• ICONIC, BUT NOT TOO MUCH: an original thought is always appreciated, but ultimately a souvenir can be defined as such only if it clearly refers to the place where we have been. In the case of Kefalonia, for example, it is not really possible to go home without something that refers to its iconic Caretta Caretta turtles! However, this does not mean giving up creativity: instead of opting for a figurine or a soft toy, "your" turtle could be a handmade product created by a local artist. In this way, in addition to supporting the small local activities, you will buy a unique object, which will certainly have greater value both for those who bought it and for those who will receive it. I still wear some beautiful white turtle-shaped pendants that I received as a child from my dad upon returning from one of his trip!

• TRADITION AND GLAMOUR: Getting to know the best local artisan activities will allow you to buy unique and original souvenirs: from household items to decorative items, from sculptures to tailoring. To better choose the typical local handicraft products to buy, it is advisable to inquire about the most famous shops in the area as well as the concept stores that offer original reinterpretations of traditional ideas and materials. If you want to give something typical but at the same time "trendy", the best option is to buy local or national brands that are well known locally. For example, you could opt for cushions or a bag in kourelou (a colorful traditional fabric made from an intertwining of colored threads and rags) or for a witty cork clutch, in the shops you will find very popular local brands. Craft enthusiasts may also like an unmistakable mati (or Allah's eye, an amulet against bad luck), a leather or olive wood product or a kompoloi (worry beads traditionally reserved for the Greek male population).

• A PLEASURE TO SHARE AT THE TABLE: the food and wine souvenir, as well as being numerous and varied, are certainly appreciated because they allow you to relive the aromas and flavors that accompanied you during your trip. Black pine honey, wild oregano, mandola or Robola wine are typical products of Kefalonia and in addition to being delicious, they tell the story of Kefalonia's Venetian past and of the unique biodiversity of this island. Olive oil, kouloumia, barbecue spices (a real institution in Kefalonia), spoon desserts, ouzo and mastiha represent a tasty alternative to these local products and despite having a more generically Greek character, they will conquer even the most demanding palates.

• SMALL TRAVELERS GROW: the memory of a journey is something that goes far beyond the memory of an itinerary: exploring means getting excited, opening up to the world, acquiring experiences that remain etched in the hearts and minds of even the little ones. A trip with your children can become an opportunity to create indelible memories and to spend quality time with them also on your return home. Why not create with them a travel souvenir box with drawings, boarding passes, receipts, postcards and stamps, sugar sachets, pebbles, shells or whatever is associated with a happy moment? You could use the material to create a journal to browse through when they get older. If you want to buy something to make your keepsake box more special you could choose something small and easily transportable like a magnet, tapes (metal figurines to exchange and collect, but with which it is also possible to play) or maybe a Playmobil character: you may choose from an entire line dedicated to Greece with divinities, protagonists of mythology and even heroes of the wars of independence! Alternatively, you could combine culture and play possibilities with a nice interactive book on Greek myths or with a puppet of Karagiozis, the much loved protagonist of Greek summer shadow theater. For older children, we suggest the timeless backgammon, the most popular board game in Hellenic land.
  

Finally, it is worth remembering good rules valid in Kefalonia as in any other travel destination. Look around, if what you are looking for is common enough and available in many stores it is worth looking for until you find one at a reasonable price. Use the money you save for an iced coffee, you've earned it! If you are traveling by plane, don't forget the dimensions, weight and boarding limits (especially for food products) imposed by customs and airlines, after all, your purchases must go home with you!