Australian Souvenirs I Take Overseas

[Cruiser Elite]

I am lucky enough to travel regularly and to many different countries - I usually take some souvenirs with me to give away to people I meet. Finding small cheap easy to carry and uniquely Australian souvenirs can be difficult - here are a couple that are basically my staples.

Firstly the $1 coin - must be the coin with the 5 Kangaroos on back - no others work - what could be more iconic on an Australian souvenir than our Kangaroo;



The 5 Kangaroos:



On the front - and right over poor old Betty Windsor's scone we glue a small brooch pin sourced from haberdashery / bead store etc:



Finding the right adhesive that just does not give way is the hard part - many Super Glues useless - best we have found is JB Weld or something similar.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

what could be more iconic on an Australian souvenir than our Kangaroo:

The Koala of course - you have all seen these - you buy them in packs of 10 - about $3 at Queen Victoria Market - everyone loves them:



And:



If you buy these you have to check the Koala's bum - many have a small gold 'Made in China' sticker affixed - best these are removed.

So what other Australian Souvenirs do you guys take overseas to give away?

 

[VPS]

I usually take the koalas and was once roundly criticised by my travelling companions about how tacky they were but after seeing how well they were received they got into the spirit of it and would ask - is this a koala moment - also take these key rings - often good for showing the map of Australia and where I live

 

[Foreigner]

I like your Koala idea. I've used these in the past. Many years ago. At 30 cents each, good option.

I take wall calendars with different photos for each month. Chemists hand these out free.

 

[Fifa]

Caramello koalas always go down a treat!
In fact I have some packed for our upcoming SA trip .

 

[Cool Cat Phil]

When heading to Japan those soft plush kangaroo's, koala's or wombats go down an absolute treat.
Usually can find them Aussie made in those souvenir shops in Swanston Street for a few dollars.

+1 That Caramello Koala's always seem to go down a treat with people's eyes lighting up when given as gifts

 

[juddles]

TIM TAMs !!

 

[VPS]

TIM TAMs !!

ah forgot about the Tim Tams

Gave some kids in the US Caramello koalas and they spat them out - no class

 

[blackcat20]

I'd rethink your use of coins: RBA Banknotes: Deliberate Damage

 

[Cruiser Elite]

I'd rethink your use of coins: RBA Banknotes: Deliberate Damage

These are coins not notes

If this is my greatest concern in life I'll rest easy bc. If they lock me up will you bake me a cake?

 

[blackcat20]

These are coins not notes

If this is my greatest concern in life I'll rest easy bc. If they lock me up will you bake me a cake?

Link refers to both.

If you're nice to me....

 

[farstar]

These are coins not notes

If this is my greatest concern in life I'll rest easy bc. If they lock me up will you bake me a cake?

It does say current coins. You can use 1c or 2c if you like or the round 50c.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

How long before some luminary chimes in with 'I hope you get caught?'

 

[medhead]

I was just going to say: I hope you get catched!

I wonder how the seriousness compares in terms of things to be caught doing? Maybe you could fess up to some other thing if not caught already and plea bargain out of the coin thing. Or vice versa

I know something I'm not really doing at the moment is worth $10000 (+GST) and/or 2 years in prison.

16. Defacing or destroying current coins or current paper money
A person shall not, without the consent, in writing, of an authorised person, intentionally deface, disfigure, mutilate or destroy any coin or paper money that is lawfully current in Australia.
Penalty:

• in the case of a person, not being a body corporate – $5,000 or imprisonment for two years, or both; or
• in the case of a person, being a body corporate – $10,000.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

I was just going to say: I hope you get catched!

It'll prolly happen some time - I am a serial offender - 50 years ago we used to put thipences and sixpences on the railway line for the train to run over - I have evaded the long arm of the law for 1/2 century now - I make Ronnie Biggs look like a rank amateur!

 

[exceladdict]

The Koala of course - you have all seen these - you buy them in packs of 10 - about $3 at Queen Victoria Market - everyone loves them

We do these as well.

 

[kevrosmith]

I took key rings to hand out to FAs on my flights in USA a couple years ago. I also took some Australian-themed calendars and coasters: they were lightweight and flat to pack: easily fitted into the front pouch of my carry on case.

 

[Deleted member]

I'd rethink your use of coins: RBA Banknotes: Deliberate Damage

I immediately thought the same thing

 

[Deleted member]

Mrs GPH takes (when traveling in parts of SE Asia and poorer countries) colouring in books, pencils, Australian souvenirs (Koalas) and the like, She has never had a disappointed child yet

 

[JohnK]

I used to take the koala key rings but now take various moulded plastic key rings one can find at souvenir shops and also the caps.

If playing in a group at golf all caddies in the group get to choose a key ring. My caddie gets to choose a souvenir cap as well.

The wife also gives the souvenir caps to family and friends.