The 7 Best Souvenirs to Bring Home

Whenever and wherever I travel, I know I'll be buying something (okay, probably several things) to bring home with me. Call them souvenirs, mementos, cherished possessions, or simply more stuff to clutter your house. Whatever you call them, there's something special about bringing home an item that reminds you of a wonderful travel experience.

Over the years, I've collected everything from locally made jewelry and Christmas ornaments to artwork and clothing. My favorite souvenirs aren't necessarily expensive, and they're rarely the typical tourist merchandise you'll find in every souvenir shop. I prefer things that are unique to a destination, locally made, or simply something I'll genuinely enjoy using once I'm home.

In fact, I'm known to pack an extra foldable travel bag specifically to accommodate everything I purchase during my adventures. I've learned that having a little extra luggage space is considerably easier than trying to squeeze another pair of shoes into an already overflowing suitcase.

If you're wondering what souvenirs to buy on your next trip, I've compiled seven of my absolute favorites from years of traveling around the world. Whether you're looking for something affordable, practical, decorative, or simply meaningful, these are the travel souvenirs I continue to purchase.

The best souvenirs to bring home are things that remind you of your travels long after you've returned home. Personally, I prefer souvenirs that I can wear, display, or incorporate into my everyday life.

While everyone's preferences are different, these are my seven favorite types of travel souvenirs. One thing you'll notice about my recommendations is that they're all things I genuinely collect. You won't find a list of refrigerator magnets or miniature Eiffel Towers here. Not that there's anything wrong with either, but I prefer souvenirs that have a little more personal meaning.

Another consideration is luggage space. Most of my recommendations are relatively easy to bring home without shipping, although I've certainly made exceptions over the years. Let's get into my favorites.

Art from Everywhere

1. Local Art and Crafts

By far, purchasing beautiful artwork and locally made crafts has been one of my favorite ways to remember my travels. My home has been filled with pieces I've collected from around the world and throughout the United States. Sometimes it's a painting, sometimes it's pottery, and occasionally it's a beautiful vase that I absolutely cannot leave behind. I love looking at these pieces and remembering exactly where I purchased them and what I was doing during that particular trip. Unlike mass-produced souvenirs, locally made artwork often reflects the culture, traditions, and creativity of the destination you're visiting. It's also a wonderful opportunity to support local artists.

When I'm traveling, I enjoy wandering through local markets, independent galleries, and smaller shops where I can discover something unique. I don't necessarily set out looking for a particular item. Sometimes I stumble across something that I immediately know belongs in my home. And that's generally when my luggage situation becomes complicated.

What Kind of Art Makes a Good Souvenir?

Some of my favorite options include:

• Small original paintings and prints
• Locally made pottery and ceramics
• Handcrafted decorative objects
• Textiles created by local artisans
• Small sculptures and other handmade pieces

If you're traveling with limited luggage space, smaller pieces of artwork can be particularly convenient. Prints are generally easy to transport, and smaller handmade objects can often be carefully wrapped and packed in your suitcase. Of course, sometimes you find something that simply isn't going to fit. I once shipped a cuckoo clock home (to the USA) from Switzerland while backpacking across Europe. It certainly wasn't the most convenient souvenir, but sometimes shipping an item makes sense when you find something particularly special.

My advice: Purchase artwork because you genuinely love it, not simply because it represents the destination. You're much more likely to appreciate something that complements your home and personal style.

Merlin and I Working on the Ornament Collection

2. Christmas Ornaments

If there's one souvenir I purchase almost everywhere I travel, it's a Christmas ornament. It doesn't matter whether I'm traveling in December or the middle of July. If I find an ornament that represents the destination, there's a very good chance it's coming home with me. Collecting Christmas ornaments has become one of my favorite travel traditions. Every year, when I decorate my Christmas tree, I get to revisit years of travel memories. Each ornament represents a different city, country, or experience. It's essentially a collection of my adventures hanging from the branches of my Christmas tree. I absolutely love it.

One important lesson I've learned is to purchase ornaments that identify the destination. Otherwise, years later, you might find yourself wondering exactly where that beautiful little ornament came from. Trust me, it happens. I particularly enjoy finding ornaments that reflect the local culture rather than generic decorations that could have come from anywhere.

Christmas Markets Are Perfect for Finding Ornaments

My love of Christmas ornaments probably explains why I've become so enthusiastic about visiting European Christmas markets. In fact, traveling to the German Christmas markets has become my Thanksgiving tradition. I love wandering through the markets, admiring the decorations, and discovering beautiful ornaments that I can add to my collection. Handcrafted wooden decorations, hand-painted glass ornaments, and traditional regional designs make particularly wonderful souvenirs.

If you're planning a European Christmas market trip, make sure you leave some extra space in your suitcase. I can almost guarantee you're going to need it.

RELATED READING: German Christmas Markets: What I Loved About Each

My advice: Look for ornaments that clearly identify the destination or represent something distinctive about the place you're visiting. Your future self will appreciate knowing where each one came from.

Beautiful Mariage Frères Store in Paris

3. Local Beverages

Not every souvenir needs to last forever. Sometimes the best souvenirs are the ones you get to enjoy after returning home, particularly when they involve a delicious regional specialty. I've brought home beverages from several destinations, and I consider them some of my favorite travel purchases.

When I visited Italy, I made the unfortunate mistake of not leaving enough room in my luggage for all the wine I wanted to bring home. I managed to bring back several wonderful bottles, but I certainly would have purchased more if I'd had the space. Lesson learned. During my travels to Hawaii, I brought home rum. My trip to London involved purchasing Beefeater gin. And when I'm in Paris, I love visiting Mariage Frères for tea. The beautiful Mariage Frères store is an experience in itself, and the tea makes a wonderful souvenir to enjoy once you're back home.

What Beverages Should You Bring Home?

I generally look for something associated with the destination I'm visiting. Depending on where you're traveling, that might include regional wines, locally produced spirits, specialty teas, or other beverages that are difficult or expensive to purchase at home. I particularly enjoy purchasing products that I wouldn't ordinarily buy during my everyday shopping. There's something wonderful about opening a bottle of wine from Italy or brewing a cup of tea from Paris and remembering the experience of purchasing it.

Obviously, beverages aren't permanent souvenirs. But sometimes enjoying something delicious while reminiscing about your travels is exactly what you need.

Tips for Bringing Beverages Home:

Before purchasing several bottles of wine or other beverages, consider how you're going to transport them. Liquids exceeding airport security limits generally need to travel in checked luggage unless they qualify for applicable duty-free exemptions. Glass bottles also require careful packing. I recommend checking your airline's baggage restrictions and the customs regulations of your destination before purchasing alcohol or other restricted products. And don't forget to account for the additional weight in your suitcase. Those bottles add up surprisingly quickly.

My advice: Save room for beverages that are genuinely special to the destination. You can purchase ordinary wine or tea at home, but discovering something unique during your travels makes the experience much more memorable.

Shoes I Bought in Paris

4. Clothing and Apparel

When I recommend purchasing clothing as a travel souvenir, I'm not talking about a tie-dyed T-shirt with "Panama City Beach" printed across the front. I'm talking about beautiful clothing and accessories that you'll genuinely enjoy wearing long after your vacation ends. For me, shopping while traveling is part of the experience. I love discovering brands, visiting boutiques, and finding clothing that reminds me of a particular destination.

Paris has always been one of my favorite cities for shopping. Over the years, I've enjoyed purchasing clothing from French brands such as Sézane and Maje. Although I can purchase clothing from these brands online, there's something entirely different about visiting their boutiques in Paris. The shopping experience becomes part of the memory.

And now that I've moved to Paris, I'm discovering even more French brands and smaller boutiques that I might never have encountered otherwise, which I'm obviously sharing in other guides as I discover them.

What Clothing Makes a Good Travel Souvenir?

Some of my favorite purchases include:

• Shoes from local or regional brands
• Beautiful scarves
• Clothing from independent boutiques
• Handbags and other accessories
• Pieces that are difficult to find in the United States

I particularly enjoy finding shoes and accessories that aren't readily available back home. Not only do I get something unique, but every time I wear it, I'm reminded of where I purchased it.

If you're planning to shop during your travels, I recommend setting aside a few hours specifically for exploring boutiques and local shopping districts. Rushing through stores between sightseeing activities isn't nearly as enjoyable as giving yourself time to discover something special.

Shopping in Paris

Since moving to Paris, I've been exploring French clothing and accessory brands more extensively. One of my favorite discoveries has been finding beautiful and affordable French handbags so you won't spend thousands of euros on luxury designer labels.

I've also been exploring French shoe brands and shopping for clothing that works particularly well for petite women. If you're visiting Paris and planning to shop, I've written a separate guide covering some of my favorite things to purchase in the city.

RELATED READING: What to Buy in Paris

My advice: Purchase clothing that fits your existing wardrobe rather than buying something simply because you're on vacation. The best clothing souvenirs are pieces you'll continue wearing for years.

Tea Towel from Acadia National Park in Maine

5. Kitchen Towels (AKA Tea Towels)

This might sound like an unusual souvenir recommendation, but hear me out. I absolutely love purchasing kitchen towels when I travel. And I'm not talking about ordinary dish towels that you use to clean up messes. I'm talking about decorative kitchen towels that reflect the destination and add a little personality to your kitchen. I have one hanging from my oven handle, and every time I see it, I'm reminded of a wonderful travel experience. One of my favorites came from Acadia National Park in Maine (pictured). These little souvenirs have gradually become some of my favorite things to purchase while traveling. They're practical, affordable, and incredibly easy to pack.

What's not to love?

Why Kitchen Towels Make Excellent Souvenirs

First, they're generally inexpensive. I've found that many decorative kitchen towels cost approximately $15–$25, although prices will vary depending on the destination and where you purchase them.

Second, they take up practically no room in your suitcase. Unlike pottery, artwork, or bottles of wine, you don't have to worry about wrapping them carefully or sacrificing half your luggage space.

Third, they're something you can actually use.

I spend a considerable amount of time cooking, and I enjoy having little reminders of my travels incorporated into my kitchen. Personally, I look for towels with attractive designs that reflect the destination rather than generic souvenir merchandise. Local illustrations, regional foods, beautiful typography, and artwork featuring a particular city can all make wonderful options.

My advice: Look for kitchen towels in independent gift shops, museum stores, and local markets. You can often find much more interesting designs than those available in traditional tourist souvenir shops.

Earrings from Paris

6. Locally Made Jewelry

Jewelry is another one of my favorite souvenirs to purchase when traveling. And no, I'm not talking about spending thousands of dollars on expensive jewelry. If that's your thing, by all means, enjoy yourself.

Personally, I prefer finding interesting, affordable pieces that reflect the destination or the creativity of a local artist. One of my favorite jewelry purchases came from a trip to Wyoming. I found the cutest little sheriff badge earrings, and I absolutely adore them. They're small enough that you have to get relatively close to see exactly what they are. But when people notice them, they always get a reaction. They're quirky, fun, and a wonderful reminder of that particular trip.

During my travels in Africa, I also purchased a bracelet made from beaded safety pins by local artisans. These are exactly the types of souvenirs I love. They're distinctive, meaningful, and not necessarily something I could easily purchase at home.

Why I Prefer Locally Made Jewelry

One of the biggest reasons I enjoy purchasing jewelry while traveling is the opportunity to support local artisans. Rather than buying mass-produced pieces, I prefer finding jewelry made by people who live and work in the destination I'm visiting. Not only does this make the purchase more meaningful, but it also provides an opportunity to discover different artistic traditions and designs.

And jewelry has another enormous advantage. It's incredibly easy to pack. A pair of earrings or a small bracelet takes up practically no space in your luggage. You don't have to worry about exceeding baggage weight limits or finding room for another bulky purchase.

I also enjoy the fact that jewelry can become a conversation starter. Someone might compliment your earrings, and suddenly you're telling them about a wonderful trip you took several years ago. It serves as a conversation-starter and potentially a connection with the person asking. That's a pretty fantastic souvenir, if you ask me.

My advice: Explore local markets and independent boutiques when looking for jewelry. If purchasing from an artisan, ask about their work and how the piece was made. The story behind your purchase can make it even more meaningful.

Photo Shoot in Montmartre Cemetery

7. Photographs

Of all the souvenirs I've collected throughout my travels, photographs might be the most meaningful. There are two different types of travel photography I particularly recommend. The first is taking your own photographs. The second is hiring a professional photographer to take photographs of you. I do both, and I absolutely love the results.

Take Your Own Travel Photographs

Photography has been an important part of my travels for as long as I can remember. I've always enjoyed carrying my camera and capturing the landscapes, architecture, and little details that make each destination special. Taking photographs encourages me to pay attention to my surroundings. Sometimes it's a beautiful building, an interesting street, or a landscape that I want to remember. Other times, it's something completely unexpected that catches my attention.

Over the years, I've developed my photography skills to the point that I now sell prints of my work. I've also displayed my travel photographs throughout my home. They're constant reminders of places I've visited and experiences I've enjoyed. Unlike many traditional souvenirs, photographs don't require additional luggage space. At least not until you decide to print and frame them.

EXPLORE: My Travel Photography Print Collection

Hire a Photographer During Your Travels

My second recommendation is something I think more travelers should consider. Hire a photographer to take pictures of you while you're traveling. This is particularly wonderful for solo travelers who often return home with hundreds of beautiful photographs but very few pictures of themselves. I've done this during my visits to Paris, and the results have been fantastic.

My friend is an outstanding Paris portrait photographer, and she has taken some absolutely beautiful photographs of me over the years. She works magic. Seriously, some of these photographs make me think I might actually be a model.

Having professional photographs taken in a destination you love is such a wonderful way to preserve your travel memories. It's also an experience in itself. You get to spend time exploring beautiful locations while someone captures photographs that you'll enjoy for years.

Whether you're traveling alone, with a partner, or with your family, professional photographs can make an incredibly meaningful souvenir.

PHOTOGRAPHY RECOMMENDATION: Miss Paris Photo

My advice: Don't wait until the end of your trip to realize that you barely have any photographs of yourself. Make a point of taking pictures throughout your travels, even if you aren't particularly comfortable in front of the camera.

You'll appreciate having them later.

Traveling is one of the most life-giving things I've ever done for myself. My soul requires it. Otherwise, I get grumpy and restless. While I certainly don't need to purchase something everywhere I go, I genuinely enjoy surrounding myself with reminders of my adventures.

Whether it's a piece of artwork hanging on my wall, an ornament on my Christmas tree, or a beautiful pair of earrings I discovered during a trip, these little treasures bring back wonderful memories. They also give me something to enjoy while I'm dreaming about my next adventure.

The best souvenirs to bring home aren't necessarily expensive, elaborate, or even particularly impressive to anyone else. They're simply things that make you happy and remind you of somewhere you've been. So give yourself permission to bring home a little something from your next adventure. Just remember to leave room in your suitcase. And if you're anything like me, you might want to bring an extra bag.

If you thought this was helpful, you might also like to know my favorite travel bags and my guide to what to pack in a carry-on.

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