the problem with things labeled souvenirs is that they're not souvenirs. in french, whence the word comes, souvenir means "to remember." who wants to remember a trip by what someone stocking an airport gift shop, or even a street gift shop, thinks you should remember? blow up a picture you took, have it framed and give it to your girlfriend, so she can see one thing you REMEMBER about your trip.

when my father visited me in japan, where i lived for a decade, he found a kit kat bar with japanese writing on the wrapper and was so delighted that he made an overseas call just to tell my mother what he had found. he brought it home. many years later, after he had died, and when my mother had JUST died, i found that kit-kat in the refrigerator. it was a REMEMBRANCE.

g

Don't knock airport gift shops! My favorite souvenir was a cheapie item I found at the last minute at a schlocky gift shop.

This kind of behavior most definitely warrants a burning at the stake!!!!

Remove/cover up the little tags that say "Made in China",something about that makes the recipient wrinkle their nose and go "Huh"?

You couldn't find anywhere convenient to get souvenirs in London? There are literally whole shops with nothing but souvenirs for tourists! Street Vendors too! LOL