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There are two things in life that can never be taken away from you: experiences and memories. Now, these things are more important than ever. Here are some unique gift ideas to give the gift of memories to the travel lovers on your list.
Memory Books
My favorite unique gift idea is memory books. They are personal, full of memories, and perfect for any age. Make a memory book that covers a range of trips or just a favorite trip.
If you have a good amount of time to devote to making the memory book, make a scrapbook where you glue photos, ticket stubs, and other items on decorative paper.
If you are short on time, use a company like Shutterfly to create a digital photo book that is printed and shipped to you. I love using Shutterfly for digital photo books. They always turn out great!
I particularly like creating photo books for children. It’s a fun way to share memories of trips they took when they were too young to remember.
Framed Photos
Next on our list of unique gift ideas for travel lovers is framed photos. Pick a photo that captures the essence of the trip. Then buy an awesome frame to put it in. Regardless of how you frame it, your loved one will surely treasure the photo and the memory it evokes.
Old Newspapers or Mementos
Another idea for unique gifts is to put old newspaper clippings or other mementos in a frame or shadow box.
Give your best friend a shadow box full of seashells and a photo of you two from last summer’s girls trip to the beach. Remind your husband of your honeymoon by framing a printout of the menu from the bar you hung out at all week. Frame a picture and that old t-shirt from the trip to Vegas you took with your sister ten years ago.
If you don’t already have the mementos you need to frame a particular memory, scour the internet for old newspaper articles and photos or visit antique stores or museums to find something you can use.
T-Shirt Quilts
Looking for unique gift ideas that are practical? Then t-shirt quits are for you! Gather up all the t-shirts your loved one has collected from their travels and turn them into a quilt. These are great gifts for teens and young adults.
My husband has a t-shirt quilt that was made for him years ago from his college t-shirts. Turn all your child’s sports jerseys from years past into a quilt. Or make a quilt from all those concert t-shirts your brother has saved over the years.
Music
Memories are closely tied to our senses. A particular sound or smell can instantly transport us to a different time and place. So, let music inspire you to find unique gift ideas that evoke those special memories.
Give your loved one music from an artist they discovered on a past trip. Or make them a playlist of music you listened to on a treasured vacation.
Food
Food is another area of inspiration for unique gift ideas that remind us of favorite travel memories.
Order some beloved snacks and have them shipped to your loved one. Take them to a restaurant that serves food from a special destination. Or cook some of their cherished dishes yourself. You could also give a cookbook featuring a preferred cuisine.
Candles
Many times, a simple scent can bring back a flood of memories. This makes candles a great choice of gifts for travel lovers. Whether you are looking to capture memories of the beach, the forest, or even Disney World, there are candle companies making scents to transport you to favorite locations.
Three Cheeky Chicks Wax Co., for instance, specializes in Disney scents.
Symbolic Items
Another way to give unique gift of travel memories is to find items symbolic of a favorite trip or a special moment. This could be a mug, figurine, or anything that reminds your loved one of a certain point in time.
I recently gave my husband a personalized beer stein for Father’s Day to remind him of time spent with close friends in the South Pacific.
Experiences
Lastly, consider giving experiences that allow you to spend quality time with your family and friends instead of stuff. This will allow you to make new travel memories with your favorite people.
The options are only limited by your imagination and budget. Tickets to a concert in a nearby city, a weekend road trip, or a visit to a national park are all great choices. Get creative and find some ways to spend time having fun and creating new memories this year!
Conclusion
Unique gift ideas that evoke memories of past travel can make the holidays special and meaningful for those you love. And it doesn’t cost a fortune to give these gifts. With some thoughtfulness, creativity, and a little time, you can give everyone in your family a Christmas to remember. I hope these ideas help you brainstorm wonderful gifts to give this year. For more holiday gift ideas, see how to give the gift of travel, gifts for travel loving kids, what to give your Disney fan, gift ideas for beach lovers, and gift ideas for travelers. Happy travels!
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