13 Best Souvenir Ideas From Around the World

Apr 27, 2019

Last updated on August 26th, 2024 at 01:56 pm

Who doesn’t want their travel memories to remain fresh forever?  And it is only human to hold on to these memories in form of material belongings. Whether you splurge on your travels, buy an inexpensive souvenir, pick a free memento or just take a lot of photos, there is always something to fondly look back to upon your return.

But how do you keep bringing interesting souvenirs from your vacation every single time? Well, we’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we are sharing some fun souvenir ideas to keep in mind when shopping for memories from around the world 🙂

The image shows a vibrant, colorful store filled with a variety of Indian-themed merchandise. The shelves, which are red and white, display items like decorative bags, mugs, figurines, traditional crafts, and souvenirs. The back wall has a display of vinyl records, with a sign reading "Stationery" above them, indicating that the shop offers various cultural and artistic items, likely catering to tourists or those interested in Indian culture.

Let me clarify that our travels do not involve massive shopping sprees. We normally have a tiny budget for spending on travel souvenirs. Therefore, this post shall have a very little impact on your wallet!

Souvenir ideas for your next trip

Here are a few ideas to inspire you to bring back some interesting mementos from your trip.

1. The Cliche Souvenir 

Who are we kidding, we are all guilty of buying one of these oversold made in China souvenirs at some point. So let’s get over with these really quick, shall we?

  • Magnets
  • Keychains
  • Shot glasses
  • Classic city T-shirts

While we have stopped buying shot glasses we still collect magnets which are now limited to one per country. I also love some of our travel keychains – esp the crown keychain from the UK, and the geisha doll and Samurai sword keychains from Japan.

Read More:

The image shows a display of souvenirs in what appears to be a market or a gift shop. Prominently featured are multiple wooden Pinocchio puppets with red outfits and hats, hanging on strings. Next to them are keychains shaped like the Leaning Tower of Pisa in various metallic finishes, including silver and bronze. The assortment of items suggests that this shop specializes in Italian-themed souvenirs, likely catering to tourists.
Pic credit: Pixabay
The image shows a refrigerator door covered with a variety of colorful souvenir magnets from different countries and tourist destinations. The magnets feature iconic landmarks, such as the Statue of Liberty, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Great Barrier Reef, and structures from cities like London, Kyoto, and Dubai. There are also thematic magnets, including a camel from Dubai, a small woven Mexican sombrero, and a Dutch wooden shoe. The collection represents travel memories from various parts of the world.

2. Postcards

Postcards are inexpensive, light, and compact souvenirs making it a perfect collector’s item. As travel photographers, we love taking postcard photos of new places ourselves therefore we try to stay away from buying them.

Having said that, we do buy postcards of places where photography is prohibited. For example, the postcard of Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, Van Gogh paintings postcards from Amsterdam since photography is not allowed inside the museum. Even a clear view of Mt. Fuji postcard in Japan since Fuji San refused to give us a glimpse during our stay.

Read More:

The image shows a display rack filled with colorful postcards featuring scenic views of Mallorca, Spain. The postcards highlight picturesque beaches, coastal landscapes, historic buildings, and vibrant local scenes. The images prominently showcase the turquoise waters, golden sands, and iconic landmarks of Mallorca, making them appealing souvenirs for tourists. The display is well-organized, with each postcard offering a glimpse of the island’s natural beauty and cultural charm.
Pic credit: Pixabay
The image shows a souvenir shop display featuring various items related to Hallstatt, Austria. The display includes several racks filled with colorful postcards depicting scenic views of Hallstatt, tote bags with images of the town, and other memorabilia such as keychains, magnets, and decorative trinkets. The postcards highlight the picturesque landscape, while the bags and other items bear the name "Hallstatt" prominently, appealing to tourists who want to take home a memento of this iconic location. The shop offers a vibrant mix of souvenirs representing the charm and beauty of Hallstatt.
Pic credit: Pixabay

3. Local Artisans Handicraft Souvenirs (Sustainable tourism)

Let’s talk about souvenir ideas that add purpose to the local community and eventually to your life as well. I must admit that I have embraced sustainable tourism only recently. And yes, it is a thing! I’ve been consciously using our souvenir budget on handicrafts made by local artisans.

For example:

  • In Cambodia, we visited Artisans D’Angkor, a handicraft factory, where I picked up a metal jewelry holder for my nightstand and a few local handloom scarves.
  • In Kenya, I bought a stuffed animal toy as a gift and funky jewelry from Amani ya Juu handmade local African women. I also picked a few home decor items such as hand woven baskets, ceramic display plates, clay animal displays from the Masai market in Nairobi.
  • In Italy, we bought leather goodies such as gloves, handbags, wallet, passport holder, and a belt from a local Florentine designer instead of going to fancy big stores.
  • In The Netherlands, we picked up a Delft flower vase and wooden chisled tulips from a local artist.
  • In Thailand, a beautiful traditional wooden umbrella.

How to find local artisans or handicraft stores? Look for fair trade stores with local handicrafts near you when you travel or ask your hotel staff for recommendations. Some of these stores can surprise you with the variety of handmade souvenirs they offer.

Read More:

The image shows a vibrant market stall selling a variety of African textiles, clothing, and crafts. Colorful fabrics with traditional patterns are prominently displayed, hanging from racks and folded on tables. The stall also features woven baskets, beaded jewelry, and wooden carvings. Several people are engaged in conversation, possibly bargaining or discussing the products. The market is set under a large, covered area, providing a lively atmosphere typical of local craft markets in Africa.
The image shows a store shelf displaying decorative heart-shaped tulip vases made of ceramic. The vases feature traditional Dutch designs, with some painted in blue and white and others in a variety of colors, depicting tulip flowers. Alongside the vases are boxes containing wooden tulip flowers, also brightly colored. The shelf is labeled with a "Special Offer" sign indicating that the heart-shaped tulip vases are priced at €13.95. The display has a distinctly Dutch theme, highlighted by the tulip designs and colors.
Delft Flower vase from the Netherlands
The image shows a woman carefully painting a traditional piece of art, likely in a workshop or studio setting. She is working on a detailed illustration that appears to depict a figure in traditional attire, possibly from Southeast Asian culture. The artwork is framed on a wooden stand, and she is using fine brushes to apply colors to the canvas. In the background, other artisans are also focused on their own paintings. The scene reflects a meticulous process of creating intricate, culturally significant artwork, possibly for sale or display.
Local Cambodian artists at work in Siem Reap
The image shows a man sitting on the ground in a workshop, carving a piece of wood. Surrounding him are other wooden carvings, including large, intricately designed masks hanging on a corrugated metal wall behind him. On the side, there are several small animal figurines and colorful beaded crafts, indicating that this is a space for traditional African woodcraft and artistry. The man appears focused on his work, shaping the wood into what could become another piece of cultural art. The setting is modest, with tools and materials organized in boxes and on the ground, reflecting the artisan's hands-on, skilled craftsmanship.
A local artist in Kenya carving wooden statues

4. Home décor items (paintings, vases, statues, etc.)

Who doesn’t want their home to be a reflection of themselves? If you love to travel, consider picking up things from around the world to enhance the beauty of your house. Now, of course, you can buy a lot of these decorative items from Amazon but would you have an interesting story to tell about them?

Pieces from our travels are a big part of our house, a beautiful reminder of all the places we’ve been to. For example:

  • A geisha doll from Japan
  • The Delft flower vase from the Netherlands
  • A traditional stein from Germany
  • A couple of hand-carved wooden animals and a book stopper from Kenya
  • The hand paintings from Italy

Read More:

The image shows a store display filled with colorful wooden tulips in various shades of red, yellow, pink, blue, and purple. The tulips are neatly arranged on shelves, each standing on a small wooden base. A sign in the middle of the display reads "Special Offer" with a price of €10 for the wooden tulips. The display has a bright and cheerful appearance, with the tulips being a popular souvenir representing the Netherlands' famous flower industry. The surrounding decor also features tulip motifs, enhancing the thematic presentation.
wooden tulip flower souvenir from Holland
The image shows a display in a souvenir shop featuring a collection of traditional German beer steins, knives, and other collectibles. The centerpiece is a large, intricately designed beer stein with a sign indicating it as the "Biggest Beerstein of the World," made in Germany, with a capacity of approximately 32 liters, priced at €2100.00. The shelves behind the stein showcase various other beer steins with Bavarian motifs, including blue and white patterns, coats of arms, and hand-painted designs. The display also includes small figurines and knives, adding to the assortment of traditional and collectible items available in the shop.
The image shows a hand holding a carved wooden sculpture of an African woman's head, partially encased in the raw, uncarved wood, creating a striking contrast between the smooth, polished figure and the rough, natural wood surrounding it. The sculpture is detailed, with defined facial features and a headwrap. In the background, more handcrafted wooden carvings, including giraffes and other animal figures, are visible, arranged on tables in what appears to be a craft market. The scene highlights the intricate artistry and cultural significance of traditional African wood carvings.
Carved wooden statue souvenir from Kenya

5. Food

Whoever said the soul of a country lies in their cuisine is absolutely right. We try to bring back a part of that soul cuisine with us whenever we can. Since there are strict restrictions on what food items you can and cannot bring into the United States, we try to bring stuff permitted by law and declare it at the port of entry when asked. If you live in another country please check the rules before spending on food souvenirs. For example:

  • We have brought home Maple syrup and apple butter from Quebec City, Canada
  • Turkish Delights (sugar candies) from Istanbul
  • Delicious Ceylon tea from Sri Lanka
  • Spices from India
  • Chocolates from Switzerland & Belgium

Read More:

The image shows a vibrant market stall filled with an array of colorful spices and teas displayed in large, open containers. The spices are organized in neat rows, creating a visually striking palette of reds, oranges, yellows, and browns. Each section is labeled with small signs indicating the type of spice or tea and its price. Notable labels include "Jasmine Tea," "Rose Tea," "Apple," and "Love Tea." The warm lighting enhances the rich colors of the spices, evoking the sensory experience of visiting a bustling spice market, likely in a Middle Eastern or Mediterranean region. The scene captures the abundance and variety of ingredients typical of such markets.
Pic credit: Pixabay
The image shows two boxes of Sri Lankan tea placed side by side. The larger box is labeled "Basilur," which is 100% pure Ceylon black tea, with the specific variant being "Gold." The packaging is predominantly gold-colored, with an old map of Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) on the front, highlighting the country’s rich tea heritage. The second, smaller box is labeled "Mlesna Loolecondera Tea," with a cup of tea illustrated on the front. Both teas emphasize their Ceylon origin, reflecting the high quality and tradition of Sri Lankan tea production. The reflection on the glossy surface adds a sophisticated touch to the presentation.

6. Local Liquor

This might not qualify as a inexpensive souvenir (unless you pick samples) but it sure qualifies for a special treat back home. Whether you buy it from duty-free in the airport or a local shop, you cannot go wrong with bringing the “spirit” of a country.

For example:

  • Liquor from Iceland (Birch, Icelandic Vodka, Brennivin)
  • Local scotch from Scotland
  • Limoncello & Chianti from Italy
  • Riesling wine from Germany’s Rhine valley
  • Sake from Japan
  • Rum from Mauritius & Puerto Rico

Read More:

The image shows two hands holding bottles of Icelandic spirits. The bottle on the left is labeled "Bjork" and contains a handcrafted liqueur made from Icelandic birch, encased in a mesh sleeve for protection. The label highlights that it is a unique product from Iceland, with an alcohol content of 27.5%. The bottle on the right is labeled "Brennivín," known as the original Icelandic spirit, a type of aquavit with an alcohol content of 37.5%. The black label features a map outline of Iceland, emphasizing its cultural significance. The setting appears to be in an airport or duty-free shop, as evidenced by the background with retail displays and people moving about.
The image shows two bottles of Italian spirits from the Cinque Terre region. The bottle on the left is labeled "Cinque Terre Sciacchetrà," a renowned sweet wine produced in this area, known for its rich flavor and deep amber color. The label features artistic imagery and the name "a Scià," which is a local Ligurian dialect. The bottle on the right is labeled "Grappa Cinque Terre," a limited production grappa made from the steam distillation of grape pomace from Cinque Terre DOC wines. The grappa has an alcohol content of 42% and is presented with a simple, elegant label, accented with a red ribbon, indicating it may be a gift or special purchase. The bottles are placed on a shelf, likely in a specialty shop that sells local wines and spirits.
The image shows two elegantly designed sake bottles placed side by side in a red box. The bottles are white with intricate Japanese artwork featuring traditional figures dressed in kimonos. The bottle on the left depicts a couple under a parasol, while the bottle on the right shows a single figure holding a fan. The artwork is reminiscent of classic Japanese woodblock prints, adding a cultural and artistic touch to the bottles. The packaging and design suggest that these bottles are part of a special or collectible sake set, making them not only a beverage but also a decorative item.
The image shows a person holding a bottle of Icelandic Mountain Vodka. The clear bottle features a minimalistic design with a black silhouette of a bearded man with a muscular build, likely referencing the Norse god Thor, who is often associated with Icelandic culture. The label states that the vodka is "Pure distilled vodka from mountain grains," distilled seven times, and bottled by Volcanic, Iceland for Icelandic Mountain Spirits. The bottle’s clean design and the focus on purity emphasize the high quality of the product. The person holding the bottle appears to be showcasing it, possibly in a store or tasting event.
Yes that is the Mountain from Game of Throne! (He is Icelandic)

7. Kitchen accessories

Talking about food and liquor, let’s not forget that kitchen accessories can make for super useful souvenirs to bring back. For example:

  • We picked Bialetti Moka machine from Italy.
  • A traditional porcelain sake serving set from Japan.
  • Indian teacup set for that perfect “cutting chai” experience.
  • Coffee mugs from all around the world.
  • Wine bottle stoppers (we bought a Murano glass wine stopper from Italy).
The image shows a beautifully crafted Japanese sake set, consisting of a sake bottle (tokkuri) and two small cups (ochoko). The set is presented in a white box, with each piece featuring a detailed, gold-colored depiction of a traditional Japanese temple or pagoda, set against a textured black and blue background. The label on the bottle reads "Made in Japan," emphasizing its authenticity. The elegant design and fine craftsmanship make this set a perfect gift or a collector's item, showcasing traditional Japanese art and culture.
The image shows a hand holding a black metal carrier that holds a set of colorful tea glasses. Each glass is decorated with vibrant, hand-painted designs depicting Indian cultural motifs, such as an elephant, a person carrying a bundle on their head, and other traditional patterns. The glasses are displayed in a retail setting with other colorful and culturally themed items in the background. This type of tea glass set, often used in India, adds a festive and nostalgic touch, evoking the atmosphere of roadside tea stalls (chaiwalas) in the country.
The image shows an artistic glass stopper placed among a collection of upside-down wine glasses. The stopper features a silver metallic base and a colorful glass top with swirling red, blue, and clear patterns, resembling abstract art. The combination of the sleek, reflective metal and the vibrant glass design makes the stopper stand out against the simple, transparent wine glasses. The arrangement suggests a refined setting, possibly in a home bar or display cabinet, where the stopper serves as both a functional and decorative piece.

8. Car accessories

When you are running out of unique souvenir ideas think outside the box. Australia was one such country where I didn’t anticipate buying anything unique but came back home with the cutest ever koala tissue paper holder for my car.

The image shows a cute tissue box cover attached to the back of a car seat headrest. The cover is plush and white, with the word "Australia" embroidered on it, featuring a koala and a kangaroo design. On the left side of the tissue box cover, there is a small plush kangaroo, and on the right side, a plush koala, both adding a fun and charming touch. This decorative item adds a bit of personality and Australian flair to the car interior, making it both practical and playful.

9. Books 

I prefer not to buy books during our travels to avoid excess baggage weight. However, I’ve found lightweight pocketbooks to be a keeper. One of my prized possessions is a small pocket book of abuses by the Bard, picked from Stratford Upon Avon which is the birth town of Shakespeare.

Talking about books, bookmarks make for a great souvenir or gift ideas.

The image shows a display of traditional Korean bookmarks, neatly arranged in a retail setting. Each bookmark is intricately designed, featuring colorful tassels and motifs inspired by traditional Korean clothing, particularly the hanbok, or other cultural symbols. The bookmarks are individually packaged, with some showcasing figures in traditional attire while others display accessories like fans or purses. The price tag at the bottom indicates that each bookmark is priced at 2,000 Korean won. Below the bookmarks, there is a section filled with various colorful cords or ribbons, adding to the vibrant and cultural theme of the display.
The image shows a cluttered, cozy bookstore or library filled with towering stacks of books. The books are piled haphazardly, creating narrow pathways between them, and the shelves in the background are also crammed with volumes. The scene conveys a sense of overwhelming abundance, with books of various sizes and colors packed tightly together. The soft, blurred background hints at a warm, quiet atmosphere, perhaps in an old or second-hand bookstore where every corner is filled with literary treasures waiting to be discovered.
Pic credit: Pixabay

10. Jewelry

A girl simply cannot resist the temptation of junk jewelry. I say junk not because it’s not worth anything but because these things are affordable and attractive. I, for one, love that my jewelry collection has a taste of the world. For example:

  • Traditional Maasai necklace from the village tour in Maasai Mara.
  • Local African women made jewelry at fair trade shops in Kenya.
  • India has the best boho jewelry that a country can offer.
  • Sri Lanka is known for its precious gems and without splurging a bomb I was able to purchase a beautiful Sapphire ring for myself.
The image shows a beach vendor walking along the sand with a large display of colorful necklaces, bracelets, and other jewelry items draped over their back and shoulders. The vendor is dressed in a plaid shirt and bright red pants, carrying the jewelry on a wide cloth that showcases a vibrant assortment of beaded and handcrafted pieces. The background reveals a tranquil beach scene with soft waves and distant greenery, indicating a tropical or coastal setting. The image captures the essence of local craftsmanship and the lively atmosphere of beachside markets.
Pic credit: Pixabay
The image shows a close-up display of various beaded bracelets arranged on a wooden rack. The bracelets are colorful, with beads in shades of turquoise, blue, red, and white, among others. Many of the bracelets feature silver charms, including seashells, hamsa hands, and evil eyes, adding a touch of symbolism and cultural significance. The intricate designs and the variety of colors make the display visually appealing, highlighting the craftsmanship involved in creating these accessories. The setting suggests a market or craft shop where such jewelry items are sold.
Pic credit: Pixabay

11.  Apparel & Accessories

Whether it’s a traditional piece of clothing or a fashion statement that you’ll never find in your home country, apparel shopping can be fun if you know where to look. Trust me you don’t even have to go to a mall for these gems just take a sneak peek in local markets  For example:

  • Although expensive, traditional Icelandic sheep wool sweaters are as warm as it can get.
  • We shopped for light material clothes to wear in Cambodia’s night market when we couldn’t bear the heat anymore.
  • Caps & Hats.
  • Traditional Poncho from Mexico or South America.
  • Learned the true meaning of ‘fit like a glove’ when we bought a pair of leather gloves in Italy.

Read More:

The image shows a cozy retail display featuring traditional Icelandic woolen products. On the left, there are shelves filled with warm, fuzzy hats, mittens, and scarves in various shades of gray, white, and black, some with colorful accents. On the right, the wall displays an array of Icelandic sweaters, known as "lopapeysa," characterized by their distinctive circular yoke patterns in muted tones and geometric designs. The soft textures and warm colors of the items create a welcoming, wintery atmosphere, emphasizing the high quality and warmth of Icelandic wool, perfect for cold climates.
The image shows a bustling marketplace filled with colorful clothing and accessories. The market stalls are packed with a variety of dresses, skirts, and tops hanging from racks and walls, showcasing intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and flowing fabrics. Mannequins display some of the garments, while other items are neatly arranged on hangers. In the center, a customer is seen taking a photo of the display, capturing the lively atmosphere. On the right side of the image, there are rotating stands filled with sunglasses, adding to the assortment of goods available. The market is covered by a roof, providing shade while allowing natural light to filter through, highlighting the eclectic mix of fashion and accessories.

12. Skin care and cosmetics

While on vacation in S. Korea I realized the value of shopping for skin care and cosmetics. Not to mention, this is also how I spend my leftover currency at airports searching for local cosmetic brands.

  • In Italy, I brought back a local Capri fragrance home from Carthusia perfumes.
  • Bath soaps.
  • Face Masks.
  • Makeup & Cosmetics.
  • Now add a little traditional hand mirror to help you with these beauty products.

Read More:

The image shows a flat lay of various Korean skincare and beauty products, neatly arranged on a dark background. The collection includes a variety of facial masks, creams, and lotions, featuring ingredients like aloe vera, tea tree, honey, and charcoal. Notable items include colorful sheet masks with attractive packaging, tubes of hand cream, sunscreen products labeled "Safe Block," and a tube labeled "Foot Doctor." The products are a mix of well-known Korean beauty brands, highlighting the emphasis on skincare and the popular trend of using natural ingredients. The vibrant packaging and variety of products reflect the comprehensive nature of a typical Korean skincare routine.
Skincare and beauty products shopping in Myeongdong
The image shows a display of traditional Korean hand mirrors neatly stacked in clear boxes, likely in a souvenir or gift shop. The mirrors feature vibrant embroidered designs on the back, with motifs such as flowers and traditional patterns. Each mirror is accompanied by decorative tassels or charms, enhancing their cultural appeal. Below the mirrors, there are more colorful items, including what appear to be embroidered pouches and small patchwork fabric squares, further reflecting traditional Korean craftsmanship. The overall presentation suggests these items are popular as gifts or keepsakes, celebrating Korean heritage and artistry.

13. Miniature / Toy automobiles

This section is customized for Gaurav and all those like him. I do hope there are other adults out there who still love buying toy cars & planes.

  • We have miniature Fiat from Italy.
  • A toy auto rickshaw from Mumbai, India.
  • A classic BMW from Germany.
  • You name it and there is an aircraft miniature from all around the world.

There you go, so many fun ideas! I hope you enjoyed reading this post summarizing all our souvenirs from around the world. Did you have a unique souvenir that we didn’t cover? We’d love to hear from you so please drop a comment!

Don’t forget to share this post with family & friends.

Discover unique souvenir ideas from around the world. Find the perfect memento for your travels with our top picks for all budgets.
Discover unique souvenir ideas from around the world. Find the perfect memento for your travels with our top picks for all budgets.
Discover unique souvenir ideas from around the world. Find the perfect memento for your travels with our top picks for all budgets.

Happy Traveling!

About myticklefeet

View all posts by myticklefeet »

26 comments on “13 Best Souvenir Ideas From Around the World”

  2. My favorite souvenir is a beach towel from Sardinia.
    And I often buy a new toothbrush, cotton swaps and other little things I can use every day. For example: whenever I brush my teeth I think of Switzerland. And when I’m cold I use a blanket from France. Little things like these make me super happy!

    Reply

    • Ah, the joys in little things! Especially these souvenirs have become such an important reminder for us since 2020 resulted in a majoy travel stop.

      Reply

  3. You made a good what even if they are so cliché, magnets are still some of the best souvenirs to buy from an oversees trip. One of the places I’ve always wanted to visit at least once is Australia. I hope I could buy come cute kangaroo magnets from there and give one each to all my friends.

    Reply

  4. I like how you pointed out some of the souvenirs that can be bought during a trip such as magnets and traditional t-shirts. My brother told me that he will visit Paris, Texas and it sounds like an interesting place to visit. It would be nice for him to bring us souvenirs from that interesting place.

    Reply

  6. I always collect postcards since they don’t take up any luggage space. However I like the idea of collecting car accessories. Thanks for all the ideas 🙂

    Reply

  7. I rarely bring home souvenirs but do find myself bringing home skin care from Asian countries. Half the fun is buying and the other half is trying to figure out how to use it all.

    Reply

    • Haha.. so true Jean! I am looking at the visual instructions behind these skin-care products half of the time 🙂

      Reply

  8. These are all great ideas, and you’re right, they won’t break the bank.

    We try to find Christmas decorations from each place we visit, then we get a whole bunch of memories when we decorate our tree. 🙂

    I guess the other main one is locally made art. It always makes me happy to see artwork from places we’ve visited.

    Reply

  9. So many cool gift ideas I really like the liquor bottles especially the sample size idea because that is tiny and compact! They are also sometimes really cool shapes or have beautiful labels. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

    • Exactly! The sake bottles we bought in Japan are now being used as a vase in our house. I love the different shapes of liquor bottles too 🙂

      Reply

  10. I wish I’d bought a few more souvenirs from my travels, but budget backpacking isn’t the friendlies for souvenirs! I have got a large collection of fridge magnets though, and some beautiful handcrafted textiles from Central America. I definitely think buying from small local stores is great for supporting the local people.

    Reply

    • Cannot agree with you more on buying from local stores and sometimes they might have things that the big souvenir stores won’t.

      Reply

  11. I’m love/hate for souvenirs but I tend to misplace them or they go missing when moving!! Photographs are great. Thanks for the post

    Reply

  12. This is a really fun post, a great read! I am scaling down on trinkets when I travel..I collect too much stuff. BUT a magnet from each place I visit is my mission, I have some pretty cool ones!

    happy travels!

    Valerie

    Reply

    • I love indulging in street art especially when you can see them make it. Although I have been fooled by street artists in the past :/ Sold me a watercolor painting only to realize after coming home that it was just a damn good colored printout with some brush strokes over it!

      Reply

  14. I love bringing back souvenirs. I’d also recommend that you stop in antique or vintage shops when you’re traveling – you’ll find totally unconventional gems to bring home! I did that when I traveled throughout Ghana and came home with a carving from the colonial era that I count among my favorite possessions, hands down.

    Reply

    • Great recommendation Catherine! I usually don’t step inside antique stores.. will definitely have to check it out next time 🙂

      Reply

  15. I’m definitely guilty of buying the cliche souvenirs …. Although, I do like picking up homewares and locally-made products. Kind of random, but the best souvenir I’ve picked up recently was actually a hand-made wooden spoon in Estonia and a hand-made wooden tea pot slab thing. So handy and I use them every day! haha

    Reply

    • Wow.. those are 2 good kitchen wares Kachina! I when souvenirs come handy in daily use, makes me think of my trips 🙂

      Reply

  16. I always collect pins and shot glasses from everywhere I go! But when I went to Japan it was ALLL about the skincare and I’m SO glad that’s what I got! Everything I got was great!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *