Elephant dung beer and kangaroo scrotums: 9 of the strangest souvenirs (10 photos)

According to a Skyscanner survey, tourists worldwide spend nearly six billion euros on souvenirs every year. A sixth of these purchases are immediately thrown away. And seven percent of respondents admitted they hate it when people bring them fridge magnets as gifts from their trips.





But beyond the usual magnets and keychains, there are countless other memorable gifts you can bring back from your trip. Beer made from elephant dung, keychains made from kangaroo scrotums, and other bizarre souvenirs are sold around the world.



1. Bolivia: Llama and Other Animal Fetuses

Llama fetuses are very popular among locals. They are sold at Bolivia's famous Witches' Market (and elsewhere) among other strange, sacred objects. When building a new house, a llama or alpaca fetus is buried in the foundation under one corner. It is believed that a house built on a llama fetus will last a long time and will attract prosperity and wealth. Pig fetuses, on the other hand, are used as a talisman for long journeys.





2. Japan: Beer Made from Elephant Poop

The inventive Japanese have created an unusual dark beer made from coffee cherries that have been in the gastrointestinal tract of an elephant. This beer is called Un, Kono Kuro, from the Japanese word Unko, which means "shit." This dark liquid with a distinctive aroma is not only an exotic souvenir but also an expensive gift: a single bottle costs around $70.



3. Malaysia, Philippines: Toad Purses and Handbags

You can bring back this original and practical gift from your trip to Southeast Asia for your beloved mother-in-law or boss. Made from a single toad, this souvenir is likely to cause a fit of disgust in many. There's clearly a double standard at work here: for some reason, a crocodile or python skin wallet doesn't repulse most people...



4. Japan: Tuttuki Bako

This strange gadget is a small box with a built-in display and a recess for inserting a finger. The device is designed to digitize the user's finger and point it at characters on the display. Brilliant, isn't it? Starring a baby panda, an amoeba, a girl's face, a human, and the seabed—this selection alone, frankly, is enough to tickle the mind. There are reports that the device can be reflashed to add more risqué scenes.



5. Australia: Kangaroo Scrotum Keychains and Bottle Openers

When we say "Australia," we think kangaroo. This marsupial has long been a symbol of the Green Continent. So it's no surprise that one of the most popular souvenirs is the poor animal's scrotum, fashioned into a keychain or bottle opener. Petting them makes the kangaroo feel good in the afterlife!



6. Vietnam, China: Snake Wine

This unusual drink is made from venomous snakes. It is prepared by steeping the snakes in solvents such as alcohol or rice wine. Ethanol denatures the proteins in the snake venom, rendering it harmless. Winemakers claim it cures many ailments, but experts believe its medicinal properties are greatly exaggerated to attract potential buyers.



7. Ecuador: Dried Shrunken Heads

How about bringing home a dried human head as a gift? The Shuar Indians, renowned headhunters, once didn't simply kill their enemies, but made amulets from their heads, removing the skull first. Such a talisman could fit in the palm of a hand and be worn around the neck.

The terrifying traditions of the Shuar attracted the attention of Europeans, who paid handsomely for these grisly and rare souvenirs. At first, the demand for heads led to mass murders, but soon counterfeits made from goat and monkey skin solved the problem. Now, you can find artisans online who will make a personalized head from a photo—an excellent gift for an enemy.



8. California, USA: Scorpion Lollipops

Since 1982, the Californian confectionery company HOTLIX has been producing unusual insect-filled sweets. Their best-selling item is their scorpion lollipops, which sell like hotcakes for $5 each. And the scorpions aren't just toys, they're real, edible. They're heat-treated and preserved in alcohol, making them completely safe to eat. According to those who've tried these unique treats, the taste of the candy's spooky filling is reminiscent of walnuts.



9. Different Countries: Elephant Dung

If you don't like beer (see point 1), you can simply buy elephant dung, packaged in a nice box or by the pound. Various zoos around the world have begun selling elephant feces, fortunately, production there is uninterrupted, with one animal producing up to 50 kg of the product per day. Zoos in Vienna, Kharkiv, and Prague have begun selling elephant dung.

A website, Schenkscheisse.eu, has appeared on the European internet, allowing you to anonymously send elephant dung gift-wrapped to someone who has offended you. A 200-gram box of the stinking contents costs around 20 euros. It's true what they say: with good advertising and a pretty wrapper, you can even sell crap.