Unique Souvenirs Around the World

Travel is already rewarding, but it’s always nice to have a memento of the trip. You also want a way to let family and friends know that you were thinking of them while you were away. But nobody really needs another mug, keychain, or t shirt. The trick is to look past the overstuffed tables and racks of stuff vendors think tourists want and dive deeper into what the locals actually use. There is where you can find some really interesting stuff. 

Whether you’re looking for gifts for grandma or a memento for yourself, read on to get some great ideas on unique souvenirs from around the world.

Pearls from French Polynesia

For most people, a visit to the South Pacific is a dream come true. But the kitschy tourist shops leave something to be desired. Take a pass on the tacky plastic pineapples and visit a pearl farm instead. There is no better way to commemorate a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the South Seas than with a pearl bracelet, earrings or necklace. By buying direct from a pearl farm, you can really save while getting the same or better quality you would find in the States. Needless to say, pearls are a classic that you will wear for years to come, long after you’ve forgotten about all the cheap sarongs impulse buys.

Handmade Leather from Italy

Italy has been famous for its leather goods for hundreds of years. All the major cities including Rome, Venice, Milan, and Florence have quality leather shops. You can always shop the big names like Prada and Gucci, but you can also dive deeper and pay a visit to smaller, family-run shops that offers the same impeccable quality without the high price tag of the fancy labels.

Alpaca Wool from Peru

Alpacas have been part of Peruvian culture for centuries. Beauty and practicality combine in the luxurious wool from these adorable indigenous animals. Talk about a crowdpleaser, simply everyone loves these fluffy, charming animals! Options include a traditional chullo (hat), scarf, or poncho. For the kids, alpaca dolls make the perfect gift. One caveat: Be sure you’re getting real alpaca wool or at least an alpaca wool blend. If you see anyone brushing their alpaca products, take a pass.

Thyme Honey from Greece

As delicious as it is unique to the area, thyme honey is the perfect souvenir to bring home from a trip to Greece. All the larger shops carry it, but it’s so much more fun to seek out the small, family-run honey makers for a truly authentic local flavor. This special honey is not only yummy, it is also said to have medicinal properties. No one on your list will be disappointed with such a sweet treat.

Beadwork from South Africa

Beaded crafts are an extremely popular pastime in South Africa. They’re all handmade and come in every color of the rainbow. Styles include jewelry, candleholders, toy animals, and even keychains and mugs for those who want a twist on those classic souvenirs! You’ll find examples of this beautiful handicraft everywhere from specialty shops to street corners.

Pottery from Holland

The famous blue and white pottery known as Delftware is actually not original to the Netherlands. It was inspired by Chinese designs imported hundreds of years ago, and Dutch potters put their own spin on the art to create a beautiful decorative style all their own. A handmade Delftware plate, vase, or tile will add beauty to your everyday life, and recall fond memories of your vacation every time you use it.

Exotic Kit Kats from Japan

This one is a great idea for the kids or anyone who is a kid at heart. Japan has the most amazing flavors of Kit Kats, including such things as apple pie, bean paste, and strawberry cheesecake. If you want to go really exotic, try out the bitter almond, soy sauce, or wasabi! These make an ideal lightweight, inexpensive gift for everyone on your list.