‘Tis the season for joy spreading and holiday giving! 🙂 With this post, I wanted to share some fun and unique souvenirs to bring back home, or, even better, pass along to dear friends for the holidays that are even great for gifting year-round!
- Snacks/candies/chocolates: Whether its KitKats from the train stops in Japan (and its 200+ flavors) or chocolates from Alain Ducasse or Rozsavolgyi, bringing home flavors from all parts of the world is a great way to share by tasting some yummy candies and treats, reminiscing on your travels. These are light and easy to pack and take back.
- Coffee + tea: Especially for those drink lovers, you can never go wrong with them. Each blend brings out notes and flavors that are unique and different wherever you go.
- Postage stamps + postcards: The best kinds are finding them in outdoor markets that are a little “lived” in (some with love letters or notes written to loved ones), vintage-y even. Or, even finding cards in little boutiques that share the sights and capture the essence of the city.
- Shoes: I know this could come off strange asking for shoes sizes and whatnot, but I had gifted some alpargatas from CRESPO, and they were hooked! My approach to gifting is that I would want to gift something that one can use. It requires a little more effort in asking but comes with knowing that they’re put to good use!
- Journals + pens: A note here, a thought there. These come in handy for note-taking or self-reflection (on all the next possible trips to take).
- Kokeshi dolls: Like the Russian Matryoshka dolls, the Japanese kokeshi dolls come in a diverse range of sizes, shapes, wood finishes, and styles that are uniquely marked by the makers and numbered (minus the stacking). This keeps these dolls original and bringing you all the good luck you need! It’s one of the things that I remember so vividly my very first trip to Japan and haven’t seen anything else quite like it.
- Ceramics: Pieces that offer a nice little touch to any space that are both practical and visually pleasing.
- Starbucks International/City Mugs: In general, any international Starbucks mug. They’re such fun collectible items that change with each year, adding more cities and designs to the mix that suit the coffee mug lovers and collectors alike.
- Art + art prints: In each city I’ve visited, streets are lined with local vendors and artisans waiting for their artwork to be snatched up. Some of the most unique pieces I’ve found are in some of the most unexpected places that make great stories!
- Photo prints: Something thoughtful that doesn’t entirely break the bank. Use cardstock/photo paper to print, or order through Artifact Uprising to deliver photos of beautifully captured places. Bring it to the next level by framing or sending it as a postcard.
Shop some of my favorite things:
- Paper & Tea “A Brave New Earl”
- Seasons Paper “Landscapes” Notebook
- Kokeshi Doll
- Archie’s Press London Print
- Soludos Espadrilles
- Fortnum & Mason Pink Champagne Truffles
- Saint Henri Coffee Single Origin Coffee Beans
- Alain Ducasse 75% Colombia Tablette
- Muji Gel Ink Pen Set
Need to throw this little disclaimer: all opinions are my own based on personal experience and research 🙂 I love getting to share with everyone what I know!
Wishing everyone a wonderful, safe, and joyful holiday season!
xoxo,
-Rachel
One can purchase a nice cup of coffee while you shop, or after the excursion. There’s both indoor and outdoor seating that provides both experiences of shopping and relaxing. 
It is hard not trying to buy the entire store when it is lined with beautiful coffee table books and notebooks to write pretty things on. 
Merchant is a great addition among a street of eclectic restaurants and shops, adding charm to the laid-back style that compliments nicely in Lower Greenville. I find myself coming back every time I am down here!
Located in the heart of Downtown Waco, Magnolia Markets was created by Joanna and Chip Gaines, known for their shiplap and modern farmhouse style on the HGTV show “Fixer Upper.” They are literally my inspiration for when I (hopefully) open my own business someday. It’s absolutely amazing the business that they’ve built on Magnolia.
There’s an array of goods they sell from t-shirts and hats, to paint cans and rugs. The Silos inside is spacious to move around and see different products throughout the place. Everything they sold reflected their design aesthetic perfectly. 
I love how everything was styled. Every corner had something different. I loved this particular corner with the various-sized pitchers and plates complemented by books of a similar color palette. 
My friends and I went shortly after Thanksgiving, so by then the holiday decorations were added. The greenery throughout the store was beautiful. 🙂 
The Silos ground is huge, so it’s easy to roam around. It’s super kid (and pet) friendly with open green spaces and tables to sit and enjoy the food trucks on site. If you ever get the chance to visit, it’s definitely worth the drive. It makes you feel right at home and there’s a lot to see while you’re at the Silos.Whether you’re passing by on the way to Austin, or have an interest in home goods, this is your place!!
Everything that is in the store is handpicked by both Adam and Jennifer. Incorporating their love for the home and quality products, this place is filled with beautifully crafted products. Every time I go in there, I can’t help but stick around and admire all the stuff that they have in there!
The shop changes their displays routinely, but one thing that remains the same is in the back with the navy blue cabinets and island located in the back of the store. It creates the kitchen-like atmosphere, and to add, it makes me want to live there (I wouldn’t do that literally though!).
THE JOYFUL DINER 