The Best Type of Souvenirs to Bring Home with You
When travelling abroad, it’s natural to want to bring back some souvenirs for yourself, as well as for friends, family, and/or colleagues. But let’s be honest with ourselves, unless you actually LIKE shirts that say the city’s name on it (such as the I <3 NY shirts), keychains, or colourful shot glasses, the stereotypical souvenirs can suck and are often tossed after a while or pushed to be back of a cupboard.
Instead of Eiffel Towers on everything or little clogs from Holland, opt for souvenirs that you’ll keep for a while and will bring you joy. So unless you and a friend intentionally collect gimmicky souvenirs for one another from your travels, skip the cliché and go for one of the following types of souvenirs instead.
1. Art for the House
Whether you live in an tiny apartment or a large mansion, there is always room for some new art or decoration to spruce up the home, and what could be better than something from your travels. Hit up the markets and find a print or picture for your walls (to be framed when you’re home) or find a painter with work for sale – ideally something you’re maybe even watching them paint. I don’t mean the comedic caricatures you can find in fairs, but rather local artists who are using the scenery for inspiration. Perhaps see if there are any shops where you are that specialize in local artists and craftsman, this way you can get something one of a kind and authentically from the place your visiting. Of course with a bigger budget you can explore galleries or stores specializing in selling art, sketches, prints, etc.
Of course art for the house doesn’t need to be paintings or prints, but can be sculptures, table pieces, furniture, or really anything else you think would make for lovely decoration. Family of mine were in Kenya and had wooden animal sculptures shipped home. Someone else I know shipped home carpets from Turkey after visiting a local weaver. While I can’t afford to do that, I always have found new ways to decorate my home with items I’ve brought back with me. I started with a Tudor rose pillowcase bought at Hampton Court in London, and now my sofa is lined with pillows displaying historical symbols, faces, and art. And my walls feature different prints and paintings I’ve collected that matched my apartment’s aesthetic. Every time I go to bed, I fall asleep surrounded by items I’ve collected on my trips.
2. Glassware, Dishware, and Serving Pieces
Buying fragile items for your house might not seem ideal – I mean, you do have to pack it after all – but they can be some of the most used and worthwhile souvenirs you bring home. Whether it is just a mug or something far larger, you will likely use it more than you can ever imagine. Of course, I will suggest looking for items that are local, either made my local craftsman/artisans or from brands that are actually made in the country you’re visiting. For instance, buying Bordallo Pinheiro or Vista Algere from Portugal, buying Emma Bridgewater in the UK, or Gien and La Rochère from France.
You can bring home cups or mugs, plates, wine glasses, or serving pieces… the world is your oyster or whatever your budget allows. If looking for something in this vein but more affordable, check out local markets where you may find antique porcelain and bone china for a steal. Or go to a factory warehouse where you can find china and crystal for great prices. And don’t worry, most stores will happily bubble wrap these delicate items for you to bring home so they arrive safely, though I admittedly still like to package these items with clothes around them and in the middle of my suitcase.
If looking for a souvenir AND an experience, you can always look at making your own unique pieces and bringing them home. In Delft, outside of Amsterdam, my friend and I made our own pieces, which were later shipped back to us in Canada. You can paint Gien porcelain in France, make Washi paper in Japan, or try your hand at creating Turkish glass tiles and pottery.
3. Textiles
Continuing with the homeware suggestions, while travelling keep an eye out for textiles you may want to bring back, whether for yourself or someone else. This can be dish towels, table cloths, linen napkins, pillow cases (like mentioned above), bed linens you adore, etc. etc. etc. Any textile qualifies and can make a lovely keepsake. Some countries or regions specialize in certain fabrics, materials or textures, make it the perfect souvenir to represent where you’ve been.
Whether a lovely wool blanket from one of the local mills in Ireland (to be bought in specialty stores, not tourist stores), or a tartan throw from the Highlands of Scotland, blankets are one form you’ll be guaranteed to use a lot and that people are happy to receive as a gift. Granted they can be quite pricey depending on the size and exact material, but there’s always a great range to choose from. And while bulky, if you know in advance you want this you can pack accordingly or have it shipped home. In Turkey and Morocco you can find carpets and rugs of superior quality, straight out of the catalogues of Pottery Barn or Restoration Hardware. Often factories here supply to fancy home stores back in North America, so skip the middle man and go to the source itself for more options and better prices.
Throughout the world you’ll find – if looking – amazing authentic textiles that represent colours, styles, and craftsmanship local to the region. So do a little research beforehand, skip the tourist shops, and find something special to bring home with you, even if it’s as small as a linen napkins from Ireland or a place mat from Mexico.
4. Clothing & Accessories from Local Brands
There is nothing quite like coming home with some new wardrobe staples, whether basics or the avant garde. Whether it’s clothing, shoes, a new handbag, or any other accessory, it’s great to have something new that your purchased on your trip. But to make it really special and both a souvenir and practical – because clothing and accessories always are, right? – try buying from local brands. It can be local to the city or the country, no need to limit yourself, but aim to buy from brands or artisans that originate in the country you’re visiting at the time. That’s not to say the brand can’t also be available in your native country, in fact its rather unavoidable with globalization today, but try and avoid high street stores you’d find in every mall back home. I’m talking H&M, GAP, Abercrombie, Uniqlo, Zara, etc.
I’d also suggest avoiding the big name designer brands unless visiting the original or flagship stores, as they too start to feel too mainstream. Instead look at contemporary brands, stores, and boutiques that capture local style. For instance, Sessùn or Claudie Pierlot in France, Artizia in Canada, Whistles in the UK, Nanushka in Hungary (specifically the lone store and flagship in Budapest), or Chylak in Warsaw, Poland.
5. Clothing & Accessories that are Cheaper Abroad
While I do suggest buying local brands while travelling, in some countries you’ll find brands or products infinitely cheaper than you would back home. Whether it’s because of the VAT refund scheme in Europe, conversion rates working in your favour, or just simply brand pricing policies, you’d be surprised how much cheaper some items can be in another country, especially if they have sales. So when travelling abroad, do take that into consideration. VAT refunds in Europe, especially when the conversion rate is low to your home country, can add up to huge savings (especially if you live in a country with high taxes applied at check out). And if you’re travelling to the US or Canada from Europe or elsewhere, you’ll be thrilled to shop sale season as some products end up being less than half of what you’d have paid in your own country.
6. Beauty Products: Makeup, Skincare, and Fragrances
Buying beauty products abroad, whether for men or women, can be some of the most fun you can have while shopping, and may just introduce you to your new favourite products. Aside from the opportunity to buy brands you don’t have at home, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how superior some of the products available are. Compared to the USA, the rules and regulations regarding ingredients for skincare are much more stringent around the world. This means the active ingredients you’re applying to your face or body are safer, less chemically modified, and simply just better for you. So even buying global brand name skincare can be an improvement when purchased abroad. But really, skip the brands and stores you see in every department store at home and find local brands, from drugstore to high end, to bring back with you.
Drug stores/pharmacies in Europe can be a great opportunity to buy leading skincare products that are revered around the world at an affordable price with only the best ingredients. Or perhaps you’ll find a native brand that locals love. The truth is, at any price point you can find great makeup and skincare staples, as well as unique or superior perfumes and colognes – items you’ll be glad you bought and will have you mass ordering in the future.
7. Pantry Staples: Sauces, Spices, Spreads, Jams, Mustards, Biscuits, Pasta, etc.
Bringing food items home can always seem complicated, especially if a liquidy substance or housed in a glass jar. Should you be checking your suitcase, you don’t have to worry about the size of the item as there is no 100mL restriction, but you will want to make sure you wrap it up tight and carefully – perhaps grab some Ziploc or plastic bags to wrap it in before carefully packing it, in case it should break. But if packed correctly, these items won’t break and will make the most flavourful souvenirs. Aside from being a lovely gift to give someone else, it allows them to sample a local specialty or flavour from another country. And for yourself, it allows you to relive your travels every time you use it for cooking or snacking.
For instance, consider buying French mustard and tapenades, oils and vinegars from Italy, Hungarian paprika , English marmalades or biscuits, or spices from India. Albeit these are obvious examples, but you get the point. Treat yourself and others to local flavours with something that can last more than one use, something that excites your palette and reminds you of your travels with each use. It also may just elevate your cooking and impress your friends and family.
8. Alcohol
Though must likely an item you’ll buy at the airport so you don’t have to check it, you may find something special throughout your trip that you want to bring home – a drink you don’t often find in your typical liquor stores. Typically people think of wine as a drink to bring back as there are such great wine regions around the world with small vineyards you can visit to find a truly rare gem that is never sold across the ocean. However, unless you’re absolutely in love with the wines you’re finding or don’t care about paying duties on multiple bottles, I’d suggest skipping wine. Why? Because wine typically never lasts more than one meal or two, gone in just a few glasses, especially when shared with friends. Just like that, the wine you loved is gone and forgotten, unless you can find a way to import more (but again, duties and taxes to consider).
So when thinking of bringing alcohol home, which really does make a great souvenir for both yourself and others, opt for something that lasts longer, like a spirit or liqueur. Whiskey and scotch tend to be obvious ones, especially when in Ireland and Scotland. In those cases, perhaps skip buying a bottle of Jamieson or Glenfiddich and visit a smaller distillery where you can buy high quality and small batch products. While you’re at it, look at touring and buying local gins, a surprise specialty you’ll find abundant in both countries. In Poland, stick to the obvious and buy vodka but perhaps find a new brand or flavour you’ve not heard of before. The quality is probably superior and it’s something that will last a while. In Riga, Latvia you can buy Black Balsam liqueur if looking for something different, or Ginja in Portugal, which is best served out of a chocolate cup (called Ginja de Óbidos).
So find out what the local alcohols are and bring some home with you for when you want a night cap or delicious cocktails with friends and family. If you have no plans to visit local wineries, distilleries, or specialty shops, then you’ll undoubtedly find all the big brands available at the airport duty free. But if looking for the more niche or specialty products, you’ll find those in town.
9. Chocolates, Sweets, and Desserts
Let’s just be straight, bringing Ladurée macarons home from France are not a good idea. So forget that option and instead look at bringing back products from local brands, bakeries, stores, and craftsman that will allow you to savour just how sweet your trip was. Chocolate is an easy one, as they are relatively small to pack – though they can break so consider how you pack any chocolate products if you want it to remain intact. In some countries where chocolate is their specialty, like Switzerland and France, you’ll find the biggest brands available at the airports, but of you want local favourites and artisans, simply roam the streets and find whichever chocolate products you prefer. If you have any self control, a high quality chocolate bar can last a while, especially if kept in the fridge. Or buy bite sized or individually wrapped chocolate so you can enjoy without being your own worst enemy.
You’ll also find that local brands for cookies/biscuits, granola bars, candy, and packaged desserts make for delicious souvenirs and can makeup snacking at home more enjoyable. Roam the grocery store aisles and find cheap treats to bring home, still better in quality and flavour than most items found in North American grocery stores (again, this is due to the FDA regulations and controls in a lot of countries). While Digestives and Hobnobs are now widely available, I’m still waiting for the day Bonne Maman butter biscuits are sold globally. Because whether or not you think Bonne Maman jams or marmalade are good, you won’t know the comforting pleasure of snacking on their butter biscuits, especially at night with a cup of tea or coffee.
10. Magnets
Magnets might seem obvious or boring, especially compared to the above, but you’d be surprised at how often people overlook these little cheap souvenirs, especially when buying for themselves. But bringing home a magnet of your favourite artworks seen while abroad, or a unique magnet commemorating a special moment, can really keep the memories of your trip alive. Whether they are decorating your fridge or a metal office board, they are small and affordable ways to look back at where you’ve been and what you’ve seen. Personally, my fridge is covered in magnets, staring me in the face every time I open the fridge (which is more often than I’d care to admit).
Magnets may seem tacky but if you opt for ones featuring mesmerizing scenes, interesting portraits, historical moments, old city views, or special events, you can really capture your travels in one place and continuously add.
11. Ornaments
If you celebrate Christmas, or if you have friends or family that do, then buying Christmas ornaments can be a wonderful way to remember you trip and cherish your memories. Skip the dollar store or buying cheap touristy creations (i.e. mini Eiffel Tower), and instead opt for something that really spruce up the tree and last throughout the years. Look for unique glass orbs that depict scenes of the city, whether modern or historical, or capture the colours and spirit of the place. Wooden ornaments are look wonderful and show off local craftsmanship. Or perhaps you want a little ornament that features a former King or Queen, a symbol or emblem of the place, or a popular cuisine/dish. Whatever the material, shape, and imagery, choose what you like (or what the person its intended for will like) and use it to decorate your Christmas tree.
Even if it’s not Christmastime when visiting, you’ll be able to find local shops that sell them, as well as in the museum gift shops. In the past, I’ve picked up crystal figures from the Czech Republic, a Tudor rose and figures of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn in England, porcelain orbs depicting Italian scenes of a Florentine piazza, Delft glassware in its signature blue and white from the factory in the Netherlands, and wooden carvings from Germany and Austria.
12. Jewellery
While jewellery can be expensive, you can find some excellent items to bring home from your travels, whether for yourself or as a gift, at all price points. Whether you’re looking for something from a popular local brand or your opting to find something special using materials, stones, and/or designs native to the region, jewellery can be a great way to remember a trip and can have a long shelf life if you’re responsible with it.
Roam the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul and choose a gold bracelet or neckless from one of the endless vendors as gold is common there – a Turkish specialty. Or perhaps have a piece commissioned if you know what you want, it’ll most likely be far more affordable than it would be at home. If you like the look of amber, the Baltic countries specialize in this rock and you can find a range of styles available, featuring both big and small stones in various shades of amber; yellow being the most common, with dark green and blue being the most rare. From Israel you can find beautiful pieces of jewellery using their specialty Eilat stone (which is a lovely turquoise) or the newly found Carmeltazite stone – a mineral that was only discovered in 2019 and is unknown to exist elsewhere. From the Czech Republic, you can purchase pieces with Moldavite – a green gemstone that formed from a meteorite hitting earth.
While the list could go on, it doesn’t only have to be about buying jewellery using local stones and materials, but can also be about buying cultural and traditional pieces. In Ireland you can buy yourself a claddagh ring or a something with the Celtic or Trinity knot. From India you can bring back bangles and kangan (thick metal bangles) or payals (anklets made from metals and precious materials). In the Middle East, find jewellery with a Hamsa or the Evil Eye.
Alternatively (and this is something special if you’re starting your travels young or with a daughter), you can collect charms for a charm bracelet. With each new destination, find a charm that represents your trip and add it to the bracelet when you return home. Even if you would never wear a charm bracelet, it’s something nice to look at and pass down over generations – a way for your kids to one day know about all the places you’ve been and inspire their own wanderlust.