The Souvenirs Worth Making Room in Your Suitcase For
By Mollie Romness, Owner & Founder of Cheers Travel Co.
The best souvenirs are things that become part of your home and everyday life, quietly taking you back to a favrite place.
In honor of our Home Issue, we’re skipping the keychains and souvenir shops for four things worth leaving room for in your suitcase.
Leather from Florence
Florence has been synonymous with leather craftsmanship for centuries, and a beautiful Florentine leather piece is one of those purchases that only gets better with age.
Skip the mass produced bags and seek out a small leather workshop for beautifully made handbags, belts, wallets and travel pieces.
For a true splurge, consider a custom jacket or bag.
Knives from Japan
Some souvenirs are destined for a shelf, but a Japanese knife may be something you use every day.
Specialty shops in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka can help you find the right blade for your cooking style—and many will even engrave it for a personal touch.
When it’s time to head home, securely wrap the knife in its original box or protective sheath and pack it in your checked luggage, never your carry on.
Check your airline and destination rules before traveling.
Butter from Paris
Yes, butter.
The last time I was in Paris, everyone was talking about where to buy it, which was best and, most importantly, how to get it home.
Look for artisanal beurre de baratte or varieties dotted with crunchy sea salt crystals.
La Grande Épicerie de Paris has a wonderful selection and can package it for the journey home.
Make it a final purchase, then tuck it into an insulated bag with cold packs.
French butter is permitted into the U.S.; keep it in its original packaging and declare it upon arrival.
A baguette spread with butter from Paris makes coming home a little easier!
A Rug from Morocco
A handwoven Moroccan rug is more than a souvenir.
It can transform a room.
Shopping for one is part of the fun, with stacks of rugs, glasses of mint tea and endless patterns, textures and colors.
How do you get it home?
Smaller rugs can often be folded, wrapped and checked as luggage, while reputable shops can arrange international shipping for larger pieces.
Before buying, ask about dimensions, weight, shipping costs and any potential import fees.
Then enjoy one last mint tea and let someone else worry about the logistics.
Bring Home What You Love
The best souvenirs are the ones that take you back long after the journey ends.
