If you’re like a lot of people, one of their favorite parts of traveling is, of course, picking up souvenirs along their journey. While experiencing new sights, cultures, and delicious cuisines are the top reasons to travel, having a souvenir to remember such special trips is important. While it’s easy to succumb to cheap knick-knacks in the cities you visit, some of the best souvenirs are ones that you will actually use or have enough value that you’ll proudly display in your home for years to come. Please keep reading for the best souvenirs to invest in on your travels, no matter where they take you!

Fine Jewelry

Not only is fine jewelry something you’ll wear daily, but they are also pieces you can proudly pass along to friends and loved ones later in life. In addition to you wearing these souvenirs, they make great gifts to bring home to people from your trip. Fine jewelry is sometimes much more affordable in other countries where precious stones are more abundant than in your hometown. You can negotiate deals with vendors depending on where you source your fine jewelry. Consider this a top souvenir choice on your next vacation.

Posters

With all things vintage coming back into the home design trend, opting for posters as your souvenir of choice is a great idea. Upon returning, you’ll want to frame it and proudly display it in your home office or living room. Please make sure you travel with your poster in a tube designed to keep it safe through travel and carry it on to prevent any possible bending or tearing from happening. The great thing about posters is if you decide to take them down as decoration, they take little space to store and can be stumbled upon in the attic for serious nostalgia years after the trip.

Sculpture Art

Speaking of souvenirs, you can decorate your home with abundant sculptures when traveling to countries with booming local markets. Picking up a handmade sculpture made by a local artisan is a great way to support the local economy of your destination, not to mention you’re gaining a one-of-a-kind piece. Additionally, you may find a rare antique sculpture in an antique shop or museum along your journey. No matter what type of sculpture you opt for, it will certainly be something you treasure and a great conversation piece for those visiting your home.

Postcards

Staying in touch while traveling is important for everyone, whether they’re digital nomads who don’t have a permanent home or someone going on a two-week cruise. Postcards are souvenirs to send home to loved ones, but they also make small mementos to keep for yourself. If you’re an avid traveler, a recipe box converted into a postcard holder is a great hobby or collection to begin. Postcards are also great souvenirs if you lead a minimalist lifestyle and want to ensure your home is manageable.

Magnets

One of the more cliche pieces of bric-a-brac you can pick up on your travels is magnets. While they may seem corny to some, plenty of people have magnet collections that are easy to envy. The great thing about magnets for souvenirs is they’re generally kept in the same place – on your refrigerator! Your travel magnet collection means every time you’re cooking or grabbing a midnight snack; you can reflect on that great travel experience that your magnet reminds you of.

Consumables

Bringing home a taste of your travels is a great way to re-live some of your favorite things you enjoyed about your journey. One of the best parts of experiencing different cultures is enjoying the food they eat, so bringing home scone mixes, rum cakes, teas, liquors, and anything in between is a great souvenir idea. While travel laws may prevent you from bringing home local produce, other packaged items are generally considered fine and within regulations.

Traveling is one of life’s greatest joys, and even the most frugal person should consider making souvenirs one of the things on their “to-do” list for their trip. By considering the above souvenir ideas, you’ll have one less thing to stress about on your journey and do what vacations are intended for – to relax and unwind. Happy Trails!