Rocks. Large rocks, small rocks, round rocks, jagged rocks, pretty colored rocks, plain colored rocks, River rocks, Mountain rocks... Well, you get the picture?

Some of the smaller ones I keep indoors, but most are in the yard. I think they make a nice ongoing natural connection to places I have been.

I used to get knick-knacks, but I hit a point where I decided my apartment was cluttered enough and I didn't actually like them. I get a postcard in pretty much every city I visit, beyond that I prefer to only buy souvenirs that are useful in some way. Sometimes I'll pick up a sweatshirt or a shot glass if I see one I like. When I bring back souvenirs for others, I try to make sure it's something they can use if they choose to as well ~ Local handmade soaps, local candy or chocolate, cactus shaped lipgloss from Austin, t-shirts, etc.

I’m a t-shirt fan. They are cheap, long lasting, easy to pack, good conversation starters and can be works of art.

I used to collect shot glasses and magnets, but then it got ridiculous. I take pictures of each trip, post them on FB, and then use their service to make a mini album. Even that is getting too much. I don't have kids or anyone who would care about these things. Now, I am just collecting memories.

I have kept entry tickets to cool places like Machu Picchu, Uxmal, Copan, Palenque, Tikal, etc. but mostly throw them away or slip them into book pages when I run across them. I use a bullfight seat pad on a chair outside. I do have a 1991 Nayarit "Eclipse del Siglo" poster on the wall. I have given away the catrinas and alebrijes but never otherwise bought bric-a-brac. My souvenirs are my photos.

I used to, but clearing the clutter and mementos when I downsized taught me that a) your memories are important, not the souvenirs; b) you will not recall the meaning behind 50% of the souvenirs; c) your loved ones won’t want to inherit your mementos; and d) you could pay for another adventure by not buying a lot of crap.