Letter of Recommendation: The One Thing I Always Bring Home From Vacation, Budget Edition

An undeniable joy of going somewhere new: finding things I can incorporate into my life at home. When I was in Copenhagen recently, I spent a whole day in Illum, the department store, admiring Scandi flat-weave rugs and Mogensen chairs and wishing I lived around the corner so I could outfit my apartment tip to toe.

But of course, none of these things fit in a suitcase, particularly if you pride yourself on packing in a carryon (as I do) or if you’re flying Ryanair and declined to pay for extra baggage (as I did, and never will again).

When finding housewares to bring home, I have three criteria. It must 1) be useful, 2) be a steal, and 3) fit in my bag without taking up much space or adding much weight. Limiting factors, but I like a challenge.

I have found one thing that—reliably—fits the bill, every time: kitchen towels. I’ve taken to picking up a couple every time I go somewhere: summery checked versions from a general store on the Cape; thick undyed cotton cloths from Dublin; and, most recently, striped linens from Denmark. (N.B.: I am not the only Remodelista editor known to do this! Julie brought each of us hardy scrub cloths from a trip several years ago—practical and delightful.)

Above: The best souvenirs are free (or at least inexpensive). I found this pretty kitchen towel at Sugar Tools’ dearly departed brick and mortar and the birds’ nest quite literally at my feet on a day trip to Lincolnville, Maine.

I know what you’re thinking: Kitchen towels—boring! Or maybe: twee! Hear me out. Kitchen cloths make a great souvenir. Here’s why.

• Everyone needs kitchen towels—and I’m willing to bet there are a couple in your drawer right now that have seen better days. This fact basically guarantees you won’t suffer from buyer’s remorse once you get home and the vacation high has worn off (also, once you look at your bank statements).
• Kitchen cloths are easy to find wherever you go, and there’s no shortage of patterns, materials, and varieties out there.
• For the color-curious but commitment-shy like yours truly, you can get a couple of bright kitchen towels without going all in on, say, a blanket or curtains. Hang them from a hook, layer one on a table, or tack one up as a pseudo sink skirt and bingo. A new twist for your kitchen.
• They’re inexpensive—$30-$40, tops, and often much less. Reader, my delight is quadrupled when I snag a deal.
• They’re lightweight and roll up tiny, taking up virtually no real estate in your bag. You can even make like Julie and get a couple extra to give as gifts.
• They’re endlessly useful, which means you’ll be reminded of the place you picked them up whenever you dry the dishes, wipe the counters, or set out drinks for friends—which is to say in little ways, every day.

Convinced? Here are three tips if you’re on the hunt.

1. Look for good materials, like 100 percent cotton, and avoid synthetics.

2. Hardware stores, markets, and general stores are where the good linens are. These off-the-beaten-path spots will always yield better (and less expensive) finds than tourist shops.

And 3., and this is the hill I will die on: a hanging loop is always better than no hanging loop.

Whether you’re two towns over or overseas, you, too, can start on the kitchen towel hunt. Or, if you’re browsing from home, consider these five versions I’m admiring, each from a different destination.

Above: From the West Coast: The McCall’s x Block Shop Tea Towel is a collab with “beloved LA institution McCall’s Meat & Fish”; $28. Above: From Japan: The 100 percent cotton Moku Light Towel is available in a slew of colors; $21 from Rikumo. Above: From Italy: The Gea Tea Towel is €27.87 from Chriarastella Cattana. Above: From France: the Bistro Dish Towel is woven in Armentieres; $40 from Flotsam and Fork. Above: From South Africa: The Plaid Cotton Kitchen Towel in Dill is $25 from Stitch & Tickle.