When we say ‘souvenirs’, we aren’t talking about garish fridge magnets, stereotypical ‘I heart’ t-shirts or rubber ducks donned in traditional garb. Nor are we talking about tacky shot glasses, ever-smiling celebrity bobble heads or phallic bottle openers that are destined to live firmly at the back of a drawer. We are talking about the more weird and wonderful keepsakes, the unique items that prompt a heart-warming memory or a once-in-a-lifetime story. It may be a lone acorn collected at a romantic picnic under an ancient oak tree in Stellenbosch, or a one-of-a-kind leather card holder from an expert in Florence during your road trip through Italy, but whether scavenged or bought, holiday keepsakes act as the ultimate aide-mémoire for forgotten moments. Looking through souvenirs should be like following a trail of breadcrumbs through memories that would otherwise be lost to the mundanity of day-to-day life, so here is a list of what we think are some of the best souvenirs from around the world to keep your holiday memory bank brimming.
- Plaster Cast Bear Print, Canada
- Ceylon Tea, Sri Lanka
- Akubra Hat, Australia
- Porcupine Quill, South Africa
- Worry Dolls, Guatemala
- Lopapeysa, Iceland
- Scarab Beetle Stone, Egypt
Plaster Cast Bear Print, Canada
As you wander through the lichen-covered forests alongside one of Vancouver Island’s lush inlets, you are bound to stumble upon a bear print or two. ‘Hey bear, hey bear’ becomes the soundtrack to your wilderness activities as your expert guide is aware of every snapping twig or creaking branch, while you seek out brown bears and grizzlies as they hunt, fish, play or snooze. Grab the plaster of Paris to create a mould of the second largest paw prints on Earth and take home a truly one-of-a-kind souvenir.
Ceylon Tea, Sri Lanka
Immerse yourself in Sri Lankan culture by sipping hot tea while looking over row upon row of the emerald leafed tea plants that blanket the hillsides. Ceylon Tea is the island’s lifeblood and is, unsurprisingly, the national drink. Drink it black with sugar like the locals do, or try some of the more fruity, herbal blends that farmers across the Tea Country offer thirsty guests. Having been crowned the ‘Best in Class’ producer of Quality Tea in 2017, Sri Lanka’s sweet smelling tea bags are without a doubt one of the best souvenirs to add to your shopping list.
Akubra Hat, Australia
As the sun blares down onto the top of your head while exploring Aboriginal artwork in Uluru, what would be better than a good old fashioned Australian Akubra hat to keep the sun off your now-scorched scalp? Although originally designed for horsemen and farmers deep in the Australian outback, and famously modelled by wildlife extraordinaire Steve Irwin and Crocodile Dundee, these hats are more versatile than you’d think. As well as protecting the head on which they perch from the elements, they are perfect for fanning fires, storing bits and bobs, and even acting as a dog water bowl when caught short. Their versatility makes them one of the best souvenirs to bring back home to daily life.
Porcupine Quill, South Africa
Imagine the scene: your rumbling safari truck grinds to a halt in a cloud of dust and your guide gives the all-clear to hop out and have a wander. As you venture out on foot, your eyes are trained on the ground where you may catch a glimpse of an elusive dung beetle or a lion print, while your ears are tuned into the soundtrack of the South African savannah. Your guide stumbles upon a porcupine den, its resident’s scavenged worldly treasures strewn all around among twigs and discarded quills. These sharp-spined quills are the perfect safari take-away and will prompt memories of adventure and excitement whenever you prick your finger on its pointed tip.
Worry Dolls, Guatemala
The hypnotic hustle and bustle of a Guatemalan market is the perfect place to keep your eyes peeled for any keepsakes that might tell a good story back home. From brilliantly bright fabrics and kaleidoscopic clothes to mythical Mayan masks and wooden knickknacks and trinkets, your senses will be saturated with South American culture as you stroll between stalls. Look out for Muñeca quitapena (worry dolls) – tiny woven figures dressed in miniature Mayan clothes and designed to take your worries away with a simple whisper. They are one of the best souvenirs for anxious little ones or simply someone you care about.
Lopapeysa, Iceland
As you watch the raging cascade of Skógafoss waterfall, with the winter sun reflecting off the wall of water creating a mirage of dancing rainbows, despite how beautiful this natural wonder is, you’ll wish you’d packed another jumper as the bitter breeze whips around you. Lopapeysas (wool jumpers) are probably the most authentic souvenir you can get in Iceland and are an integral part of the culture in this snow-covered country. Whether you go for bright and bold or cosy and neutral, when hunkered down at home on a cold winter’s evening, you can slip on your Icelandic sheep wool sweater for the perfect reminder of the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’.
Scarab Beetle Stone, Egypt
Standing below Egypt's Great Pyramids, you’ll feel as though you have travelled back in time, before the tourists milling around like ants, taking endless photos soon bring you back to reality. A cruise down the Nile, a symbol of life and regeneration, is the ultimate way to take in a splash of this beautiful country. Sail down the river’s calm waters and soak up the constant throb of life on the riverbanks. Pocket a piece of this magic in the form of a scarab beetle stone. These shiny bugs are seen by Egyptians as a symbol of renewal and rebirth and are closely connected to the sun god Khepri who brings the sun over the horizon each day. So grab yourself a scarab beetle stone to bring a bit of sunshine home with you.
Written by Immy Kelly