Five Reasons to Buy Handmade Souvenirs

With all of the summer traveling that is happening this year, we wanted to write up a list of reasons to choose handmade souvenirs. Oftentimes, we travel to a new place and leave with one of the classic tchotchkes - fridge magnets, keychains, shot glasses, or picture frames. And while we love all of those things, we think that there is a good reason to either purchase them from a local artist or check out other options in the city that you're visiting! 

#5: Purchasing from local artists helps to support a small business economy

Small businesses bring so much to a local economy - fair wage jobs, ethically made products, and they drive tourism. A lot of small businesses rely on tourism to keep their doors open. When you support these small companies, you are directly impacting the lives of the people who work at and own the shop.

#4: Handmade souvenirs are more likely to be ethically produced 

What materials were used in the production of this piece of art? Were they local or recycled? Is there any plastic in the product? Which suppliers do the business choose to work with? Small businesses shorten the production chain, and owners are involved in more steps of the process. This means you can be sure that you can feel good about your purchase!

Pictured: Butterfly Earrings and Pendant

#3: It's a great way to bring a piece of the place back with you

A handmade souvenir will usually be made with materials specific to the place you're traveling to. They're one of a kind items that can't be found in your hometown, or anywhere else! It gives them a sentimental value that can't be replicated and allows you to cherish that item and the memories attached to it for years to come.

#2: You're more likely to cherish a handmade souvenir

So many souvenirs wind up collecting dust in a forgotten drawer or cupboard. We believe that you should buy souvenirs that you can (and want to!) wear and use every day. Jewelry, framed art, and ceramics are all great options. Souvenirs don't necessarily need an obvious tie to the location you're visiting as long as they remind YOU of your trip and bring back those memories. 

Pictured: Delicate Dewdrop Ring

#1: A handmade souvenir tells a story

Objects tell stories. For example, our Upper Peninsula jewelry is in the shape of the UP, and most are made with local copper. It is literally a piece of the land that you're visiting - how cool is that! Additionally, we have pieces that have gemstones and copper originating from the peninsula. A unique piece will have people asking where you got it from and you can revisit your trip each time you tell your story.