4 Souvenirs that Keep Their Value After Travel

When you travel stateside or abroad, it’s always fun to bring home a souvenir from the experience. T-shirts, magnets, and other trinkets can bring momentary excitement as reminders of your trip, but they won’t always stand the test of time. It’s too easy to lose smaller items, and sweatshirts and other garments will start to fade after multiple washings. If you’re seeking a souvenir that can maintain its appearance long after you’ve unpacked, you’ve come to the right place. 

Read on as we highlight four souvenirs that will keep their value after travel. 

1. Handcrafted Jewelry

When you’re looking for a souvenir that’s both beautiful and enduring, you can’t go wrong with handcrafted jewelry. Stunning locally-sourced materials can come together in a bracelet, necklace, or ring that’s both functional and attractive. Just make sure that you’re choosing jewelry with hallmarks and other key markings to indicate its quality. Hallmarks are official stamps that can detail anything from the jewelry’s purity to its maker or vintage. For instance, you might see 750 on the back of a piece to show that the jewelry is 18k gold.

If you opt for jewelry with these markings, you’ll be making a better investment. Should you ever decide to sell the piece, it will be easier to trace and verify the jewelry’s origin. Get a detailed receipt that shows key information about the piece. And make sure to pack your jewelry in a secure case when you travel home. 

2. Quality Bullion Coins

When it comes to investing in souvenirs, you can’t go wrong with bullion coins. They are made from silver, gold, or platinum, and their metal content gives them value. American Gold Eagles, for instance, are official gold bullion coins that have been available since 1986. Their status makes them valuable, and it’s possible to resell them more easily than some other precious metals. You’ll need to budget for these coins, but in return, you’ll gain an attractive, valuable collectible. 

But not all bullion coins are the same. And you’ll want to be clear on how to determine if the coin you’re purchasing qualifies as investment grade. It should be a coin that is produced by a government mint. There should be documentation verifying this, as well as the weight and purity of the coin. A reputable source like PIMBEX can help you understand what goes into finding an investment-grade bullion coin and how you can make a wise choice when travelling. 

3. Special-Issue Coins or Banknotes

If a country is celebrating an anniversary or a cultural figure, it may produce special-edition coins. You won’t be able to find an endless supply of these coins, making them an appealing and unique souvenir when travelling. 

Aim to purchase these coins from mints or other established sellers. Safely pack all documentation connected to the coin, and retain the official packaging. Make sure you’re not handling fragile items, like banknotes, with your hands. Know that these items won’t provide an immediate profit if you try to sell them. They amass value over time. 

4. Limited Art Prints 

Art prints are a wonderful way to capture memories of your trip. When you buy museum-quality prints, you’ll be purchasing a souvenir that carries additional value over a standard, store-bought print. A signed and numbered print elevates its status. And if you have certification documents to go with the print, you can verify its authenticity if you ever sell it. 

As with other valuable souvenirs, handle your art carefully. Store receipts in waterproof bags, and place the artwork in a tube. Understand that the artist’s reputation may dictate the potential resale value of the print. 

Invest in a Better Souvenir

Souvenirs don’t always have to be trinkets you buy at a gift shop. If you’re looking for a souvenir that will hold its value, upgrade to a different option. Handmade jewelry, art prints, investment-grade bullion, and unique currency can be excellent ways to mark your trip to a new city or country. You’ll be able to remember your travels and trust that your purchase will carry weight.