The art of holiday souvenirs: Your guide to shopping abroad

Who doesn’t love a peruse around the tacky tourist shops on holiday? I am certainly guilty of buying the overpriced magnet or two. Then comes the awkward situation of trying to cram everything into your suitcase, only to throw it into storage to make way for more holiday tat from your trip to Spain. This is why I have come to view souvenir shopping as an art form that requires careful consideration to avoid the guilt of wasting your money. Below is my entirely credible guide to purchasing fun souvenirs that you are more likely to use than a tasteless t-shirt that says ‘I <3 NYC’ or plastic key chains that are bound to gather dust under your bed!

“Unboxing the forgotten ornament by the time December rolls around allows you to recall all the places you have been to, and who doesn’t love a stroll done that fun memory lane?”

Postcards/artwork

I don’t know about you, but as a history student there is nothing I love more than visiting historical sites or museums when travelling somewhere new. Alongside these insightful visits are gift shops that often hold beautiful postcards and local artwork, so why not get yourself some? Coming from an avid postcard enthusiast, I love browsing through all the postcards that capture idyllic scenes or ones that illustrate the country’s jaw-dropping architecture. They are usually cheap, easily transportable, and can be made into wall displays, bookbinders for coffee tables, or in my case, journalling (I also encourage you to hold onto your maps or train tickets – they make perfect additions to your journal pages). 

Small and sentimental keepsakes

If you celebrate Christmas, you should purchase an ornament for the festive season. While they may sit in storage for 11 months of the year, you are bound to use it repeatedly for future years to come. Unboxing the forgotten ornament by the time December rolls around allows you to recall all the places you have been to, and who doesn’t love a stroll done that fun memory lane? Additionally, jewellery is another souvenir I will always search for when abroad. Locally made silver, beaded or gemstone bracelets, and earrings are my go-tos, as they are lightweight and allow you to actively wear a piece of the country you have been to. For instance, when I visit Italy, you will find me with Murano glass jewellery, as they are just gorgeous pieces that can be worn all year round.  

“Handmade textiles are excellent souvenirs as they are easily packable due to their often lightweight nature, and perfectly serve to illustrate the authentic craftsmanship of the country you visit”

Food/recipes

Bringing home food from your travels is a perfect way to relive the experience. From local spices and herbs to regional sweets, they act as a delicious reminder of the gourmet food you became accustomed to on your holidays. However, please be careful when doing this, as there are restrictions in place for bringing home certain foods. Another option within a similar realm is purchasing local cookbooks containing recipes from your travels that can be easily made at home, allowing you to celebrate local cultures in your own kitchen.  

Handmade textiles

Handmade textiles are excellent souvenirs as they are easily packable due to their often lightweight nature, and perfectly serve to illustrate the authentic craftsmanship of the country you visit. From handwoven Pashmina in India, to locally-dyed alpaca wool in Peru, the options are endless. Tea towels and placemats act as souvenirs that can brighten up your kitchens, celebrating local and traditional patterns and styles. Moreover, instead of purchasing mass-produced tourist t-shirts that lack meaning, look for high-quality and regionally produced clothes that you would wear in the future. 

“Whether this be the tacky magnets for the fridge, or artwork from local galleries, souvenirs can serve as a beautiful reminder that there is a world out there for you to explore”

Books

As someone who likes to read and collect stunning covers of books she already owns (I have seven copies of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein), books can act as beautiful reminders of your travels. Even if you do not speak the language, collecting editions of your favourite books is definitely a good option for readers who can’t say no to golden-sprayed edges! They are unique to the location, and can last a lifetime, transporting you back to the trip you took when you purchased them. Additionally, they do not have to be fictional books, as you can also purchase non-fiction books that tell you the rich histories of the countries you visit. 

Of course, these are just my examples of the perfect mementos, but I strongly encourage you to build your own souvenir tradition for when you visit somewhere new. For example, when I find myself in a new place, my priority in the souvenir department is to obtain a shot glass. Back when I visited Italy for the first time, I purchased one for my Dad, and the tradition stuck, and now our cupboard contains shot glasses from Florence, Pisa, Tenerife, Berlin, and even the Isle of Wight! My grandmother, the ever-seasoned traveller, loves a good snow globe from her holidays (and it certainly becomes a mission to bring them home in tact). Creating traditions like this allows for souvenir shopping to become something entertaining, yet memorable, and enables you to have a physical keepsake that lets you recall your past experiences. Whether this be the tacky magnets for the fridge, or artwork from local galleries, souvenirs can serve as a beautiful reminder that there is a world out there for you to explore.