wooden figurines

Consider collecting souvenirs with a similar theme that can be grouped together for display. Also, you can often find unique gems in toy stores, like these sweet Pinocchio's from Italy. 

Buying a rug from a Moroccan carpet shop is an unforgettable experience! Many shops ship large purchases, but smaller rugs can be folded up tight to fit into a suitcase. 

Becky Higgins' Project Life envelope pages are the best way to organize maps, tickets, and cards! A great (and inexpensive!) way to remember favorite restaurants and experiences. 

Borrowing this idea from Jordan at 

Oh Happy Day (who I also randomly met in Barcelona!) we collect a small figurine for our kids from every country we visit. I love how they look together! 

Before leaving for a trip, I like to google what unique souvenirs the country has to offer. These bread baskets topped my wish list and I had an incredible time collecting them through the souks and markets!

I wanted to collect something for my kids that they could appreciate as they grew older. I plan to frame these patch collections, but maybe one day they'll want to sew them to a bag or banner. 

My favorite collection we keep! When planning your collection, it is good to think about collecting an item that you know will be available at each place you visit. Postcards, stickers, and shot glasses are also common souvenirs. 

Instead of purchasing postcards that would just collect dust in an album, I like to look for home decor pieces that I can display and enjoy often. 

What better way to share your travels with your friends than hosting a dinner party using dishes and platters you've collected from your adventures? Functional and unique souvenir. The patriotic bowls shown here are from ANDY's in Poland. 

My favorite brand owned and operated by my favorite family, Graupner's signature and coveted style is displayed in the form of tiny miniature figures. Their products include pyramids, ornaments, smokers, music boxes, etc. and are guaranteed to be found at every German Christmas market. A trip to tour their workshop is also an unforgettable experience (and my personal favorite memory of our time living in Germany!). 

Ostheimer specializes in quality handmade wooden toys, though their products are so beautiful, you may just want to keep them for yourself! My Ostheimer nativity set is one of my very favorites and can be purchased online, at many German Christmas markets, or at their discounted factory shop located near Stuttgart, Germany.

I love collecting nativity sets from different countries, though it's not always an easy task to find them (especially when visiting Muslim countries). I love Mangrai Kilns in Thailand; they make gorgeous Thai-themed sets and stables. The sets are available to purchase in Chang Mai and Bangkok but they can also ship to your hotel for a small fee.