The topic of souvenirs is actually one of my favorite things to talk about. I love shopping for something special to bring home that will always remind me of our travels. In fact, my husband lovingly refers to me as “Gift Shop Erin” because if there’s a gift shop within 50 feet I will be sure to find it and want to go inside. I love seeing rows and rows of all that tchotchke crap on display under bright lights like it’s the diamond district.
But that doesn’t mean I’m buying…
Here’s the thing, when it comes to souvenir shopping, it always feels a little seedy. You know immediately that everything is mass produced in a giant factory in China (or at least you should) so think to yourself, do I really need another shot glass, refrigerator magnet, t-shirt or a keychain? Hopefully the answer is no (although I must admit I’ve fallen victim to many a coffee mug in these places – I’ve since reformed my ways).
No matter what big or little city we’ve been to in Europe, there’s always an area with row after row of these little trinket shops. Unless you’re suddenly caught in a downpour and need a cheap umbrella, avert your eyes and your wallet from these places.
My favorite souvenirs have come from local artisans, open air markets, food stalls, and even luxury stores. I want souvenirs I can actually use or consume, not junk. Seeing a magnet on my fridge does nothing for me.
But every time I carry this Palmgrens bag, I love the way it makes me feel. I remember how much fun it was picking it out. I remember researching Swedish designers and selecting Palmgrens as the brand I wanted to learn more about. I love that it’s unique and made with great regard to quality and craftsmanship. Production of the Palmgrens bag is aimed at reducing environmental impact, and each piece is stitched together at family-run ateliers. It’s an iconic bag that originally launched in 1950, and it was a special gift from my husband.
Outfit details: Palmgrens Classic Rattan Bag (similar style C&C readers love HERE) | Wedges | Eyelet Dress (sold out, sorry – similar styles here and here) | Tassel Earrings | Sunglasses | Bracelet
Other Favorite Souvenirs
I have purchased ceramic ornaments from local artisans in Paris and Prague. On our visit to Tallinn, I purchased a juniper wood trivet crafted from a local maker. On a vineyard excursion in Italy we shipped wines home that we are still saving for special occasions. I have olive bowls purchased in Greece that frequently grace a charcuterie board.
So how do you know where to go and what to buy when looking for the perfect souvenir to bring home?
5 Tips for Souvenir Shopping
1 – Avoid the “touristy areas”
These are the districts with a lot of tourists and consequently, a lot of trinket shops selling junk. These areas are usually around a monument or landmark.
2 – “Real” Designer Bags – don’t fall for it
There are always peddlers on the street selling luxury goods claiming to be real. These are fakes and you should never be tempted to even look. It’s illegal and the fines for engaging with these guys is often pretty high. There’s a reason why all the bags are displayed on large sheets. It’s so they can pick them up quickly and run away from law enforcement. Ignore them if they try to lure you into shopping.
3 – Look for hand-made or artisan shops
If you even have to wonder if the goods are authentic, then listen to your gut and walk out. It is usually pretty clear when a vendor is producing the items themselves. Many of the artisan shops I’ve been in have the artist actually creating something inside the store. Pottery or other ceramics, textiles, or jewelry are good examples.
4 – Know what you’re looking for BEFORE you shop
Knowing what you’d like to bring home before you shop for souvenirs will help keep you focused and less distracted by that thing that was so-cute-omg-have-to-have-it.
5 – Shop in bookstores
If you’re on a tight budget for souvenirs, look in bookshops for inexpensive bookmarks or writing utensils. I have a collection of bookmarks from just about every city and love switching them up when I start a new book. Independent bookstores are also fun places to support, and many will offer to stamp the inside of your book purchase with their insignia.
What’s been your favorite souvenir purchase? Do you have any souvenir disasters?
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xo – Erin
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