10 vacation souvenir ideas from our list of tastemakers

Jason Wadhwani

Principal Designer at Jason Wadhwani Design

I love collecting interesting, bold and graphic ceramics and dinnerware when I travel. One such piece is a monochromatic vase that can fit in any space in my house and is extremely versatile. I came across this piece when I was in Copenhagen at a beautiful furniture and accessory store called HAY. Since I love all things monochrome, it was perfect for me. The vase is usually found between two locations depending on where we’re entertaining. It is either in the den on my coffee table or in the living room on top of my vinyl record stand. It makes quite a design statement on its own, but I have at times put some dried stalks in it.

Karam Puri

Photographer & Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician

Minnie Bhatt

Founder & Design Director at Minnie Bhatt Design

I have a fondness for ceramics and always keep an eye out for ceramic souvenirs that I can carry back home. They often capture the essence of a place's culture and craftsmanship, making them perfect keepsakes. One of my cherished travel souvenirs is a tile I bought in Vienna. I stumbled upon this beauty while visiting a building designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, an Austrian architect whose work I greatly admire. His architectural style is unique and whimsical, with a focus on organic forms and vibrant colours. I was captivated by the building's design and found this tile in a nearby shop. The tile's design is inspired by Hundertwasser's artwork, making it a perfect memento of my visit. It reminds me of the creativity and beauty of Vienna and is currently placed in my office library, adding a touch of Viennese artistry to my space.

Puran Kumar

Principal at Studio PKA

I love listening to music on a record player, so I often find myself picking up vinyls on my travels that are exclusive and not easily available. I often pick a vinyl based on my personal taste and this passion has grown over the years. It is special because of the listening pleasure that I experience through them. I now have a collection of vinyls bought on my trips to London, New York and Amsterdam. My passion for all things music and the charm of retro era artists has resulted in this hobby and these vinyls find a prime spot in my music cabinet next to my record player. Of late, the craze for vintage objects has reignited all over the world, and people are now investing in such pieces for their simplicity. I am glad that original vinyls are back, and the rest as they say, is music.

Tips to Find Unique Travel Souvenirs:

“Find your personal passion that resonates with you—it could be anything antique, an object or even a postcard that depicts your style as well as the place’s culture,” says architect Puran Kumar.

For princess Mrinalika M Bhanjdeo, it is all about finding items that are handmade, support local artisans, and tell a story. “Choose something that will continue to bring you joy long after the trip is over,” she adds.

Chef Karishma Sakhrani recommends visiting local markets to find unique items that reflect the local culture and traditions. “They often carry a deeper meaning and connection to the place, and understanding the story behind a piece can make it more meaningful,” she says.

“Your souvenirs are a reflection of you, so seek out what interests you and find objects that have a story to tell. Go off the beaten path, look at antique shops, estate sales and find the historic parts of a city where you can pick interesting collectibles,” suggests photographer Karam Puri.