Once upon a time, on her first few trips abroad, there was a girl who would always return home with foreign gifts and goodies from exotic destinations and far off lands. For mum, a Guess handbag straight from the streets of Milan. For the grandparents, a handwoven recreation of the last supper. Weaponry from the tower of London, Pacific Island artifacts, plush toys, designer clothing and African art – there was nothing which didn’t make it home, and she loved the joy these gifts would bring loved ones upon her return.

However unfortunately now, with a travel itinerary so hectic and round the world tours so packed, it would send her broke to return home with such lavish souvenirs from each and every far off land (though it kills her inside). Also, she doesn’t have the packing space.

And though she no longer buys, she still takes joy in what each family member and friend would have loved, and so without further ado, I give you the gifts I would have bought you from Iceland…if I had more money and space to pack everything.

For: My sister Emma. Lover of cute underwear.

For: Dad, to wear when you take mum to Iceland. That’s a hint.

For: Koby – my 3 year old nephew. Though I have undoubtedly gotten his age wrong.

For: My sister Amy. Works with children and would probably wear this herself anyway!

For: Tom. My brother gets a kick out of amusing shirts!

For: There’s a new baby on the way! Em, we would buy them both because we don’t know yet!

For: Bethany. My cousin has the best collection of plush toys I have ever seen!

For: Mum. You get your own little piece of Iceland, plus, I’m convincing Dad to bring you on a trip of your own!

For: My 6 year old nephew Malakai.

For my brother-in-law Nate. You get a Viking Ship!

For: Duncan. It reminds me of Lord of the Rings, plus there was no Lego. We checked.

For: My girlfriends. Icelandic beauty products and skin care!!

For: Everyone I forgot. Everyone else gets socks…

…and postcards!

We actually had the time of our lives running around the gift shop in the Golden Circle while it poured outside with rain.

Finding ‘things I would have bought’ for each person we love and hold most dear was an incredibly fun and entertaining way to spend the better half of an afternoon. (Try it sometime!)

And even though they’re not actually receiving these gifts – it’s the thought that counts!

 About Megan Claire

Megan is an Australian Journalist who has been travelling and blogging around the world for the last 7 years to inspire others to embark on their own worldwide adventure!  Her husband Mike is an American travel photographer, and together they have made the world their home.

Follow their journey on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter.