A pharmacy in Paris, a supermarket in Tokyo: we reveal the world's best souvenir spots

Some of the most original gifts and mementoes can be found in museum shops, where collections are curated to reflect local culture and current exhibitions, while also supporting the institution and the artisans behind the work. They're the place to find pieces that are both affordable and exclusive; oftentimes, downright quirky. Eschew Eiffel Tower snow globes and "I heart NY" tees for artisan jewellery from London's V&A, collectible Christmas ornaments from New York's Met Store, or Scandinavian homewares and prints from Copenhagen's renowned Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. Look for small, portable items like branded tote bags, art books, posters, and kids' toys and games, perfectly packable souvenirs that will impress the recipient with your thoughtfulness.

While some global beauty brands are available in Australia, they often have different formulas, extended ranges or are a lot cheaper in their home country. Make time for some pharmacy shopping and keep an eye out for dermatologist-recommended and cult skincare ranges in Seoul's Ready Young, or Paris's famed multi-levelled Citypharma. Italy's independent pharmacies are the place for rosewater toners and traditional herbal perfumes in pretty packaging.

Pick up Ayurvedic medicines in Indian pharmacies, concentrated therapeutic teas and homeopathic remedies in Germany, and coin patches for spots, pain or cooling in Japan. In Thailand, most pharmacies have the inhaler sticks (yadom) you see everyone sniffing, as well as fragrant herbal compresses, and dinky little jars of healing balms.

Vintage and thrift shops offer a fascinating window into the culture and history of a destination. Plus, your tourist dollars are supporting the reduction of landfill and often a charitable enterprise. Tokyo is among the best destinations for vintage-lovers, for the sheer number of shops and the quality of the goods.

Hit one of the Ragtag chain for luxe items and designer fashion, 2nd Street for everyday wear, or one of the Tansuya stores in Asakusa, Shinjuku, Aoyama or Ginza for a vintage kimono. Paris is another hotspot, with the Kiloshop chain selling clothes by weight, while Berlin is home to Humana's flagship, five floors of second-hand clothes, part of a chain that spans Europe. Clothing aside, thrifted handicrafts, old postcards, prints or historic ephemera make thoughtful gifts that speak of place.

Supermarkets can be an unexpected goldmine for inexpensive gifts. Look out for seasonally inspired and regional Kit Kats in Japan, jars of chocolate hazelnut spreads (far superior to a certain big-name brand) in Italy. And for the cook in your life, consider spice mixes or kala namak (black salt) from India, maple sugar from Canada or bottles of dark, treacly kithul (palm syrup) from Sri Lanka.

The eye-catching tins of conservas (preserved fish) from Spain or Portugal make ideal small gifts. And who wouldn't appreciate a packet of prawn cocktail crisps, some Jaffa cakes or a Terry's chocolate orange from the UK? Just ensure any foodstuffs you buy are commercially produced and labelled, and that you declare them when returning to Australia.