What are Souvenirs and why do we buy them?

If the word ‘souvenir’ brings to mind one of those small novelty gifts you receive when someone in the family, or one of your friends, gets back on their holidays, then rightly so. However, souvenirs are not always just miniature donkeys wearing sombreros from Spain or T-shirts emblazoned with the slogan 'Went to London and all I got was this lousy t-shirt...

What Are Souvenirs?

Although usually connected with holiday gift shop merchandise, the word ‘souvenir’ is actually a French word meaning remembrance or memory. Souvenirs are also called keepsakes or mementoes and can be any item somebody keeps for the memories they bring back.

Why Do We Buy Souvenirs?

Many people like to take a little something home with them as a reminder of their travels, something to show where they have been, something they can use to look back and reminisce about the fantastic experience they had during their holiday. Not to mention, displaying such a memento around the home can be a great conversation starter when you have guests. After all, buying souvenirs is part and parcel of the fun holiday experience.

Tourists also tend to take lots of gifts and novelties back home for friends, relatives and work colleagues. It’s a nice way to show you have been thinking of them while you have been away on your vacation.

Some of us just can’t resist walking into a gift shop and coming out with something. This can happen a lot especially if you are on holiday with children!

Nonetheless, souvenirs are not always linked with destinations though. Many people collect commemorative memorabilia of special events such as Royal Family weddings and merchandise to show support for their favourite popular football or basketball teams or even entertainment merchandise which features their favourite movies.

Souvenirs that are typical of a particular geographical location are often used as gifts at special events as well as wedding favours.

Buying Souvenirs Online

Nowadays lots of holidaymakers are doing their souvenir shopping online, sometimes even before or after they travel from the comfort of their own homes. This is mainly due to the increase in online shopping and the availability of such items on the Internet. There are many good reasons to do this and although many people prefer to pick up gifts during the actual trip, it is a great idea for those who don’t want to get to the airport lumbered with bags, because your order will be delivered to your door.

Without traipsing through shop after shop, trying to find the right gift at the right price, and remembering everyone you have to buy for, ordering through the internet conveniently allows you to make the most of your time on holiday and sort the presents out when it suits you best.

Also once your trip has come to an end, if you have forgotten to buy for someone, or in the unfortunate event that you may have lost or broken a souvenir that was very dear to you, you would be able to come across and purchase the same item on the internet to replace it.

If you are looking for some very special and unique gifts for your loved ones, then GS-JJ can help you with your customization needs. GS-JJ is a sub-brand of BPS.com, and they can help you with custom enamel pins, keychains, lanyards, patches, t-shirts, and more. Your loved one will be thrilled to receive an exclusive gift customized by you for her. It will be a sweet memory for you!

Free Souvenirs

A souvenir does not have to be something that has been purchased from a store. During your travels, there are quite a few delightful little objects that can be acquired along the way, which can more often than not have some sort of sentimental value over products that you have bought from a gift shop. These types of things could be quite possibly insignificant to someone else, although having a great deal of importance to the owner, and mean a lot as a symbol of an experience.

From travel-size toiletries from the hotel, you have stayed in (it’s always a nice idea to leave a tip) to stickers, badges and other treats for children that are frequently handed out in places such as theme parks. Or even cardboard coasters from various coffee shops, bars and restaurants where you have enjoyed your meal or evening out, there are numerous ideas for charming little keepsakes that can be picked up here and there.

Natural items such as shells, pine cones, pressed leaves and flowers are also quaint ideas for personal keepsakes which look spectacular when displayed in glass vases and jars.

Souvenirs From Around the World

Different parts of the world have their own version of souvenirs and collecting unique items from around the world is a wonderful way to commemorate your adventures or your love for that particular country or place.

There are so many different types of souvenir ideas to choose from. From the classics such as a Statue of Liberty replica from New York, an Eiffel Tower model from Paris, Russian Matryoshka dolls, miniature Dutch Clogs or a Leaning Tower of Pisa figurines from Italy to the more obscure, unique gift ideas.

An authentic item which has actually been made in the country you have travelled to is a superb idea, such as a decorative marble plate from India, a traditional wooden Kokeshi doll from Japan or even possum wool gloves from New Zealand for example.

Food that you can’t buy at home is another good souvenir idea, especially for foodies and people who have limited space to keep hold of decorative items or for those who are a bit difficult to buy. Besides, who wouldn’t fancy a green tea-flavoured Kit Kat from Japan?

London Souvenirs

London is a hugely popular shopping destination, pulling in thousands of tourists from around the world each year. There are so many shops offering multitudes of gift ideas, that you can really end up spoilt for choice. To make things easier, we have put together a breakdown of a few of the great gifts that you can take home from the city.

Classic London Souvenirs

Some of the best souvenirs you can buy in London include:

The Models

Bus

The red Routemaster bus is a well-known symbol of London and loved by many. It is not surprising that Double Decker bus models are exceedingly popular souvenirs and collector’s items. A vibrant red die-cast replica of a London bus would make a fantastic addition to any model collection.

Taxi

Any avid model collector will tell you that a replica Black cab is a must-have. The jet-black London taxi which can be seen around the city is a striking icon of London and is acknowledged internationally as a symbol of the British capital.

Big Ben

A visit to the capital is incomplete without casting your eyes over the iconic London skyline and hearing the chimes of Big Ben resonating throughout the city. Why not capture the magnificence of this distinguished London clock tower with a stunning replica Big Ben model, complete with a real working clock?

Fridge Magnets

Magnets are very good for keeping important notes on hand by sticking them to your fridge door. Not only will you keep track of those to-do lists, but you can also keep magnets featuring the places you liked the most during your visit to the capital. Any collection of fridge magnets from around the world is incomplete without a magnet from London!

Keyrings

Keyrings are great for personalising your belongings when you are out and about. They are popular collector’s items and one of the most liked souvenirs. A no-nonsense gift idea as it is good for keeping your keys secure and serves as the perfect reminder of your stay in the great city of London.

English Tea

Tea is the quintessential gift from England. Give the gift of tea or get with the British tea-drinking culture yourself with one of these fantastic decorative tea caddies filled with the finest blends of English tea.

London Souvenirs by Theme

You can buy matching souvenirs from London with different themes which include:

Keep Calm and Carry On

The famed Keep Calm motto, which adorns numerous souvenirs from mugs to iPhone covers, has taken its inspiration from motivational British wartime posters. Often worded in white on a vibrant red background, there are many variations of the text such as ‘Keep Calm and Drink Tea’ and ‘Keep Calm in London’.

I Love London

If you love London, then say it out loud with one of these fab mementoes incorporating the trendy I ‘heart’ London slogan, which will be happily received by anyone who loves the English capital. This distinctive design usually includes a red love heart on a white or black background.

Union Jack

Items featuring the Union flag make for a very British gift and the dynamic red, white and blue design is immensely popular around the world. Union flags, bunting and Union Jack souvenirs are ideal for British-themed parties. Also, clothing featuring the Union Jack can be worn to show your support at special events or as a fashion statement.

Everything London

There is a vast range of unmistakably British souvenirs that feature colourful compilations of well-known London images. These are great as many of the famous places you may have visited during your stay in the capital have been captured onto one object and will bring back several fond memories whenever you see it.

7 Best London Souvenirs for Kids

When shopping for presents, usually the first people who come to mind are the little ones. Sometimes it can be difficult to choose what to buy for children, therefore we have put together a compilation of some of the most popular London souvenirs and gifts for children, so you can't go wrong.

1. School Kits

Make going back to school after a trip to London more fun with a school kit or pencil case featuring images of the places that your children have seen. They will enjoy sharing their holiday stories with their friends in school too.

2. Royal Guard Teddy Bear

Everyone adores a cute and cuddly teddy bear and these soft and fluffy bears dressed in their Royal Guardsman attire are no exception to the rule. These teddies are well-liked by children of all ages and are superb for giving that London look as part of the children's room decor.

3. T-Shirts

There is nothing like a T-shirt to show you have been to London and as well as being light in weight to take home, they make practical gift ideas for children, especially if you are not planning on buying more toys or you have a lot of kids to buy for.

4. Mini Cooper Model Car

Lots of children love to play with toy cars and the Mini Cooper complete with a Union Jack roof is a classic gift from the UK. These models are so realistic as you can open and close the doors and due to the friction wheels, you can pull the vehicle back and then watch it go. We are sure plenty of adults will love these too!

5. Wristbands

Kids and teenagers love to collect wristbands that promote the things they love and snap wristbands are particularly cool because of the way they wrap around and secure themselves when gently tapped against the wrist.

6. Post Box Money Box

This vivid red replica post box is a great idea as a piggy bank for children to keep their pocket money as you can post the coins through the letter box slot just like you would post your letters in a British pillar box.

7. Soft Toy Corgi Dog

It is a well-known fact that the Queen of England adores her Pembroke Welsh Corgis and any dog lover, young or old, would most definitely welcome one of these brilliant toy Corgi dogs, complete with a Union Jack coat and lead.

5 Posh Gifts from London

If you are looking for that extra special gift from London for a loved one, something really fancy that you won't find in regular gift shops. We suggest anything from a collectable tin caddy of tea, biscuits or a lavish box of chocolates from Fortnum and Mason or perhaps a beautifully scented candle by Molten Brown. For that special someone in your life who loves their smellies, then luxury bath and body products by Crabtree and Evelyn are a must. Here is a breakdown of five great ideas to get you started.

1. This Luxury Teddy Bear Snow Globe is a perfect memento of a trip to Harrods.

2. This Household Blend Tea in a Heritage Caddy from Fortnum and Mason would make a stunning addition to any kitchen.

3. This Ylang-Ylang Single Wick Candle by Molten Brown would be a welcomed gift to anyone who loves their indulgently scented candles.

4. An elegantly packaged Rosewater Bath & Body Duo by Crabtree and Evelyn, comprising two skin-indulging luxuries and conveniently presented in a gift box with their striking spring design is a wonderful gift idea for her.

5. This 100ml bottle of Neapolitan Bergamot Eau de Cologne by Crabtree and Evelyn, with its classically Italian-inspired citrus aromatic blend would make a fantastic gift from London for him.