1 souvenir that tourists always buy on a trip

Like it or not, buying souvenirs is an important part of many travelers’ itineraries.

It’s natural to want to bring home a special souvenir from your vacation to remember the experience and perhaps bring a little of the magic of travel into your everyday life. But whether you’re shopping for souvenirs for yourself or looking for a gift for loved ones back home, the huge selection of souvenirs in tourist shops can seem overwhelming and inauthentic.

To avoid filling your home with random knick-knacks that lack meaning, consider being more intentional about choosing items that will be used or otherwise appreciated.

To inspire your choices, HuffPost asked people who work in the travel industry to share the one souvenir they’re sure to bring home when they travel. Here are their selections:

“When I travel, I usually buy clothes as souvenirs! Clothes are functional and practical. And because I can wear them all the time, they serve as a constant reminder of the trip, helping the memories and lessons of the trip live on in my mind even when I’m home.” – Gabby Beckford, travel expert and founder of Packs Light

“I love going to local supermarkets and outdoor markets and buying condiments, chocolate and wine. When I was in Greece, I fell in love with Greek honey and bought a few jars. In Spain, I love bringing canned seafood like mussels and octopus. When I go home to Puerto Rico, I buy a lot of locally produced coffee. I also find that my friends prefer to get food and drinks more than a mug or a T-shirt!” – Jessica van Dop DeJesus, founder and editor of The Dining Traveler

“If I’m buying gifts for family and friends who love to eat, I usually go to the local grocery store to find different and unique items that we can’t find at home. For example, on my last trip to France, I bought all the flavors of chips that you wouldn’t normally find at home. Poulet roti, or fried chicken, was a huge hit!” – Katie Nastro, spokesperson for flight alert service Going

“I always buy a postcard and then write my favorite memories on the back of it. I try to find one or two memories that stick out to me from my trip. Whether it’s a photo of a place I visited or just a nice postcard that reminds me of my destination. It’s a really good way for me to look back and remember the little things that made me appreciate every trip.” – Esther Susag, travel blogger

“For me, the best souvenirs are those that capture the spirit of a place. That’s why I’m always on the lookout for local crafts. Not only do they support the local economy, but they also provide a tangible connection to the culture and traditions of the destination. I especially like items that represent traditional art forms, such as ceramics, hand-painted tiles, weaving or wood carvings. These are things that often have a story behind them and remind me of my travels to the place.” – Sean Lau, travel blogger

“The best souvenirs tend to be the ones that you simply can’t find at home or that are easy to order online. Think handmade items that can only be found at your destination. I love choosing art from local artists.” Laura Motta, Digital Editor, Lonely Planet

“When I travel, I always buy magnets. These include state, city, national park, and even country magnets. It’s a pretty cheap souvenir, and it becomes a great reminder of my many vacations every time I open the refrigerator. Although I also bought souvenir cups and shot glasses, magnets, in my opinion, are a much better choice. One of my favorites is a magnet from Yosemite National Park, which features Half Dome. A few years ago, I took a hike of over 15 miles and, looking on Magnit always brings me back to this amazing experience.” Phil Dengler, co-founder of The Vacationer

“Besides the beautiful crafts at local markets, one of my favorite travel souvenirs is a magnet. It fits perfectly into your personal item, it’s in every destination, it’s affordable, and every time you open the refrigerator for a snack, you’re reminded of all the incredible places you’ve been. After all, the refrigerator is the Louvre at home.” – Melissa DaSilva, President, Trafalgar North America

“When I travel, I always try to collect snow globes. They charmingly capture the essence of the places I visit and become wonderful memories of my adventures.” – Eli Michaels, Vice President of Operations, Advantage Rent a Car

“If it’s a souvenir for myself, I try to buy jewelry from a local boutique. Earrings or a necklace are easy to pack, and finding something from a local artisan not only makes the piece more special, but also makes a more targeted contribution to the local economy.” – Nastro

The original version of this story was previously published on HuffPost.