As we’ve been settling back into life after our anniversary trip to Prague a couple weeks ago, I’ve loved finding places for the souvenirs I brought back. I was reflecting on the types of things I have started collecting on trips and I realized that the most common things I get these days are for our home. Of course there’s the occasional piece of jewelry or bottle of local wine or piece of clothing (I loved hitting up Czech thrift stores and found some gems!) and Justin and I have had the tradition since our honeymoon to get a magnet everywhere we go, but time and again, I come back to items that are for use or display in our home.
I love curating our home into a little haven that feels like a reflection of my family, and incorporating little pieces of places we’ve been, whether near or far, is definitely a part of that. I’m a minimalist at heart and don’t want to collect too many items, but traveling is a big part of our family life and I do love the reminders of both big and small adventures.
Today I thought I’d share the three things I most often use as souvenirs from our trips. These items go a long way in bringing unique little moments to places in our home and serve as sweet reminders (and inspiration for more travel in the future!)
Original Art/Local Art
Of course you can display photos you take on your trips, and I’ve definitely done that, but there’s something extra special about having a piece of artwork to hang.
So often when I’m traveling we come across local artists selling their work in a street fair or farmer’s market. I enjoy browsing the selections and when there is a special piece that really speaks to me, I try to purchase it if size and budget permit. I love incorporating these little reminders of our travels into our home – they make me smile every time I see them and bring back memories from each place!
I usually try to buy an original piece but I’ve also picked up prints from local artists occasionally.
I find that picking up artwork here and there is a great way to mix different styles into your home to bring a unique level of character that feels personal to you and your family. Art is so subjective so DO NOT worry about what is trendy or what someone else might choose – there are no rules and it’s just about what YOU like and want in your home. It will still feel cohesive because it’s all stuff you like and it’s a way to have a collection unlike anyone else’s!
Postcards & Tickets
Original artwork is great, but it can also understandably be expensive. A budget-friendly solution is to save the tickets from something on the trip (public transportation, concert, attraction, etc) and stick them in a frame when you get home. Museums, particularly art museums, often have really pretty tickets that are fun to keep and display! I love this little ticket from the Vatican tucked into our bedroom gallery wall.
I’m excited to also use this ticket from the Mucha Museum in Prague once I find the right frame! The gift shop in the museum was full of expensive souvenirs, but this ticket alone is the perfect little way to remember a unique experience from a trip we both loved.
Functional Houseware
On most trips, I don’t have the packing space to grab pieces for our home but occasionally I do have room in my suitcase for something. On our recent trip to Prague, I chose to pack extremely lightly so I had some extra room for souvenirs for our home. I was thrilled to stumble upon a cute little farmer’s market where local artisans had little booths and I picked up a handmade wooden cutting board, wooden spoon, and two small, handmade ceramic platters.
I think a key for me with things like this is to find things I will actually use. I don’t want something that feels too precious and just sits on a shelf in a cupboard; I want things that I bring out and incorporate into our life! I’m excited to use these unique items in our home and know they will serve as sweet reminders of our trip every time. They are also beautiful enough pieces to have out on display if I want to use a small platter as a catch-all tray or keep the cutting board out on my counter for quick access, like I do with this small maple one from a special day date Justin and I had.
Home takes times in many ways. It takes time to plan for, budget for, and execute renovations, It takes time to DIY a project. It takes time to figure out how to best make your home work for you. And it takes time to curate the items that make your home functional and beautiful. Incorporating souvenirs is one of my favorite ways to add character, personality, and that cozy feeling of belonging into our home and I know this will continue to evolve in the future.
simplify the chaos 