Rick Steves' Super Simple Philosophy On Shopping For Souvenirs In Europe

We've all been there, lugging home an extra suitcase stuffed with souvenirs and realizing when we get home that half of them will simply gather dust indefinitely. Even Rick Steves, the guru of lightweight travel, has fallen into the souvenir trap, having picked up "two medieval chairs, two sets of bongos, swords, a mace, and a camelhair coat" all in one trip, as he shares on his website. But one of the great pleasures of traveling in Europe is picking up a few souvenirs along the way, and we're not here to tell you to stop shopping altogether. We're here to share how to shop smarter, and you can do that by following Steves' super simple philosophy: "Lighten up!"w

On his website, he recommends that travelers buy souvenirs that are lightweight and packable. So, no medieval chairs, then. Even with this advice, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the options. and it's easy to fall back on the classics like a fridge magnet or mug. There's nothing wrong with those items if they bring you joy and you're on a budget, but Steves has more ideas for meaningful keepsakes.

Supporting local artisans is a great way to make your souvenir shopping more meaningful. One place Steves recommends visiting is the Kantcentrum in Bruges, where you can come away with handcrafted lace products or materials to make your own. Before your trip, research locally made products that reflect the region's heritage. For example, the French city of Lyon was the historical center of Europe's silk trade and to this day produces exquisite handmade silk goods. A scarf is a lightweight souvenir you can enjoy for years to come.

Locally made clothing is another of Steves' picks. He recommends buying a tie in Croatia, where the necktie (cravat) has its roots. In Florence, Italy, Steves goes for leather wallets or belts, a souvenir he believes you shouldn't leave without. Jewelry is another small, long-lasting souvenir. If you're by the Baltic Sea, look out for pieces containing locally sourced amber. In Venice, Murano glass pendants and earrings are good choices.

If you want to bring home a taste of Europe, food products are a top choice, especially in Italy. You can find fragrant Sicilian oregano, a (small) block of parmigiano-reggiano from Parma, or white truffles from Piedmont. Every country has its own culinary treasures, from classic Swiss chocolate to the more unusual lingonberry jam from Sweden. So, next time you're tempted by a medieval chair or some bongos, remember Steves' advice: Lighten up, and don't "go hog wild," as he so delightfully puts it.