Old School Vacation Souvenirs You Rarely See Anymore

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Travel trends may change over time, but one thing is certain: people love bringing home souvenirs. Holding or even just viewing these mementos can bring you back to a different place and time, not to mention that shopping for keepsakes, whether it be for yourself or others, can be an adventure in itself. Indeed, entering a gift shop at the end of an attraction or landmark can provide a satisfying ending to an already memorable experience. But while souvenirs can be sentimental, they aren't necessarily timeless.

A plethora of items were once commonly offered as souvenirs, but you might not be able to find them at an average gift shop today (though an antique store is a different story). Let Islands take you on a stroll down memory lane to explore old-school vacation souvenirs you rarely see anymore. As you'll see below, some objects became obsolete over time, while others have recently experienced a resurgence. Maybe you own one of these goodies or did in your youth. In any case, these items will surely spark nostalgia and perhaps even inspire you to go vintage treasure hunting.

Theme parks and tourist hotspots often have photographers or on-ride cameras that offer downloadable digital snapshots. However, there was once a time when you could get your picture taken and have it placed in a keychain photo viewer to take home. This souvenir can be described as a compact plastic contraption with a magnifier, which allows you to get a good look at the tiny photo inside. As one individual on Reddit explained, this old school memento provides them with "a cute and heartwarming glimpse into the past." Did you miss out on getting one of these as a souvenir? It's not too late; you can always make your own online.

Smoking was once a prevalent habit and considered to be glamorous (it's also one of the top things allowed when flying in the '80s, something you could never get away with today). It's little wonder that ashtrays were previously an incredibly popular souvenir. You could even purchase ashtrays at family-friendly attractions like zoos and Disneyland. Oh, how times have changed (for reference, a study published in NEJM Evidence revealed that less than 10% of Americans smoked cigarettes in 2024). While you might not be able to find an ashtray at a gift shop on your next vacation, the same can't be said about souvenir trays.

"Anyone else remember the specific, intoxicating smell of a freshly made Mold-A-Rama figure?" asks one individual on Reddit. From zoo animals to city landmarks, these bulky machines can generate a plastic memento in a matter of moments. According to The Los Angeles Times, Mold-A-Ramas became a souvenir staple in the 1960s. Yet this couldn't prevent its manufacturer from ceasing operations in the 1970s. However, Mold-A-Ramas didn't disappear entirely and have made a comeback in recent years. At the time of this writing, these vintage novelties are available at destinations like the Henry Ford Museum and the Los Angeles Central Library in California, among other places.

You might remember penny press machines from your childhood. You'd drop in the change, turn the crank, and be rewarded with a flattened coin boasting a design based on the destination or attraction you were visiting. Mental Floss reports that penny press machines date back to the late 19th century and gained traction in the 20th century. While perhaps not as common today, penny press machines are still going strong (yes, even though pennies have been discontinued). There is even a website that allows you to find one near you. No coins, no problem: some penny press machines now accept credit cards.

Forget postcards: pennants were once all the rage, though you rarely see them in gift shops today. Per the Silver River Museum, this simple keepsake was first adopted in the sports world before becoming a must-have souvenir for travelers. These triangular-shaped felt flags typically came in bold colors and were proudly displayed in homes. Now, felt pennants are a valuable collector's item that are often used as retro decor. That said, you can still get your hands on vintage felt pennants from the 1940s and beyond on eBay and other websites. A quick search will lead you to discover decades-old felt pennants from just about any state or major city you can think of.

It might be hard to believe now, but back when smoking was widespread among the masses, metal lighters, like ashtrays, were a common souvenir sold at major theme parks and landmarks. The beauty of this item is that it can be refilled and used repeatedly. Thus, this memento offers both form and function. Today, E-cigarettes have taken off, and smoking bans across the country are the norm, making metal lighters more of a novelty. Plus, there are travel restrictions for lighters, and they are prohibited in certain spaces. In fact, having a lighter is one of several things that will get you turned away when you visit the White House.