Cheap Orlando Souvenirs Your Kids Will Actually Love

A family trip to Orlando is an unforgettable experience, filled with magical theme parks, thrilling rides, and encounters with beloved characters. But as the vacation winds down, there's one last adventure: the souvenir hunt. Navigating gift shops packed with tempting but expensive merchandise can be daunting, especially with kids in tow. It's easy to overspend on items that might lose their appeal before you even unpack.

Fortunately, finding memorable and affordable keepsakes doesn't have to be a challenge. Orlando is full of hidden gems and budget-friendly shops where you can find treasures that will delight your children without breaking the bank. These souvenirs serve as tangible reminders of your family's special time together, long after the trip is over.

This guide will help you discover some of the best cheap Orlando souvenirs that kids will cherish. From classic character items to unique local crafts, we'll show you where to look and what to buy. Get ready to bring home the magic of Orlando without the hefty price tag.

Beyond the Theme Park Gates

While the official gift shops inside parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios are convenient, they are also where you'll find the highest prices. The key to finding cheap Orlando souvenirs is to explore the stores located just outside the major attractions. U.S. Route 192 and International Drive are lined with large, brightly-colored gift shops that offer a massive selection of merchandise at a fraction of the park prices.

These stores are an experience in themselves, often featuring giant, kitschy exteriors like wizards or sharks that kids will find fascinating. Inside, you'll find a wide variety of items, from t-shirts and keychains to toys and home decor, all heavily discounted. Planning a short trip to one of these off-site stores can save you a significant amount of money and offer a much broader selection.

Top 10 Budget-Friendly Orlando Souvenirs

Here are ten fantastic and affordable souvenir ideas that are sure to be a hit with your kids.

1. Character Keychains and Lanyards

Keychains and lanyards are classic, inexpensive souvenirs that kids love to collect. They can attach them to their backpacks, lunch boxes, or use them to hold their house keys. Off-site gift shops offer an enormous variety of designs featuring everyone from Mickey Mouse to superheroes. You can often find multi-buy deals, making it easy to pick up a few for friends and family back home.

2. Pressed Pennies

Pressed penny machines are a fun and interactive souvenir experience. You can find them scattered throughout the theme parks, resorts, and even at some off-site locations. For just a couple of quarters and a penny, your child can watch as their coin is flattened and stamped with a unique design. It’s a hands-on activity that results in a lightweight, easy-to-pack keepsake. Collecting them throughout your trip can become a fun side quest for the whole family.

3. Autograph Books

Meeting characters is a highlight for many children visiting Orlando. An autograph book is an essential accessory for these encounters. While you can buy official ones in the parks, you can often find cheaper, non-branded versions in stores along International Drive. Bringing one from home is even more cost-effective. These books become treasured mementos, filled with the signatures of their favorite characters.

4. Discounted T-Shirts

A t-shirt is a practical souvenir that kids can wear long after the vacation is over. The large gift shops outside the parks are the best places to find them. You'll discover a vast array of designs, colors, and sizes, often with "buy one, get one" or other multi-buy offers. This allows you to get shirts for the whole family at a much lower cost than inside the parks.

5. Character Pins

Pin trading is a popular activity, especially at Disney parks. While some pins can be expensive collector's items, you can find affordable starter sets and individual pins at many souvenir shops. These small, detailed pins are fun to collect, trade with park employees and other guests, or simply display. They make for a compact and personal souvenir.

6. Small Toys and Figurines

Instead of a large, expensive toy, consider smaller figurines or playsets. You can find miniature versions of popular characters, small LEGO sets, or other themed toys that are much more budget-friendly. These items are perfect for keeping kids entertained on the journey home and are small enough to not take up too much luggage space.

7. Local Candies and Snacks

For a taste of Florida, look for locally made candies and snacks. Many souvenir shops carry items like alligator-shaped chocolates, citrus-flavored candies, or taffy. These edible souvenirs are a fun treat and a great way to share a piece of your vacation experience with others. Look for pre-packaged gift sets for an easy and affordable option.

8. Themed Drinkware

A reusable mug or water bottle featuring a favorite character or park logo is a souvenir that is both fun and practical. Every time your child uses it, they'll be reminded of their trip. You can find a wide selection of plastic and metal options in discount souvenir shops that are much cheaper than the ones sold inside the parks.

9. Postcards

In the age of digital everything, receiving a physical postcard is a special treat. Let your kids pick out a few postcards with their favorite scenes from Orlando. They can write messages to friends, family, or even to themselves. It’s a cheap and meaningful way to capture a memory and practice their writing skills.

10. Fun-Shaped Pens

Who doesn't love a novelty pen? Gift shops are full of pens topped with character heads, shaped like wands, or filled with glitter. These are inexpensive, useful for school, and a simple way for kids to bring a bit of Orlando's fun into their everyday lives.

Find Your Perfect Orlando Memento

Bringing home a piece of the Orlando magic doesn't have to strain your wallet. By exploring the souvenir shops beyond the park gates and focusing on smaller, more personal items, you can find plenty of cheap Orlando souvenirs that your kids will adore. These keepsakes will serve as wonderful reminders of the fun and adventure your family shared.

If you're planning your trip and looking for the best deals on souvenirs, don't hesitate to do some research ahead of time. For more information on where to find the best cheap Orlando souvenirs, contact Florida Gifts for Less today. We can help you find the perfect mementos to make your family vacation truly unforgettable.