On a hot tip from a friend, I brought one of my favorite pairs of jeans to India last year to be custom-embroidered by one of the local tailors. I chose the Tibetan knot design from one of the many they offered. (These tailors also could replicate any design you drew for them or photo you brought in – too cool!) Returning from my trek several days later, my pants were waiting for me, having been painstakingly hand-stitched.

As a little bonus, they even added a simple yin-yang symbol to patch a wayward hole in one the legs.

This very affordable souvenir has become a favorite of mine, and my hand-embroidered jeans always bring compliments. Best of all, it’s a great way to avoid buying yet another cheesy tourist t-shirt, shipped in from a foreign factory, and support the local artisans instead.

Many countries, especially in Asia, offer these sort of locally-customizable souvenirs. A good friend of mine spent several days in Bangkok working with a tailor to create a gorgeous custom-made suit. And a couple I know did the same thing for their wedding outfits—completely customized to their tastes and sewn to fit—at a fraction of the cost of traditional western wear. Do a little research before your next adventure and find out what the local artisans specialize in for a memorable and unique souvenir that supports the local economy.