When traveling, we have all hoped to bring a souvenir that reminds us of our trip and the fun we had on it. If we have kids, then you have to bring them something. I have typically bought something for the airport for them. They love pretty much anything. But the key question is what should you guy yourself?
Instead of buying cheap, mass-produced plastic trinkets that serve no purpose, look for a memento that reminds you of your trip. Think about the following:
Clothing: Wearable Memories
Forget the flimsy, screen-printed t-shirts from the airport gift shop. The best clothing souvenirs are items that reflect the local style, materials, or climate of the place you visited, and that you can actually integrate into your regular wardrobe.
When you wear a piece of clothing purchased on a trip, it’s a functional memory. Every time you put it on, you’re reminded of where you got it. Look for high-quality materials endemic to the region: fine merino wool in New Zealand, crisp linen in Italy, or soft alpaca blends in Peru. It could be as simple as a beautifully patterned silk scarf or a sturdy leather belt from a local artisan. It’s style with a backstory.
Food and Drink: The Edible Souvenir
Science tells us that scent and taste are the senses most strongly linked to memory. That’s why bringing home local flavors is one of the most effective ways to extend your vacation. Also, it is food so what could be bad.
While you can’t bring that amazing fresh pasta dish home in your suitcase, you can bring the components. Hunt down non-perishable items that define the region’s palate. Think small-batch olive oils, unique spice blends (like za’atar from the Middle East or smoked paprika from Hungary), local honey, specialty coffee beans, or artisanal chocolates.
Local Jewelry: Wearable Art
Jewelry is incredibly personal, making it a fantastic souvenir. It doesn’t have to be expensive precious stones; it just needs to be authentic to the area.
Seek out local markets and independent boutiques rather than chain stores. Look for materials the region is known for, such as amber in the Baltics, silver in Mexico, or turquoise in the American Southwest. A small pair of handmade earrings or a unique beaded bracelet supports local craftspeople and serves as a daily, shimmering reminder of your travels that often sparks conversations back home. I even had turquoise cuff links made for me in Arizona. I love wearing them since they are so unique.
A Piece of Art: Capturing the Vibe
Photographs are wonderful, but a piece of local art captures the feeling of a place in a way a camera sometimes cannot.
Art doesn’t have to mean a giant, expensive oil painting that costs a fortune to ship. Look for street artists selling watercolors of cityscapes, small pottery pieces, locally woven textiles that can be hung on a wall, or even high-quality prints of graphic design posters. If you buy a canvas, ask the artist to take it off the wooden stretcher bars and roll it into a tube for easy transport; you can get it framed when you return home.
A Postcard: The Simple Sentiment
In the digital age, the humble postcard has become underrated. Actually, they are almost hard to find. They are cheap, lightweight, and feature professional-grade photography of the landmarks you just visited.
Don’t just buy them and shove them in a drawer. The best way to utilize a postcard is to write a quick memory on the back—perhaps describing the best meal you had or a funny moment that happened that day—stamp it with local postage, and mail it to yourself. It will arrive a week or two after you get home, a wonderful little surprise in your mailbox bearing the postmark of your adventure.
A Magnet: The Collector’s Classic
There is no shame in loving a refrigerator magnet. They are the ultimate low-stakes, high-reward collectible. They are inexpensive, virtually indestructible in a suitcase, and don’t take up valuable shelf space back home.
Over time, your refrigerator door transforms into a colorful map of your life’s journeys. The key is to hunt for unique magnets—look for miniature ceramic tiles, carved wood pieces, or quirky metal designs rather than the generic rubber ones found in every tourist trap.
A Snow Globe: Whimsical Nostalgia
Sometimes, you just want kitsch. A snow globe is a charming, self-contained little world that captures a specific landmark or city vibe in miniature.
There is something universally nostalgic and whimsical about shaking a snow globe and watching glitter swirl around the Eiffel Tower or the Statue of Liberty. They are excellent gifts for children, but many adults secretly love them too. Snow globes have been around for years and they remain so popular.
The Golden Rule of Souvenirs
Ultimately, the best thing to buy when traveling is whatever you really like and has special meaning to you. Whether it’s a high-end leather jacket from Florence or a goofy magnet from a roadside attraction, if it holds a genuine memory, it’s treasure. Buy what brings you pleasure.