Beyond The Airport Gift Shop: 5 Items We Always Bring Back from Our Travels

Travel

Mar 19

The real essence of travel – it's all about those unforgettable moments, right? I mean, who doesn't love reminiscing about that time you got lost in the streets of Barcelona or stumbled upon that hidden gem of a café in Paris?

And you know what's even better? Bringing a piece of those magical experiences back home with you. But hey, not just any old souvenir will do! I'm talking about those special keepsakes that are like little treasures, full of charm and personality. With a little bit of foresight and a bit of strategy you won’t have to resort to buying a quick gift or trip reminder at the airport gift shop.

Watch our video to learn more about our strategy. Then scroll further to see some examples of treasures we have brought home with us.

1. Accessories / Jewelry

If you watch our YouTube channel you’ll know we like to pack light. But we do keep our eyes open looking for small yet stylish reminders of our journeys.

We think you can never have too many scarves or pieces of jewelry. It’s one of our top priorities to purchase for ourselves or as gifts for friends, the neighbor who’s looking out for your home or your dog sitter.

We have had good luck wandering smaller side streets where local artisans can afford the rent or staking out a local farmers market or craft fairs.

The photo on the right is a glimpse into one such treasure trove.

2. Sundry / Pantry Goods

There is nothing better than visiting a grocery store while on the road. Especially if you can’t read the language! The possibilities are endless.

Look for Spices, sauces, jams, pastes, tinned fish, canned things, local snacks, dried beans or anything else that catches your fancy.

If nothing else, a visit makes for great photography as you can see in this photo Charlene took while in Norway.

3. Small Art Pieces

Keep an eye out for basically anything that can pack flat in the bottom of your suitcase, in the laptop sleeve of a backpack, or as a last resort, mail things back.

Think outside the box - postcards, stamps, programs, menus, sheet music.

Charlene has been collecting small items for years and fleshing out her travel wall. It’s full of great memories and is a visual reminder of meaningful journeys.

4. Pottery & Ceramics & Housewares

We love collecting small ceramic pieces that we can use in our daily life. Small bowls, spoons, little pitchers, pinch pots, vases etc.

This conch shell spoon we use in our sugar bowl. It is an endless source of delight as we fondly remember walking the dirt roads on Caye Caulker, Belize where we ate some of the best (and cheapest) lobster we have ever eaten. Janelle still talks about the $8 omelettes.

5. Antiques / Collection Pieces

The hardest part of travel sometimes is falling in love with an item you can’t think about how you’ll get it home. This is why we suggest packing a foldable duffle in your suitcase for such times.

Flea markets, little antique shops, and charity shops are fun to explore while away from home.

If you don’t know where to begin you may want to watch a video where we talk you through how to create a home with soul filled with meaningful treasures.

A display wall may be a bit over the top for you but it’ll give you an idea of the things we look for when out and about.