The Most Popular Souvenirs From Around the World

Of all the stops on your travel-itinerary, odds are you’ve got “souvenirs” jotted down somewhere. Whether for yourself or loved ones back home, the right souvenir can serve to give others a taste of your experiences and remind you of the beautiful places you’ve been. More than just a gift-shop knick-knack, the right souvenir is always worth the hunt. So skip the tacky plastic keychain and reserve a little cash for something truly distinctive of your destination, something unique to where you’ve been that can either last for a lifetime of memories, or serve as a rare indulgence. Here to help you narrow down just what special-something you should look for (and where), we’re bringing you our list of the best souvenirs to buy from around the world! Happy travels!
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WikiCommons

1 / 20

Mexico

Ancient ruins, beautiful beaches and sunshine that just won’t quit make Mexico one of the all-time popular destinations for tourists looking for that perfect balance of climate and culture.

So what should you bring back?

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2 / 20

Coffee beans

According to WorldAtlas.com Mexico produced over 234,000,000 kilograms of coffee beans in 2015. It's also known as one of the world’s top-ranked countries for the production of organic coffee beans. Mexican coffee is revered for its unique, high-quality Arabica beans, responsible for the majority of US coffee imports. Take the flavours of this beautiful country home with you in a bag of their certified organic coffee beans. We suggest a bag of Oaxaca Pluma beans, produced in the Mexican city by the same name and known for producing the well-known luxury “Pluma gourmet coffee.”

Pizza and wine atop a wooden table with a view overlooking Florence, Italy

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3 / 20

Italy

Ciao, Italia! What could be better than vacationing in beautiful Italy, where the sights and sounds of their iconic architecture, sing-song language and beautiful small towns are matched only by the delicious local cuisines.

So what should you bring back?

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4 / 20

Leather

The neighbourhood of Santa Croce in Florence, Italy, accounts for 35 per cent of national leather production, working in traditional methods and craftsmanship to produce some of the highest quality leathers in the world. WalksOfItaly.com comments that, although quality leathers can be found all over Italy, Florence is your best bet for that luxurious piece, be it a bag or coat, that you’re sure to love for many years.

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5 / 20

France

Bonjour, France. A country packed with tradition, beauty and distinct experiences to tempt every one of your senses, this country is a no-brainer on any travel bucket list! It's also a favourite celebrity hotspot: just look at the number of famous couples who got married in France.

So what should you bring back?

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6 / 20

Eiffel Tower keychain

So we went a little cliché with this one, but truth be told, you just can’t scour the web for popular souvenirs from France without seeing this little item at the top of every list, including this one from DiscoverWalks.com. The small, metal Eiffel Tower keychain may pale in comparison to artisan chocolates, unique perfumes and Champagne from – well, Champagne – but there’s something to be said for a classic, especially one that comes in under-budget and leaves room for one more bite of cheese from the local fromagerie.

A Hindu priest performing rituals around a colourful idol during Diwali in India

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7 / 20

India

The colours, oh, the colours! The most vibrant of countries – and cultures – India is a feast for the eyes. Something to be experienced first-hand, you’ll want to leave with a memento that’s sure to keep those memories alive!

So what should you bring back?

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8 / 20

Coconut silk

Sarees and pashmina scarves top nearly every list of popular souvenirs from India, but if you’re having a hard time deciding between the two, why not go for a few yards of coconut silk? This is the fabric used to make many of those exquisite sarees and scarves that you see throughout the local markets and as GiveForGranted.com notes, is one of the best fabrics out there.

Colourful hanging paper lanterns with a busy streetscape below, photographed in China

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9 / 20

China

A country of so many faces, from villages nestled into epic mountainscapes to bursting metropolis settings, you’ll want to opt for a souvenir that speaks to one of the most common threads of this rich culture.

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10 / 20

Tea (and tea sets)

Tea takes top rank as one of the most popular souvenirs from China, and for good reason. As ChinaHighlights.com points out, tea plays such a big part of the everyday culture in China that it only makes sense that the Chinese would have it down to a science. Rather than pick up a generic make from the supermarkets, check out the street markets for rare and special teas. And while you’re at it, invest in some beautiful tea cups, or even a full set – the unique beauty of chinaware is like none other and will enhance your tea- drinking experience, serving to brew up memories of your travels once you’re back home!

A Cuban city street with a flag, retro pink cab and locals walking and biking down the road

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11 / 20

Cuba

Full of culture that pulses through the streets; you may just forget to hit the tourist-circuit between the fabulous food, music and scenery that Cuba has to offer…

So what should you bring back?

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12 / 20

Cigars

Cohiba, anyone? As TheKitchn.com points out, there are countless reasons why the Cuban cigar has become one of the most popular and sought-after souvenirs from Cuba. From the tobacco made from their rich soil to their methods in rolling, you just can’t go wrong bringing home a box of coveted cigars, particularly those from their most popular brand, Cohiba.

The Swiss flag in front of snowy mountain peaks

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13 / 20

Switzerland

Keeping time in this country is a breeze while hiking their signature valleys or snapping photos of their crystal lakes, and you can do it in style too, but nothing is more synonymous with Swiss tradition than this tasty souvenir…

So what should you bring back?

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14 / 20

Chocolate

While we wouldn’t fault you for guessing watches, as Swiss-made timepieces still hold rank as some of the finest and most-coveted in the world, you just can’t beat chocolate when talking about the quintessential souvenir from Switzerland. Home to some of the best chocolatiers worldwide, you’ll find unique and tasty treats to bring back with you – if you can resist eating them all on the plane! As ExpertWorldTravel.com notes, even major brands like Lindt and Nestle offer exclusive flavours here that you won’t be able to find elsewhere.

Canoes by a lake with mountain views in the background

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15 / 20

Canada

From the rustic charm of our great north, to the beautiful Canadian cities that keep this country in the fast lane, there’s no end to the many unique and beautiful experiences to be had in Canada.

So what should you bring back?

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16 / 20

Maple syrup

No surprise here, the Canada Trading Company an iconic tourist stop in Niagara Falls, located on Clifton Hill, sells more Canadian Maple Syrup to tourists than any other souvenir in their shop. According their site, shop staff confirm that summer 2017 saw maple syrup continue to be a top seller. PureCanadaMaple.com notes that Health Canada’s research shows Canadian maple syrup to be superior in nutritional benefits to other sweeteners like sugar and honey, as well as packing the health punch of 65 different antioxidants to make you feel extra-good. Canada is long-known for being the authority on maple syrup, and produces 71 per cent of the world’s supply. No place like home, eh?

A traditional boat on the water in Thailand

WikiCommons

17 / 20

Thailand

On every adventurous traveller’s bucket list is Thailand, with a plethora of unique experiences, absolutely awe-inspiring sights, and some of the most breathtaking beaches, around, this is one destination that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

So what should you bring back?

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18 / 20

Spices

Like India, silk is one of the most popular tourist-buys in Thailand, so we thought we’d suggest one of the other major souvenirs unique to this destination: spices. TravelVui.com reminds that these spices tend to come dried and in vacuum-sealed packs, making them oh-so-easy to pack. For yourself or the aspiring chefs in your life, nothing beats these flavourful spices as a delicious memento from this beautiful destination.

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19 / 20

Russia

The world’s largest nation, this sprawling country offers everything from tundras to subtropical beaches. From architecture to food, you just can’t miss planning a trip to Russia. In spite of the current political tension, this is one destination that should absolutely make your travel list. Did we mention that it's one of 10 countries where the Canadian dollar is surprisingly strong?

So what should you bring back?

WikiCommons

20 / 20

Matryoshka (Nesting) Dolls

Light on the budget and in your suitcase and more importantly, beautiful in their craftsmanship, are traditional Russian nesting dolls. According to UnderstandRussia.com these popular figurines, stacked inside of one another with five or more identical, shrinking figures and offered in countless designs and styles, have become so popular that they are even now being created with the faces of US politicians and other popular figures. We say skip the kitsch versions and go for one of their more traditional and classic design styles.