When you travel to a new place, it’s common to want to bring back a little piece of that destination. What better way to do that than with a tacky souvenir? These items may not be the most sophisticated or stylish, but they hold a special place in our hearts and remind us of our fun and unique traveling experiences.

Many families collect spoons, coins, T-shirts, sweatshirts, or magnets. Our family likes to buy a magnet for every place we visit. We put them all over our refrigerator and love them. I like to look at each one and remember our trips.

Fridge Magnets

Fridge magnets are a classic souvenir that can be found in almost any gift shop around the world. They come in all shapes and sizes, from the traditional rectangular ones with pictures of famous landmarks to the quirky ones shaped like food or animals. Some people even collect them and display them on their fridges as a reminder of all the places they have visited.

For a sleek look, get the flat ones with pictures, or if you want an eclectic look, get all different kinds.

If you don’t want to display your magnets on the refrigerator, you can buy magnet boards at home improvement and craft stores. Then hang it in a room where you need a little color.

Keychain Keepsakes

Keychains are another popular souvenir item that people love to collect. They are small and lightweight and can be attached to your keys or backpack for a daily reminder of your travels. Keychains come in every style imaginable. From the classic metal ones with the name of the city or country to the more whimsical ones shaped like animals or cartoon characters.

One fun way to incorporate keychains into your travel souvenirs is to collect one from each place you visit and create a keychain “chain” to display them all. You can use this as a fun idea near your front door, or stretch it across a window as a garland.

Sweet Treats

When traveling, indulging in the local sweet treats is always fun. Whether it’s a famous pastry or a unique candy, trying out the local delicacies is a must. You can even find specialty shops that sell sweets unique to that region in many places.

One example of a sweet treat is the French macaron. These colorful, delicate cookies come in multiple flavors and are a staple in many French bakeries. Not only is it a great souvenir to bring home from France, it is also an excellent gift for the people at home.

Savory Snacks

If you’re more of a savory snack person, there are plenty of options when traveling. In Japan, for example, you can find a variety of rice crackers in different shapes and flavors. These crackers are perfect for snacking on the go and make a great souvenir to bring back home.

In NYC, a street vendor pretzel or a bag of bagels is a great souvenir treat.

Traditional Hats

Hats are a staple in many cultures and make great souvenirs. There are endless options, from the classic sombrero in Mexico to the fez in Morocco. Not only are they stylish, but they also serve a practical purpose by protecting you from the sun.

They look great on a wall as decor when you get home.

Some people collect baseball hats from each location and use them on the trip so they don’t have to bring one from home,

Themed T-Shirts

Themed t-shirts are a fun way to show off your travels. Whether you’re looking for a shirt with the Eiffel Tower from Paris or a sweater with a kangaroo from Australia, there are plenty of options. Plus, they’re easy to pack and make for a great conversation starter when you wear them back home.

Even better is to look on sites like Etsy to find a souvenir you can buy that will ship to your home.

Miniature Landmarks

One popular type of decorative trinket is the miniature landmark. These small replicas of famous buildings and monuments can be found in gift shops worldwide. Whether you’re visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Statue of Liberty in New York City, you will find a miniature version to take home with you.

Some travelers like to collect miniature landmarks from all the places they’ve visited, creating a unique display in their home. Others prefer to choose just one or two special pieces to remind them of their favorite destinations.

Cultural Figurines

Another type of decorative trinket that’s popular with travelers is the cultural figurine. These small statues and figurines often represent traditional dress, dance, or other artistic elements of the country you’re visiting.

For example, you might find a small wooden statue of a Maori warrior in New Zealand or a ceramic figurine of a flamenco dancer in Spain.

We have a brass figurine of a whirling dervish from Turkey at my house. You can spin it and make it a dervish that is really whirling.

These figurines can be a great way to bring a little piece of the local culture back home with you.

Picture Postcards

Postcards are a classic souvenir that many people love to collect when traveling. They are affordable, easy to find, and can be sent to friends and family back home to share your experiences.

Picture postcards usually feature a popular landmark or scenic view from the destination you’re visiting. Some postcards have interesting facts or historical information about the location on the back.

When selecting postcards, consider the quality of the image and the paper. Look for postcards with high-quality images that accurately represent the location. Choose postcards printed on sturdy paper to ensure they survive the journey back home.

You can also consider buying postcards with unique designs or illustrations that capture the essence of your trip.

Practical Souvenirs

When traveling, it’s always nice to bring back a practical souvenir you can use in your everyday life. Here are a few practical souvenirs that you should consider bringing back from your next trip:

Local Utensils

Local utensils are a great practical souvenir to bring back from your travels. They not only remind you of your trip, but they also serve a useful purpose in your kitchen.

For example, if you visit Japan, you could bring back a set of chopsticks or a traditional Japanese knife. If you visit Italy, you could get back a pasta maker or a set of Italian cheese knives. These souvenirs are not only practical, but they also add a unique touch to your kitchen.

Branded Towels

Branded towels are another practical souvenir you should consider returning from your travels. Many hotels and resorts offer branded towels you can purchase as souvenirs.

These towels are not only practical for everyday use, but they also serve as a reminder of your trip.

For example, if you visit a beach resort, you could bring back a branded beach towel. You could bring back a branded bathrobe or towel if you visit a ski resort. These souvenirs are not only practical, but they also add a touch of luxury to your everyday life.

Collector’s Items

When you travel, you may want to bring home a special item to remember your trip. Collector’s items, such as commemorative coins and themed snow globes, are popular souvenirs that many people love to get.

Commemorative Coins

Commemorative coins are a great way to remember a special event or landmark. These coins often feature unique designs and are made in limited quantities, making them a valuable addition to any collection.

Some popular commemorative coins include those featuring national parks, historic landmarks, and major sporting events.

When purchasing commemorative coins, be sure to check their authenticity and quality. Look for coins made from high-quality materials and with clear, detailed designs.

You may also want to consider purchasing a display case to showcase your collection.

Themed Snow Globes

Themed snow globes are a classic souvenir that many people love to collect. These globes often feature iconic landmarks or symbols of the city or country you are visiting. They are a great way to bring a little piece of your travels back home with you.

When choosing a themed snow globe, look for one that is well-made and has a clear, detailed design.

You may also want to consider purchasing a snow globe with a unique feature, such as a musical tune or a light-up feature.

Christmas Decorations

One of my personal favorite things to collect as a souvenir is Christmas decorations.  I love decorating with items that remind me of an awesome trip and give me something unique.

You can collect Santas from all over the world, nativities unique to each place you visit, or just one special ornament that will remind you of a location.

Personalized Items

When it comes to souvenirs, personalized items are always a popular choice. Not only do they make great gifts, but they also serve as a reminder of your trip for years to come. Here are two popular types of personalized souvenirs:

Jewelry

Jewelry is a classic souvenir that many people love to get when traveling. Whether it’s a necklace, bracelet, or ring, having your name or the name of your destination engraved on the piece adds a personal touch.

You can also choose to have a special date or message engraved for an extra sentimental touch.

Custom Caricatures or Portrait

Another fun and unique personalized souvenir is a custom caricature. These are especially popular at theme parks and tourist attractions.

Artists will draw a cartoon version of you and your family or friends. It’s a great way to capture a fun trip memory and have a unique piece of art to take home.

Getting a portrait is often a little more expensive but can become a cherished heirloom.