(CNN) -- Hitting local shops and markets for mementos of your travels is a good way to curb the temptation to add to that miscellaneous T-shirt and shot glass collection. "Focus on things that are ... unique to the local area, especially hand-crafted type items," advises Ron Krannich, who with his wife, Caryl, is co-author of the "Impact Guides" books on travel shopping. Each culture has its own specialties: from blankets and baskets in Bolivia to silks in Vietnam and Thailand. Kathy Borrus, a retail consultant and author of "The Fearless Shopper: How to Get the Best Deals on the Planet," also looks for things that remind her of the place and its culture. "Just having the name 'Paris' slapped on the Eiffel Tower or something like that, to me, doesn't say anything about the culture," Borrus said. Instead, Borrus looks for locally made textiles, jewelry, ceramics or packaged food items to take back as gifts and souvenirs. Paprika from Hungary, tea from India and mustard from France are all local items that aren't too difficult to carry. Interacting with shopkeepers and craftspeople also gives travelers an opportunity for cultural exchange and immersion, Borrus said. Since shopping etiquette varies all over the world -- for example, bargaining is pervasive in some cultures and rare in others -- she advises travelers to learn a little bit about the country's customs and commerce before arriving. "Getting a little bit of knowledge in advance on the kinds of things that are expected in a particular culture would be one of the most important things you can do," Borrus said. Looking for a dealLocal markets generally have good prices and there usually is room to bargain, Borrus said.Some vendors speak English, but sign language and a calculator can help with negotiations."Usually what you ought to have in mind is the highest amount that you would pay for something, and then ask them what the price is," Borrus said.Krannich advises travelers to find out the asking price and counter with a much lower price, working up in negotiations from your low price rather than down from the vendor's asking price."Go into Mexico, Thailand, Indonesia, places even in India; they say $10. You offer them half and then you work up from there," he said."It just depends on the country. But, generally, you cut the price in half or by 60 percent," Krannich said.Borrus is more likely to pay a little bit more when she's bargaining directly with an artist or craftsperson."They can probably use that dollar or 50 cents more than you can, so to bargain with a little bit of compassion is important," she said. If you know you're looking for something that may be available at home, Borrus suggests doing some comparison shopping in advance to make sure that you get a good deal when you purchase abroad.Krannich advises against shopping with a tour guide, because often guides receive commissions from the shops they steer tourists into."Get some information about where the shops are and go on your own," he said.Getting your purchases homeIf you fall in love with something that's too big to carry home, consider having it shipped."Shipping is really not a problem in most places," Krannich said. "It's something that needs to be arranged, and once you figure out how to arrange it, a whole new shopping world opens up to you."In established shops in countries where the infrastructure is good, shipping can be arranged through the store, Borrus said.She recommends purchasing items to be shipped with a credit card so that there will be a record and some recourse in the event of a mishap.Borrus advises travelers to arrange shipping independently if the market or shop is not in the habit of shipping merchandise or the country's infrastructure is suspect. Your hotel may be able to recommend a reliable shipper, she said.Also consider customs regulations as you're making your purchases. At re-entry into the United States, everything acquired outside the country must be declared. In most cases, each traveler has a duty-free personal exemption of $800 worth of merchandise.Be careful with food items. Most fruits and vegetables, meat and poultry products and soft cheeses are prohibited. Visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Web site for more information on how to make sure your purchases make it home.