Does your souvenir tell a story you want to share?

We’ve all been there. Tempted by colourful trinkets or beautiful jewellery in some far-flung corner of the world that we simply have to bring home. Something we feel we just can’t live without.

It’s completely natural to want to bring something home from the places we visit. A souvenir is a tangible connection to that place – something that lasts, even as our memories slowly fade. It tells a story.

But what story does your souvenir really tell? And is it a story you want to help write?

A souvenir that gives – or one that takes?

We travel the world, often in search of the planet’s most extraordinary places – breath-taking landscapes, vibrant wildlife, fascinating people, and rich cultures. Yet, without meaning to, we can sometimes contribute to the loss of those very experiences through the things we bring home in our suitcases.

All souvenirs share something in common – they tell a story.

But does your souvenir tell a story you’re proud to share?

For us, it’s all about balance: does your new bag, piece of jewellery, or trinket help support the place you’re visiting – or does it take something away from it?

The answer often depends on three simple questions you can ask yourself – questions that might make all the difference.

How to find the best souvenir

1. Who made it?

In many countries, you’ll come across one-of-a-kind shops selling art, ceramics, handwoven clothing, or bags made by locals using locally sourced materials. When you buy these items, you’re helping to support the local culture and its traditions.

You’ll also have the chance to learn more about traditional crafts and how they’re made, giving you a deeper appreciation of and connection with the local people.

In many of our destinations, you’ll meet local artisans who take great pride in creating something you can take home with you. For example, in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, you can visit local craftspeople who produce items made from locally sourced coconuts.

2. What is it made of?

In some countries, you may come across items crafted from materials that directly harm the very ecosystems you’ve just visited — such as ivory from elephant tusks, coral from endangered reefs, seashells, or crocodile skin.

Some of these are illegal, while others aren’t — but they all have one thing in common: they take away from the natural world that made your tour truly special.

Instead, try seeking out items crafted from local materials that are abundant and free from rare animal or plant sources. In the Andes Mountains of Peru, for instance, you can find beautiful textiles made of wool from the many alpacas that have lived there for centuries. And in Kenya and Tanzania, you can buy vibrant glass beadwork from the Maasai, created without the use of any animal or plant materials.

So remember to ask what your souvenir is made of. Most sellers are more than happy to tell you about what they’ve created.

3. Could you have bought it at home?

If the answer is yes, then what story does it tell? Probably not one about the place you’ve just visited.

Think of all the souvenirs you can find in any airport. Most are produced far away from where you actually are. They don’t tell a story about the country itself but rather about being on the move.

The best souvenir is one that could only come from right here – made by the right hands, from the right materials, in the right place.

Think before you buy

This article isn’t about telling you not to buy souvenirs – quite the opposite.

It’s simply about pausing for a moment to think. Think about what it is you’re packing into your suitcase.

Ask yourself the three questions above.

Do you like your answers?

If you do, then you should definitely take that colourful little trinket home with you – because it tells precisely the right story. 

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller