As a truck driver, you have the unique opportunity to visit new places around the country while you’re on your route. And if you have friends and family waiting for you back home, you might want to get them a little something to show them where you have been or to express that you have been thinking about them in your absence. There are lots of different and fun souvenirs you can get from around the U.S. for your loved ones.
A Practical Souvenir
If you want to get your friends and family something they will use and won’t sit on a shelf collecting dust, you might consider getting them a hat, T-shirt, a scarf, or even nice purses and bags. You can find many backpacks at great prices in some towns as well as other fun and practical souvenirs for your loved ones.
Local Trinkets
Each part of the country has its specialties, and you might find them in souvenir shops for tourists. Look for trinkets that have something unique about each state or town on them. For example, if you are in California, you might get a decorative wine bottle. Or if you are near the beach, you may find some fun tropical souvenirs. If you are driving through a town that has historical significance, you might even be able to find something cool that represents the history of that area.
Small Treats
As a truck driver, one of the best parts of getting to travel around the country is that you get to try so many different treats and foods. Each part of the country has its specialties when it comes to food. For instance, the southern part of the country has different kinds of foods than the Midwest or East Coast. Each state has a type of food unique and special to them!
If you think that your friend might not know what to do with a small trinket, consider getting them that states version their favorite treat instead. Everyone knows what to do with food! You could even gather up your family and friends for an evening of tasting different foods and tell them your favorite stories from each of the places you have been to.
You don’t have to buy treats from each place you go to if you don’t have enough space or money for everything. Instead, consider collecting recipes that are unique to the area. Then, have a dinner party and create your favorite foods. If you can’t cook, see if one of your family members or friends would like to help with your dinner party.
Something Your Friend Collects
Is there anything that your family members or friends collect? For example, some people collect dolls while others collect pins or even decorative boxes. Others might collect saltshakers, magnets, or license plates.
Consider visiting the local antique shops to find fun collectibles. Giving your family or friends, something that they collect will show them that you took the time to come up with something personalized instead of just grabbing something. Plus, they will have a use for it if they can add it to their collection!
Jewelry
Jewelry is a unique and practical gift, but you’ll want to make sure that you know their taste before you buy something. There are all kinds of places that you can find unique and fun jewelry while you’re on the road for a friend or a loved one. Always be on the lookout for something handmade by the locals or specific to the region you are in as well.
Artwork
There are many local artists in small towns who are happy to sell you small paintings for your loved ones. Of course, postcards are always a classic option. You can find both typical ones and vintage postcards. They usually don’t cost much, and you can frame them or add a thoughtful message about why you chose it for your friend or loved one.
Closing Thoughts
These are just a few of the many fun souvenirs you’ll have the chance to collect as a truck driver. If you don’t know where to start, spend some time researching the areas you will stop in. Or send postcards from each town you’re in. You’ll always have something interesting to bring home to your wife, kids, family, and friends that will remind them of you while you are out on the open road.