Traveling is magical with new places, unfamiliar streets, and hidden stories. But instead of buying mass produced souvenirs, bring home something meaningful and unique. Thrift and antique shops are full of treasures with history and local charm, perfect reminders of your adventures. In this blog post, I won’t take you through scenic views or famous landmarks. Instead, I’ll share my travel adventures through the little things I picked up along the way—thrifted finds and antique treasures that each tell a story of the places I’ve been.
1. Tanjore Painting
Tanjore (or Thanjavur) is a village in India known for its traditional hand-painted depictions of Indian gods and goddesses, created using pure gold leaf. I’ve been obsessed with this art form ever since I discovered it. While it’s not a vintage or thrifted piece—since original old ones are rarely sold—I had the chance to visit the village, explore its galleries, and place an order for a stunning new Tanjore painting made just for me.
2. A Rare Silver Trinket Box
I fell in love with Karaikudi the moment I arrived—its history, charm, and quiet grandeur left a lasting impression. Known for its vintage markets, the village has entire streets lined with antique shops. In one of them, I found a simple silver trinket box. It wasn’t ornate, but it held something more meaningful: an engraved name and a chant, hinting at a forgotten story.
3. A Hand-Painted Wooden Box
This beautiful box caught my eye with its vivid colors and traditional Indian artwork. I later learned it’s painted in the Pattachitra style—an ancient art form known for its mythological themes and detailed storytelling. I picked it up from a local artisan, and though it’s not an antique, it feels timeless. The painting on the lid adds so much character, turning a simple wooden box into a vibrant piece of culture.
4. A Bronze Trinket Dish from Istanbul
In Istanbul, I wandered into a charming vintage store run by an elderly man. The shop was overflowing with secondhand treasures—cluttered, chaotic, and completely magical. It felt like stumbling upon Aladdin’s cave. Amid the eclectic mix, I found a solid bronze trinket dish. Simple yet full of character, it was the perfect piece to bring home.
5. Mason’s London Dishware
This is my latest find. I’d come across pieces from Mason’s before, but one particular dish caught my eye and sent me down a rabbit hole. Since then, I’ve been on the hunt for uniquely shaped pieces from their collection. Each one features beautiful illustrations of English castles, and many date back to the early to mid-20th century. There’s something timeless and elegant about them—classic British charm captured in porcelain.
Thrifting and vintage shopping are so much more special when there’s a memory or story behind each find. On every trip, I’ve made it a point to seek out vintage stores and pick up something small, meaningful, and full of character. These pieces aren’t just souvenirs—they’re little time capsules from each place I’ve explored. I can’t wait to see what I’ll discover next.
If you’re curious to see more, follow along on my thrift journey.
And I’d love to hear from you—have you picked up something special during your travels? Share your stories!
