How to bring home the best souvenirs

Lonely Planet correspondent Fari Sanyika is a South African solo traveler, blogger and wild swimmer who’s explored over 25 countries, championing joyful, confident adventure. Lonely Planet recently asked how she finds meaningful souvenirs on her travels.

What do you look for in the perfect souvenir?

I look for souvenirs that are unique to the destination and useful to me or others as gifts. I appreciate when a souvenir reflects the culture, identity or history of a place, like something traditionally made or something in the country’s flag colors. 

Do you pick up a particular type of souvenir on each trip?

I collect games from every country I visit. Some are traditional games, like Oware from Ghana; others are smaller keepsakes, like puzzles featuring famous landmarks or destination-branded decks of cards. My growing collection of games has become a consistent and personal way for me to remember my travels. 

What’s the most memorable item you’ve brought home from your travels?

One of the most memorable souvenirs I have is the first game I got for my collection. It’s a solitaire game handcrafted from pink soapstone that I bought in Nairobi. At the time, I didn’t even know how to play solitaire, but I loved how beautifully it was made. 

Do you typically have an item in mind, or do you let it speak to you?

I go in knowing that I will choose some sort of game, which narrows down my options quite well. Beyond that, I like discovering things naturally. 

How do you find the best local shops on your trips?

Besides asking people I meet for recommendations, I also check what local creators are posting. I gravitate toward local markets because they give me a good idea of the kinds of crafts, traditions and foods that are part of everyday life. 

Any tips for bringing home food souvenirs?

When it comes to food, check what is allowed because some countries have strict rules around bringing in fresh foods. To be safe, choose pantry items like spices, teas and chocolates.

How do you store or display your souvenirs at home?

I like to keep a few of my souvenir games displayed in my lounge because it makes me happy to be reminded of my travels every day. The rest I keep in a box of my growing collection of games from around the world.

Do you have any tips for travelers who want authentic, meaningful souvenirs?

It helps to reflect on the souvenirs you’ve loved most from past trips and figure out why they felt meaningful to you. Once you discover the kinds of souvenirs you connect with, it becomes easier to look for similar items and develop a sharper eye for spotting something special.