Dear Lynda,<BR><BR>Should you travel to Ireland, Nicholas Mosse pottery, located in better shops throughout Ireland and at its lovely headquarters in Bennetsbridge, County Kilkenny, is a splendid keepsake of your visit. The pottery is durable and very attractive, and my wife and I have a collection that's now in its 11th year.

I always bring a food product ie tea, coffee cookies etc. When I eat or drink it it brings me back.

my wife brought me back with her. i was quite pleased about that

I'm into getting rid of all my 'stuff' rather than collecting so decided I would bring back one thing from each trip (not counting photos). From New Zealand - a wooden Kiwi refrig magnet., from Italy a great wine bottle opener, from England a book about cathedrals. I do try to get something from each place for my kids and grandkids.

For a granddaughter who has, alas, now outgrown toys: dolls, from Norway, England, Spain, Holland, Austria, and several eastern Europe countries.

For us, lace from Ireland, teapots from England, pottery from Italy and Portugal, tons of videotape and photos and great memories.

Last week I brought home from London, where I have been on several occasions before:
black cashmere sweater from TSE
cosmetics I just can get there (I am living in germany and here you can not get Laura Mercier)
Velvet trousers,
a book from Hatchards.

Also memories of nice places:
Grand court at The British Museum, White Swan Pub near Tate Britain,
a quiet late opening at The National Portrait Gallery with the right mood to wander around,
the picture of a wonderful handbag I want to buy if I can ever save enough money.

As you can see I prefer to buy something that I use constantly, that is special and that I would not buy (because of the price or because I could not get it here) at home and that is a very nice reminder on the trip.

fabric of some sort and a local tea or spice.
A tablecloth with traditional local herbs and flowers on it in Avignon, an Italian shawl, wool scarves in Scotland, a yard of fabric in Brussels, tea in England, Wales or spice- saffron thread from Madrid . (Can't believe I forgot Fleur de Seul last trip!).

Credit card bils that have to be paid off.

Another vote for xmas tree ornaments - then when we dress our tree in dec it is a trip down memory lane...spices sometimes...wine or other local liquor

I also write a postcard, as does my husband, to each other every night, and mail them from wherever we are. It is a great travelog, and it's fun to see our each unique impressions of our days and events through one another's eyes. I get something small and unique from everyplace, I don't collect the same things, because every place and country is different. From Italy: wine, lemoncello, and handmade papers and sealing wax, and always some ceramics such as small cream pitchers or ceramic plates or bowls (but small!). From France: usually something kitchen-y because I studied at the Cordon Bleu and I always equate France with fine cooking. I also like to bring back some nice perfume, and a piece of Baccarat crystal. From China: I brough back a small terra cotta warrier, a jade buddha and an abacus. These are just a few examples as I have been to numerous countries. But each thing on my shelves holds special meaning.

Now that we are living (temporarily) overseas, I have been wondering what sorts of things to take home when we finally move back.

At the moment, we have a collection of watercolors/etchings and a collection of Christmas things (ornaments/one creche). The goal, of course, being incorporating the fabulousness we find here into our regular lives (when we've returned to our regular lives).

Thanks for the ideas! :)

Usually ceramics of something for the Kitchen.

I wish I had done more traveling. I used to (when I went anywhere of interest, local or not) grab a magnet with something specific from that location. I know it's typical, but they're inexpensive, small and light. I also like to pick up something traditional to the area. In Puerto Vallarta I picked up a small beaded gourd made by the Huichol Indians. I put my cat's medicine in it next to my bed, so I remember to give it to her before I sleep :)