Little Objects, Big Memories: The Magic of Travel Souvenirs
There’s something almost magical about a small, unassuming object that can transport you back to a cobblestone street in Prague, a bustling market in Istanbul, or a quiet beach in Aruba…instantly and completely. Travel souvenirs, whether a hand-painted ornament, a quirky fridge magnet, or a piece of local art, are so much more than trinkets; they’re tiny time machines. Bringing a little piece of the world home with you means the journey never truly has to end.
The beauty of souvenir collecting is that there are no rules — your treasures can range from a carefully chosen piece of handcrafted pottery to a gloriously cheesy snow globe you grabbed at the airport gift shop on the way out. Over time, your home quietly transforms into a gallery of your greatest adventures, where every shelf, wall, and Christmas tree branch tells a story. Guests may come for dinner, but they’ll stay for the tour.
Ways to Bring the World Home With You
If you’ve been following along on my blog, you can see that I adore travel (and hey, if you haven’t been following along, what are you waiting for?). I have been ramping up my travel over the past several years. I have found ways to bring those travel experiences home so I can enjoy them long after the trip is over. Below are several different things I have in my home related to my travels.
Small Travel Trinkets
While I am traveling, I try to get one small trinket from each country, state, and/or city that I visit. I have found that sticking to small souvenirs helps two ways. First, they are much easier to pack and bring back home. Second, they are easier to display in my home. While I do have a few groupings of similar items, I don’t necessarily look for one particular item. Instead, I try to find one small thing that reminds me of experiences I have. My trinkets are currently displayed in two curio cabinets. But I’m quickly growing out of these. So, I will likely need to expand again soon!
- Trinkets are a fun way to bring travel home with you.
- Some travelers like to collect certain types of trinkets (mugs, magnets, or keychains, for example), while others choose individual trinkets that they like best.
- Curio cabinets or other shelves are a great way to display a collection of travel trinkets.
Travel Wall Art
Another thing I always try to get from each place I visit is something to hang on the wall. These are small, so they take up virtually no space in my suitcase. I definitely try to find something hand-produced by local artists. Sometimes, however, I have to make do with a mass-produced photo or postcard. Like the trinkets, I try to find something that highlights a particular view or experience I have in that location.
Once back home, I enjoy spending time in my local hobby stores finding the perfect frame for each new item. I have learned that many things I buy do not fit in standard American frames. So I have learned to get creative with the use of mats or “floating” frames (where the art floats alone behind clear glass in a larger frame).
- Collecting wall art while traveling is a wonderful way to bring travel home with you.
- Look for hand-made pieces by local artists, or find eye-catching photos or postcards.
- Framed collections make your home feel like your own personal art museum.
Travel-Themed Christmas Tree Ornaments
The third thing I try to get from each place that I visit is a Christmas tree ornament. Like the trinkets and artwork, the small size of ornaments makes them easy to bring back home with me. Also like the artwork, I have learned that I sometimes have to improvise to get an ornament. I have been known to buy keychains, bookmarks, or other like items if I cannot find actual ornaments to purchase.
Every year I put up my travel-themed Christmas tree, and it is definitely a highlight of my holiday season. From unwrapping each ornament to place on the tree, to sitting back and enjoying the fully-decorated tree, I get great joy from this tree. It is so fun to reminisce about each location and each trip with each ornament…it’s like traveling all over again!
- Christmas tree ornaments are becoming easier to find year-round, as many travelers like to collect them on their travels.
- If you cannot find any actual ornaments, look for other small items such as keychains or bookmarks that can easily be added to the tree.
- Use a collection of ornaments to create an entire travel-themed tree, or add your collected ornaments on the tree with other ornaments.
Country Rings
Another way I commemorate my travels is with travel rings from Traveller Collective. I get a new ring for each new country I visit. There are two different ways to display the rings. First, I can put them on a necklace. Second, I can add them to a clip which I attach to my purse. Regardless of which way I choose to display the rings, they are always a great conversation starter! I have had several people notice them and ask me about them.
- Country rings are wonderful conversation starters – everyone loves to talk about travel!
- There are a few different companies that sell country rings or similar charms, so feel free to find the ones you like the best.
- Besides countries, many companies also sell collectible charms for U.S. states, National Parks, baseball stadiums, and other similar places.
Scratch-Off Map
Finally, the last way I commemorate my travels is with a large scratch-off map hanging in my home. After I return from each new country, I get to scratch off the country itself and its corresponding flag at the bottom of the map. It is a simple way for me to see where I have been and to plan where I would like to go next. It is another great conversation starter for those who visit my home!
- There are lots of different options available – some are scratch-off ones like mine, and others use pushpins to mark locations.
- A map is a great visual representation of where you have traveled.
Common Questions
Q: How do I find souvenirs that are actually made locally?
A: I have found that skipping shops that are closest to major tourist attractions and heading to local markets, fairs, or small independent shops instead works best. Most of the shops near the attractions are filled with mass-produced items that are actually made elsewhere. Head to where the locals actually shop, if you can, for a more authentic experience. Also, be sure to check the items to see where they are made. Finally, a good rule of thumb: if you see the same item in three or more different shops, it probably isn’t made locally.
Q: How do I pack souvenirs without breaking them?
A: I always carry all extra-delicate pieces, such as things made from glass or pottery, in my personal item. But other items can be packed in suitcases just fine. For packing items (whether in your personal item or your suitcase), wrap anything fragile…clothing such as sweaters, socks, and scarves make excellent free padding. Once wrapped, nestle the items in the center of your suitcase away from the edges to help lessen any potential impacts. If you purchase an item that is too large or too fragile to bring home with you, shipping it home directly is often worth the cost.
Q: What souvenirs travel well and hold up over time?
A: I keep my souvenirs small and meaningful. I have had great success with my three key items: small trinkets, wall art, and Christmas tree ornaments. These are all small, sturdy, and lightweight, which makes them easy to pack. Choosing hand-made, locally produced items is also a great way to ensure your treasures hold up well over time. Showcasing your truly unique travel items is a great way to revisit your travels long after the trip itself has ended.
Even More Travel Ideas
Where I’ve Been and Where I’m Going
Crafting an Effective Travel Itinerary
Good Trips Are Planned, Great Trips Have a Travel Advisor Behind Them
