Summer is winding down and I feel like I need a little vacation from our vacations ( mostly family reunions back to back that were a total party!) I am abnormally nostalgic, but for some reason really hate souvenirs. Don’t get me wrong, I love souvenirs that have meaning and purpose like a tablecloth a friend in Chile crocheted and art I bought off the street in Venice… it’s the little key-chains and ruined-after-one-wash t-shirts that I loath.
For years my husband and I have been content to come home from a trip with nothing but photos and dirty laundry. But now it’s my kids that always want to buy something on our excursions, so, here is my perfect solution: Make Place Mats.
This summer my kids collected as many free maps/guides they could find. Saving maps didn’t bug me at all. At home the kids chose their favorites, layered them two-sided, and laminated them at the local copy store. $4.67 later the kiddos were thrilled with their memorable souvenir and I was so happy to have a purposeful and super inexpensive summer souvenir! I’ll be honest, meals take a little longer as they study the mats, but they reminisce in fond memories which I think it time well spent.
Maybe you still have maps and guides floating around from your summer travels, make a place mat!
Happy Creating!
(If you’re wondering why my table is yellow, you can check it out here)
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