Matt Gross, the Frugal Traveler blogger at our sister publication The New York Times, recently spent two weeks cruising the Caribbean and collecting cheap souvenirs -- namely, hot pepper sauces from the islands he visited.
Finder's Keepers: Souvenirs on the Road - Frugal Traveler Blog - NYTimes.com
"The eastern Caribbean islands, with their bounty of searingly spicy Scotch bonnet peppers, make an amazing variety of sauces, from the minimalist, dry-heat recipes of Trinidad to the vinegar- and mustard-tinged flavors of the Windward Islands," wrote Gross. "As far as I'm concerned, the hotter the better, but I also sought true flavor, not just heat."
Gregg pointed out that hot sauce is both authentic and cheap -- none cost more than $3.75. My personal favorite for cheap (actually, free) souvenirs is collecting coasters from local bars when I travel, but hot sauces have the added benefit of making nice gifts, especially around the holidays: