I'm a cheapskate, and doesn't buy souvenirs unless it's really, really worth it. However, one thing I could never pass is on-ride photos. The expressions are always priceless, and you could never get the same thing anywhere or anytime else Sometimes I also consider buying those expensive, ultra-gorgeous, handmade ceramics figure.
That is hands down my favorite souvenier! Second to that would have to be my pins/lanyards. The WDW Mr Potato Head is so fun and unique! I bought the big plastic potato (about $47.00) and stuffed it full of both "Mr." and "Mrs." parts (got the potato itself at Walmart). About once a week I change him/her and it is just a fun little souvenier that we display!
Although I technically bought them for my daughter, my favorite WDW purchase was also the three, yes count them, THREE, boxes of Mr. Potato head parts. We play with them all the time and they are truly something you can't get anywhere else.
They used to be $8. and DVC got a 10% discount. I buy a bunch for gifts and keep one for us. Then they went to 10 and now they are $12 with no discount (so I started looking for other ornaments).
This May I started a Disney Charm bracelet with the enamel charms for fun. Got charms that signified our family, then the parks, then every Little Mermaid I could find. When I came home I got a clip on watch at Michael's.
I wore the bracelet back in Sept. and it started a conversation about DVC with the couple next to me!
My biggest treasure is from the Arribas Bros. For our 20th Wedding Annivesary my Hubby bought a Swarovski Toucan Brooch. It was limited and is absolutely striking - I have never seen them again and it is a conversation starter on any piece of clothing.
I LOVE the crystal Cinderella slipper that my DH got me from Arribas brothers for our anniversary. It is engraved with our wedding date. Awww..... Other favs are:
Christmas ornaments
refillable mugs (I use them everyday)
"Build Your Own My Little Pony" (my girls love this)
pressed pennies (my son loves them)
a ceramic Mickey pumpkin love: )
Mickey & Minnie salt and pepper shakers (3 different sets now)
Mickey Head cookie cutter (for rice crispy treats; just a small way to re-create some Disney memories!)
ceramic Disney beads (used to make jewelry for next trip)
Pal Mickey
the plastic plates from kid's meals (our kids use them all the time)
& of course, Mickey Ear Hats (our DD2 wears them almost daily; she's in the dress-up phase; DS5 wears the ears frequently)
This past trip it was trading pins that were special to us. One for the resort we stayed in, a birthday pin since I celebrated my birthday, and a Mickey STL Cardinals pins cause that's my favorite team, and a pin with 2007 on it.
The best souvenir is unique with everyone, make it unique to your trip. Have a great time!
We always get something with the year on it, like a picture frame, magnet, or Christmas ornament. We love picking out a Christmas ornament each visit too. I have to get at least a couple of pins. My husband gets something with Grumpy on it. He has a small wardrobe of clothes with Grumpy on each item. The kids love to pick out a plush animal at AK. We also love our resort mugs!