20 Souvenir Ideas To Collect From Your Travels

You Want To Start Collecting Souvenirs From Your Travels But Need Some Ideas? Keep Reading To Find Out More!

So what are some souvenir ideas to collect from your travels?

Bringing home a souvenir is more than just picking up a trinket. It’s a way to capture the spirit of a place and preserve your favorite travel memories.

Whether it’s a tiny token from a faraway city or a handmade item rich with local culture, souvenirs have the power to tell stories, spark nostalgia, and add personality to your home.

From practical to personal, here are 20 souvenir ideas to collect from your adventures around the world.

1. Fridge Magnets

Magnets are one of the most popular and practical travel souvenirs—and for good reason.

They’re affordable, lightweight, and available just about everywhere, from airport gift shops to tiny market stalls in remote villages.

Whether it’s a scenic photo, a quirky local phrase, or a handmade design, each magnet captures a little slice of the place you visited.

I have accumulated a significant amount of fridge magnets and display them on my wall on this Ikea magnetic board.

Recently, I have been more into ones that are weird shapes, 3-D, or handmade.

2. Keychains

Keychains are a fun and versatile souvenir that’s easy to collect and even easier to carry home.

They come in endless designs—mini landmarks, license plates, animals, cultural symbols, or cheeky slogans that reflect the local vibe.

While you may not use all of them on your actual keys, they’re perfect for displaying on hooks, pinboards, or even turning into zipper pulls on backpacks or travel bags.

Also, keychains are one of the most affordable keepsakes. Making them ideal if you’re traveling on a budget or want to grab extras as gifts for friends and family.

Sometimes the souvenir shops have deals like 3 for $10 or something similar.

I display mine on these fancier-looking command hooks I got from Amazon. No need to drill your wall, just get ones with really strong adhesive.

I chose black command hooks because they match the magnet board as well as the frames of a couple of the pictures that are in the room.

3. Postcards

There’s something timeless and charming about postcards.

Beyond just collecting them, they offer a creative way to document your journey as you go.

Write a quick note to yourself on the back—what you saw that day, how you felt, what the weather was like—and send it home.

By the time you return, you’ll have a pile of stamped, date-marked memories waiting for you.

Some travelers even make it a ritual: one postcard per city or country.

Over the years, they can be bound into a scrapbook, strung into a travel garland, or stored in a keepsake box for spontaneous nostalgia.

Plus, local artists and photographers often create postcards that double as mini art prints, making them tiny treasures in their own right.

However, one downside of buying postcards is that they can get squished or bent easily (at least mine always do).

4. Local Currency/Coins

Collecting local currency is like holding a tiny piece of a country’s identity in your hand.

Each bill or coin features historical figures, national landmarks, symbols, or even animals unique to the region.

Even small denominations that are no longer in circulation become fascinating artifacts over time.

Some travelers like to keep a single coin or note from each country visited. While others frame them in shadow boxes or tuck them into a travel journal.

Also, it’s a fun way to see how design, size, and value differ around the world.

And let’s be honest—those leftover coins that can’t be exchanged? They might as well become souvenirs!

They’re small, meaningful, and instantly transport you back to that café, market, or metro station where you last used them.

5. Pressed Pennies

Pressed pennies (also known as elongated coins) are nostalgic and charming souvenirs that turn everyday currency into personalized keepsakes.

Found in theme parks, tourist attractions, museums, and even quirky roadside stops, these machines let you crank out a copper coin featuring a design unique to that specific location.

The fun isn’t just in the final product—it’s also in the process.

There’s something satisfying about turning the handle and watching your penny transform.

Over time, collecting pressed pennies becomes almost like a scavenger hunt, encouraging you to seek out the machines wherever you go.

Many travelers keep them in special albums or jars.

Also, because they’re so flat and lightweight, they’re perfect for minimalist travelers looking to bring home memories without taking up much space.

6. Tea, Coffee Or Spices

Bringing home tea, coffee or spices is like bottling up the flavor of a destination.

Items such as fragrant saffron from Morocco, coffee from Cuba, herbes de Provence from France, or green tea from Japan are ideal.

These small but mighty souvenirs let you relive your travels through taste and aroma.

They’re lightweight, easy to pack, and often beautifully packaged by local markets or specialty shops.

What makes them extra special is how they connect you to the daily life and culinary culture of a place.

Brew a cup or cook a dish months later, and suddenly you’re right back at that bustling spice stall or cozy tea house.

Also, it’s a meaningful way to share your trip with friends, homemade meals or tea sessions with a story behind the flavors.

7. Cookbooks Or Recipe Cards

Cookbooks and recipe cards make incredibly meaningful souvenirs. Especially if you love connecting with local culture through food.

Picking up a cookbook by a regional chef or filled with traditional recipes allows you to bring a taste of your travels home to your own kitchen.

You’ll remember the bustling market where you tasted that first bite or the café where you discovered a new flavor.

Cooking from these recipes is like revisiting a destination with all your senses and it’s a great way to share the adventure with family and friends at your dinner table.

8. Mugs or Shot Glasses

Mugs are a cozy, practical souvenir that instantly brings your travels into everyday life.

Whether it’s a handcrafted ceramic mug from a local artisan or a city-branded cup from a quirky café, sipping your morning coffee or tea from it becomes a little ritual that reconnects you with that destination.

Each one can represent a different trip or memory, turning your cupboard into a global collection of warm moments.

While they’re a bit bulkier to pack, wrapping them carefully in clothing usually does the trick.

Also, you can put them in the middle of your luggage to protect them even further.

Alternatively, shot glasses are a fun way to commemorate your travels, with each one often showcasing a city name, local landmark, or quirky design.

They’re compact, affordable, and make for a great conversation starter. Plus, they double as mini display pieces or even holders for small items like toothpicks or jewelry.

9. Handmade Jewelry

Often crafted by local artisans using traditional materials or techniques, each piece reflects the artistry and identity of a region.

Items like beaded earrings from Central America, silverwork from Morocco, or amber from the Baltics are great examples.

These treasures often come with a history or personal interaction that makes them more meaningful than anything mass-produced.

Also, jewelry is incredibly portable, making it a smart and stylish choice for travelers packing light.

Wearing a favorite piece often sparks questions or compliments, giving you a perfect chance to share a travel memory.

Everything in the below picture is from the island of Murano in Italy. It is known for its glass-making traditions going back centuries.

All of the pieces are from different unique little glass shops located on the island.

One of the glass masters showed me how he made the butterfly one which was really cool.

10. Clothes

From embroidered blouses and handwoven scarves to graphic tees with local phrases or prints, clothing reflects the region’s style, craftsmanship, and culture.

Also, it’s a great way to support local makers or small shops.

Every time you wear the item, whether it’s a beach sarong from Thailand or a wool sweater from Ireland, it brings back the sights, sounds, and spirit of that destination.

Plus, it’s practical; you can wear it during your trip and make room in your suitcase by replacing something old.

Some travelers even like to pick up a staple item from every country, creating a one-of-a-kind global wardrobe.

11. Art Prints Or Small Paintings

Collecting art prints or small paintings is a beautiful way to capture the essence of a destination through a local artist’s eyes.

Whether it’s a watercolor of a coastal village, a sketch of a city skyline, or an abstract piece inspired by the region’s culture, these artworks offer a unique and personal reflection of the places you’ve visited.

You’ll often find these gems at local markets, art fairs, or tucked inside small galleries and studios.

Unlike mass-produced souvenirs, these pieces are often one-of-a-kind or limited-run, making them truly special.

Also, they’re easy to pack—just roll them into a protective tube or store them between layers in your suitcase.

Over time, you can create a gallery wall in your home filled with memories. With each piece telling a visual story of where you’ve been and what moved you there.

I love buying art from local artist especially ones selling their art on the street. Many of them are even signed by the artist.

12. Christmas Ornaments

Collecting Christmas ornaments while traveling is a heartwarming way to relive your adventures year after year.

Whether it’s a hand-painted glass bauble from Prague, a carved wooden reindeer from Scandinavia, or a quirky ornament shaped like a local landmark, each one adds a story to your holiday décor.

They’re often sold at holiday markets, gift shops, or artisan stalls year-round, making them easy to find no matter the season.

The best part? Decorating your tree becomes a nostalgic journey where every ornament is a reminder of the places you’ve explored and the memories you made.

Many travelers even write the year on the ornament to keep track.

Lightweight and easy to pack (just wrap them in clothing or bubble wrap), ornaments also make thoughtful gifts for fellow travel lovers.

13. Teddy Bears/Stuffed Toys

Teddy bears and stuffed toys might seem like souvenirs for kids, but many travelers collect them as cute keepsakes from around the world.

Cities and landmarks often sell themed bears or plush toys dressed in traditional outfits, representing local culture or famous attractions—like a guard bear from London or a moose from Canada.

These soft souvenirs are perfect for adding personality to your travel collection and can double as playful home décor.

Whether you’re young or just young at heart, collecting stuffed toys can bring a touch of nostalgia to your travels.

Since I was a kid I was absolutely obsessed with stuffed toys. However, the downside of collecting these plushies is that they take up a lot of space in your luggage.

14. Books By Local Authors Or In The Local Language

Bringing home a book written by a local author, or even just in the local language, is one of the most enriching souvenirs you can collect.

Whether it’s a novel, poetry collection, historical account, or even a children’s book, literature offers a deeper connection to a place beyond what you can experience in a short visit.

It’s a chance to understand the stories, voices, and perspectives that shape the local culture.

You might discover a new favorite author, or find yourself seeing the destination in a whole new light.

For language lovers, buying a book in the local language (even if you can’t read it fluently) becomes a keepsake of the linguistic landscape you were immersed in.

Some travelers like to write the date and location inside the cover for a personal touch.

15. Flags

Flags make a meaningful travel souvenir, symbolizing the identity, history, and pride of the places you’ve visited.

Whether it’s a small desk version, or a patch for your backpack, collecting flags is a great way to visually track your global adventures.

Also, they’re lightweight, easy to fold and pack, and often available at tourist shops, markets, or even airports.

Some travelers display them on a wall, create a travel-themed banner, or stitch the patches onto luggage or jackets.

I collect desk flags from all the countries I visit. I have added a lot to the collection since taking this picture.

16. Coasters

Coasters are an underrated but highly practical travel souvenir.

Often made from local materials like cork, ceramic, wood, or even stone, coasters frequently feature regional artwork, iconic landmarks, or humorous sayings in the local language.

Also, unlike many keepsakes that end up on a shelf, coasters are something you can use regularly.

Every time you set down a cup, you’ll be reminded of the market where you found them or the destination that inspired the design.

Some travelers enjoy collecting a set from each country and mixing them into a globally inspired table setting or display.

17. Mini Figurines Or Sculptures

Mini figurines or sculptures are perfect for travelers who love collecting small, detailed mementos that reflect the essence of a place.

Whether it’s a carved elephant from Thailand, a miniature Eiffel Tower, or the Statue Of Liberty, these little objects often capture the spirit, architecture, or cultural symbols of your destination.

They’re usually handcrafted, giving them a unique character and making them feel more like a piece of art than a simple souvenir.

Because they’re compact, they’re easy to display on shelves, mantels, or in a dedicated travel shadow box.

I like the ones that move, for example, the little windmill’s arms can spin.

As much as I love them, they are such a pain to clean. They get super dusty and their surfaces are hard to clean.

Also, under this category, you can include snowglobes.

18. Maps, Museum Guides & Brochures

Maps, museum or gallery guides, and travel brochures might seem like disposable paper items.

However, they make fantastic souvenirs that capture the details and discoveries of your trip in a truly authentic way.

Whether it’s a city map, a brochure from a national park, or a gallery booklet featuring exhibits you loved, these items are often filled with artwork, and information you won’t find elsewhere.

Also, some people collect ticket stubs such as trains, museums, concerts, and historic sites.

Many are free or inexpensive, making them accessible keepsakes.

Some travelers mark the routes they walked or circle favorite spots directly on the maps, turning them into personalized artifacts.

You can use them to create travel scrapbooks, frame particularly artistic ones, or keep them tucked away in a memory box.

From all my travels I keep all of the brochures, maps, and even tickets.

I organize them all in these accordion file folders by year and by destination. This is the smaller file folder and this is the bigger one.

19. Local Snacks Or Candy Wrappers

Trying local snacks and candy is one of the most fun (and tasty!) parts of travel.

Saving the colorful wrappers can turn those quick bites into lasting memories.

Whether it’s a matcha Kit Kat from Japan, spicy chips from Mexico, or a beloved childhood sweet from Eastern Europe, each wrapper reflects the design style, language, and pop culture of the region.

Some travelers even frame or scrapbook them as quirky, eye-catching keepsakes.

Also, you can bring extra treats home to share with friends.

It’s a flavorful, low-cost way to add a bit of fun and nostalgia to your travel collection.

20. Travel Journals Or Notebooks

Travel journals or notebooks are deeply personal souvenirs that allow you to document your journey in real time.

From your thoughts and feelings to quick sketches, ticket stubs, or daily highlights.

Whether you buy a beautiful handmade journal from a local artisan or bring one from home to fill as you go, these pages become a time capsule of your adventure.

Some travelers write detailed entries, while others jot down one sentence per day or paste in receipts, dried flowers, or coffee sleeves.

They’re not only keepsakes but creative outlets—letting you process your travels, reflect on what moved you, and preserve memories in your own words.

Bonus: Custom Photo Calendar

Are you looking for a unique idea for what to do with your best souvenir- your pictures?

Then check out Mixbooks where you have the option to use your own travel images to make a custom photo calendar that you can enjoy on your wall during the whole year.

They are fully customizable – you can add your own photos, layouts, backgrounds, stickers, and text.

Also, you can start the calendar at any month that you want and add your favorite holidays or important dates to remember.

Wrap-Up: 20 Souvenir Ideas To Collect From Your Travels

Souvenirs are so much more than just things—they’re little time capsules that hold the stories, flavors, and feelings of your adventures.

Whether you love collecting practical items like coasters and clothes, or more sentimental keepsakes like ticket stubs and travel journals, each piece adds depth to your travel memories and tells a unique part of your journey.

So next time you’re exploring a new place, keep an eye out for something that sparks joy or curiosity.

You never know what small item will become your most treasured reminder of the trip.