what are good tourist items? we are by a lake and i want to add a small touristy section ....my customers would be the homeowners not packs of teeenagers ....after tshirts then what?

What's your area known/famous for? What's interesting, weird, unusual, silly, ... in your area?

Tourists seem to like something that says where they were more than something fancy or utilitarian.

For instance, you might have noticed that I am from Idaho. Guess what the hottest items are around here ... at least for tourists that have never ever been here before or those that are simply passing thru on the interstate?
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thanks ....that would be corn for indiana...but thats not quite right for me.......but im going to focus just on the lake.... how about mugs?

Good fishing in the lake? Do many tourists come to fish ... or at least fish a little while there?

Mugs with nice pleasing pics of the lake/shore might sell. As might calendars.

Just take your video cam to a tourist shop that's similar to what you want to build (one that's near a lake too) and take pictures of the interior. Sit down at home when you get back, watch the video and make notes on what they sell. And try the same types of things.

thanks....good idea, maybe i can see some stores on line...i just got back from florida and saw quite bit there.... guess i will start with t shirts...lots of good discussion on here...it looks like i should be able to get a nice shirt in color for 6 or 7 $ and thats about right....
i want something in pink aqua and green that a blond surfer boy would look good in....with our lake on it....

The Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge Gift Shows both have tourist themes. They were just recently held for the fall, but you can do a google for them and get dates for the next events.

good point ....and thats my plan at the chicago gift show in jan...ann

I always look for hats, shirts & coffee mugs; fleece pullovers are also a great item (I bought one in Northern Illinois at some po-dunk shop); since you're in Indiana, the climate is favorable for them.

keychains, stickers, teddy bears wearing Indiana shirts, magnets, lapel pins...
i think frateg8r is dead on. gimmie a shout if you need some designs!