I think you’ve gathered by now that (aside from food) I love to travel and I love to shop! And I have managed to find a way of combining both the shopping and the traveling in a way that the airlines can’t rely on me for any extra baggage revenue.
This is my Printer’s Tray.
Remember a time when we used to have printing presses? Well, every printer would have trays and trays like this one. Each tray would hold complete individual characters of A to Z, and punctuation marks, for the different font types. The compartments are of different sizes depending on how popular a letter was.
I’ve had my tray for more years than I would like to admit and I’ve never yet come back from a trip without something to add to it. I have items from North America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia; and because the item has to be small, I invariably don’t end up spending too much money nor needing a lot of bag space to bring it back.
In my last trip to WDW, I acquired these items for my tray.
This item is particularly near and dear to DH. We had previously traveled to Norway and he saw a troll that he wanted to get. As we were backpacking at that time and we didn’t have a lot of cash to spare, I nixed the idea and spent the next 15 years kicking myself. I’m not sure who was happier when we acquired this piece…me or DH!
This was another item that I acquired 5 years ago. The beer stein complements the Bavarian bear already on the tray and shows landmarks of Berlin. As we have been to Berlin, it also made the sales register last time.
So, we already had Norway and Germany covered and did not need to purchase anything for the tray.
I didn’t acquire anything in Canada. I tried hard to get something but the only things that were small enough to fit were animal woodcarvings. I already have this moose on the tray; so I didn’t see any point in doubling up.
I picked this one up in England. I’ve been wearing it a fair bit back home and at this stage, I don’t think the Celtic cross will make it to the tray. I might have to consider getting something else next time I’m at the World.
These French acquisitions will never make it to the tray. But DH will enjoy wearing them. I already have a miniature Eiffel Tower on the tray; so I’m covered for the real France.
There was nothing small enough to fit on the tray in Morocco. I’m still hoping for a miniature magic carpet.
We picked up Bakugan for DS in Japan. He won’t let me put any of it on the tray.
I may have to resort to drastic measures one of these days. Perhaps a skiing trip to Japan might be in order….
I got these Mickey earrings somewhere in Epcot. I’m not entirely sure where – but they have made it to the tray. I’m going to call these American.
Should I ever find the matching necklace, I already have a substitute for its space. Well, this item already has its own corner and I picked this one up at the Outpost.
I didn’t see a small enough item in Italy in the price range that I was prepared to spend. We already have Venetian masks and Murano glass on the tray that were priced significantly less than the items at the World. There must be a huge hidden extra for shipping costs somewhere! And for those eagle-eyed amongst you, there is a miniature replica of David on the tray. Feel free to take a look.
So I got this book instead. I think it will come in handy for me to communicate better with my Italian SIL’s extended family.
I skipped buying the things Made in China. We already have far too many of those on our tray.
Despite already having something from Norway, I did end up picking something up that has a Norway flavour. There was a glass blower craftsman that had a stand along the lake and I got an autographed copy for my Christmas tree. I think he was Norwegian.
I wanted to buy some more silver in Mexico; but as I had already picked up two silver items this trip, I held off. Anyway, we already have a Mexican gentleman in a sombrero having a nap on the tray. Next trip!
These DHS beauties are also going to go on the tray. I particularly like the one with the Hat!
For a momento of all 4 parks, I got these pins. I’m not sure if I’m going to put them up on the tray as it already has a pin from 5 years ago with all the 4 park emblems on it.
DH also decided that he wanted to get this bear when we were at AK. I was dubious about the bag real estate he was going to take up at the time; but now that we’ve gotten him home, I’m glad that DH put his foot down.
Off-topic. These items from Miami Beach and the Everglades are also on the tray. I like the colourful mosaic look on the Miami Beach piece.
And I promised cdotla that I would post a picture of my Pandora bracelet for her to have a look. I will continue to add items to the bracelet and have a target of about 3 - 4 charms per year (preferably of the gold variety). At this rate, it will only take me about 5 years to completely fill it!
For the Aussies following this thread, here are some Dinosaurs that we picked up from Build A Bear and T-Rex. We bought these unstuffed and got them filled in a BAB shop in Melbourne. I could have made tons of money that day if I was of the mind to sell them. I practically had to beat off at least 6 other mums who eyed these cuddly friends as we were filling them up.
This one is for me. Her name is Dolly.
This one is for DH. His name is Diego (I wonder where DH got the idea from!)
These two are for DS - Spiny and Velly.
Oh – one other thing for the Aussies. If you do get them unstuffed, make sure you get the Birth Certificates in the US. I’m thankful that DS insisted that we named them in America. The dino range is not available in Australia (yet) and as such you cannot scan the barcode to get the correct eye and fur colour on the birth certificates.
[Up next – An Illuminating Finale]
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