will likely be lasting. Buying local had already become more than a trend for years prior to the pandemic, but the reduction of cross-border trade has shone the spotlight even brighter upon its importance. The golf industry is no exception.

Buying fresh and local produce for your food and beverage operations will be the main focus of this article, but there are plenty of other ways you can approach purchasing with your local economy in mind. Cleaning products, pro shop apparel, and kitchenware can all be sourced from local suppliers in your effort to be a boon rather than a burden on your community.

Times are tough for everyone — all the more reason to consider how you can operate in a more socially conscious manner. Buying local products is not only beneficial for the people around you but for your golf course as well.

Financial Advantages

There’s a misconception out there that buying local is more expensive. While that used to be the case, the tide is shifting in the other direction, and now thanks to a more populated and therefore more competitive marketplace of independent sellers, consumers are reaping the benefits of lower prices for locally made goods. As a business operator, your neighbours tend to be friendlier in price negotiations for bulk orders. Plus, they can cut out the middleman on the supply chain which brings savings to them and allows them to charge less. Build a strong relationship with the farmers market next door and you’ll wind up saving money in the long run.

Support Local Economy

Golf course operators — especially those with a private membership — know the value of keeping a steady flow of money coming from within. Think of your region like a private golf club, where its members carry a personal responsibility to help keep the club’s finances healthy. Whether it’s buying golf balls in the pro shop or getting lessons from the club’s own instructors, the more members spend within the club rather than on the outside, the better. The same goes for your community and its economy . As a citizen and a business operator, take it upon yourself to direct as much of your spending as possible toward your community.

Superior Quality

Fresh products.

Local food is fresh food. Think about it: Produce grown and cultivated in-state or in-province avoids the long journey from one place to another, perhaps frozen along the way, losing its freshness by the mile. Instead of sitting on a supermarket shelf for days at a time, local products sold at farmers’ markets are usually bought same-day . There are also health benefits to eating locally grown food, which is typically free of pesticides and preservatives and higher in nutrients.

Diversified Menu

When you shop local, you’ll quickly learn the importance of a flexible menu. Many products are seasonal, meaning certain dishes will have to come and go every few weeks. Think of this as a positive! Sure, some of your staple menu items should stay on all season long, but a smaller and mostly rotating lineup of offerings will excite your guests — especially when they taste how the quality and freshness of your meals has gone up due to your local buying habits.

Perceived Value

Studies show that the biggest reason people opt for local products is that they believe them to be of a higher quality. As you make the transition toward buying local, it can be reassuring to know that many of your customers will see the benefit of your strategy; they’ll also understand a potential price raise. Given that local products come with a strong perceived value, you should inject that angle into your marketing efforts. Whether with callouts on the menu, signage in front of your restaurant, or publicity on social media, spread the word about your new community-driven game plan — it will resonate well.

Environmental Benefits

Reduce transportation.

Along with economic and community benefits, buying local also creates less strain on the environment. Food transportation contributes plenty of unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions, fuel consumption, and pollution in order to take imported products the thousands of miles of ground or air travel often required. This distance is referred to in “food miles” and you can significantly reduce the number you’re responsible for by purchasing local and slashing the transport distance needed to get that product to its seller.

Fewer Pesticides

As mentioned, commercially produced food that travels long distances is often packed with pesticides, which is bad both for the environment and the health of consumers. When you hear about organic products , these are products that come from local farms and are grown without the use of pesticides and other toxins. The organic method prevents lots of water and air pollution they’d otherwise be creating. When you commit to buying local, you help contribute.

Protects Local Land

When buying and eating locally, wildlife may be one of the last things on your mind. But consider this: When farmers don’t get enough support and their business struggles, they have to sell their farm. Typically, those farms, once sold, are redeveloped for commercial or industrial use, eliminating the wildlife living in that area. But when farmers are successful and can keep their land, those habitats remain intact. Every time you buy something locally, you’re helping to protect important local land that makes your golf course so beautiful.

With proven economic, health, environmental, and even wildlife-related benefits, it’s clear that there are enough significant reasons to start buying local, pandemic or not. Yes, you’ll be saving money and improving your offering, but you’ll also be helping your neighbours and injecting some life into your community. While we think it’s a smart financial decision, when it comes to buying local, your bottom line is not the bottom line.

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Adam Lague is a content writer focused on sports. He has a journalism degree from Carleton University and previously wrote travel features for Airbnb's luxury division. When he’s not writing about golf, he’s working on his short game, having a beer in the clubhouse, or obsessively analyzing his handicap index.

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5 Essential Moscow Souvenirs & Where To Find Them

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Don’t leave for home without these classic Russian keepsakes.

Souvenirs are an excellent way to remember your trip for years to come. Check out five of the most quintessentially Russian souvenirs and where you can get them before you leave Moscow .

1. Matryoshka Dolls

Russian nesting dolls, or matryoshka , are an iconic symbol of Russian culture and family life. These wooden dolls are usually hand-carved and painted, and often follow different themes such as Russian fairytales or political figures. They come in varying sizes and even the biggest ones are not too large, making them a great souvenir if you don’t have much room in your luggage. Matryoshka dolls can be found in nearly every souvenir shop in Moscow. Some street vendors also sell them, namely the ones that line the famous Arbat Street and Izmaylovo Market.

Legend has it that around 1430, a monk named Isidore created the first recipe for Russian vodka right within the walls of the Moscow Kremlin. It remains one of the most popular alcohols in Russia today with over 20 vodka brands native to the country. The smaller bottles make a great souvenir, so those of legal drinking age should pick up some of Russia’s finest, available in most Moscow supermarkets. If you do decide to bring a bottle back with you, don’t forget to say a quick “ na zdorovie” before enjoying your Russian vodka at home!

3. Palekh Boxes

Palekh boxes display colorful lacquer paintings of scenes from Russian fairytales on their lids. These delicately handmade boxes can serve as storage for jewelry, eyeglasses, or any other small items you wish to put in them. They make for great souvenirs due to their beauty, functionality, and subtle nod to Russian culture. Get your very own Palekh box at any souvenir shop around Arbat Street or the Red Square.

4. Pavlovo Posad Shawls

Scarves and shawls are a coveted part of the traditional Russian style. Originally produced in the 19 th century, Pavlovo Posad shawls were typically worn with folk costumes until they became more popular in everyday fashion. Known for their elegant design and versatile use, these shawls are a souvenir that won’t go to waste. You can find authentic Russian shawls at the Pavlovo Posad Shawl Manufactory in Central Moscow.

5. Ushanka Hats

Although ushankas are not typically worn by many Russians anymore, they remain an important part of the country’s culture and history. These hats were made to protect their wearers from the “deep frost” that occurs during the frigid Russian winters, and they inspired the design of the budenovka hats worn by soldiers of the Red Army. While most souvenir shops do not sell ushankas made with real fur, you may want to ensure the hat you chose is made with faux fur before purchasing. Ushankas can be a functional addition to your winter wardrobe, or just a cozy reminder of your Russian adventures in Moscow. Find yourself an authentic ushanka at the souvenir markets in the Red Square or at the Only Me store on Gogolevsky Boulevard.

Meghan St. Pierre

Content editor associate.

Meghan is a native of South Florida who loves nature and landscape photography. Her favorite travel activities are getting lost in new cities and trying local desserts. She has been to 22 countries, and her favorites have been Sweden and Denmark so far.

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• Personal Finance

Is It Worth It to Buy Gift Cards at Costco?

Published on July 19, 2024

By: Natasha Etzel

• In addition to shopping deals on clothing, electronics, food, toys, and beauty products at Costco, you can save money by buying gift cards from popular retailers.
• Every dollar you save adds up, so buying gift cards from Costco is a great idea

As everyday costs rise, many people seek ways to keep more money in their wallets. Shopping at retailers like Costco can offer significant savings on everyday goods like groceries, clothes, toiletries, and household items.

You can save money on gift cards at Costco

Costco sells various gift cards from popular retailers that you know and love. This includes gift cards from restaurants and eateries like Blaze Pizza, T.G.I. Fridays, Subway, and Domino's. You can also score deals on gift cards from brands like Sony Playstation, Uber, AMC, XBox, Topgolf, and DoorDash. However, this isn't an exhaustive list of the gift cards sold here.

Our Picks for the Best High-Yield Savings Accounts of 2024

If you plan to buy a gift card from a particular retailer and Costco sells it, it's worthwhile to buy it there. This way, you get what you need while keeping more money in the bank.

Here are some gift card deals that are available now

Here is a sampling of gift card offers currently available at Costco:

• Two $50 electronic Dave & Busters gift cards for $79.99
• Four $25 electronic IHOP gift cards for $79.99
• One $50 electronic Cinemark Theatres gift card for $39.99
• Two $50 electronic Potbelly Sandwich Works gift cards for $79.99
• Four $25 Nintendo eShop electronic gift cards for $89.99

Look for the best gift card deals

Not every gift card purchase offers massive savings. But you can save even more money by timing when you buy gift cards. Costco tends to offer bigger discounts on gift cards around the holidays. This could be a great time to purchase gift cards as presents for your loved ones, or even to use yourself during the coming year.

It's also wise to review Costco's sales regularly, because the retailer offers deeper discounts on gift cards regularly throughout the year. One example is Southwest Airlines gift cards. I've seen Costco sell $500 Southwest gift cards with a discount of $50 off or more. Take advantage of deals like this, especially if you've got a trip coming up.

Maximize your savings by earning rewards

As a Costco member, you'll save money by shopping deals. But you can maximize your total savings by earning rewards when you shop. One option is to invest in a Costco Executive membership. You'll earn 2% back on eligible Costco purchases, including Costco Travel.

You can earn up to $1,000 in rewards annually. The annual rewards max will increase to $1,250 on Sept. 1, 2024, when the retailer increases the yearly Executive membership fee from $120 to $130. So if you join before September, you'll save $10 on your first year of membership dues.

Another strategy for saving money at Costco is to use a credit card that earns rewards. When you swipe your card, you can earn cash back on your purchases, which will make you feel like you saved even more.

Want to get rewarded when you shop at Costco? Check out our list of the best credit cards for Costco to learn about our picks and the top features of each card.

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• Things to do in London

What are Souvenirs and why do we buy them?

If the word ‘souvenir’ brings to mind one of those small novelty gifts you receive when someone in the family, or one of your friends, gets back on their holidays then quite rightly so. However, souvenirs are not always just miniature donkeys wearing sombreros from Spain or T-shirts emblazoned with the slogan 'Went to London and all I got was this lousy t-shirt...

What Are Souvenirs?

Although usually connected with holiday gift shop merchandise, the word ‘souvenir’ is actually a French word meaning remembrance or memory. Souvenirs are also referred to as keepsakes or mementoes and can be any item that somebody keeps for the memories they bring back.

Why Do We Buy Souvenirs?

Many people like to take a little something home with them as a reminder of their travels, something to show where they have been, something they can use to look back and reminisce about the fantastic experience they had during their holiday. Not to mention, displaying such a memento around the home can be a great conversation starter when you have guests. After all, buying souvenirs is part and parcel of the fun holiday experience.

Tourists also tend to take lots of gifts and novelties back home for friends, relatives and work colleagues. It’s a nice way to show you have been thinking of them while you have been away on your vacation.

Some of us just can’t resist walking into a gift shop and coming out with something. This can happen a lot especially if you are on holiday with children!

Nonetheless, souvenirs are not always linked with destinations though. Many people collect commemorative memorabilia of special events such as Royal Family weddings and merchandise to show support for their favourite popular football or basketball teams or even entertainment merchandise which features their favourite movies.

Souvenirs that are typical of a particular geographical location are often used as gifts at special events as well as wedding favours .

Buying Souvenirs Online

Nowadays lots of holidaymakers are doing their souvenir shopping online, sometimes even before or after they travel from the comfort of their own homes. This is mainly due to the increase in online shopping and the availability of such items on the Internet. There are many good reasons to do this and although many people prefer to pick up gifts during the actual trip, it is a great idea for those who don’t want to get to the airport lumbered with bags , because your order will be delivered to your door.

Without traipsing through shop after shop, trying to find the right gift at the right price, and remembering everyone you have to buy for, ordering through the internet conveniently allows you to make the most of your time on holiday and sort the presents out when it suits you best.

Also once your trip has come to an end, if you have forgotten to buy for someone, or in the unfortunate event that you may have lost or broken a souvenir that was very dear to you, you would be able to come across and purchase the same item on the internet to replace it.

If you are looking for some very special and unique gifts for your loved ones, then GS-JJ can help you with your customization needs. GS-JJ is a sub-brand of BPS.com, and they can help you with custom enamel pins , keychains, lanyards, patches, t-shirts, and more. Your loved one will be thrilled to receive an exclusive gift customized by you for her. It will be a sweet memory for you!

Free Souvenirs

A souvenir does not have to be something that has been purchased from a store. During your travels, there are quite a few delightful little objects that can be acquired along the way, which can more often than not have some sort of sentimental value over products that you have bought from a gift shop. These types of things could be quite possibly insignificant to someone else, although having a great deal of importance to the owner, and mean a lot as a symbol of an experience.

From travel-size toiletries from the hotel, you have stayed in (it’s always a nice idea to leave a tip) to stickers, badges and other treats for children that are frequently handed out in places such as theme parks. Or even cardboard coasters from various coffee shops, bars and restaurants where you have enjoyed your meal or evening out, there are numerous ideas for charming little keepsakes that can be picked up here and there.

Natural items such as shells, pine cones, pressed leaves and flowers are also quaint ideas for personal keepsakes which look spectacular when displayed in glass vases and jars.

Souvenirs From Around the World

Different parts of the world have their own version of souvenirs and collecting unique items from around the world is a wonderful way to commemorate your adventures or your love for that particular country or place.

There are so many different types of souvenir ideas to choose from. From the classics such as a Statue of Liberty replica from New York, an Eiffel Tower model from Paris, Russian Matryoshka dolls, miniature Dutch Clogs or a Leaning Tower of Pisa figurines from Italy to the more obscure, unique gift ideas .

An authentic item which has actually been made in the country you have travelled to is a superb idea, such as a decorative marble plate from India, a traditional wooden Kokeshi doll from Japan or even possum wool gloves from New Zealand for example.

Food that you can’t buy at home is another good souvenir idea, especially for foodies and people who have limited space to keep hold of decorative items or for those who are a bit difficult to buy. Besides, who wouldn’t fancy a green tea-flavoured Kit Kat from Japan?

London Souvenirs

London is a hugely popular shopping destination, pulling in thousands of tourists from around the world each year. There are so many shops offering multitudes of gift ideas , that you can really end up spoilt for choice. To make things easier, we have put together a breakdown of a few of the great gifts that you can take home from the city.

Classic London Souvenirs

Some of the best souvenirs you can buy in London include:

The red Routemaster bus is a well-known symbol of London and loved by many. It is not surprising that Double Decker bus models are exceedingly popular souvenirs and collector’s items. A vibrant red die-cast replica of a London bus would make a fantastic addition to any model collection.

Any avid model collector will tell you that a replica Black cab is a must-have. The jet-black London taxi which can be seen around the city is a striking icon of London and is acknowledged internationally as a symbol of the British capital.

A visit to the capital is incomplete without casting your eyes over the iconic London skyline and hearing the chimes of Big Ben resonating throughout the city. Why not capture the magnificence of this distinguished London clock tower with a stunning replica Big Ben model, complete with a real working clock?

Fridge Magnets

Magnets are very good for keeping important notes on hand by sticking them to your fridge door. Not only will you keep track of those to-do lists, but you can also keep magnets featuring the places you liked the most during your visit to the capital. Any collection of fridge magnets from around the world is incomplete without a magnet from London!

Keyrings are great for personalising your belongings when you are out and about. They are popular collector’s items and one of the most liked souvenirs. A no-nonsense gift idea as it is good for keeping your keys secure and serves as the perfect reminder of your stay in the great city of London.

English Tea

Tea is the quintessential gift from England. Give the gift of tea or get with the British tea-drinking culture yourself with one of these fantastic decorative tea caddies filled with the finest blends of English tea.

London Souvenirs by Theme

You can buy matching souvenirs from London with different themes which include:

Keep Calm and Carry On

The famed Keep Calm motto, which adorns numerous souvenirs from mugs to iPhone covers, has taken its inspiration from motivational British wartime posters. Often worded in white on a vibrant red background, there are many variations of the text such as ‘Keep Calm and Drink Tea’ and ‘Keep Calm in London’.

I Love London

If you love London, then say it out loud with one of these fab mementoes incorporating the trendy I ‘heart’ London slogan, which will be happily received by anyone who loves the English capital. This distinctive design usually includes a red love heart on a white or black background.

Items featuring the Union flag make for a very British gift and the dynamic red, white and blue design is immensely popular around the world. Union flags, bunting and Union Jack souvenirs are ideal for British-themed parties. Also, clothing featuring the Union Jack can be worn to show your support at special events or as a fashion statement.

Everything London

There is a vast range of unmistakably British souvenirs that feature colourful compilations of well-known London images. These are great as many of the famous places you may have visited during your stay in the capital have been captured onto one object and will bring back several fond memories whenever you see it.

7 Best London Souvenirs for Kids

When shopping for presents, usually the first people who come to mind are the little ones. Sometimes it can be difficult to choose what to buy for children, therefore we have put together a compilation of some of the most popular London souvenirs and gifts for children, so you can't go wrong.

1. School Kits

Make going back to school after a trip to London more fun with a school kit or pencil case featuring images of the places that your children have seen. They will enjoy sharing their holiday stories with their friends in school too.

2. Royal Guard Teddy Bear

Everyone adores a cute and cuddly teddy bear and these soft and fluffy bears dressed in their Royal Guardsman attire are no exception to the rule. These teddies are well-liked by children of all ages and are superb for giving that London look as part of the children's room decor.

3. T-Shirts

There is nothing like a T-shirt to show you have been to London and as well as being light in weight to take home, they make practical gift ideas for children, especially if you are not planning on buying more toys or you have a lot of kids to buy for.

4. Mini Cooper Model Car

Lots of children love to play with toy cars and the Mini Cooper complete with a Union Jack roof is a classic gift from the UK. These models are so realistic as you can open and close the doors and due to the friction wheels, you can pull the vehicle back and then watch it go. We are sure plenty of adults will love these too!

5. Wristbands

Kids and teenagers love to collect wristbands that promote the things they love and snap wristbands are particularly cool because of the way they wrap around and secure themselves when gently tapped against the wrist.

6. Post Box Money Box

This vivid red replica post box is a great idea as a piggy bank for children to keep their pocket money as you can post the coins through the letter box slot just like you would post your letters in a British pillar box.

7. Soft Toy Corgi Dog

It is a well-known fact that the Queen of England adores her Pembroke Welsh Corgis and any dog lover, young or old, would most definitely welcome one of these brilliant toy Corgi dogs , complete with a Union Jack coat and lead.

5 Posh Gifts from London

If you are looking for that extra special gift from London for a loved one, something really fancy that you won't find in regular gift shops. We suggest anything from a collectable tin caddy of tea , biscuits or a lavish box of chocolates from Fortnum and Mason or perhaps a beautifully scented candle by Molten Brown. For that special someone in your life who loves their smellies, then luxury bath and body products by Crabtree and Evelyn are a must. Here is a breakdown of five great ideas to get you started.

1. This Luxury Teddy Bear Snow Globe is a perfect memento of a trip to Harrods.

2. This Household Blend Tea in a Heritage Caddy from Fortnum and Mason would make a stunning addition to any kitchen.

3. This Ylang-Ylang Single Wick Candle by Molten Brown would be a welcomed gift to anyone who loves their indulgently scented candles.

4. An elegantly packaged Rosewater Bath & Body Duo by Crabtree and Evelyn, comprising two skin-indulging luxuries and conveniently presented in a gift box with their striking spring design is a wonderful gift idea for her.

5. This 100ml bottle of Neapolitan Bergamot Eau de Cologne by Crabtree and Evelyn, with its classically Italian-inspired citrus aromatic blend would make a fantastic gift from London for him.

Oh, I love how you mentioned that a souvenir can be something that you can just acquire on the way without spending money. Still, I think it's always fun to look for shirts in place to which you travel. That way, you can be reminded of a fun adventure every time you look in the mirror.

I'm glad you talked about how Mini Cooper models are great gifts for adults. Next month I'll be in London for a vacation and I need a good list of souvenirs to take back to my family. Thanks for the tips and I'll keep this in mind as I travel across the pond.

I like how you said that people can buy souvenirs to remember their travels by or as novelty gifts for friends and family. I feel like both are great ideas because the item that you buy gets sentimental value whether it's for yourself or for someone else. That item will be cherished and used to remember the vacation or the person who gave them the gift.

Very excellent piece you've shared here. Thumbs up for a great job.

thumbs up for sharing this! Hoping to visit London soon for these cool stuff souvenirs

My family is taking a trip to Texas. I have young kids that will want souvenirs and I like your tips. I especially like that you said that they can be a great part of the holiday season.

I totally agree with what you said that bringing back souvenirs to your friends and family is an indication that you're thinking of them while you're away. I'm planning a backpacking trip soon, because I really need a breather from my responsibilities at home. I appreciate my wife for allowing me to go alone, but I'll surely be thinking of her and the kids while I'm away. That being said, before I get home, I'll make sure get them wonderful souvenirs from a good shop in town.

can e talk about the political and economical state of the world right now

I agree with what you said about how buying souvenirs is part of the fun holiday experience since they will serve as a reminder of your travels and be used to look back on the experience. I'm going on a business trip to Texas next week, so I was thinking of getting souvenirs and for my friends once I'm done will all the work the company tasked me to do. I was planning to buy Bluebonnet gifts once I find a souvenir shop there.

I completely agree with you when you mentioned that giving your friends and family mementos from your trip shows that you are thinking of them while you are gone. This is precisely the reason I want to buy my pals mugs as presents on my return from my holiday trip. We all enjoy hot lattes, so I thought matching cups would be good.

I agree that it's best to buy a souvenir that is authentic and made in the country that a person has traveled to. My only mistake was that I missed the part about souvenir buying when I visited Japan. My sister is asking for something, so right now, I guess I'll just go shopping in a local Japanese store.

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Best Places to Shop for Souvenirs in Moscow

Love it or hate it, shopping for souvenirs is an unavoidable part of travelling. Whether you’re a natural born gift-hunter or someone who grabs the first thing on street vendor stalls, it always feels good to bring something back from a trip. So if you’re planning a Moscow vacation any time soon, here are the best places to get memorabilia from Russia’s capital.

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Red Square Market

Right opposite the entrance side of Teatralnaya metro station, there are rows of colorful tents selling every cliché Russian souvenir in the book. The Red Square may not be the best place to stock up on cheap souvenirs, but if you only have time for a basic Kremlin tour and do not plan on doing serious gift-shopping, this is where you can buy obligatory but terribly overpriced matryoshka dolls and ushankas .

No Moscow tour is complete without taking a leisurely stroll down this beautiful historic street. Located in the very heart of Moscow, the city’s most famous pedestrian avenue offers all kinds of entertainment, from live music performers and tattoo artists, to caricaturists and souvenir shops. Here you’ll find a much wider variety of gifts to take home than at the Red Square market, and at more reasonable prices too.

Sparrow Hills

One of Moscow’s most symbolic attractions, Sparrow Hills is where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city, see all seven of Stalin’s skyscrapers at once and take a closer look at one of them – the Moscow State University. Tourists can also take a ropeway ride or a boat tour to view the city from different angles. No wonder the place draws crowds and sells millions of souvenirs every year, the prices are decent but the offering will only satisfy those whose ambitions don’t go beyond fridge magnets.

Museum of Moscow

If you’re looking for exquisite Moscow inspired gifts, then you should go straight to the Museum of Moscow. No hideous ushankas and kitschy souvenir plates here: rare books on Moscow history share shelf space with designer stationery and jewellery. Mandatory posters, maps, totes and fridge magnets are also available here, but they are so tasteful, your friends back home will literally fight for them.

Izmailovsky Market

If you’re willing to take a metro ride to the east of Moscow, you’ll be rewarded by getting straight into a gift-shopper’s paradise. The biggest and most popular flea market in Moscow sells almost every souvenir imaginable: from Soviet antiques, to paintings to Asian rugs. The further you go in, the lower the prices and the more likely you are to get great deals.

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Souvenir Shopping in Moscow: Izmailovsky Market

I have a list of things that I need to bring back from every country to complete our ‘Home Sweet Home’. Our abode has a Turkish lamp from Istanbul, an ostrich egg from South Africa, a carved wooden door from Zanzibar, bright red clogs from Netherlands, floor carpet from Oman, papyrus paintings from Egypt… the list goes on. It truly looks like a travellers house! Obviously, on the list was ‘Matryoshka Dolls from Russia’. Now that I was in Russia, I just had to pick up a set.

Kremlin at Izmailovsky

Shopping for the Maytryoshka dolls can be tricky…they start at Rub 50 and can cost as much as Rub 50,000!!! YES… Rubles fifty thousand! The cheaper ones are like toys and the expensive ones are works of art, with intricate designs and fine paintings. However, price is also drive by the location; souvenirs are really expensive in the city centre, especially near the Kremlin. So, if you want to get yourself a sweet deal, or buy in bulk to gift them to friends, you should head to Izmailovsky Market, which is famous for its souvenir market. The market is where the locals buy dolls, magnets, other souvenir items, scarves, fur etc in bulk and then, sell them to tourists at various places in the city centre.

Faberge Egg Souvenirs

Getting there?

Every local knows about the Izmailovsky market. However, don’t expect too much help from the locals as most Russians do not understand English. And let’s not forget, you are in Russia …and culturally, many Russians do not engage with a conversation with strangers.

The easiest way to get to the Izmailovsky market is by using the metro. It takes about 20 minutes from the city centre to Partizanskaya, which is the closest metro station to the market. You can then walk for about 5 minutes to the colourful building, which is the Izmailovsky Kremlin and houses the souvenir market.

The other option is to take an Uber, which will cost about Rub 400, but might it take you an hour or so to get there from the city centre. Moscow has crazy traffic!

What are the opening hours?

The market opens at 10:00 and the starts winding up by about 17:30. By 18:00, most stalls are closed. The market is most crowded, with the maximum number of sellers and buyers, on the weekends.

Souvenir market at Izmailovsky

What to buy?

I was at the market to buy dolls, and focussed my energies on the same. However, you can buy some great woollen garments and winter wear. There is porcelain from Russia and the CIS countries… pretty blue stuff, but very delicate and difficult to carry. There is also an entire market on paintings – nature, still life, monuments. And then, there is a flea market full of used stuff – kitchenware, clothes, artifacts, jewellery …lots and lots of knick knacks!

Paintings at the Izmailovsky market

What’s the price?

What else is around?

There is a small vodka museum at the Izmailovsky Kremlin where you can look at funky vodka bottles and sample some Russian vodka as well.

Fancy some vodka?

There there is a little church and there are buildings that seem to have popped out from candy land. There are a couple of coffee shops for you to grab a cup of coffee and a cookie.

There are quite a few restaurants serving vegetarian and meat based dishes in the area. The Best Western, Alpha and Delta hotels are nearby. Each has a couple of good restaurants with good quality food.

What did I do?

Luckily, I was staying at the Best Western in Izmailovsky, which is very close to this market. However, by the time I would get back to the hotel, it was 19:00 and the market was closed. I managed to visit the market only once, most days were spent in sight seeing, on my last evening in Moscow. How I wish I would have visited it earlier…or maybe multiple times!

I spent about 3 hours at the market, bargaining, shopping and clicking pictures. I got great value for money products and had a great time walking around the place. If you do intend to shop for souvenirs in Russia, make time for the Izmailovsky Market!

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About post author, 13 responses.

This is possibly the most beautiful and elaborate market I have ever seen. The russian dolls are so pretty. I used to have some as a kid

I had always seen them in pictures, and when i really saw the dolls, I couldnt control myself and bought so many!

Oh this looks like my kinda place to visit. I love exploring markets when on the road. I can believe that the dolls go up to 50,000 rub! I can’t even imagine the love and care that goes into each doll.

I love your collection of souvenirs, yet to visit so many places… wooden door ?? Please do share a post on Souvenir shopping from around the world 🙂 Vodka bottles looks good

Yeah…40 countries so far, and we have quite a bit in our house. Thanks for the idea…will work on that post and put it up shortly!

Oh this market looks so colorful and vibrant. I love those paintings, I think i need a whole day for this market. Vodka bottles doll shaped looks cool and good for gifting.

This market looks amazing! I love exploring markets when I’m travelling, and I’d want to spend a lot of time here too. I’ll have to keep it in mind if I make it to Moscow, which I hope to soon!

It is worth a lot of time, especially if you like to shop. Its a great place to get some really cool deals.

Markets are my favourite places to get lost when abroad! My grandmother brought back some matryoshka dolls from Russia when she visited St Petersburg when I was a little girl. they were definitely closer to 50 Rubles than 50,000! Not sure where exactly they are now but I want to find them again.

Whaaat?? The Matryoshka dolls can be THAT expensive?! My mother has 3, which were all given to her as gifts from Russian friends. I would love to visit Moscow one day. Is it true that they have Vladimir Putin souvenirs everywhere? Apparently there’s even chocolate shaped like him. Haha. Thanks for sharing this lovely guide to shopping at the market in Moscow 😀

Really love local markets Whenever I travel, I make It a point to visit the local markets, for souvenirs and if not anything just to observe the local fervour 🙂 Love the matryoshka dolls! Your post made me relive Russian fairytales 🙂 This place is so my kind! Thanks for sharing! 🙂

I’m following your trail… Aman and I will be travelling in May 🙂

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• #Luxury travel
• #Unusual Moscow
• #Jewish Heritage
• #Russian traditions

Russian Souvenir: what to bring home from a trip to Russia

• #Special Interest

Russia is famous for its diversity — as well as for hospitality. The best way to show someone true Russia is to bring home something special. Matryoshka, balalaika, and vodka are quite stereotypical presents. Let’s see what else one may buy in Moscow as a souvenir.

01 Pavloposadskie shawls and scarves

It’s really cold in Russia while in winter, so ladies here love to heat themselves up. The best way to do it is to buy a woolen shawl made in Pavlovsky Posad, the town not very far away from Moscow. It is considered to be a traditional Russian trade. Woolen shawls and scarves are being made there from 1795. A nice wide shawl with a beautiful original pattern on it which is typical Russian, may be used like a blanket. It’s nice to cover oneself up with it sitting in the armchair, watching movie, reading a book, or sipping coffee or tea. The Pavlovsky Posad manufacture produces scarves for men as well. They can be bought through the Internet, or in branded stores, which there are many in Moscow. One of them, for example, is located close to the Chekhov theatre in Kamergersky side-street.

02 Belyovskaya pastila

This souvenir will amuse sweet tooths. It had been being made from the 19th century in the Belyovo town near Tula. This is a very special kind of Russian confection. Though it’s called ‘pastila’, it’s not a marshmallow style delicacy. Belyovskaya pastila is made of dried apples. After they’ve been dried, they are being mixed with egg-whites and sugar and whipped. Belyovskaya pastila reminds of a cake, although has a taste of apples, slightly sour. It’s considered to be a natural product, and it’s not of average price. You can buy this kind of sweet at branded stores, or in some other places across Moscow. One of the stores is located in the very center of Moscow — in Pyatnitsky side-street, close to the Novokuznetskaya metro station.

03 Cheburashka toy

Cheburashka is a protagonist of popular Russian children’s books and animated films, as well, created by children’s writer Eduard Uspensky. It is a funny and nice creature with very big ears, similar to the bear, but still very unique. He is a friend of Gena the Crocodile. Cheburashka has been a mascot for Russian Olympic team four times. He became very popular in Japan when the animated series were shown in Japanese cinemas. When going home from Russia, you may buy any kind of Cheburashka, but the best choice is a soft toy. One may order it through Internet, or buy in the famous ‘Detsky mir’ chain of stores with goods for children. But first it’s better to check the website and availability.

04 Clothes with Russian symbolism

If you want to bring a present for a person you know very well just buy some clothes for them. When Russia held famous Winter Olympics in Sochi two years ago, in 2014, the clothes with official logo became extremely popular not only among foreigners, but among Russian people as well. It was produced and licensed by Russian company Bosco. In Bosco branded boutique for example in the GUM department store even Sochi 2014 mascots soft toys leopard bear and hare were sold. Now one can still buy clothes with Olympics logo through the Bosco website, or in person in their branded stores. One of them is located in the beginning of Tverskaya street.

If you’re not afraid to bring some fragile things from Russia, please pay your attention to Gzhel. It is a traditional type of Russian ceramics, derived from the village of Gzhel, located in the Moscow Region. I bet that those who know famous Delf pottery will say that Gzhel is very much alike. Yes, it’s true, Gzhel also has blue-on-white type of decoration. And it’s not only plates, it’s some kind of toys, and figurines as well. It’s really an exquisite type of present which will remind Russia and its craftspeople. You may buy original Gzhel pottery in the center of Moscow, in the ‘Mir Gzeli’ shop located on Kozhevnicheskaya street. You may even find designer pottery there. They are not cheap, but worth it for sure!

• Russian cuisine: full immersion read
• Banya: Russian steam bath read
• Sandunov's Bath read
• New Year Celebration in Russia read
• Nesting Dolls read
• Birch Boxes read
• 1. Pavloposadskie shawls and scarves
• 2. Belyovskaya pastila
• 3. Cheburashka toy
• 4. Clothes with Russian symbolism

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10 Best Souvenirs that Show off the Spirit of Manila

The Philippines is a holiday-maker’s dream – thousands of islands, vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and delicious food. And of course, when paying the country a visit, you’ll want to bring back some treasures to remind you of your time there.

The people of the Philippines have a word called “pasalubong.” This means “something for welcoming me back,” and shows the giving spirit of Filipinos. There are many options available when looking for something to bring back for your own friends and family, and they’re sure to love having a little taste of the Philippines!

1. Kubing – Philippine Traditional Instrument

Music is always a huge part of local culture, no matter where you are in the world. Musical instruments make great souvenirs, since they capture the spirit of a place through sound.

A popular instrument that will be easy to bring home is the “Kubing,” or jaw harp. It is made of bamboo and about 25 cm long, so it will be easy to pack. The instrument is played by pressing the mouthpiece to the lips and plucking the end to create a sound. Kubings are generally played during courtship (usually by the man) or in traditional ceremonies.

BEST GIFTS FOR Family, friends and co-workers who are music lovers.

PORTABLE LEVEL Easy to manage and lightweight

PRICING Around PHP350 ($7.00)

WHERE TO BUY Common in local marketplaces and handicraft shops.

2. Philippine Sweets

Treats are an easy souvenir to bring back, and a great way to show your friends and family that you were thinking of them while you were traveling. When looking for goodies to bring home to friends and family, it’s a bit easier to go for the pre-packaged versions of the local favorites.

Popular sweets include polvoron (crunchy and crumbly, and comes in a wide variety of flavors), Choc Nut bars (a powdery chocolate and nut candy bar that is very popular with kids), and pastillas de leche (sweet and soft milk candies).

BEST GIFTS FOR Anyone – friends, family, and coworkers

PORTABLE LEVEL Very easy depending on how much you bring back; make sure they are packaged properly and will pass customs for whichever country you are going home to.

PRICE Wide range depending on the brand and amount, but generally inexpensive

WHERE TO BUY Sweets can be found everywhere throughout Manila, from street corners to large markets to souvenir shops.

3. Philippine Traditional Fabric

There are many types of natural and beautiful fabrics produced in the Philippines. One of the loveliest is  piña , which is made from pineapple plants (“piña” means pineapple in Spanish). It is traditionally derived from the Spanish Red Pineapple, and the fibers are naturally fine and translucent. This gives the fabric a beautifully soft and flowing feel.

The silky fibers can be used on their own, or blended with other natural fibers such as cotton and silk to create flowing, gorgeous fabrics. They are used for everything from gowns to dress shirts, and are often embroidered with beautiful traditional designs.

The fabric made from blended piña can be less expensive, making it easier for you to bring your friends or family home a wearable piece of art from your travels!

BEST GIFTS FOR Close friends and family whose clothing sizes you know.

PORTABLE LEVEL Very easy to manage, since it would be just a lightweight folded garment.

PRICE RANGE Piña garments are generally a little on the expensive side. It mainly will depend on the size of the item and whether the fabric is a piña blend or pure.

WHERE TO BUY You can purchase dress shirts with beautiful designs from Kultura Filipino, who have several stores in the Metro Manila area.

4. Toy Jeepney

One of the most unique ways to get around in the Philippines is riding a Jeepney. They look like a cross between a bus and a Thai tuk-tuk, and they were originally created using leftover military Jeeps from WWII. They are an efficient means of transport, and have a quirky flair that is unique to the Philippines.

A great way to bring home the character of the islands is by picking up your very own mini Jeepney! They are sold in souvenir shops everywhere, making it a fun and easy present to bring back.

BEST GIFTS FOR Any kids or car enthusiasts you might know.

PORTABLE LEVEL There are small options that will be very easy to pack, but they also come in larger sizes that take up a bit more room in your suitcase.

PRICE RANGE Depending on size, 100 – 1500 PHP.

WHERE TO BUY Tesoro’s Handicrafts, or various souvenir shops throughout the city.

5. Philippine Festival Masks

There are plenty of festivals all throughout the Philippines, and gorgeous masks are a big part of the celebrations. Around Manila, there are several major festivals throughout the year. From Manila Day in June to the Feast of the Black Nazarene in January, you won’t have much trouble finding a spectacular celebration. Masks are a great way to bring home some of the colorful fun and memories of the festivals.

BEST GIFTS FOR These are a great gift for anyone you know, but kids may have the most fun wearing them around.

PORTABLE LEVEL Masks need to be packed delicately, so a bit of space in your bag will be required for the mask itself as well as some padding to keep it safe.

PRICE RANGE 400-1000 PHP, depending on materials and size.

WHERE TO BUY These are easiest to buy during festival time, but can also be found at tourist shops and large malls around the city.

6. Banig Products

Banig products are woven from grasses such as Tikog and Romblon, and have vibrant colors and patterns.

Banig bags, banig mats and banig placemats can add a lovely pop of color to any home. Bring back the Banig mats for friends who are into camping or the outdoors, and Banig bags for those who love fashion with a funky touch.

The sleeping mats can be slightly tricky for travel, unless you have enough space in your bag for something about the size of a rolled yoga mat. Otherwise, the placemats are a better option if you are low on space.

BEST GIFTS FOR Friends and yourself

PORTABLE LEVEL From manageable to hard to manage

PRICE RANGE Usually inexpensive, from 100-500 PHP.

WHERE TO BUY Handicraft shops such as Balikbayan Handicrafts offer a good selection, as well as local markets.

7. Barrel Man

The “Barrel Man” is another popular and easy to find souvenir. It consists of a wooden figure of a man surrounded by a wooden barrel, and when you lift the barrel off of the man you get a bit of a surprise. The surprise is a certain (large) male body part, which tends to catch a lot of tourists off guard the first time they encounter it. The origins of the wooden figurine are somewhat unclear, but they have been a part of Filipino art, culture, and jokes for years.

BEST GIFTS FOR Good for friends and family who appreciate a good joke.

PORTABLE LEVEL These are not usually too difficult to bring home, especially if you opt for a smaller size. They are wooden, so this can add a bit of weight to baggage.

Price range 400-1200 PHP, depending on size.

WHERE TO BUY Any large shopping center, such as SM City, or tourist shops.

8. Philippine Coffee

The Philippines has an unexpected strength – coffee. The craft coffee scene is growing by leaps and bounds, and there are coffee production farms all throughout the main island of Luzon, where Manila is located. Coffee is relatively easy to take through customs, and is a great reminder of your trip when you get to enjoy a cup of true Filipino flavor in the morning. Make sure to check out Craft Coffee Revolution while in Manila.

BEST GIFTS FOR Any coffee-loving friends or family.

PORTABLE LEVEL Medium difficulty to bring home, and be sure that you can safely bring coffee through customs.

PRICE RANGE : 300-600 PHP

WHERE TO BUY Craft Coffee Revolution and any other “Third Wave” coffee shops.

9. Traditional Philippine Salakot

We’ve all seen the woven, conical hats worn by many in Southeast Asia; the Salakot (or Salacot) is the version found in the Philippines. They come in different variations, based on the materials used and the slight changes in the slope and shape of the cone itself.

Salakots are great for keeping the sun off of your face and neck, which can come in handy during the hotter months. They are fairly easy to find around the tourist markets, and they are not too hard to bring home- although, if you are packing them in a suitcase you will need to pack them carefully.

BEST GIFTS FOR Anyone you know who works outdoors, or likes to do outdoor activities.

PORTABLE LEVEL Medium difficulty; while you can just wear them on the way home, packing them in a bag can be challenging.

PRICE RANGE Anywhere from 300 to 1500 PHP.

WHERE TO BUY Markets like the Salcedo Saturday Market in Metro Manila will have a selection of hats, as well as other handicrafts and a wide variety of local foods.

If you’re looking to go a little more up-scale with your travel presents, pearls might be the answer. You can find lower prices for pearls in the Philippines, and the country is home to an incredible farm that produces the very rare and beautiful South Sea Golden Pearl.

Just south of Manila, in a province called Palawan, there are pearl farms that produce the golden pearl and its white counterparts. There are many retail locations of Jewelmer in Manila where the lovely national jewel can be purchased.

BEST GIFTS FOR Pearls make a lovely gift for a wife or girlfriend, and can be a thoughtful gift for a mother or grandmother as well.

PORTABLE LEVEL Most jewelry pieces do not weigh very much, so this one will be fairly easy to pack and bring home.

PRICE RANGE While the golden pearls can be much more expensive, more common pearl varieties can go from 100 – 1500 PHP for simple necklaces and earrings.

WHERE TO BUY Jewelmer outlets located throughout Manila, and Kultura Filipino for simpler designs.

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Buying College Essays Is Now Easier Than Ever. But Buyer Beware

Tovia Smith

Concern is growing about a burgeoning online market for essays that students can buy and turn in as their own work. And schools are trying new tools to catch it. Angela Hsieh/NPR hide caption

Concern is growing about a burgeoning online market for essays that students can buy and turn in as their own work. And schools are trying new tools to catch it.

As the recent college admissions scandal is shedding light on how parents are cheating and bribing their children's way into college, schools are also focusing on how some students may be cheating their way through college. Concern is growing about a burgeoning online market that makes it easier than ever for students to buy essays written by others to turn in as their own work. And schools are trying new tools to catch it.

It's not hard to understand the temptation for students. The pressure is enormous, the stakes are high and, for some, writing at a college level is a huge leap.

"We didn't really have a format to follow, so I was kind of lost on what to do," says one college freshman, who struggled recently with an English assignment. One night, when she was feeling particularly overwhelmed, she tweeted her frustration.

"It was like, 'Someone, please help me write my essay!' " she recalls. She ended her tweet with a crying emoji. Within a few minutes, she had a half-dozen offers of help.

"I can write it for you," they tweeted back. "Send us the prompt!"

The student, who asked that her name not be used for fear of repercussions at school, chose one that asked for $10 per page, and she breathed a sigh of relief.

"For me, it was just that the work was piling up," she explains. "As soon as I finish some big assignment, I get assigned more things, more homework for math, more homework for English. Some papers have to be six or 10 pages long. ... And even though I do my best to manage, the deadlines come closer and closer, and it's just ... the pressure."

In the cat-and-mouse game of academic cheating, students these days know that if they plagiarize, they're likely to get caught by computer programs that automatically compare essays against a massive database of other writings. So now, buying an original essay can seem like a good workaround.

"Technically, I don't think it's cheating," the student says. "Because you're paying someone to write an essay, which they don't plagiarize, and they write everything on their own."

Her logic, of course, ignores the question of whether she's plagiarizing. When pressed, she begins to stammer.

"That's just a difficult question to answer," she says. "I don't know how to feel about that. It's kind of like a gray area. It's maybe on the edge, kind of?"

Besides she adds, she probably won't use all of it.

Other students justify essay buying as the only way to keep up. They figure that everyone is doing it one way or another — whether they're purchasing help online or getting it from family or friends.

"Oh yeah, collaboration at its finest," cracks Boston University freshman Grace Saathoff. While she says she would never do it herself, she's not really fazed by others doing it. She agrees with her friends that it has pretty much become socially acceptable.

"I have a friend who writes essays and sells them," says Danielle Delafuente, another Boston University freshman. "And my other friend buys them. He's just like, 'I can't handle it. I have five papers at once. I need her to do two of them, and I'll do the other three.' It's a time management thing."

The war on contract cheating

"It breaks my heart that this is where we're at," sighs Ashley Finley, senior adviser to the president for the Association of American Colleges and Universities. She says campuses are abuzz about how to curb the rise in what they call contract cheating. Obviously, students buying essays is not new, but Finley says that what used to be mostly limited to small-scale side hustles has mushroomed on the internet to become a global industry of so-called essay mills. Hard numbers are difficult to come by, but research suggests that up to 16 percent of students have paid someone to do their work and that the number is rising.

"Definitely, this is really getting more and more serious," Finley says. "It's part of the brave new world for sure."

The essay mills market aggressively online, with slickly produced videos inviting students to "Get instant help with your assignment" and imploring them: "Don't lag behind," "Join the majority" and "Don't worry, be happy."

"They're very crafty," says Tricia Bertram Gallant, director of the Academic Integrity Office at the University of California in San Diego and a board member of the International Center for Academic Integrity.

The companies are equally brazen offline — leafleting on campuses, posting flyers in toilet stalls and flying banners over Florida beaches during spring break. Companies have also been known to bait students with emails that look like they're from official college help centers. And they pay social media influencers to sing the praises of their services, and they post testimonials from people they say are happy customers.

"I hired a service to write my paper and I got a 90 on it!" gloats one. "Save your time, and have extra time to party!" advises another.

"It's very much a seduction," says Bertram Gallant. "So you can maybe see why students could get drawn into the contract cheating world."

YouTube has been cracking down on essay mills; it says it has pulled thousands of videos that violate its policies against promoting dishonest behavior.

But new videos constantly pop up, and their hard sell flies in the face of their small-print warnings that their essays should be used only as a guide, not a final product.

Several essay mills declined or didn't respond to requests to be interviewed by NPR. But one answered questions by email and offered up one of its writers to explain her role in the company, called EduBirdie.

"Yes, just like the little birdie that's there to help you in your education," explains April Short, a former grade school teacher from Australia who's now based in Philadelphia. She has been writing for a year and a half for the company, which bills itself as a "professional essay writing service for students who can't even."

Some students just want some "foundational research" to get started or a little "polish" to finish up, Short says. But the idea that many others may be taking a paper written completely by her and turning it in as their own doesn't keep her up at night.

"These kids are so time poor," she says, and they're "missing out on opportunities of travel and internships because they're studying and writing papers." Relieving students of some of that burden, she figures, allows them to become more "well-rounded."

"I don't necessarily think that being able to create an essay is going to be a defining factor in a very long career, so it's not something that bothers me," says Short. Indeed, she thinks students who hire writers are demonstrating resourcefulness and creativity. "I actually applaud students that look for options to get the job done and get it done well," she says.

"This just shows you the extent of our ability to rationalize all kinds of bad things we do," sighs Dan Ariely, professor of psychology and behavioral economics at Duke University. The rise in contract cheating is especially worrisome, he says, because when it comes to dishonest behavior, more begets more. As he puts it, it's not just about "a few bad apples."

Felicity Huffman And 12 Other Parents To Plead Guilty In College Cheating Scandal

"Instead, what we have is a lot ... of blemished apples, and we take our cues for our behavior from the social world around us," he says. "We know officially what is right and what's wrong. But really what's driving our behavior is what we see others around us doing" or, Ariely adds, what we perceive them to be doing. So even the proliferation of advertising for essays mills can have a pernicious effect, he says, by fueling the perception that "everyone's doing it."

A few nations have recently proposed or passed laws outlawing essay mills, and more than a dozen U.S. states have laws on the books against them. But prosecuting essay mills, which are often based overseas in Pakistan, Kenya and Ukraine, for example, is complicated. And most educators are loath to criminalize students' behavior.

"Yes, they're serious mistakes. They're egregious mistakes," says Cath Ellis, an associate dean and integrity officer at the University of New South Wales, where students were among the hundreds alleged to have bought essays in a massive scandal in Australia in 2014.

"But we're educational institutions," she adds. "We've got to give students the opportunity to learn from these mistakes. That's our responsibility. And that's better in our hands than in the hands of the police and the courts."

Staying one step ahead

In the war on contract cheating, some schools see new technology as their best weapon and their best shot to stay one step ahead of unscrupulous students. The company that makes the Turnitin plagiarism detection software has just upped its game with a new program called Authorship Investigate.

The software first inspects a document's metadata, like when it was created, by whom it was created and how many times it was reopened and re-edited. Turnitin's vice president for product management, Bill Loller, says sometimes it's as simple as looking at the document's name. Essay mills typically name their documents something like "Order Number 123," and students have been known to actually submit it that way. "You would be amazed at how frequently that happens," says Loller.

Using cutting-edge linguistic forensics, the software also evaluates the level of writing and its style.

"Think of it as a writing fingerprint," Loller says. The software looks at hundreds of telltale characteristics of an essay, like whether the author double spaces after a period or writes with Oxford commas or semicolons. It all gets instantly compared against a student's other work, and, Loller says, suspicions can be confirmed — or alleviated — in minutes.

"At the end of the day, you get to a really good determination on whether the student wrote what they submitted or not," he says, "and you get it really quickly."

Coventry University in the U.K. has been testing out a beta version of the software, and Irene Glendinning, the school's academic manager for student experience, agrees that the software has the potential to give schools a leg up on cheating students. After the software is officially adopted, "we'll see a spike in the number of cases we find, and we'll have a very hard few years," she says. "But then the message will get through to students that we've got the tools now to find these things out." Then, Glendinning hopes, students might consider contract cheating to be as risky as plagiarizing.

In the meantime, schools are trying to spread the word that buying essays is risky in other ways as well.

Professor Ariely says that when he posed as a student and ordered papers from several companies, much of it was "gibberish" and about a third of it was actually plagiarized.

Even worse, when he complained to the company and demanded his money back, they resorted to blackmail. Still believing him to be a student, the company threatened to tell his school he was cheating. Others say companies have also attempted to shake down students for more money, threatening to rat them out if they didn't pay up.

The lesson, Ariely says, is "buyer beware."

But ultimately, experts say, many desperate students may not be deterred by the risks — whether from shady businesses or from new technology.

Bertram Gallant, of UC San Diego, says the right way to dissuade students from buying essays is to remind them why it's wrong.

"If we engage in a technological arms race with the students, we won't win," she says. "What are we going to do when Google glasses start to look like regular glasses and a student wears them into an exam? Are we going to tell them they can't wear their glasses because we're afraid they might be sending the exam out to someone else who is sending them back the answers?"

The solution, Bertram Gallant says, has to be about "creating a culture where integrity and ethics matter" and where education is valued more than grades. Only then will students believe that cheating on essays is only cheating themselves.

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The Best Souvenirs To Buy For Your Friends and Family

Posted by Abbey Krzymowski on 4/23/20 8:45 AM

Are you spending time abroad and want to bring back something special for every single person you love? Here's a list of our favorite unique and inexpensive souvenirs to gift. 

You've been traveling the world, maybe even as a volunteer with International Language Programs, and now you want to bring back some little pieces of your favorite places to share with your favorite people? I totally get it. That's been me every time I've spent a semester living abroad. And yes, there have been multiple semesters thanks to ILP.

Because of their head teacher program which allows volunteers to go back again and again (with major discounts), I've been able to spend semesters as an English-teaching volunteer in both Europe and Asia. And you can too! Check out which countries we can currently send volunteers to .

Have you dreamed of traveling but want to be more than just a tourist?  Here's how I've done it: Learn More About International Language Programs

Like most travelers, I want to be able to share even more than pictures with my friends and family back home, and really enjoy picking out little souvenirs for each of my siblings. But as I quickly discovered, these thoughtful gifts can quickly strip your bank account and fill your suitcase if you aren't careful. Here's a handful of souvenir ideas that make the perfect gifts, but are still affordable and easily transportable: 

The Best Souvenirs To Gift

Something practical, a local trinket.

• Your New Favorite Treats

An Item They Collect

Christmas ornaments .

• Jewelry Artwork  

+Some Helpful Tips

Want to get something that will actually be used or worn? What about getting a t-shirt, a flat-brimmed hat, or a beanie, or a scarf? One of my brothers still wears the shirt I got him in Thailand because he likes the embroidered elephants on the pocket.

Keep your eye out for great bags and purses too! I've bought really popular backpacks in Thailand and in North Macedonia for a couple of my sisters. You'll find those in a lot of outdoor markets, usually for around $15-30. 

Every part of the world has their specialties, and usually these items are sold in countless local shops, specifically for tourists. Think about getting elephant figurines in Thailand, tiny cowbells in Switzerland, wooden tulips in the Netherlands, lace in Belgium, painted skulls in Mexico , leather coin purses in the Dominican Republic , woven baskets in Uganda —you get the picture. You can usually find great deals on all of these items, especially the little versions. 

New Favorite Treats

It's no secret that one of the best parts of traveling is getting to try so many new foods and treats! And every part of the world seems to have their foodie specialties that are pretty easy to transport home. Think about it—macarons in France, chocolate in Belgium (and everywhere else in Europe) , olive oil in Croatia, curry powder in Thailand, and vanilla in Mexico. 

If you think your friends may not know what to do with a tiny figurine from a country they've never been to, consider bringing them your favorite treats instead. Everyone knows what to do with a chocolate bar. I personally love to bring home a variety of my favorites from each place and then have a tasting evening with my family when I lay it all out and everyone is able to sample what they want to as I tell them my favorite stories from each place. It's something we all look forward to after every one of my trips and would be easy to do with a group of friends too. 

Don't have money or space to bring home treats? Instead, when you get home, invite everyone over for a little dinner party. Recreate your favorite local dishes for them! Just make sure you took a Thai cooking class so you know exactly how to make the best Pad Thai. Or ask your host mom to teach you her borscht recipe . Your friends will love tasting the flavors of your life abroad! 

Is there something that your sibling or best friend collects? One of my sisters collects little boxes, while one of my brothers collects foreign coins, and my dad collects pins. This makes finding gifts for them pretty easy! Some of the other girls I've volunteered with have friends and family that collect license plates, salt shakers, nativities, embroidered patches, magnets, etc. So check with the people you're planning to get gifts for! They're more likely to value what you give them if they can add it to an already established collection. 

If you get to volunteer in Europe during the fall semester, consider yourself so lucky because you'll get to visit all of the cutie Christmas markets. It's so fun to experience the preparations for Christmas in other countries around the world. But no matter what time of year you're abroad, it should still be pretty easy to find some great Christmas ornaments, or even little things that can easily be turned into ornaments. 

I was in Europe for the Fall 2019 semester, and wanted to find a simple ornament for each member of my family. I discovered that some of the legitimate, hand-made ornaments can get pretty expensive. Instead, I got a bunch of these painted eggs in Poland for about $2.50 each and then bought little screw hooks after I got home. Paired with gold ribbon, these made the perfect ornaments. 

This is a gift that can be practical while still being really unique and special. Just make sure you know your sister's taste in jewelry (or ring size) before you get her something. You can easily find incredible jewelry all over the world! Pick up some beaded bracelets at the markets in Mexico, keep a look out for painted glass earrings while on vacation in Italy, or find a silver necklace pendant in Bali—just remember to bargain!

Beautiful, one-of-a-kind artwork is something that most people love! And as you'll see, it isn't hard to find while living abroad. Obviously it could get pretty expensive if you're trying to buy individual canvases done by street artists for several people. But, you can usually find reasonably priced 3x5 or 4x6 inch paintings that won't take up much room in your suitcase — these volunteers even had some sweet experiences with the artist they purchased from. 

On that note, postcards are another great option. You can get the typical cityscape ones, or if you look a little harder, you might be able to find some artsy, vintage postcards at streetside stalls. They’re usually inexpensive and would make a great gift especially if you got it framed! Write a thoughtful message on the back of the card explaining why you bought this specific one for them. This is the perfect gift for any art lovers in your life!

We especially love this idea for thanking anyone who donated to your semester abroad. Did anyone help you with fundraising? Donate supplies for your classes? Express gratitude to them by mailing a thank you postcard from the other side of the world!

Don't buy the first thing you see, unless you absolutely love it and know you won't be coming back, because you'll probably find something you like even better for even cheaper later on. 

If you purchase liquid souvenirs (perfume, oil, sauce) keep in mind that any liquids in your carry-on can't be over 3 oz and have to fit in a quart-sized bag specifically for liquids. 

Unless you're in an actual store, always offer a lower price first. See if you can bargain with them at all. Sometimes the sellers won't budge because they know someone else will come along, but most of the time they're willing to give you a better deal, especially if you start to walk away. 

You'll almost always get a better deal if you buy more. Talk to your friends and see if they're also planning to get a couple of tiny ceramic bowls, then you can pay together and split the cost. 

Instead of wandering through overcrowded souvenir shops, check out the local stalls and outdoor markets. The locals will know where the best ones are. Keep these tips in mind when visiting a flea market. 

Follow us on Insta to see all of the amazing adventures that our volunteers tag us in throughout their semesters abroad. Heads up—it is very likely you'll catch the travel bug, if you haven't already. 

Topics: All The Travel Tips

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We are ILP, a Utah-based non-profit org that has service abroad opportunities for college-age volunteers. We love travel so we're sharing all our tips for making the most of your time living abroad + seeing the world, and how to do it all on the tiniest budget.

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I Put Up a Fence in Maine. Why Did It Cause Such a Fuss?

The goal was to shield our house from the road, but it soon turned into something much more revealing.

The author, Heidi Julavits, at her home, which was built in 1815. Credit... Fumi Nagasaka for The New York Times

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By Heidi Julavits

Heidi Julavits is a writer who grew up in Portland, Maine.

• July 15, 2024

When we bought our house in Maine 23 years ago, people welcomed us to town with tales of local mishaps and gaffes. Barns that almost burned down. Pipes that burst. The man a mile down the road who built a fence. This chatty imparting of intel functioned simultaneously as a gesture of hospitality and a comical how-not-to primer, containing valuable survival and etiquette tips. Our town of about 830 residents more than doubles in size during the summer, when part-time residents like me arrive. The fence story suggested what types of behavior on your personal property were, and were not, considered neighborly in a town where zoning ordinances are few.

Listen to this article, read by Kirsten Potter

“You won’t ever get rid of the magazine room, will you?” people asked. The magazine room is on our house’s second floor. It’s basically a vintage mood board, and more of a windowless crawl space than a room, accessible through what looks like a cupboard door. A much earlier resident, or successive generations of earlier residents, had patchworked the pitched, unpainted walls of the magazine room with clippings from what appeared to be fashion, adventure-story and homemaking periodicals dating to the first half of the 1900s.

We promised never to renovate the magazine room.

We promised to change very little about our house, at least what was visible from the road, including the 11-foot-tall deciduous hedge that ran the length of our yard and seasonally blurred our view of the traffic coming in and out of town.

But then the hedge began to fail. An expert from a nearby nursery arrived with a clipboard and pronounced our hedge an invasive, nonnative weed, not worth saving. But we loved the weed. We topped it. We fertilized it.

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