When we travel, it is natural to want to bring some things home with us to remember that fantastic trip. However, you want to be smart when picking out souvenirs for yourself or to take home as gifts.  Here are three rules to always remember when souvenir shopping. 

Packable

One of the most important rules I go by when bringing souvenirs home is – will it fit in my suitcase?  For me, this usually means the item must be no bigger than my fist, since I usually only travel with a backpack sized carry-on, plus a computer bag. Unless I’m traveling in December, when I always bring a bigger bag for holiday shopping.  Other than that, I always shop small.

Triggers a memory  

Don’t get a china dish in the airport that says Peru or a magnet or a snow globe, just because you feel like you should take something home, or you forgot to get a gift for someone.  They won’t enjoy it any more than you will.  Go for something which will remind you of a special day of souvenir shopping, of a special meal, at the beach, or of an ancient ruin with local artisans. 

Useful

This one is a biggie.  Unless you keep this in mind, you will collect dust catchers whose numbers grow the more you travel.  Opt for something wearable, consumable, a bowl or utensil for the kitchen, or some art to hang on the wall instead.

So, what should I get? Here are some suggestions for some of my favorite options for souvenirs; both as gifts or for myself.

Spices

One of my favorite souvenirs which checks all of the boxes for me are spices. This includes single spices, spice blends like dry rubs, and complex blends such as curries. See my blog post at my sister site MonteGatta Farm on spices as souvenirs.   One of the best benefits is that spices travel well and don‘t take up a lot of space in the luggage. Considering I exclusively travel with carry-on luggage, this is a must.  Spices don’t trigger any alarms with the authorities when moving through customs and immigration either, like some prepared condiments, cheeses or meats do.   They often come in a wonderful reusable ceramic or woven box. Plus, spices are a souvenir I know I will actually use, and which will make the memories last much longer.

Jewelry

This is another great souvenir. Jewelry is easily packable and something most women always love having more of.  When you wear your international jewelry it almost always is a conversation starter at work or among friends. Even better if you have a great story about haggling over price at the Grand Bazaar. 

Local Sustainable Handicraft

Delft bowls from Amsterdam, handmade metal jewelry from Africa, woven items from India or South America, reindeer horn mugs from Scandinavia , etc.  These check all the boxes for me as well, since when I use them I am always reminded of the day spent strolling through the handicraft market or street fair where I purchased them. And I feel better that my tourism dollars are going to a local rather than an international conglomerate.

Clothes or Shoes 

What’s great about bringing clothes home is that they easily fit in your suitcase, but you can even wear them on the airplane if needed. Definitely resist the urge to get clothes you could get back home; rather choose something with a flair for the locality such as Icelandic wool sweaters, Peruvian sneakers, Italian leather sandals, or Cambodian elephant pants.

Coffee Beans or Tea

Whether in Jamaica, London, South America, or Sri Lanka, Coffee and tea pack well and allow you to relive those leisurely vacation mornings when you’re at home in your bunny slippers. I also love giving these far flung beverages as Christmas gifts after I get home. 

Liquor

Rum from St Maartin, scotch from Scotland, limoncello from Italy, sake from Japan. Every country has its own special alcohol. Just remember you’ll have to ship it, pack it in checked luggage, or buy it at the airport. 

One last comment – sometimes rules are made to be broken. If you find an totally awesome and unique decoration or furniture that you just have to have, go ahead and get it. This is your chance to put something really unique in your home.

So that’s my list. what do you get when you go souvenir shopping?