Return Trip List: What I Always Bring Back from the U.S.

From Trader Joe’s to museum caps – the useful, thoughtful, and oddly specific things I (almost) always bring back from a trip stateside.

May 16, 2025

Travelling to the US is... complicated these days to say the least. I still go regularly to visit my siblings – and honestly, New York will always have a piece of my heart.

I used to come back with mountains of things – random buys, “just in case” items, and way too many duplicates. Eventually, I realized I didn’t actually need most of it. I’m not interested in bringing back stuff for the sake of it anymore.

Now, I try to keep it simple and intentional. A few things I know I’ll use. Food I’ll genuinely enjoy. A little souvenir that’ll make me smile when I see it. Essentials that actually work for my skin or help with the inevitable jet lag.

Over the years, I’ve figured out what’s actually worth making room for – what’s cheaper, hard to find in Europe, or just feels better picked up there. So, here’s my take on what is worth bringing back across the pond. Categorized, of course.

🛒 The Trader Joe’s Run

Let’s be real: if I only had room for one category, it’d be this. It’s my first and last stop every time. Always worth it.

Everything Bagel Seasoning Blend – yes, I know it’s basic. I don’t care, I put it everywhere.
Green Goddess Seasoning Blend – another stellar one.
Aglio Olio Seasoning Blend – my latest find / obsession!!!
TJ’s Canvas Tote Bags – the best host/housewarming/"I remembered you!" gift.
Seasonal snacks – pumpkin, peppermint, etc. - people love these as gifts too.
Greeting cards – oddly great, cheap, and very packable.

Bonus: I sometimes sneak in dried mango or peanut butter pretzels for the plane ride home.

💄 The Beauty Run

Not a full-on haul, but I usually hit a Sephora, Ulta, or one of the pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens) to stock up on a few favorites.

CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30 – doubles as my foundation.
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cleanser – perfect for acne prone skin.
Glossier You (Fragrance) – almost half the price in the US (!!)
Essie Nail Polish – way more shade options.
Schmidt's Deodorant Stick (Charcoal & Magnesium) – the best I’ve found that actually works.

Pro tip: I keep a running list in my Notes app of US-based brands I want to test – makes it easy to grab a few new things without impulse-buying the entire aisle. What I picked up this time around: Tower 28 SOS Spray (lives in my carry-on now), Biossance Squalane Gel Moisutrizer, and Touchland Hand Sanitizer (don’t think I can go back to the sticky kind).

💊 The Pharmacy Run

An underrated ritual.

Melatonin – IYKYK.
Advil + Allegra – the mega sizes.
Neosporin, Cortisone Creams – tiny lifesavers.
Monistat – not glamorous, always appreciated.
Anti-itch creams or bug bite stuff – just easier to get in variety.

Bonus: US pharmacy do great own-brand dupes of the big names - worth grabbing if you're running low on budget.

🥯 The Food Run

Some might say this is the most important run. I wouldn’t argue.

Bagels – I bring back a half-dozen and freeze them the second I’m home.
Stacy’s Pita Chips – why are these not a thing in Europe? Offended.
Goldfish – especially if gifting to anyone with kids (or a nostalgic streak).
Dunkin’ or local coffee beans – not essential, but nice to have a little bit of the trip in your morning routine back home.
Sour Skittles – the US ones have the sour on the outside. It’s a totally different experience – shoutout to one of my closest friend who won’t let me forget it.

Bonus: I may throw in a few Reese’s or Butterfingers for good measure.

👖 The Fashion Run

I’m not saying I go to the US for Gap… but I always end up finding something.

Gap, Madewell, Everlane basics – great fabric composition (hello, 100% cotton), and not always easy to get shipped to Europe.
Bombas socks – once you try them, you’ll never want to wear anything else.
Levi’s, Nike, Converse, Patagonia – American staples that are almost always cheaper stateside.
Baggu – no idea how, but something from Baggu always ends up in my bag.
Vintage Coach bags – if there’s a flea market, you bet I’m looking for these.

Bonus: If you’re near a good outlet, it’s worth a dig – try Nordstrom Rack or Bloomingdale’s Outlet for basics and the occasional great find.

🖼 The Souvenir Run

A small tradition I’ve picked up over the years: bring home one thing that reminds me of the trip. Nothing huge – just something Future Me will be glad I brought back.

A museum cap – a spring staple.
A pin or magnet – for the fridge, the tote, the memory.
A postcard or book from an exhibition – especially if I loved the curation.
A tote bag – from a local shop, bakery, or bookstore I want to remember.

Pro tip: I find the best souvenirs usually come from museum gift shops. They often have limited collabs with local artists or brands – feels more personal than a Yankees cap or “I ♥ NY” tee (though no shade, those have their place too).

💎 Spring Finds

The full list may be long, but I definitely don’t bring all of it back every time. I pick and choose depending on the trip.

Here’s a little peek at what came home with me this time around:

Field Notes Planner – made in the US and great for keeping work/life organised. I’d just finished my last one, so perfect timing.
Stacy’s Pita Chips – always, always.
Postcards from the Whitney Museum – from the Amy Sherald: American Sublime exhibition.
The Met Cap – this year’s pick.
CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen + Glossier You (fragrance travel size) – a restock.
Baggu Tote – I mean… it’s tradition at this point.

And there we go! Thanks for reading my post about all the things I make space when traveling stateside – useful, nostalgic, sometimes a bit random, but always worth it. Little reminders of the trip once I’m home.

I’m thinking of doing a version for France or the UK next – would you be into that?

Also: if you have your own go-to bring-backs – from the US, Europe, or anywhere beyond – I’d love to hear them. Always collecting ideas (and suitcase-worthy recommendations).

xx Anna