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What’s one thing most travelers are guilty of? Buying travel souvenirs. Whether you collect a certain type of souvenir or you buy whatever catches your eye, most of us tend to have this shopping habit in common. When I was younger, I would always buy my parents a magnet when I traveled to a new destination, but over time I realized that I was just buying to buy and that most didn’t have any true meaning. As I’ve gotten older, I now buy souvenirs with intent. I collect certain types of souvenirs and others are unique travel souvenirs that I use in my everyday life. 

What is a Travel Souvenir? 

A travel souvenir is a tangible memento that holds a special meaning for travelers. It’s purchased from the destinations they visit and serves as a cherished reminder of their experiences. Souvenirs offer a way to relive memories, evoke nostalgia, and showcase personal stories. Whether it's a keychain, a postcard, or a local handicraft, these items become cherished possessions that bring joy and spark conversations.

What Makes a Cool Souvenir? 

Some of the most popular travel souvenirs that are purchased and also given as a gift by people are magnets and shot glasses. And although these two are more generic, because there is such a wide variety, you can still find some really unique ones if you’re a collector. 

To me, you usually go on vacation to experience a new culture, new foods, and maybe even learn something new so why not bring some of that back home with you? Finding an item that resonates with the destination and brings back memories every time you look at it is what makes for a really cool souvenir. Some of the coolest souvenirs I’ve purchased from my travels are a handpainted ceramic spoon holder from Portugal, an Icelandic wool handknit sweater from Iceland, and an Alpaca blanket from an Alpaca farm in Wisconsin. Purchasing a cool souvenir from a local artisan makes your item that much more special!

Favorite Travel Souvenir Ideas

Ornaments

This is the type of souvenir that I fully collect and I love them! They’re all so unique and they won’t clutter your house all year long. Plus, by taking them out once a year, it’s like a walk down memory lane when you’re hanging them on your tree. It’s usually pretty easy to find an ornament on vacation. Most typical souvenir stores have them but you’ll want to make sure you find a special one, not just the generic plastic kind with printed images on it. Try to find ones that are specific to the place. For example, I found a blown glass Santa in Murano, Italy as Murano is well known for their hand-blown glass. In Lisbon, I found a hand-painted wooden Christmas tree in a floral pattern common in that area and on tile work around the city. Ornaments can be a great way to remember all of the places you’ve explored and loved!

Regional Products

Many regions of countries are known for particular goods or products, and this is definitely something you should look into before visiting. In Nice, I found a perfumery called Molinard that offered custom perfume-making classes and I was able to bring a bottle of my very own custom fragrance back home with me. Lisbon is known for their beautiful hand-painted tiles so purchasing a tile from a local artist seemed like a no-brainer. When I visited Martinique, I toured a rum distillery and not only brought home an amazing bottle of rum but also a hand-painted jar of fresh cane sugar sourced locally.  If you have the chance to visit Venice during Carnival, make sure you pick up a gorgeous handmade mask. I bought two and have them hanging in a shadow box on display. 

Postcards

These are a fantastic way to save some money but also add some style to your décor at home! It’s easy to find frames from your local home goods store or even a vintage store and display your postcards inside of them. I currently have a few postcards from Nice, France hanging in my house which gives it a little color and makes me smile every time I walk by. Postcards are great souvenirs and you can find some really unique ones if you stroll through vintage stores or flea markets abroad. I may actually begin collecting vintage postcards as a unique souvenir and display them around my home. 

Apparel & Accessories

I usually don’t always purchase a piece of clothing or an accessory on a trip but there are some that you just can’t pass up. Iceland is known for their amazingly warm wool sweaters so I had to get my hands on one of those because you can never have too many cozy sweaters. They’re a little pricey but it’s something that will always bring you joy and that you’ll cherish for years to come! Also, when you think of Paris you may think of a stylish French woman sitting at a café with a silk scarf in her hair… or at least that’s what comes to my mind! So of course, when I visited Paris, I looked for a beautiful silk scarf. Another example is straw items such as baskets and handbags from the Bahamas. Many of the local artisans there create intricate items made from straw and they make wonderful unique souvenirs. 

Food & Candy

This category obviously doesn’t last that long but I promise that you will cherish these items just as much! Try to find time to visit a local market when you’re on vacation, you’ll be surprised what you’ll find and can bring back in your suitcase. Keep in mind that you’re not allowed to bring fresh produce or raw meats back home with you, but items such as teas, spices, wine, and dried meats are okay. When I visited Reykjavik, Iceland I stumbled upon a candy store that was absolutely beautiful and had tons of candies I’d never seen before. I ended up bringing home a variety of wrapped bulk candy pieces and a couple of chocolate bars to share with everyone in the office!

How to Display Travel Souvenirs

There are endless creative ways to display travel souvenirs, allowing you to cherish precious memories while adding a touch of personal style to your home. One popular option is creating a dedicated shelf or shadow box, where you can arrange a collection of small items, such as seashells, shot glasses, and ticket stubs. Another idea is to transform your souvenir item into functional pieces of decor, like using colorful travel-themed magnets to hold notes on your fridge. 

For those who are more artistic, framing maps, postcards, or foreign currency can make for unique and eye-catching wall art. Additionally, you can incorporate souvenirs into everyday items, such as using a vintage suitcase as a stylish side table or displaying fragile keepsakes under a glass coffee table. From wall displays to functional decor, the possibilities for displaying travel souvenirs are endless and there’s no right or wrong way to display them!

How to Pack Souvenirs

When it comes to packing travel souvenirs to bring back home with you, it's important to think strategically to ensure their safe arrival. Souvenirs that are easiest to pack and travel back home with are compact and durable. Fragile items can easily break in transit so to protect delicate items, wrap them in bubble wrap or tissue paper and place them in a padded container or box. For smaller keepsakes like keychains or magnets, consider using a ziplock bag or small fabric pouch to keep them organized. 

If you have larger or oddly-shaped souvenirs, it's best to pack them in your checked luggage, surrounded by soft clothing or towels for added protection. And sometimes some items will catch your eye that you know you won’t be able to pack into your luggage. If this is the case, inquire about shipping options, but also be prepared to have to leave it behind if it’s not worth it. 

My biggest piece of advice when traveling is don't forget to leave some space in your suitcase for your travel finds, and remember to check the customs regulations of your home country to ensure compliance with any prohibited items. Try to shop locally as much as you can - typical souvenir shops are great, but you’ll find many more interesting things at locally owned shops!

Happy travels!

-Tess

Tess Arnold

Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip!  If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!