Unpacking the UK’s Favourite Holiday Souvenirs

Ever wondered what makes a holiday truly unforgettable? For many of us, it’s not just the memories we make, but the little treasures we bring back with us. At Opodo, we got curious about the kind of holiday souvenirs that our travellers like to bring back home, so we conducted a global poll to find out what they’re packing in their suitcases.

Keep reading to learn more about Opodo’s best holiday souvenirs trends, tips on how to choose a memorable something to bring back home, and find out some of the weirdest items people take from their destinations!

The UK’s favourite keepsakes: What the poll says

So, what are we bringing back? According to the Opodo poll, nearly half of us (41%) are all about making memories through photos or by keeping a travel journal. But when it comes to physical items, we’re still big fans of the classics. Fridge magnets and local crafts are equally popular, with 35% of respondents opting for each.

Foodies, you’re not alone—a solid 31% of us purchase food, drink, or other tasty treats to bring a little flavour of our trip home. And for the truly unique finds, about one in four globetrotters (24%) are drawn to quirky souvenirs like a jar of local sand. On a more permanent note, a small but growing group (4%) even marks their trip with a tattoo!

How to choose a souvenir that tells a story

The best souvenirs aren’t found on a spinning rack; they’re discovered with intention. When you shop, try to support the community. Instead of something mass-produced, seek out a treasure that tells a deeper story.

Look for a piece of pottery shaped by a local artisan, a handmade piece of jewellery with a cultural design, or a unique spice blend from a vibrant market. These items aren’t just basic objects; they are a connection to the place and the people who made them, ready to spark a great memory every time you see them.

Top 5 travel souvenir ideas

Thinking beyond the typical gift shop? Here are 5 ideas for meaningful souvenirs that are far from ordinary.

Local crafts: Nothing beats a handmade item that captures the spirit of a place. Look for a treasure shaped by a local artisan—maybe a piece of unique ceramic pottery or a beautifully woven scarf—that tells a story you can’t find anywhere else.

Food and drink: Bring a taste of your holiday home! Instead of a generic magnet, get a delicious consumable souvenir like a flavourful spice blend, a unique bottle of local olive oil, or some decadent artisanal chocolates to share with friends and family.

A good book: Find a cosy local bookshop and pick up a book set in the destination you’re visiting. Every time you open it, you’ll be transported back to that place, and you will also increase your literary horizons.

Local music: Pick up a traditional instrument with a unique sound that can add the perfect soundtrack for your trip memories, long after you’ve returned.

Natural items: For a truly unique and earthy souvenir, collect an item straight from the source! Just be sure to check local regulations first, but a single stone from a hiking trail or a unique seashell can be a simple, tangible reminder of your adventure.

The weirdest souvenirs you can bring back

Forget what you know about souvenirs—because some travellers bring home treasures that are gloriously, wonderfully weird. Beyond quirky items such as hotel toiletries, sand, or rocks (a hit among one in four UK travellers), some people collect other mementos that are a testament to their daring.

• A parking fine: A bizarre badge of honour, a parking ticket transforms from a travel mishap into a monument to your misadventures. It’s the ultimate souvenir for the rule-breaking traveller.
• Local coins or banknotes: These aren’t just coins; they’re pocket-sized pieces of history. A unique banknote or an oddly-shaped coin is a small whisper of a story from another time and place, all for the price of a coffee.
• Lava rocks: Why settle for a keychain when you can bring back a piece of the Earth’s molten heart? These tiny bits of solidified chaos are a reminder of the raw, untamed power of the places you’ve explored. Before grabbing any, though, do check with the local regulations as these might be protected in some countries.
• Canned air: Yes, you can literally buy cans of fresh mountain air. It’s the ultimate quirky souvenir—a way to bottle the essence of a place and inhale a memory whenever you need a dose of pure, unadulterated adventure.

Digital vs. physical: Will photos replace traditional souvenirs?

In an increasingly digital world, it’s worth asking if a camera roll is replacing a suitcase full of trinkets. For younger generations, the answer is a bit of both. Gen Z travellers are redefining travel and how they remember it, prioritizing authenticity and visual experience. In fact, an increasing amount of Gen Z travellers use social media for inspiration when planning trips, and a majority also choose destinations based on what they see on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Beyond social media, many are also turning to travel journaling apps to log their adventures, capturing every detail in real-time.

Ultimately, while our camera rolls may be overflowing with memories, the enduring appeal of the physical souvenir remains strong. Does a digital photo dump satisfy the same emotional needs as a tangible object? Our latest poll suggests that while digital memories are valuable, a physical item on a shelf can spark a story and offer a unique, heartfelt connection that a screen just can’t replicate.

Start collecting holiday souvenirs with Opodo

Ready to start your own souvenir collection? Whether you’re looking for a simple fridge magnet or a life-changing new memory, Opodo can help you get there. As one of Europe’s leading online travel agents, we offer great tailor-made travel deals, from flights and hotels to car rentals. Book your next holidays with Opodo and fill your suitcase with unforgettable stories.