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What to do with all your travel Souvenirs

Best things to buy and how to re-use them / use them

When visiting places like India, Italy, and Morocco you get lost in the beautiful mosaic and ceramics. However, often you bring back souvenirs and it ends up somewhere in storage or in a cupboard. What to do with your travel souvenirs, is a question often asked. We have a few ideas for what to do with your travel mementos:

If you’re, like me, forever wondering: What to do with your travel souvenirs…. let’s start at the very beginning and get savvy.

Travel souvenirs often start with good intentions and end up tucked away in a drawer. Many people bring home small treasures, only to wonder later where they fit into everyday life.

The good news is that these items do not need special shelves or perfect styling to matter. A single object on a table or wall can bring back a feeling, a place, and a moment, making your home feel more personal and quietly connected to the journeys you have enjoyed.

2 Important Tips for buying souvenirs:

Running out of ideas for what to do with your travel souvenirs? Remember, you don’t need to buy large or costly keepsakes on every trip—this simple shift in mindset could make things easier next time.
Think about items that fit neatly into your suitcase, can enhance your home decor, but won’t take up much space. For example, a hand-painted ceramic tile, a small woven basket, or a rolled-up piece of local artwork can easily become a centerpiece at home without being a burden while traveling. These compact yet meaningful pieces not only remind you of your adventures but also add a unique touch to your living space. It’s the perfect balance of practicality and personality.

7 Things to remember when you buy your souvenirs:

Start small traditions like buying a Christmas tree decoration in each country. Soon you’ll have a beautiful tree filled with memories. Many countries have Christmas tree decorations that hint towards what that specific place are famous for. Keep a lookout for those.
If it fits in with your décor ideas, buy items like cushion covers or material for table cloths and napkins. (Napkins can be made into beautiful projects later at home.)
Buy things you’ll use: Buying a scarf is always something you will be able to use again. (If not wearing it as a scarf back home, it might even end up as a tablecloth, or a cover for a cushion..etc.) However, it also makes perfect gifts for family and friends. Above all, it doesn’t take up a lot of space in you your luggage. Buying something you will actually use, is important. You don’t want it to end up at the next car boot sale or somewhere in the “bottom drawer of things you never use”.
Prioritize Durability: Look for souvenirs made from sturdy materials, like ceramics or textiles, that can withstand the journey home in your suitcase without breaking or tearing.
Set a Theme for Your Collection: Focus on one type of souvenir, like coasters, ornaments, or small prints, to create a cohesive collection that tells a story over time.
Choose Something Small but Iconic: Pick items that represent the essence of the place, like a miniature Eiffel Tower from Paris or a tiny olive oil bottle from Italy, but avoid impulse buys. Take time to consider if the souvenir truly resonates with you or fits your lifestyle to avoid bringing home items you’ll regret later.
Shop Locally: Visit markets or artisan shops to find unique, handmade pieces that reflect the culture of your destination. Smaller, authentic items are often more meaningful and packable than mass-produced alternatives. Look at the label, if it says “made in…” it will give you an idea of it’s “authentic souvenir value”…

Buy easy to pack cloth:

A piece of cloth from your travels can be one of the easiest souvenirs to live with.

It works well as a table runner, a cushion cover, or even a light throw over a chair. Some people frame a small section and hang it like artwork, especially if the pattern or colours are striking. Others keep it practical by using it as a picnic cloth or beach wrap. The fabric stays useful, and every time you touch it, the memory of where it came from comes right back.

Some travelers turn sections into napkins or placemats, especially if the fabric is sturdy.

Turn your Christmas Tree into a Travel Map:

Buying Christmas ornaments while traveling is a lovely habit that grows more meaningful each year. They are small, easy to pack, and usually tied to local craft or design.

One ornament from each trip quickly turns the Christmas tree into a personal travel map, with every decoration reminding you where you have been and what that place felt like.

When the tree goes up, those memories come out with it, making the season feel warmer and far more personal than store-bought décor.

A good travel tip:

Capture the Moment Instead: Consider buying a photo book or journal unique to the destination, where you can combine memories and notes along with your smaller purchases.

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WHY WE LOVE IT: First of all: it is unique. And then: It includes a handy kraft paper bag on the back cover, perfect for storing mementos like flight tickets, slips (for referring back to price way back when…), and other keepsakes. It’s an ideal way to document your adventures and keep your memories organized and safe. This is something you can show your grandchildren one day… Did we say we love it? LOL We love it !

The best souvenirs you can buy in a country:

France: A small bottle of perfume from Grasse.
Italy: A bottle of high-quality olive oil from Tuscany or hand painted olive oil decanter.
India: A silk scarf for your wardrobe or as a gift.
Greece: A piece of olive wood kitchenware, such as a spoon or small cutting board, or a jar of honey from Crete.
Turkey: Sorry but I have to say “something sweet”. There is just no other. LOL Turkish Baklava is an all-time favorite. It’s a popular dessert in Turkey, made with layers of phyllo dough, nuts (often pistachios, walnuts, or hazelnuts), and syrup or honey. Baklava is often sold in elegant, decorative boxes at airports and local shops, making it a perfect souvenir or gift.
Mexico: A piece of Talavera pottery, like a small vase or decorative tile, to bring a splash of vibrant Mexican design into your home.
Austria: A box of hand-painted wooden ornaments. If you enjoy practical souvenirs, consider a locally made wooden item, such as a carved kitchen tool or decorative figurine, showcasing Austrian craftsmanship.

Creating that style at home:

Click and Shop Travel and Home’s Favorite Italian inspiration for your home

What to Do With Them at Home

Create a Souvenir Display Area: Dedicate a shelf, shadow box, or gallery wall to your favorite pieces so they don’t get lost or forgotten.
Combine Souvenirs with Home Décor: Use travel textiles like throws, pillowcases, or table runners to instantly add personality to your living space.
Turn Them into DIY Projects: Frame maps or postcards, repurpose tiles into coasters, or create a travel memory jar with small keepsakes like coins and tickets.
Rotate Your Souvenirs: For those with limited space, rotate items seasonally or for special occasions to keep your decor fresh and connected to your travels.

🕮 Suggested Read: If Greece inspires your travels — or your kitchen — don’t miss our Greece Travel Guide for more destinations, stories, travel tips, and recipes to try at home.

Re-purpose fridge magnets:

Create a Travel-themed Mirror: Attach your magnets around the edge of a mirror to frame it in a unique, personal way that showcases your global adventures.

What to do with all your fridge magnet souvenirs:

Turn Them into Keychains: If you have small or flat magnets, you can turn them into keychains by adding a keyring to the back. This way, you can carry a piece of your travels with you every day.
Upcycle Into a Magnet Board: Combine old magnets to create a functional and decorative magnetic board. You can use this for notes, reminders, or displaying more travel photos.
Serving Tray: Attach a group of magnets to the bottom of a tray and use it as a fun, themed serving tray. You can add a clear acrylic sheet on top to secure them and create a decorative surface. (As an alternative, seal the magnets with a clear epoxy resin for a glossy, durable finish that protects against spills and scratches.)
Or just enjoy them where they belong – up on your fridge to display the story of your life…

Travel souvenirs deserve more than a dusty shelf. A ceramic bowl from Italy works beautifully on the table for olives and bread. A woven basket picked up at a local market keeps scarves neatly stored. Even fridge magnets and postcards can be grouped into a small display that brings back memories without clutter. These pieces were made to be used, touched, and enjoyed, and each time they find a place in your home, they quietly bring a little of your travels back into everyday life.

In conclusion, you can easily create a space full of meaningful memories without it feeling out of place. When considering what to do with your travel souvenirs, think creatively. Before you buy, ask yourself: “Would I enjoy displaying this?” and “Will I use it?” This ensures your souvenirs have a purpose in your home.

Discover more beautiful places all around the world: Read more >>>

…or discover which beautiful souvenirs you should by in Budapest, Hunary: Read more >>>