How to bring memories home without bringing home clutter

When we travel, it’s fun to bring something back with us. A souvenir can remind us of a great place, a fun trip, or a special moment. But sometimes, these things just take up space in our suitcase—and later in our home. So how can we make better choices?

🧳 1. Think About Space in Your Bag

Souvenirs should fit easily in your luggage. Big or fragile items can break, or make your bag too heavy. Ask yourself: Will I still want this when I’m carrying it through the airport?

🧼 2. Dusty Souvenirs at Home

Many souvenirs just sit on a shelf and collect dust. We think we’ll display them—but then life gets busy, and they just sit there. These objects don’t bring joy anymore. They become clutter.

🗂️ 3. Forgotten Things in a Drawer

Let’s be honest—how many little souvenirs do you have that you never look at? Keychains, magnets, cheap jewelry… they often end up in a drawer, forgotten. That’s not a real memory—it’s just stuff.

💌 4. Small but Special: What You Can Bring Instead

You don’t have to stop collecting memories. Just choose things that are small, meaningful, or useful. Here are some ideas:

• Postcards – Send one to yourself with a note about your day.

• Local snacks or spices – Enjoy the taste of your trip at home.

• Tickets, maps, or little papers – Great for a journal or scrapbook.

• Photos – Take special pictures and print a few when you get home.

• Tiny handmade items – Like a bracelet, a bookmark, or a soap bar.

🌿 5. Sustainability & Ethical Concerns

Mass-produced souvenirs are often made in factories far from the place you visited. They may be cheap—but also bad for the environment and unfair to workers.

• Many items are made of plastic and shipped around the world.

• Buying from tourist shops often doesn’t help local people.

• Instead, support local artisans and small businesses when you can.

✨ 6. Connection Through Experience, Not Objects

The best memories don’t come from shops. They come from real moments:

• A sunset on the beach

• A local dish you tried for the first time

• A fun talk with someone in a café

You’ll remember how you felt, not what you bought.

🗣️ “I collect moments, not magnets.”

💡 7. What I Do Instead

Here’s how I keep memories without too much stuff:

• 📸 Take meaningful photos and print a few favorites

• 📝 Keep a travel journal or draw small sketches

• 🎁 Buy one special item from a local artist or market

• 🍽️ Learn a recipe and cook it again at home

These souvenirs stay with me—inside and out.

🧡 8. Exceptions Are Okay

Sometimes, I do buy a small item—and that’s totally fine.

It’s not about saying “never”—it’s about buying with intention. Choose things you really love, that support real people, and that won’t end up forgotten.

🌍 Final Thoughts

You don’t need a suitcase full of things to remember a trip. The best souvenirs are the stories you tell, the people you met, and the way travel changes you.

Next time you go somewhere new, bring home less stuff—and more soul.

Best,

Saskia ❤