With Fall Break just around the corner and many of us heading home for the long weekend, we’re faced with the dilemma of how to bring a little bit of our adopted city back to our hometowns. Here are some fun gift ideas to help you help your friends and family understand just why you’ve fallen in love with beautiful New Orleans.
New Orleans T-Shirts
In a city as creative as NOLA, your choices for souvenirs aren’t limited to Saints apparel or “somebody who loves me went to New Orleans” socks. Find something witty that’ll keep your friends laughing and put a smile on their face whenever they wear it–the more outrageous the better. “Keep Calm and Roll Wave” t-shirts, anyone?
Pralines By Jean
1728 St. Charles Avenue
Whether you’re there to shop for yourself or for someone back home, Pralines By Jean is worth visiting just for the amazing smell that hits you as soon as you walk in the door alone. These delicious sugary treats are a quintessential New Orleans indulgence, and if you bring them home to your friends and family you’ll be less inclined to eat them all by yourself!
Scriptura
5423 Magazine Street
This beautiful store has the perfect gifts for all of your classy friends and family members. From notebooks to New Orleans themed letter paper to postcards, walking into this store is like stepping back in time. While you’re there, consider treating yourself to some pretty stationary–everyone appreciates getting a handwritten letter in the mail! Another great thing about Scriptura? You’ve got the perfect excuse to spend a lazy afternoon window shopping on Magazine Street.
Cafe du Monde Coffee
813 Decatur Street
It would be almost sacrilegious to write about New Orleans souvenirs without mentioning the renowned Cafe du Monde. Not only does this coffee taste amazing, your friends will think of you whenever they drink it to get them through those all nighters. And who could honestly blame you if you stopped in for a beignet for yourself?
A Home Cooked New Orleans Meal
It’s hard to mention New Orleans without talking about the abundance of amazing food. While it’s more than a little unreasonable to try and sneak a po’boy or gumbo on the flight home, you can give the gift of a delicious home cooked meal with these recipes. So make the most of your Bruff break and check out AllRecipes.com’s list of best New Orleans recipes. I for one am sorely tempted to try my hand at making the Cajun crawfish and shrimp Ă©touffĂ©e!