Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Souvenirs of India
India,the land of unity in diversity boasts a tradition of rich heritage in arts and crafts. Souvenirs from India,always unique,exhibit the fine craftsmanship of the artisans of india. It is difficult to find a souvenir of India which doesnt show the love of art of indians.Indians speak hindi but most of the Indians can speak english. Indian currency unit is indian rupee.(1USD= Indian rupee)
Ethnic wears
Ethnic wear of females of India is saree and of makes is dhoti and shirt. It will have slight variations from state to state. Cotton and kanchipuram silk sarees are unique souvenirs from India. Cotton and silk skirts with rich rajastani mirror work steals everyones eyes. One can also buy excellent silk made of fine silk threads to stitch dresses.One of my foreign friend when she recently visited India bought silk to stitch cushion covers..Jewellery
Unique hand made jewellery made of silver,gold and other precious stones is a speciality of India. If you want to try something fully ethnic you can go for a nose ring or a toe ring. Glass bangles are cheap and are available in almost every imaginable color which can be gifted to a funky jewellery lover.
Spice boxes
You can find wooden boxes or boxes made of coconut shell with spices inside which can be a rich souvenir to your friends. These boxes may be made of compartments, which contains spices such as clove,cinnamon and pepper.
Statues of indian idols
Statues of indian idols made of brass or wood will be available in almost all craft shops all over India. There are people all over world who loves collecting idols of lord ganesha,the elephant god. Statues made of sandal wood are also available but are expensive.
Tajmahal miniatures
Tajmahal,one of the seven wonders of the world is in India. It was built by emperor Shajahan in loving memory of his wife Mumtaz. Miniatures of this beautiful architecture can be a good souvenir for your lover. Its difficult to find a souvenir of India which represents the whole of India
Handicrafts
Handicrafts of India is of wide variety as each of the 28 states of India,boasts their own crafts,making it difficult for travellers to find an apt souvenir of India. Wood carvings,wall hangings,dhurries,embroideried exhibits and many more. If you are planning to go to south India you can buy coconut shell crafts and carved snake boats and elephants.Malaysian souvenir shopping
Malaysia, the multicultural,beautiful island in Asia is inhabited by ethnic groups- malays, chinese, indians and other indigenous group. Official language of malaysia is malay language and currency unit is Ringgat Malaysia (USD 1= RM 3.60). Being a land of multiculture malaysia offers travellers a wide variety of souvenirs.Malaysian souvenir shopping is real fun.
Dodol
Dodol is a toffy made of coconut,milk,jaggery and rice flour, served during festivals,weddings and other celebrations. It is available in almost all food stores
Sompoton, Gongs(traditional musical instruments)
Sompoton made of gourd and bamboo pipes & Gongs made of iron sheets are two traditional instruments used during harvest festivats, weddings and birthdaysKLCC Pewter Miniatures
Kaula Lumpur city centre complex miniature form, is a souvenir every one brings home from malaysia. One can get cheap ones from the flea markets in malaysia.
Wayang Souvenirs
Wayang is a shadow puppet theatre performed in Malaysia. Puppets made of leather are expensive but less expensive puppets made of card board are available. Wayang art is commercially being used on t-shirts, cups and even bookmarks. Anything with Wayang art on it will make a wonderful souvenir for sure
Pewter
Pewter is a metal made of 85 to 99% tin and rest being copper and antimony. Pewter artifacts, form decorative items for your interiors. Pewter mugs,flower vases,statues,coins and pendents are good souvenirs for art loving people.
Menkuang leaf products
Baskets,bags,boxes,hats,wallets,food covers,and fans made of menkuang leaf are ideal souvenirs for friends who love natureBaju melayu/Baju kurung( national costume)
Baju melayu is the national dress of malaysia which consists of a loose shirt and long trousers. Over the trousers they wrap a sarung around the waist. An ornate headgear called sangok is also used. Women wear baju kurung which consists of sarung and blouse. Sarung with batik design is very fashionable.
Batik souvenirs
Batik ( wax printing) products can be a good souvenir as no two pieces of batik are exactly alike. Batik is used to design sarungs,shirts,duvets,bed sheets,table clothes and wood cravings of reasonable price. Batik products form a major chunk of Malaysian souvenir shopping.
Tikar sarawak(bamboo carpet)
Tikar sarawak is carpet made of bamboo,which can be used for performing yoga. It can be used for picnics and sunbath
Souvenirs Japan
Japanese hand crafted dolls
Dolls ,a part of japanese are available in wide varieties. Popular ones are daruma dolls, kokeshi dolls and hakata dolls. Hina dolls displayed during girl's festival and samurai dolls exhibited during boy's festival are also popular.
Traditional japanese music
Japanese music is interesting. You can buy CDs of different musical wings such as gakaku, biwagaku, nogaku, sokyoku or mingo(japanese folk songs). Local shops help by playing the song and you can choose your favorite. Another interesting souvenir is japanese musical instruments such as kabuki, bunraku, No, enka and J-pop.Bento boxes
Bento is a traditional japanese cuisine which consists of rice,meat or fish and pickles. Bento is packed in beautiful handcrafted lacquerware which can be a traditional souvenir from japan
Samurai swords
Katana or samurai swords are curved swords with blade length more than 60 cm. It represents feudal Japan.
Tatani mat
Traditional japanese flooring,it is made of woven straw or styrofoam. These natural mats are perfect for yoga and meditation. They are stain resistant and long lasting.
Maneki neko
The welcoming cat or the fortune cat is a japanese porcelain or ceramic sculpture which is good luck to the owner. It is the sculpture of a cat beckoning with a paw.
Kimono/yukata
Traditional dress of Japan, kimono,is a robe secured by a belt tied at the back made of beautiful silk. This is a perfect souvenir of Japan. You can also buy yukata,a summer wear made of cotton which is a simpler dress,compared to kimono.
Japanese paper fans
Japanese paper fans are an all time favorite,economical and easy to carry. It is made of paper or feathers, with decorative art work.
Tamagotchi
He he...a digital pet from Japan,an excellent souvenir for a kid. It is an egg shaped computer which is released in about 44 versions.
Macha(green tea powder)
Japanese tea ceremony is famous. Macha is made from shade grown tea leaves. Green tea is considered healthy all over the world. So you can buy this for a friend or relative who is health conscious.
Japanese amulets
Japanese amulets popularly known as omamori, is used to ward off bad luck. It is used for protection and is often hung on bags,cars,cellphones etc
Souvenirs Spain
Flamengo dresses
Working robe of Andalusian women,it had flounces at hem to flare out,this can be an expensive gift. You can get one for yourself one if u want to keep those memories alive
Saffron
Saffron can be a good gift to friends who love cooking. Saffron is good and cheap in Spain.
Cider
Cider, the fragmented apple juice is served in cider bars,a speciality of Spain. Special glasses are there to serve cider which can also be a good gift
Bull fighting costumes
Bull fighting is a part of spanish culture. Bull fighting costumes include heavy silk embroidery jacket, skin tight pants and montera(hat). They are expensive but fun to giftPaella
Paella is a special dish made of white rice,seafood,beans,meat and vegetables. Paella pans, a shallow round ran with two handles,made of polished steel or Paella recipe book is a good souvenir.Andaluz hats
Andaluz hats are hats that curl up at either ends. These unisex hats are made by skilled Andeans.
Marquetry
Marquetry, an art from granada, Spain,is decoratory art which geometric patterns are used to decorate wood , metal, ivory and bone. Small boxes decorated using this art makes a good souvenir.
Hand made basketry
Hand crafted basketry of Spain is unique.Basketry made of olive wood is common in Spain.
Ceramics
Traditional pottery, tableware, ice buckets and wall hangings all add a spanish touch to our home.
Swords
Toledo swords are famous,which will be available in most souvenir shops. Since it cant be carried, the shops will arrange for shipment.
Souvenirs France
French perfume, french chocolate,french cheese...France is famous for all these and more. Official language of France is french
Chocolates
France is not as famous as Belgium or Switzerland for their chocolates. But the french academy of chocolate and candy making is making constant efforts to make a name in the field. One can find a wide variety of chocolates Bonbon, Valrhona, Bonnat, Pralus and much more.
Lavender sachets and soaps
Provence is the centre of lavender soaps,potpourri sachets,bath gels,lavender water,lavender essential oil,handsoaps,lavender bath salts and neck massage and eye pillows.
Eiffel tower souvenirs
One among the seven wonders of the world, it is a symbol of french engineering and science achievements. Miniatures, t-shirts, table ware,key rings and post cards with Eiffel tower printed on it can be good souvenirs.
Doll of toulouse
Doll of Toulouse is a special little doll which is a symbol of the city of Toulouse
Croix Occitane
Its a special cross,evolved locally from jerusalem cross. It is an old symbol of Toulouse. Several souvenirs with Croix Occitane are available such as key chains,wall hangings and t-shirts
French perfumes
Provence is the birth place of french perfumes, the land of herbs and lavender. Major brands are Caron, Chanel, and LancomePost cards and calenders
The Louvre, the art museum depicted in the famous Da Vinci Code, the arc de tromphe which honors those who fought for France and Eiffel tower are well pictured in post cards and calenders which can form an excellent souvenirs.Cheese
Over thousand variety of cheese are there to select from. Some of them are Abondance, Beaufort, Cancoillotte, Chaource, Livarot and Langres
Crepe
Crepe is a special dish available in France. It is made of flour, eggs, milk, butter. Crepe is available in craperies all over France. For friends who love cooking a crepe set or recipe book on crepe will be an excellent souvenir.Souvenirs America
Cow boy hats
According to an old cow boy saying " Your hav is the last thing you take off and the first thing that gets noticed". So cow boys took special care of their hats. In the west,this felt hat with wide brim and tall crown is popular. I bet every one has read about those tall handsome dark cow boy on horseback taking care of his ranch. Cow boy hats will be a best souvenir from america,as these hats are not used in the east.
Hershey's chocolates
Hershey's represent the taste of america. They even provide personalised gifts which includes gift baskets, chocolate cards and gift boxes. I once got a heart shaped chocolate bar specially designed with my name on it.
American flag tshirts and bandanas
You can buy tshirts with american flag in the background. I have seen smiley face and eagle tshirts and god bless america tshirts which look awesome. Also tshirts with american university logo or sports team logo can be a good american souvenir
Sea shell and sand combo
If you are visiting florida then you can buy a seashell and sand combo souvenir. Siesta key,Florida have the world's finest whitest sand. This beach souvenir will make an excellent souvenir from america for nature lovers
Dream catchers
Dream catchers represent native american indian culture. Native american dream catchers are rare so be careful when you buy them.The legend of dream catcher is that it protects sleeping children from nightmares. They are made of sinew and willow. This can be an excellent gift for children.
Yankee candle
Yankee candles are special scented candles which are available in America. You can buy these candles to decorate your room and make your nights wonderful.
Miniature statue of liberty
Miniature of statue of liberty and other famous landmarks in America can be good souvenirs from America.