Meaningful Souvenirs

Finding the perfect souvenir to remember your trip

The word souvenir is French for remember. Finding the perfect souvenir to help remember a special trip is a fun activity that our family enjoys. We have always tried to steer away from overpriced trinkets that will end up in the trash. We don't give our son a set amount to spend. If we told him he had $20 he'd search to find something that costs exactly $20. Instead, we try to find things that are unique to where we are visiting that we can use or display when we are home and remember our trip. Usually something that doesn't take up much space.

Some of our favorite souvenirs include ammonite fossils from Alaska, a ring with a piece of amber in it from the Jurassic Park area of Universal Studios, and coins from landmarks and museums in Paris. Sometimes we don't buy anything and sometimes we find a treasure. 

One time we found actual treasure! We were in the Cayman Islands and found a store, called Artifacts, that sold collectibles from shipwrecks. Instead of a t-shirt or hat, our son bought a coin that was recovered from a ship wreck in 1809. The coin came with a great story, a certificate of authenticity, and a very excited 10 year old. 

If collecting a shot glass, magnet, key chain, or t-shirt from every trip you take brings you happiness and helps you remember that place, then by all means do that. I'm a sucker for press-a-penny machines so I'm not judging you. Just make sure you do something with it when you get home to help remember your experiences. Happy treasure hunting!