Why Your Travel Souvenirs Deserve A Shit Shelf
Last Updated: February 11, 2026
AND WHY DISPLAYING YOUR TRAVEL SOUVENIRS IS SO IMPORTANT
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Why buy a Travel Souvenir?
In one word: memories.
They define our travels, which in turn define us as individuals. No two travellers or backpackers will have the same experience, even if they're touring together. Charlie and I can vouch for that on our Scotland and the North Coast 500 tour back in 2019.
Therefore, we all need something that reminds us of that moment, that time, that feeling and even that place. Some take photos, some collect sand, and some, like me, buy a travel souvenir.
Travel souvenirs come in all shapes, sizes and colours, yet all have the ability to take us back to a certain moment.
Just please make sure it doesn't stick to a fridge.
We all know that returning to 'normal life' is hard after travelling, as I talk about here, and these little trinkets and travel souvenirs really do help smooth the transition.
That's why I urge you to get something - it doesn't have to be big or lavish, just something that reminds you of the good times.
Finding that item
The first step in picking up a travel souvenir is deciding what it is you want to get.
I always recommend getting something from a little market stall rather than a big, touristy souvenir shop. It's way more fun, the experience itself is a lot more vibrant, and the whole thing is just more... well, more memorable.
Not only that, but it gives you the chance to enjoy the local culture, as well as practising your haggling skills - a key part of travel and something both Charlie and I bang on about a lot throughout our city guides. We both love a local market and trying to find a bargain.
Why the Shit Shelf?
So far, so good. So why is this blog talking about a 'Shit Shelf'?
There is no reason other than I call my travel souvenirs what they are: Shit.
Plus, I have a slight lisp, so 'shit shelf' runs smoothly of the tongue.
The Shit I have collected over the years now sits on a special shelf at home, and so the Shit Shelf was born!
Now, I'll admit it's got me into trouble a couple of times when I tell someone I'm searching their beloved store for shit, but people eventually understand.
Whatever you name your travel souvenir collection, the main thing is to have one.
A few mates of mine bottled it and called their collection a memory box or travel cabinet - but we all know it's a shit shelf.
The Shit Shelf Rules
Like any masterpiece, the Shit Shelf follows fundamental rules that make it successful.
All souvenirs must pass strict quality standards and requirements. These rules are:
- The souvenir must be able to fit on a shelf.
- The souvenir must cost less than a tenner. Under a fiver is ideal.
- The souvenir must immediately remind you of the place in question.
- There may not be two matching souvenirs on the Shit Shelf. (e.g. no two bottle openers)
- Finally, no fucking fridge magnets!
Disclaimer - You will see a couple of items on my Shit Shelf that are the same. However, they came as a pair or a group when I bought them.
In reality, this is all to mix things up and make it fun. Also, I have massive OCD and cannot stand a fridge covered in fucking magnets. It drives me wild.
Of course, you don't have to follow these rules. However, it makes it more of a game and something interesting, rather than just doing the same fucking fridge magnets as everyone else.
A travel souvenir for everyone
The most important thing to take away from this blog is this:
Memories fade, and no one wants that. Especially after having the most outrageous times on your travels. A travel souvenir keeps the memory alive, and it reminds you of the laughter on the open road. Don't just stuff these souvenirs in a box under your bed, display them proudly! Having somewhere in your home that reminds you of your time away is important to us as travellers, as explorers, and as human beings.
And this place is not the fucking fridge.
Send us pics of your Shit Shelf on Instagram (@far_out_travel), and we will do our best to share each and every one on our story. Similarly, throw your own Shit Shelf stories and craziest souvenirs in the comments.
Let's start a shit shelf royal rumble!
