The Psychology of Collecting Souvenirs

Why do we love collecting souvenirs?

Let’s face it—collectible souvenirs sometimes get a bad rap. We picture our grandmother’s collection of dusty sugar spoons that have never been moved from their hanging wooden display (does anyone even have a sugar bowl anymore?), kitschy location-themed keychains that sit in the back of a drawer, or a Big Ben snow globe (if that’s your jam, who am I to judge?). But what if your travel souvenirs could be wonderful memories and beautiful décor for your home?

Let’s not lose our minds in a souvenir shop, when we can curate a beautiful home.

Key Takeaways

• Souvenirs are like mini time machines, instantly taking you back to some of your favorite travel memories.
• Your collection of vacation souvenirs is basically your life story on display, showing off your adventures and what you value.
• Decorating with these treasures is all about filling your home with good vibes, memories, and a little wanderlust.
• Collecting souvenirs from afar is fun, but remember to keep it balanced; too much can turn your space from cozy to cluttered!

The Memories Souvenirs Keep

Imagine walking through your living room and curling up under a Portuguese woven blanket to read a book. The knitted pattern can transport you to the relaxation of that favorite vacation. A delicate seashell on a stack of books whispers of a sun-drenched Matzatlan beach, the sound of the crashing waves echoing in your mind. A quirky fridge magnet of the New York skyline reminds you of the unforgettable weekend exploring the city that never sleeps.

Research has shown that physical objects hold the power to trigger vivid and detailed recollections, bridging the gap between past and present [1]. These items act as sensory cues, transporting us back to a specific moment in time through sight, sound, and even textures like the seashell bringing us back to the beach. This phenomenon is supported by studies on priming, which highlight how encountering an object or detail associated with a past experience can trigger a cascade of memories [2]. Your souvenirs become external representations of your internal memories, allowing you to relive a favorite experience and solidify the emotional connections we form during our travels.

Studies show that the psychology behind souvenir collections suggests that these objects serve as vehicles for storytelling, showing others how we define ourselves and our values [3]. Think about it—that quirky collection of mismatched coffee mugs from around the world displayed in your kitchen cabinet speaks volumes about your love for global flavors and cultural diversity.

Reminders of Your Adventures

Collecting souvenirs is a tangible reminder of the experiences that have shaped your view of the world. Each piece in your collection is a chapter in your life’s story. Every time you glance at the woven Portuguese blanket, you’re reliving the thrill of carefully selecting the blue and orange color combination because these were your wedding colors, the dampness of ducking into a store to get out of the rain, and your hubby’s concern that it couldn’t possibly fit in your luggage (where there’s a will, there is always a way!).

Good Vibes

But the magic of collecting souvenirs extends far beyond a personal trip down memory lane. Decorating with these items isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s crafting a home filled with positive emotions. Every corner of our home is filled with items that bring the same happiness and wonder that I felt when I first laid eyes on them. Beyond décor, they are anchors in my home that keep my sense of adventure and wanderlust alive. And these are shared memories with a loved one or friend. Tangible, simple items that spark reminiscence and joy. Priceless!

Sense of Accomplishment

And don’t forget the pride factor! Our souvenirs are mini trophies of our adventurous spirit. You may love the trinket from your first solo vacation, making every decision on your own. Or, perhaps you navigated the market without being able to speak a single word of the language. Like a game of charades, I have managed to bumble my way through several souvenir negotiations. And anyone who has found their way around the twisting, narrow streets of Venice knows how traveling can make you feel accomplished.

Collecting Souvenirs to Share

Collecting souvenirs isn’t only about personal keepsakes but thoughtful gifts to share. A box of Belgian chocolate, French linen kitchen towels, or tulip bulbs from Holland share the taste, smell, and feel of a part of the world they may not have seen. Also, studies have shown that the act of spending money on someone else can bring you happiness [4]. (woot, woot) Not to mention, it’s great to show your house-sitter, dogwalker, or loving grandparents who watched the kiddos while you were away that they are appreciated. It’s a lovely way of saying, “I was thinking of you.”

Thrill of the Hunt

Now, let’s be honest—the thrill of the scavenger hunt is a big part of the collecting experience. It brings out our inner hunter/gatherer. Scouring the market for the perfect blend of spices or spending hours in a Parisian antique shop seeking a unique vintage door handle adds an element of adventure to your travels. And when you finally agree on that perfect item, or it seems to magically appear in front of you, the sense of accomplishment is almost as thrilling as the adventure that inspired it.

Creative Pursuit

The benefits of souvenir collecting go beyond the joy of reminiscing or the adrenaline rush of the hunt. Arranging and displaying your found objects can be a creative outlet, allowing you to express your unique personality and tell a visual story from the souvenirs grouped by theme to creating a mini gallery of the getaway of a lifetime.

Conversation Starters

For the introverts among us (or even the social butterflies), souvenir collecting can be an easy conversation starter. It’s why I began this blog. I feel like we all want to share, and sometimes a small object—an Irish leather keychain or an Italian leather wallet—can spark a connection, even in line at the coffee shop or grocery store. Suddenly, you might be sharing stories, travel tips, vacation mishaps, or inspirations for your next trip!

“Collecting is intellectual stimulation, social bonding, it’s organization.”

Dr. Shirley Mueller, a neuroscientist and collector, in her book “Inside the Head of a Collector: Neuropsychological Forces at Work.”

But we shouldn’t talk about souvenir collecting without mentioning you need to strike a balance when you display souvenirs. A curated collection can make your space unique to you. But when collecting turns to overload, it can have the opposite effect. The clutter can lead to overwhelming feelings of stress and regret.

How to Curate Your Travel Souvenirs

Here are a few of my tips to help you curate your souvenirs:

• Be mindful. Not every trinket needs to come home with you. Be selective, choosing only items that represent a special memory or moment.
• Focus on quality, not quantity. An artisanal item may hold more meaning than mass-produced souvenirs. Or a cheaper but perfectly matched souvenir might just be all you need.
• Rotate your collection. There are many items that I only bring out to celebrate a holiday or season. It helps me to appreciate them more.
• Display souvenirs thoughtfully. Shadow boxes, a gallery wall, bookcases, or hanging shelves display souvenirs and showcase your finds in the best way possible.
• Think about function. Souvenirs can be more than looking pretty on a shelf. Purchase a tea towel, soap, serving dishes, lotion, etc., and use them. One of my favorite and funniest finds is an egg timer that plays the national anthem of Holland over and over. When it stops, your egg is perfectly hard-boiled!

Collecting souvenirs is personal. The goal is to find souvenirs that capture the essence of your travels or a moment in time, decorate your home with meaningful stories, and surround yourself with positive memories. So, as you embark on your next grand adventure, bring a memory home.

After all, every souvenir is a story waiting to be told.

I would love to hear from you! What is the favorite way you display souvenirs?