TURNING MEMORIES INTO ART

Clever ways to display travel souvenirs in your home

Traveling is not only about visiting new places; it’s about collecting memories, shared experiences with those we love, and often, unique souvenirs that remind us of our adventures. But what do you do with all those treasures when you return home? Instead of letting them gather dust, display them in an intentional and creative way. Consider using some of these as gift inspiration for those who value a meaningful and personal gift over a gift card or generic sweater; you can also gain some ideas on preserving your holiday memories from this coming season! 

Glass jars and domes
For smaller items, glass jars and cloches can be a great way to display collectibles like seashells, rocks or miniatures. This method keeps them dust-free and visually appealing. Consider printing small 2 x 3-inch photos and displaying them together in a glass box, then sprinkle in some museum brochures or ticket stubs from your trip. 

Do be mindful that taking items from a cultural heritage site or historic landmark may seem harmless, but it can have serious consequences. Visitors to Hawaii have likely heard of “Pele’s Curse” — a legend associated with Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes. According to the legend, those who take lava rocks from the islands will be cursed with bad luck. This belief has led many tourists, after experiencing misfortune back home, to return the lava rocks in hopes of breaking the curse. Honoring and respecting the cultural heritage and natural environment of the places you visit not only enriches your travel experience but also contributes to fostering positive relationships with local communities. As travelers, we have a responsibility to leave places better than we found them. 

Shadow boxes
Create shadow boxes to showcase three-dimensional souvenirs such as ticket stubs, postcards and small trinkets from your trip. Layer items for depth and include labels and dates for context. Craft stores offer supplies, or a professional frame shop can create custom-sized and shaped boxes to artfully display your treasures. 

Gifting tip: Ask those who went on a trip to share their favorite mementos or memories, then gather them together into one curated box and gift it to your parents or grandparents as a treasured family memory. 

Gallery wall
Hobby photographers can have their favorite images enlarged and framed or printed on canvas for display on walls at home or in the office. For those who aren’t photographers, purchasing postcards featuring beautiful scenes is a great alternative. 

For display, buy a cafe curtain rod and hang the postcards using the included clips, or you can sleeve them in a binder. Photo protector sleeves come in various sizes and fit in a standard 3-ring notebook. (Works great for playbills and concert setlists, too!) 

Travel maps
Use a world map or corkboard to pin or hang items from each location you’ve visited. To elevate the display from a simple array of colorful push pins, attach small photos, charms or tokens that represent the region, telling more about the story of each place. 

Rotating exhibit
If your collection grows too large, consider curating a rotating exhibit in a display cabinet. Swap items regularly to keep your décor fresh. My children collect snow globes from our family adventures, and we lovingly display them on the mantel each winter. They appear shortly after Thanksgiving and stay on display throughout the cold months until spring. It’s so much fun to unpack them and reminisce about those enjoyable family trips year after year. 

Gifting tip: Another easy option is to purchase a Christmas ornament from each of the places traveled. No worries if this didn’t cross your mind at the time — many museums and shops offer shipping, so you can still give a meaningful gift that sparks special memories. 

Practical and interesting souvenirs to collect

• Traditional travel tchotchkes: Lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to find, the professional photos featured on postcards capture the beauty of a place far better than any amateur attempts can. Postcards can be framed or used in scrapbooking, and magnets can brightly adorn the fridge. Kids love to visit tourist-trap souvenir shops, where sometimes campy, cliché trinkets perfectly reflect the vibe of your vacation.
• Local artwork and handmade cultural items: Purchase small pieces of local artwork such as paintings, textiles or pottery. These can be found at local markets and make for beautiful, memory-filled décor. Such items not only tell a story but also support local artisans. Finding space in your luggage may be tricky, so seek small items that can be protected by clothing or safely tucked into a packed shoe.
• Food, cookbooks and spices: Bring back specialty food items and cookbooks to recreate the flavors of your travels at home. Check customs regulations regarding food transport to avoid issues or ask the shop to ship treats directly to your home. 
• Travel journals and notebooks: For those who are less crafty and more writing inclined, keeping a diary during your trip is a great way to document your experiences and thoughts. Leather-bound Moleskin notebooks are lovely to display on a bookshelf and are inexpensive enough to allow you to purchase a new one for each journey.
  Gifting tip: Junk journaling is having a moment — especially with those in Gen Z — so consider buying some supplies, paired with a photo of a special travel memory you shared together along with a handwritten note, inviting them to preserve their own memories and keep adding new ones.
  

Souvenirs are tangible reminders of your adventures. By displaying them creatively, you can transform your home into a gallery of memories. Choose items that resonate with you and showcase your journeys in a way that sparks joy. As you plan your next trip, think about how you’ll display your treasures and create a beautiful narrative of your travels. ✦