Bhutan
Small decorative prayer wheel inspired by Bhutanese Buddhist culture.
Uzbekistan
Embroidered textile cover with bold Central Asian motifs.
Tanzania
Colourful East African painting style featuring animals and bold patterns.
Nepal
Colourful Tibetan-style prayer flags commonly bought in Nepal.
Latvia
Baltic amber pendant, bracelet or earrings.
Uganda
Craft item inspired by Uganda’s barkcloth textile tradition.
Czechia
Cut or blown glass decoration from the Czech glassmaking tradition.
Belarus
Linen home textile with simple Slavic or folk-style embroidery.
Bahamas
Modern decorative ornament inspired by Bahamian beaches.
Zambia
Copper accessory reflecting Zambia’s copperbelt heritage.
Romania
Decorative painted eggs inspired by Romanian Easter traditions.
Kiribati
Modern beach-style necklace inspired by island craft.
Botswana
This is exactly the sort of thing I like bringing back from Botswana: small enough to fit in a bag, but specific enough to remind you where you bought it. The trick is to choose the simple, well-made version. Small craft items look better on a shelf when they are not too shiny or mass-produced. It is also the kind of thing you can talk about when someone asks what you brought back, because there is usually a little story attached to where you found it.
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Copper coffee pot džezva is worth adding because it feels like something you actually noticed while travelling through Bosnia and Herzegovina, rather than a generic souvenir. The trick is to choose the simple, well-made version. Small craft items look better on a shelf when they are not too shiny or mass-produced. The ideal version is modestly priced, not too bulky, and good enough that you would buy it again even without the holiday memory.
Croatia
Fragrant lavender pouches from Dalmatia, useful for wardrobes and drawers.
Bangladesh
I would put Nakshi kantha embroidered textile on the list for Bangladesh because it is the kind of thing that feels useful once you are home, not just another airport purchase. The trick is to choose the simple, well-made version. Small craft items look better on a shelf when they are not too shiny or mass-produced. The reason it works is that it gives you a quick reminder of the trip without needing to keep a fragile ornament safe forever.
Vietnam
Silk lantern is worth adding because it feels like something you actually noticed while travelling through Vietnam, rather than a generic souvenir. The trick is to choose the simple, well-made version. Small craft items look better on a shelf when they are not too shiny or mass-produced. The ideal version is modestly priced, not too bulky, and good enough that you would buy it again even without the holiday memory.
Australia
Aboriginal art print is worth adding because it feels like something you actually noticed while travelling through Australia, rather than a generic souvenir. The trick is to choose the simple, well-made version. Small craft items look better on a shelf when they are not too shiny or mass-produced. The ideal version is modestly priced, not too bulky, and good enough that you would buy it again even without the holiday memory.
Bolivia
Colourful Andean woven pouch or cloth inspired by traditional aguayo patterns.
Solomon Islands
Small modern wooden carving inspired by island marine life.
Sweden
When I think of an easy, crowd-pleasing thing to bring back from Sweden, Dala horse ornament is a good pick because it does not need much explanation when you hand it over. The trick is to choose the simple, well-made version. Small craft items look better on a shelf when they are not too shiny or mass-produced. I would rate it higher when it is locally made, clearly labelled and easy to use at home, and lower when it is just tourist packaging.
Canada
First Nations art print is worth adding because it feels like something you actually noticed while travelling through Canada, rather than a generic souvenir. The trick is to choose the simple, well-made version. Small craft items look better on a shelf when they are not too shiny or mass-produced. The ideal version is modestly priced, not too bulky, and good enough that you would buy it again even without the holiday memory.
Chile
When I think of an easy, crowd-pleasing thing to bring back from Chile, lapis lazuli pendant is a good pick because it does not need much explanation when you hand it over. The trick is to choose the simple, well-made version. Small craft items look better on a shelf when they are not too shiny or mass-produced. I would rate it higher when it is locally made, clearly labelled and easy to use at home, and lower when it is just tourist packaging.
Kenya
When I think of an easy, crowd-pleasing thing to bring back from Kenya, Maasai bead bracelet is a good pick because it does not need much explanation when you hand it over. The trick is to choose the simple, well-made version. Small craft items look better on a shelf when they are not too shiny or mass-produced. I would rate it higher when it is locally made, clearly labelled and easy to use at home, and lower when it is just tourist packaging.
Iran
Miniature enamel plate is worth adding because it feels like something you actually noticed while travelling through Iran, rather than a generic souvenir. The trick is to choose the simple, well-made version. Small craft items look better on a shelf when they are not too shiny or mass-produced. The ideal version is modestly priced, not too bulky, and good enough that you would buy it again even without the holiday memory.
Switzerland
When I think of an easy, crowd-pleasing thing to bring back from Switzerland, Swiss army knife keyring is a good pick because it does not need much explanation when you hand it over. The trick is to choose the simple, well-made version. Small craft items look better on a shelf when they are not too shiny or mass-produced. I would rate it higher when it is locally made, clearly labelled and easy to use at home, and lower when it is just tourist packaging.
Bhutan
When I think of an easy, crowd-pleasing thing to bring back from Bhutan, woven kira textile pouch is a good pick because it does not need much explanation when you hand it over. The trick is to choose the simple, well-made version. Small craft items look better on a shelf when they are not too shiny or mass-produced. I would rate it higher when it is locally made, clearly labelled and easy to use at home, and lower when it is just tourist packaging.
Georgia
Blue tablecloth supra cloth is worth adding because it feels like something you actually noticed while travelling through Georgia, rather than a generic souvenir. The trick is to choose the simple, well-made version. Small craft items look better on a shelf when they are not too shiny or mass-produced. The ideal version is modestly priced, not too bulky, and good enough that you would buy it again even without the holiday memory.
Portugal
Cork wallet is worth adding because it feels like something you actually noticed while travelling through Portugal, rather than a generic souvenir. The trick is to choose the simple, well-made version. Small craft items look better on a shelf when they are not too shiny or mass-produced. The ideal version is modestly priced, not too bulky, and good enough that you would buy it again even without the holiday memory.
Denmark
When I think of an easy, crowd-pleasing thing to bring back from Denmark, Danish design candle holder is a good pick because it does not need much explanation when you hand it over. The trick is to choose the simple, well-made version. Small craft items look better on a shelf when they are not too shiny or mass-produced. I would rate it higher when it is locally made, clearly labelled and easy to use at home, and lower when it is just tourist packaging.
Netherlands
Delft blue ornament is worth adding because it feels like something you actually noticed while travelling through Netherlands, rather than a generic souvenir. The trick is to choose the simple, well-made version. Small craft items look better on a shelf when they are not too shiny or mass-produced. The ideal version is modestly priced, not too bulky, and good enough that you would buy it again even without the holiday memory.
Turkey
Evil eye nazar charm is worth adding because it feels like something you actually noticed while travelling through Türkiye, rather than a generic souvenir. The trick is to choose the simple, well-made version. Small craft items look better on a shelf when they are not too shiny or mass-produced. The ideal version is modestly priced, not too bulky, and good enough that you would buy it again even without the holiday memory.
Mexico
Hand-painted ceramic skull is worth adding because it feels like something you actually noticed while travelling through Mexico, rather than a generic souvenir. The trick is to choose the simple, well-made version. Small craft items look better on a shelf when they are not too shiny or mass-produced. The ideal version is modestly priced, not too bulky, and good enough that you would buy it again even without the holiday memory.
Afghanistan
This is exactly the sort of thing I like bringing back from Afghanistan: small enough to fit in a bag, but specific enough to remind you where you bought it. The trick is to choose the simple, well-made version. Small craft items look better on a shelf when they are not too shiny or mass-produced. It is also the kind of thing you can talk about when someone asks what you brought back, because there is usually a little story attached to where you found it.
Morocco
When I think of an easy, crowd-pleasing thing to bring back from Morocco, mint tea glasses is a good pick because it does not need much explanation when you hand it over. The trick is to choose the simple, well-made version. Small craft items look better on a shelf when they are not too shiny or mass-produced. I would rate it higher when it is locally made, clearly labelled and easy to use at home, and lower when it is just tourist packaging.
Namibia
Leather accessory often sold in Namibia; choose ethical/legal sources.
Tonga
Decorative barkcloth artwork inspired by Polynesian tapa traditions.
Brunei
When I think of an easy, crowd-pleasing thing to bring back from Brunei, tenunan woven cloth pouch is a good pick because it does not need much explanation when you hand it over. The trick is to choose the simple, well-made version. Small craft items look better on a shelf when they are not too shiny or mass-produced. I would rate it higher when it is locally made, clearly labelled and easy to use at home, and lower when it is just tourist packaging.
Pakistan
This is exactly the sort of thing I like bringing back from Pakistan: small enough to fit in a bag, but specific enough to remind you where you bought it. The trick is to choose the simple, well-made version. Small craft items look better on a shelf when they are not too shiny or mass-produced. It is also the kind of thing you can talk about when someone asks what you brought back, because there is usually a little story attached to where you found it.
Germany
Wooden nutcracker ornament is worth adding because it feels like something you actually noticed while travelling through Germany, rather than a generic souvenir. The trick is to choose the simple, well-made version. Small craft items look better on a shelf when they are not too shiny or mass-produced. The ideal version is modestly priced, not too bulky, and good enough that you would buy it again even without the holiday memory.
South Africa
Beaded bracelet is worth adding because it feels like something you actually noticed while travelling through South Africa, rather than a generic souvenir. The trick is to choose the simple, well-made version. Small craft items look better on a shelf when they are not too shiny or mass-produced. The ideal version is modestly priced, not too bulky, and good enough that you would buy it again even without the holiday memory.
Tunisia
Ceramic hand bowl is worth adding because it feels like something you actually noticed while travelling through Tunisia, rather than a generic souvenir. The trick is to choose the simple, well-made version. Small craft items look better on a shelf when they are not too shiny or mass-produced. The ideal version is modestly priced, not too bulky, and good enough that you would buy it again even without the holiday memory.
Seychelles
Polished coconut bowl for snacks or decoration.
Kazakhstan
This is exactly the sort of thing I like bringing back from Kazakhstan: small enough to fit in a bag, but specific enough to remind you where you bought it. The trick is to choose the simple, well-made version. Small craft items look better on a shelf when they are not too shiny or mass-produced. It is also the kind of thing you can talk about when someone asks what you brought back, because there is usually a little story attached to where you found it.
Kosovo
Fine silver-style jewellery inspired by Balkan filigree craft.
Algeria
Hand-painted ceramic bowl is worth adding because it feels like something you actually noticed while travelling through Algeria, rather than a generic souvenir. The trick is to choose the simple, well-made version. Small craft items look better on a shelf when they are not too shiny or mass-produced. The ideal version is modestly priced, not too bulky, and good enough that you would buy it again even without the holiday memory.
Belgium
Lace bookmark is worth adding because it feels like something you actually noticed while travelling through Belgium, rather than a generic souvenir. The trick is to choose the simple, well-made version. Small craft items look better on a shelf when they are not too shiny or mass-produced. The ideal version is modestly priced, not too bulky, and good enough that you would buy it again even without the holiday memory.
Slovakia
Blue-and-white ceramic inspired by Slovak folk pottery.
Bahrain
Pearl-inspired bracelet is worth adding because it feels like something you actually noticed while travelling through Bahrain, rather than a generic souvenir. The trick is to choose the simple, well-made version. Small craft items look better on a shelf when they are not too shiny or mass-produced. The ideal version is modestly priced, not too bulky, and good enough that you would buy it again even without the holiday memory.
Saudi Arabia
Sadu woven pouch is worth adding because it feels like something you actually noticed while travelling through Saudi Arabia, rather than a generic souvenir. The trick is to choose the simple, well-made version. Small craft items look better on a shelf when they are not too shiny or mass-produced. The ideal version is modestly priced, not too bulky, and good enough that you would buy it again even without the holiday memory.
Bahamas
When I think of an easy, crowd-pleasing thing to bring back from Bahamas, straw market woven bag is a good pick because it does not need much explanation when you hand it over. The trick is to choose the simple, well-made version. Small craft items look better on a shelf when they are not too shiny or mass-produced. I would rate it higher when it is locally made, clearly labelled and easy to use at home, and lower when it is just tourist packaging.
Japan
Thin cotton hand towel with traditional prints, useful as wrapping or décor.
Fragrant incense traditionally used in Senegalese homes and clothing.
Egypt
Decorative papyrus-style prints showing Egyptian scenes or hieroglyphics.
Zimbabwe
Small modern stone carving inspired by Zimbabwe’s Shona sculpture tradition.
Rwanda
Traditional woven peace basket, often brightly patterned.
Botswana
Woven basket inspired by Botswana’s craft traditions.
Greece
Blue glass charm used across Greece as a symbolic protection gift.
Wooden toucan ornament is worth adding because it feels like something you actually noticed while travelling through Costa Rica, rather than a generic souvenir. The trick is to choose the simple, well-made version. Small craft items look better on a shelf when they are not too shiny or mass-produced. The ideal version is modestly priced, not too bulky, and good enough that you would buy it again even without the holiday memory.
Cameroon
Woven grass basket is worth adding because it feels like something you actually noticed while travelling through Cameroon, rather than a generic souvenir. The trick is to choose the simple, well-made version. Small craft items look better on a shelf when they are not too shiny or mass-produced. The ideal version is modestly priced, not too bulky, and good enough that you would buy it again even without the holiday memory.
Belize
Woven palm basket is worth adding because it feels like something you actually noticed while travelling through Belize, rather than a generic souvenir. The trick is to choose the simple, well-made version. Small craft items look better on a shelf when they are not too shiny or mass-produced. The ideal version is modestly priced, not too bulky, and good enough that you would buy it again even without the holiday memory.
Paraguay
Delicate Paraguayan needle lace with spiderweb-like patterns.
Cameroon
Textile accessory inspired by Cameroonian royal blue-and-white patterns.
Lithuania
Durable linen towel or napkins, a practical Baltic textile gift.