The Best Souvenirs To Buy When Travelling

As a seasoned traveller I have visited bustling markets and all kinds shops and stores in search of great travel souvenirs. Every time I travel I want to bring something home that is more than just a trinket, but instead something that encapsulates the place that I’ve had the privilege to visit. In this blog, I share what I consider the best souvenirs to buy when traveling. These souvenirs will not only remind you of the wonderful destinations you have visited but also seamlessly fit into your everyday life; adding a touch of the world to your home. So let’s get started!

Local Spices

One of the best souvenirs to bring home from travel is spices. There’s something incredibly special about opening a jar of za’atar from a bustling market in Turkey or a tin of smoky paprika from Spain and being instantly transported back to those vibrant locales. Buying spices when overseas is not just about acquiring a new ingredient for your pantry; it’s about capturing the essence of a culture and its culinary traditions.

Moreover, spices are light, compact, and easy to pack, making them perfect for transporting home. And unlike that kitschy trinket, a jar of exotic spice will be put to good use long after your journey ends, adding a dash of adventure to your everyday cooking.

While spices are generally allowed through customs, it’s vital to check the regulations of the country you’re returning to.

So on your next overseas trip, why not skip the usual magnets and keychains and head to the local spice market instead.

Local Tea & Coffee

Everyone loves comforting brews and I have found that tea and coffee make some of the best souvenirs to bring back home. Imagine waking up to the aroma of fresh Kenyan coffee or winding down your day with a soothing cup of Chinese green tea. A great way to make travel memories as part of your daily life.

Bringing home tea and coffee is really practical. They are easy to pack, transport and have a long shelf life. Make sure that the packaging is fully sealed to maintain the freshness and the quality. Again, remember to check the customs regulations of your home country before bringing home any food or beverage items.

Wine & Local Beverages

Another great souvenir to bring back from travels is wine or a bottle of the local alcohol. Whether it’s a robust red wine from the vineyards of Tuscany or a smooth sake from Japan, bringing back local drinks serve as a tangible reminder of your experiences.

Secondly, these souvenirs are perfect for sharing. When you return home, opening a bottle that you brought back from your travels can become an occasion in itself. A great way to share an experience.

Clothing & Accessories

Clothing and accessories are meaningful and practical souvenirs to bring back from any trip. Whether it is a handcrafted leather bag from Florence, or a piece of jewellery from Mexico. These items not only serve as wonderful reminders of your travels, but also allow you to incorporate pieces of the world into your everyday wardrobe.

Cookware & Tableware

I have discovered that one of the most unique and enjoyable souvenirs to bring back from a trip abroad is cookware. A clay tagine from Morocco, a sturdy cast-iron skillet from the United States, or a delicate Japanese teapot, are all great things to bring home as they serve as practical and durable memories of your trip.

In addition to cookware, I have also come to appreciate the unique charm that overseas tableware brings into my home. Unlike some keepsakes that may end up forgotten in a drawer, tableware is used regularly, making every meals a reminder of your travels. It’s a joy to serve dinner on plates that remind you of the bustling market in France or to sip coffee from mugs bought in a quaint shop in England.

Next time you travel, consider exploring specialist shops and markets for unique tableware and practical cookware. Remember to make sure that your purchases are good quality and well made for oven, hobs, dishwasher safe, daily use etc.

Books & Stationery

I’ve found that books and stationery items make great souvenirs. There’s something special about bringing home a book from a foreign land. Whether it’s a novel set in the city you’ve explored, a cookbook filled with local recipes, or a beautifully illustrated children’s book; which all make great gifts.

Stationery, on the other hand, is a practical and beautiful memento. A notebook from a market or a set of pens from a Japanese stationery shop are great practical gifts.

Furthermore, these souvenirs are easy to pack, lightweight, and generally affordable. So the next time you find yourself wandering the streets of a new city, pop into a local bookstore or stationery shop and see what you can pick up.

Jute Hessian Bags

Over the years I have come to appreciate souvenirs that are not only memorable but also practical. That is why I want to specifically mention jute hessian bags, as these have become one of my must bring home items from my travels.

Jute hessian bags are made from natural fibres and incredibly versatile. A jute hessian bag can be used for grocery shopping, as a beach bag, a book bag, or even a stylish accessory for your daily outfits. Every time you use it, you’ll be reminded of your travel adventures.

Moreover, many places around the world offer locally made jute hessian bags, often adorned with traditional designs or iconic landmarks. These designs add a cultural element, making each bag a unique representation of the place visited. For example, a bag from Bali might feature traditional Batik prints, while one from a city will showcase the local landmarks.

Lastly, jute hessian bags are lightweight and easy to pack, making them so convenient to bring home. They don’t take up much luggage space, and you can even use them to carry other items you acquire during your trip.

In summary, buying a jute hessian bag as a souvenir is an excellent way to remember your travels. It’s a practical, eco-friendly memento that carries a piece of the local culture, serving as a constant reminder of your travels.

Local Art & Textiles

Buying local art can be way of bringing the destination’s culture and history home. From vibrant paintings to handcrafted sculptures allows you to transform your home living space into a personal gallery of your trips.

Another great souvenir to bring home from travels are textiles. From rugs, to table runners and cushion covers. All these items can be easily incorporated into your home and serve as reminders of your travels. Easily transportable, lightweight and foldable, a great functional souvenir option.

Grocery Stores

One of my favourite places to shop for great souvenirs is the local grocery stores.

Grocery stores are treasure troves filled with items that truly represent the culture and lifestyle of a place. They offer a glimpse into the day-to-day life of the locals, their food habits, and traditions. For instance, in Italy, head to a local grocery store and pick up a packet of artisanal pasta or a bottle of locally made olive oil. These items are not only authentic but also serve as a delicious reminder of your trip once you’re back home.

In Japan, grocery stores are filled with beautifully packaged sweets and snacks. The packaging itself is often a work of art, reflecting Japanese aesthetics and craftsmanship. A box of matcha-flavored Kit Kats or beautifully wrapped rice crackers can make for unique and exciting gifts.

In short, grocery stores are an under-the-radar destination for picking up great travel souvenirs. They offer a variety of unique, practical, affordable and delicious mementos that go beyond the usual keychains and postcards. So next time you’re travelling, don’t forget to pay a visit to the local grocery store – you never know what treasures you might find.

So To Wrap Up On The Best Souvenirs To Buy When Travelling…

The best souvenirs are those that capture the spirit of a place and allow us to revisit our experiences long after we’ve returned home. While it’s easy to default to generic trinkets, I encourage you to explore more functional items that allow you to weave the essence of your travels into your everyday. So, on your next adventure, seek out these meaningful treasures and bring them back home with you to enjoy long after your trip.

For some more great travel hacks, read my blog post on the Top 21 Ultimate Travel Gadgets.