16 Souvenirs That Will Only End Up Gathering Dust at Home

We all enjoy buying something special to remember our trips, but let’s be honest—not all souvenirs are worth it. Some are cheesy, useless, or just end up taking up space at home. Instead of collecting more stuff that you’ll never use or look at, it helps to know which souvenirs to skip. Before you spend money on another fridge magnet or snow globe, here are some of the silliest souvenirs that usually end up as clutter instead of fun memories.

Sand In A Bottle

Although bringing a little piece of your vacation with you is tempting, sand in a bottle is not that impressive. It’s just sand; you can get it anywhere, even if it’s specific to one destination. Additionally, many airports don’t permit carrying loose items like this; your sand might earn you an extra hour with the TSA.

Miniature Monuments

Many tourists buy miniature monuments for themselves or their friends and family as souvenirs. While miniature monuments can be cute, they’re a pretty outdated idea, so people will assume you’re passing cheap things off as gifts when you give them. It’s much better to buy souvenirs that reflect the area but aren’t necessarily a miniature version of the place.

Snow Globes

Let’s admit it: snow globes are a pretty boring souvenir. They might look attractive, but they’ll collect dust on your shelves. Snow globes are also unusual to gift because they’re inexpensive; people receiving them will assume you’re only giving them snow globes because they’re cheap and tacky.

Bumper Stickers

Here are a couple of reasons bumper stickers aren’t the ideal souvenirs: many people make traveling part of their personality, which can be taken negatively by strangers; bumper stickers are just another way. They can be distracting for other drivers, which can be dangerous. Their sticking can also ruin a car’s paint or cause scratches over the glass.

Postcards

Getting postcards with generic messages might be the least thoughtful and sensitive souvenir. Postcards can only be customized to a certain extent, so they come across as tacky and impersonal. They can also get lost or damaged easily and don’t last long, so it’s much better to invest in souvenirs that will survive the flight back home.

Imitation Local Clothing

We’re often impressed by the culture and traditions of other nations, so many of us will pack up a couple of traditional clothes to fly home. While this is thoughtful and cute, wearing imitation local clothing can be insensitive because it encourages racial discrimination. You should only get authentic clothes and wear them appropriately to avoid mocking other nations.

Fake Local Currency

Here’s why fake local currency won’t fly: it’s fake, so it won’t be used anywhere. This means whomever you give the fake local currency to won’t be happy because they’re just holding on to a piece of paper. Carrying fake local currency can even be a crime in some countries, so skipping this souvenir is better unless you want to spend a night in airport jail.

Local Snacks

There’s nothing more annoying than being given snack souvenirs. Because many snacks have acquired taste, not everyone will take to them kindly. Local snacks are also overtly overpriced, especially if you buy them from the departing airport. It’s much better to purchase ready-to-cook snacks if you want or track the same snacks back home.

Cheap Jewelry

We’ve all had to awkwardly accept rusty jewelry from a relative visiting after a trip abroad that has clearly been bought at the Lowe’s version of the country. Cheap jewelry is one of the dumbest souvenirs to buy for yourself or others because it could stain easily and even cause allergic reactions, especially when you don’t know what it’s made of.

Novelty Hats

Sure, that funny hat seemed like a great idea when you bought it, but once you’re home, it’s probably just going to sit in the closet. These hats rarely match anything in your wardrobe and don’t hold up for long anyway. Go for a souvenir that’s practical and still gives you those trip memories without the awkward fashion statement!

Tacky T-Shirts

There’s nothing more embarrassing than having to wear tacky and bright T-shirts your relatives or parents got from their trip abroad. Although t-shirts are a pretty standard gift, those with elaborate designs or typical fonts detailing aspects of the trip’s destination will be taken as a sign that you’re bragging or can’t let go of the trip. Plus, the design can often be an eyesore.

Fake Designer Goods

You might think you’re being clever by buying fake designer goods as gifts or souvenirs, but it will come back to bite you in the back. Ripoffs are easily distinguishable; buying and claiming them as authentic will only affect your reputation. They can also be wasteful because if you ever need the funds, you won’t be able to resell them at the same price you bought them.

Plastic Trinkets

Generic plastic trinkets are one of the worst souvenirs because they serve no purpose or function. They will only collect dust back home, so you should invest in something more practical. Plastic trinkets can also be a choking hazard, so they’re extremely dangerous for people with children.

Scented Candles

Scented candles might seem like a lovely keepsake, but they’re often bulky and a hassle to pack. Also, the scent can fade over time, and you’re left with something that doesn’t really remind you of your trip anymore. They could easily end up collecting dust on a shelf, making it yet another useless souvenir.

Tourist Mugs

Tourist mugs can be bulky, and let’s be honest—they don’t really say much about the culture of the place you visited. They also take up space and can chip or break easily, which means they can quickly lose their charm. In the end, they might just end up as clutter you don’t really use.

Shot Glasses

Shot glasses might seem like a fun way to remember your trip, but they tend to pile up fast. Unless you’re really into collecting them, they usually just sit around collecting dust. Also, they’re pretty fragile, so there’s a good chance one will break during your journey before you even get it home.