How to find the best souvenirs during your summer travel this year

Summer is in full swing and that means that if you’re a travel buff, there are quite a few memorable experiences being cooked in the oven for you.

22:41 14 August 2025

Summer is in full swing and that means that if you’re a travel buff, there are quite a few memorable experiences being cooked in the oven for you. This period brings the joy of researching travel destinations, buying travel essentials, packing bags, jetting off, and scouring souvenirs for you and for your dearest ones. Whether you’re lounging on Greece’s islands, exploring the urban streets of Rue Mouffetard in Paris, or trekking through the forest trails of Milford Track in New Zealand, one universal travel tradition will likely follow you wherever you go: souvenir shopping. 

Souvenirs are more than gifts – they’re time and joy holders. The right keepsake will keep the memory of your adventure alive long after your tan has faded. However, there’s fierce competition in the souvenir market almost everywhere you go given their universal demand. The vacation is usually when travelers tend to spend money more freely, and when it comes to making the dear ones at home a surprise, splurging becomes a generous act of care. So, how do you remain with your feet on the ground and find the right one in a sea of tempting choices? Finding the perfect fit can be an art, so let’s see how you can make sure you’ll return from your travels this summer with keepsakes that are meaningful, authentic, and startling.

Photo source: https://unsplash.com/photos/a-person-standing-outside-a-shop-mRXfvv8GbB4

Go local 

If there’s any rule in souvenir hunting, then it’s that the best gems are always found at local artisans. Instead of jumping on the fancy store’s offers or airport shop gift, make some time to explore local artisans' markets, independent boutiques, and art fairs. Handmade products don’t just pack uniqueness and quality, but show that you’ve taken time to think of the targeted receiver while you were enjoying one of the best times. Greece has a vast and diverse selection of spices and herbs that you can take home. Canada’s known for its scrumptious maple syrup. Mexico’s street islands are renowned for their high-quality handwoven textiles. Wherever you are, it pays to look for items that are made in the region instead of those mass-produced elsewhere.

Bonus tip: ask the seller where the product comes from. The stories behind some pieces, when shared with the recipient, can increase the souvenir’s appeal as the stories can be just as meaningful as the item itself.

Do your homework

You’ll possibly need a bit of backstory about the place you’re visiting, so do a bit of research into what the destination is known for. Each country, city, or even small town has cultural hallmarks that often translate into memorable souvenirs. For instance, you may be visiting a place like Turkey, which is renowned for its diverse range of local spices and teas. These are great for tea and food lovers who want to recreate Turkish goods at home. Or Morocco, which is famed for handmade rugs, ceramics, and argan oil. Italy is famous for pasta, leather goods, and Murano glass. The list of worthy options expands endlessly when you contribute with some imagination and intention. 

Having such knowledge in advance helps you seek out treasures instead of settling for generic items, not to mention that you might also be less likely to overpay for knockoffs or fall into tourist traps.

Craftsperson’s work 

Sometimes, the best souvenirs come from unique experiences. There’s a rising trend in the tourism industry, one that offers travelers opportunities to engage with craftsmanship or partake in workshops. 

Look for a destination that offers hands-on experiences, such as pottery-making classes, local cooking workshops, jewelry crafting, or traditional weaving, to name a few. You’ll not only leave with something that you’ve made yourself or wanted from a craftsman – you’ll leave with something meaningful and one-of-a-kind that packs a story. 

Think beyond what’s standard

Magnets, keychains, mugs, and shot glasses may be lovely, but they’re also the souvenirs that almost always end up collecting dust in forgotten drawers. Unless you know that your receiver is a fan of any of the generic items enumerated, point where you’re still encouraged to get something more unique, then you should check out rarer goods. The best gifts are those that feel intentional, personal, and why not, functional. And fortunately, the internet abounds in great items tailored for each one’s taste. If you have a limited budget, you might skip the classics and get them something they’re sure to trip over. For instance, if your giftee is a cinema lover, you might want to look through different collectibles from the movies they’re a fan of and surprise them with something that will give them a thrill.

Would you like to receive that thing? 

It’s easy to get carried away by the masses of souvenirs out there and imagine that the person you’ll be gifting will trip over an item only because you’re finding it unparalleled the second you come across it. But remember: what you buy on vacation may not be what you’d want at home. 

All stuff looks great when you’re having a blast, full of serotonin and dopamine, and frankly, with a more tolerant budget. But stay grounded! That shiny, multicolored paper towel may actually look kitschy – you might be just too excited. 

Think practical 

It’s similarly easy to get carried away and buy a bunch of stuff that you might not be able to leave the country with. Think of perfumes, wine, or olive oil. There’s the “100ml carry-on rule” that restricts how much you can jet off with. Know what’s allowed through airport security or border control. Last but not least, check the item’s size and fragility. Can it survive the trip back home?

You also have the option to ship items home, in which case you’ll need to factor in aspects such as risks of damage and costs. 

It’s all about the memory, not about the price tag. So get something that feels authentic, intentional, and suitable for your intended giftee. Trust your instinct and remember that souvenirs are a way of celebrating the good times. Offer with all your heart and you’ll be rewarded with heartwarming satisfaction.