By virtue of (1) the hundreds of hours I've spent browsing in foreign destinations and (2) the three satisfied grandchildren I've shopped for in over 60 countries around the world, here is my advice for finding the best kiddies' gifts to bring back home.
Be prepared with proper sizing
Before you leave home trace each child's feet on pieces of paper. Now you won't have to guess whether those beautiful sandals in Italy or those inexpensive socks in the markets of Hong Kong will fit.
Be aware of sale times around the world
In Paris there are two sale periods legislated by the government each year: summer and winter. Each sale runs for about six weeks. The summer 'soldes' typically start at the end of June, while the winter 'soldes' begin in January. In London, England, the very posh Harrod's holds a mega store-wide clearance in January though it takes very careful shopping to find affordable trinkets even at sale time.
Holidays offer special gift buying opportunities
On a recent Christmas Market Cruise I choose an 'angel theme' and then picked one Christmas tree ornament from each market in each country we visited. This gave me a focus while I searched through hundreds of handicraft stalls along the way. Then I gave the entire angel collection to my little granddaughter. Now, each year it's her job to decorate a special section of the family Christmas tree with lovely European angels.
Pop into post offices
Often times the main post office in a major city is housed in an historic building. I always enjoy exploring the interior and taking photos but I never leave without buying a couple of dollar's worth of colorful postage stamps. Remember, the smaller denomination stamps are just as beautiful as the bigger ones and most postal employees love helping you pick the nicest especially when they know it's for children.
Think ornamental boxes
I've found that since I have my own personal collection of boxes from around the world my grandkiddies are intrigued with the idea of having one of their own, too. These containers are always so well received by both the girls and the guys, no matter their age. The biggest hits to date are the delicate tooth fairy box I found in London and the stunning, masculine mother of pearl dragon box I stumbled upon in Seoul, Korea. The best part about these box collections is you never know where you'll find the next one -- in a market, gift shop, museum or dollar store.
Think outside the box
I love the things I find by browsing in drugstores and supermarkets. It doesn't matter if the shelves are stocked with items that are common place to folks living there; to my grandkids they are novelties. In Hong Kong I bought Travel size Dove Shampoo with Chinese labelling for my eight year old grandson. He loved it. In Boots (London) I found perfect lip balm for his sister.
Think small
If it's tiny enough, you can mail a surprise from far away places. In Equador I found knitted finger puppets for one child. In London, at a toy store I bought a sweet £1 Thomas the Tank Engine zipper pull for the youngest of our brood.
Sparkly anything is extra good
Young girls just love extra sparkly jewelry which is available in abundance in countries like India and China. Colorful Bangles encrusted with shiny stones or diamante hair clips are so inexpensive the you can really stock up on loads of these. They are perfect for playing dress-up.
Children love books
So many of our North American books are printed in the Far East. If you're in that part of the world it's interesting to browse the big stationary and book stores for bargains. I've been able to find wonderful, inexpensive children's books in Hong Kong, Penang and Singapore.
Have something unique tailored
On my first day in Shanghai I visited the Fabric Market and picked out a tailor whose work I felt comfortable with. Within three days he sewed matching red velvet Chinese jackets with black silk linings for my granddaughters to wear to a family wedding. He charged $25.00 for each jacket and they were a real hit.
Finally, think ahead. Not every gift you buy has to be given to the kiddies right away. I have a big glass see-through jar where I store colorful, inexpensive items I've purchased 'round the world. When my grandchildren come to visit they are allowed to reach in for the gift of their choice before they go home. It's a great hit with the younger ones and grandma becomes the happy recipient of juicy hugs. Can you think of a better reason to shop for them?
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