This one is DEFINITELY a do for me. I usually only bring a few outfits and shoes on my trips so that I can stuff my suitcase full of one-of-a-kind treasures. One of my favorite things to do while traveling is perusing unique thrift or antique stores. My family and friends know that I refuse to spend precious trip time in a gaudy souvenir store (Sorry, Mom! Don’t expect any postcards or refrigerator magnets). To find uncommon souvenirs that won’t be sequestered to junk drawers, I seek out any and all thrift shops, antique stores, and bazaars.

I found this little guy on a shelf the back room of an antique store in Pikes Place Market in Seattle. It’s a grumpy bowl! If the price matched my budget, I would have snatched this guy up in a heartbeat. He would have looked spectacular with a tiny little succulent in him, situated on my bookshelf. I often look back at this picture and regret that I didn’t buy him. I haven’t seen anything like it before or since. Ahh, the sting of regret.

This was at a flea market in southern Illinois. I couldn’t justify purchasing a cat wedding cake topper or a sole rabbit salt shaker, but don’t think I didn’t contemplate it for a bit before walking away. I’m certain that if I had scooped up these figurines, I would have most certainly had buyers’ remorse. No one I know would have appreciated any of these. They would have ended up being donated, for sure. Good call, self! *Self high-five*

I found these vintage hats in an upscale thrift store in Roswell, New Mexico. The hats even came with their original hat boxes! Again, they were out of my price range. I ended up buying a turquoise bowl with a fun little pattern that’s currently holding garlic on my kitchen counter. A decent priced, useful souvenir always wins in my book.

These came from a funky art/antique shop in downtown Oklahoma City. This was before I started my vintage glassware collection of all colors. When I get enough colors, I’m going to arrange them in a rainbow. Rainbows make me so happy! I spy a few cups and glasses that could have diversified my current collection for sure. Next time, Oklahoma City!

Warmly,

Maegan