Often you can pick up a similar item of better quality for a cheaper price at home. Unless you're a romantic, the thrill of where you bought an item fades long before the item's usefulness. My life has more room for a functional souvenir than for a useless symbol of a place. Even thoughtful shoppers go overboard. Try to restrict your shopping to a stipulated time.
Most people have an idea of what they want to buy in each country.
Set aside one day to shop in each country, and stick to it. This way you avoid drifting through your trip thinking only of souvenirs. Traveling Light To pack light, shop at the end of your trip. Ideally, end your trip in a cheap country, do all of your shopping, then fly home. In Europe, bargaining is common only in the south, but you can fight prices at flea markets and with street vendors anywhere.