~ Carmen
I’m well aware of the saying “Collect memories, not things”.  Yes, I’ve reposted it probably more than once.  I think the post was from Pinterest and had a  scenic picture along with it, just in case I wasn’t inspired enough to travel.  You know the one.  It has a picture of the beautiful girl standing on a cliff, staring out at the majestic view.  The quote should prompt me to go across the globe with just a backpack, soaking in all the sights, smells, and sounds of the culture around me.  I do all of that enjoy the moment stuff, but no matter how disciplined I try to be, I just can’t resist buying things when I’m traveling.  It’s a no win battle that I’ve given up long ago.  Somehow my suitcase ends up so full of souvenirs, I have to sit on it to get to close.  Now I just take a bigger suitcase and try to make the most of my shopping budget.  After all, according to thefreedictionary.com, the word souvenir originated in France meaning to recall memory.  So when I buy a little trinket here and there I really am just collecting memories!
4 Souvenirs That Won’t Bust the Budget
1. Â Magnets
Magnets can be hokey and not something you would see in a Southern Living home, but I like them.  My house will never be Southern Living standard anyway.  Magnets are usually $1-3 dollars and don’t take up much room.  I keep mine displayed in my classroom on a cabinet for all of my students to see.  Some have disappeared through the years, but having them where I can see them everyday makes me smile and maybe, just maybe, show the kiddos that there is a whole world outside our suburban walls.

My Magnet Collection
2. Â Umbrellas
Why pack an umbrella when I can buy one that can also serve as a souvenir? Â Just wait for the first drops of rain and suddenly every street vendor has a vast supply of cheap, rain repellent memorabilia. Â Usually $5-$10, compact umbrellas make for a practical, space saving purchase (if they last long enough to pack). Â Back at home, whenever it rains you will have something that reminds you of your romantic walk in Rome, the escape from a downpour in Rio, or a slow-paced shopping day in San Francisco.

One rainy, afternoon stroll in Rome
3. Â Clothing
Whenever I travel with my students, I always advise them to pack fewer shirts than they think they will need. Â Souvenir T-shirts are cheap, and then you can wear them on your trip saving you some packing space. Â Being cold natured, I love jackets. Â I currently have hoodies from Rome, London, and Canada. Â Buying a jacket on the trip eliminates the need to pack one, and now every chilly Saturday morning, I get an instant reminder of my journey. Â T-shirts usually cost $5-$20 and hoodies $20-$30.

Purse from Rome and London Jack T-shirt
4. Â Jewelry
I’m not talking about the high-end, real gold/silver stuff. Â Street vendor/little mom-and-pop shop are more my style and budget. Â A girl can never have too many bracelets, necklaces, or rings! Â Jewelry also makes for great gifts, and you don’t have to worry about buying the right size. Â When you buy a cute bracelet, it doesn’t scream “Souvenir!” Â You’re just adding to your boho, trendy look.

Some of my favorites: bronze horse and bracelets from Greece, elephant pendant from Turkey, scarf from Rome, and perfume from Capri
I think my next souvenir collection will be the little solar-powered figures that move. Â I have this cute dancing moose on my desk right now, and he just makes me smile.

Budget Friendly Souvenirs
Have any souvenirs that you collect? Â We’d love to hear your thoughts and see your pictures! Â Please leave a comment below. Â Want to keep updated on our tips and next adventures? Sign up for our newsletter and/or follow us on social media!
Rebecca Ellis
March 12, 2016 8:51 amWe always get Christmas ornaments. Not sure if that counts since you only see them once a year, but we have quite a few in our collection.
Pack Your Baguios
March 12, 2016 8:56 amI would think just seeing them once a year would make them even more special!
Nathan Edwards
March 23, 2016 7:30 amVery cool blog. I like this post b/c I love cool souvenirs!!! Look forward to more posts. 🙂
Pack Your Baguios
March 26, 2016 5:17 pmWe picked up quite a few new goodies while here in Texas!
Rachel @ Countdowns and Cupcakes
May 17, 2016 3:30 pmOh I love this post so much! I collect postcards from all the different places I visit. I like writing on the back and then adding them to my scrapbook when I get home. My mom collects magnets and I always make an extra effort to find the gaudiest, tackiest one in the store. The more moving parts, the better!
Pack Your Baguios
May 17, 2016 6:03 pmI’m with your mom on the gaudy magnets. I keep them in my classroom, and the kids love looking at them. I love your postcard idea! It would make a great little book, too to bind them all together.
Tia @ FinanciallyFitandFab
May 17, 2016 4:08 pmAlthough I love love love to travel, I rarely ever get souvenirs. Mainly because the things I do have aren’t displayed nicely any where and seemingly end up in the trash. I like the idea of picking up an umbrella though. That seems practical and hopefully inexpensive.
Pack Your Baguios
May 17, 2016 6:04 pmThe umbrellas I have bought have run from $5-$10. Not the greatest quality, but did their job!
Ayesha Heart
May 24, 2016 10:40 amPerfect! I am looking for some nice souvenir for a friend’s wedding and your post helped me. Thank you thank you. Now we have an amazing idea for the wedding 🙂
Pack Your Baguios
May 24, 2016 6:59 pmGreat! Thank you for stopping by.