The weirder, the better

When traveling I like to zero in on things that help me enjoy the moment and will keep their appeal when I’m back home. Choosing souvenirs is key. To me, weird little objects bring a trip roaring back in my mind. I’ve got a world-class collection of absolutely worthless junk, including an egg with a coat of shellac that says ‘‘Ecuador,’’ a battery-operated plastic rat from Vietnam, and a caribou from Quebec that sings ‘‘O Canada’’ when you press its nose. To build your own collection, pick souvenirs that are locally made. Limit the cost to $20 or less. Look for mementos that remind you of quirky or interesting things that happened on your trip. If your companions say a souvenir is ugly or silly, you have spotted a winner. Snap it up.