I’ve brought home plenty of souvenirs from past trips, such as magnets, pens, and shot glasses, which eventually ended up tucked away in a box. At the time, they felt like the perfect keepsakes, but over the years, they lost their usefulness or simply took up space. What if we redefined what a souvenir could be? By choosing items with more intention, we can invest in meaningful pieces that hold their value and memories.

Here are 3 souvenir ideas designed to do just that, lasting reminders of your travels that won’t get boxed away.

Creating a cinematic travel video is a powerful way to preserve your most memorable moments, from unexpected mishaps and breathtaking views to that perfect coffee shop you stumbled upon. Filming these little details ensures they won’t fade with time, helping you relive the full experience later.

Even in post-production, the music you choose can become part of the memory. Maybe it’s a new song you discovered while abroad, sung in a different language, or a track by a local artist you saw perform live, either way, it adds another layer of meaning to your final video.

If videos aren’t your thing, you can still capture your memories through photography, but go beyond just snapping photos; be intentional about how you preserve them. A photo book can showcase your images alongside locations and brief notes, while a travel journal is more like a scrapbook, blending visuals with deeper reflections and keepsakes.

Adding personal touches like handwritten notes, small souvenirs, or even short stories behind each photo. Mix in creative elements like digital art or keepsakes from your travels, maybe a napkin from a memorable café, a train ticket, a show program, or even your boarding pass. It’s a fun and meaningful way to turn small mementos into something lasting and memorable.

Before your trip, if there’s one unique aspect of the city that interests you, like their architecture, coffee shops, or street style, consider turning it into a personal photo project. It’s a fun way to stay creatively focused and come home with a themed collection that tells a deeper story of your destination and helps you dive into more research before you arrive!

Exploring artisan shops that sell local goods like art, perfume, jewelry, bags, clothing, or shoes can leave you with lasting, meaningful items. These pieces aren’t just practical for everyday use; they also make great conversation starters.

A one-of-a-kind piece of art can add personality to your home, while clothing exclusive to the city you visited lets you reminisce each time you wear it. Handmade jewelry can elevate any outfit, and bags like purses or weekenders are both stylish and useful, souvenirs that won't end up forgotten or wasted. This is also a great way to explore off the beaten path and support locals.

If you're traveling to Italy, investing in a quality leather belt, purse, or even shoes is a timeless way to remember your trip. The video below shares tips on how to spot authentic leather by supporting local artisan shops and avoiding the typical tourist traps.

We can’t list what to look for in every country, but here are two videos highlighting what memorable souvenirs to look for in Japan and London, England. These videos offer helpful perspectives on how to identify authentic, locally made items worth bringing home, and they’re a great reference to help guide your shopping no matter which city you’re visiting.

Finding unique items specific to the city you're visiting often starts with a bit of research before your trip. Look into local artisan shops, regional specialties, or markets known for handmade goods, this way, you’ll know what to look out for and avoid settling for any counterfeit items.

It's easy to keep picking souvenirs that can often be forgotten and tucked away. But being intentional about how we remember our travels can make all the difference in how we choose what to bring home. Whether it’s through cinematic storytelling, thoughtfully curated photo journals, or one-of-a-kind artisan finds, these memory-keeping methods go beyond the typical trinket. They help us relive our adventures in a more authentic way.

So the next time you pack your bags, think ahead about how you want to remember your trip. With a little creativity and intentionality, you can bring home souvenirs that you truly love and continue to use!