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Collette’s CEO, Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, has been exploring the world since childhood — first as a curious traveler tagging along with her parents, and now as a leader inspiring others to see it all. But for Jaclyn, travel isn’t only about where you go, it’s about what you bring home.

“I love finding something that tells the story of where I’ve been — whether that’s a piece of art, a bottle of wine from a family vineyard, or a handmade scarf I’ll wear for years. These little treasures make the memories last long after I’m home.” – Jaclyn Leibl-Cote

This past year, she explored new places for the first time – like Tanzania with her family, and Türkiye with coworkers. Her upcoming travel plans bring her back to some favorite spots: the UK followed by Italy. It’s a tough life, but someone must do it!

Below, she shares her favorite kinds of souvenirs — meaningful keepsakes that celebrate craftsmanship, culture, and connection.

#1. Local Artwork That Tells a Story

Wherever Jaclyn travels, she loves finding art created by local hands — paintings, prints, or sculptures that reflect the spirit of a place. “I often buy artwork for my home; each piece becomes a conversation starter.” From a watercolor street scene in Florence to vibrant Aboriginal dot art in Australia, these pieces bring the world into your living room.

#2. Olive Oil and Wine from Italy

Few things capture Italy better than its flavors. Jaclyn often brings home olive oil pressed by families she’s met along the way, or a bottle of Chianti from a small winery in Tuscany. Look for:

  • Olive oils labeled extra virgin and bottled on-site

  • Wines with the DOCG designation (a sign of quality and region authenticity)

“It feels special to cook dinner at home and pour a glass of wine from a vineyard where I actually met the winemaker," says Jaclyn.

#3. Turkish Textiles and Spices

After her recent visit to Türkiye, Jaclyn fell in love with the country’s markets — overflowing with hand-woven towels, intricate ceramics, and spice blends that instantly transport you back to Istanbul. Don’t miss:

  • Sumac and saffron for cooking

  • Evil eye charms (“Nazar”) for protection and good luck

  • Pestemal towels from local artisans (lightweight and easy to pack)

#4. Finnish Design and Wellness Finds

In Finland, Jaclyn was drawn to the country’s clean, minimalist design. She visited during winter, chasing the northern lights, sleeping in an igloo, dogsledding – and just having a grand adventure. She learned that Finnish craftsmanship was all about practicality and beauty. Her favorite finds:

  • Marimekko prints – a Finnish design company

  • Wood-crafted home goods

  • A hand-carved sauna ladle – perfect to remember her winter visit

  • Local birch oil for relaxing at home

#5. Handmade Jewelry and Fashion Finds

Jaclyn loves wearable mementos: a silk scarf from Siena, a ring from a small atelier in Melbourne, or a pair of earrings found in a boutique in Quebec City.

“Every time I wear something from my travels, it sparks a memory," she says. "And sometimes, a great story.”

#6. Ceramics and Pottery from Local Artists

In Italy’s Siena, ceramics are a centuries-old art form. In Türkiye, the blue-and-white İznik tiles are iconic. Jaclyn recommends seeking out authentic, locally made pieces instead of mass-produced souvenirs. “When you meet the person who made it, you feel connected to their story — and that’s what travel is all about.”

#7. Indigenous Art from Australia

Australia offers some of the world’s most meaningful souvenirs through its indigenous artists. Look for ethically sourced paintings, carvings, or jewelry that celebrate Aboriginal traditions. Many local galleries ensure artists are fairly compensated — a meaningful way to support the communities you visit.

#8. Maple Everything from Canada

Jaclyn’s husband is originally from Canada – and they have a home there to retreat to when visiting family, or enjoying a summer camp her kids have attended since preschool. So, when visiting Canada, she stocks up on maple everything: maple syrup, maple-infused candies, teas, or candles, there’s no mistaking a gift from Canada. Jaclyn also loves local wool scarves from small Canadian makers — perfect for colder winter days.

#9. Tanzanian Treasures

During her recent family trip to Tanzania, Jaclyn looked for souvenirs that supported local communities: hand-woven baskets, beadwork from Maasai women, and carved wooden animals that showcase African artistry. These kinds of purchases directly support artisans and preserve traditional skills.

#10. Seasonal Ingredients and Local Flavors

“Sometimes I bring home something simple, like a spice or sauce, that lets me re-create a dish I loved abroad," says Jaclyn.

Whether it’s Italian sea salt, Turkish coffee, or Finnish berry jam, edible souvenirs are both practical and sentimental — and they make wonderful gifts.

#11. Gifts for the Kids

Jaclyn loves shopping for her children when she travels — not just for fun, but to teach them about the world.

“When I was little, my dad would come home with toy dolls or foreign coins," she says. "I'd keep these coins – all different sizes and designs – in my purse, marveling at these treasures from around the world.”

Today, she continues the tradition ensuring that on those trips her kids do not tag along on, they have little tokens that tell a story of the adventure, that they can add to their own collection of treasures.

#12. Souvenirs that Give Back

One of Jaclyn’s favorite ways to remember a destination is by supporting social enterprises — cooperatives, fair-trade markets, and workshops that invest in their local communities.

From paper-making studios in Tanzania to artisan collectives in Türkiye, these finds let your travel dollars make a difference.

Bringing It All Home

From olive oil and silk scarves to handcrafted art and jewelry, souvenirs are so much more than “stuff.” They’re a way to carry the spirit of a place with you — to remember not just what you saw, but how it felt.

So next time you travel, look beyond the gift shops. Wander into that side-street gallery, chat with the artist, taste the olive oil, and take a piece of that culture home with you.

Those are the things you’ll treasure forever.

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