In my experience, kids and souvenirs go together like peanut butter and jelly.  But if you travel a lot like we do, you’ll soon find yourself buried alive under an avalanche of expensive plastic and plush souvenirs that have little, if anything, to do with your destination.

If you’re looking to save money on your family vacation and cut down on junk at home—and what parent isn’t?—here are six ideas to get you started.

Trim your Tree

Make it a family tradition that each child can choose one small knickknack per trip (such as a small toy or a keychain) that will work as a holiday ornament.  That way you’ll remember the trip every year when you decorate your Christmas tree.

Start a Postcard Collection

Buy an album with plastic archival sleeves for each child, and let them buy a postcard everywhere you go.  Encourage them to make notes on the back, and record their age and the date of the trip.

Try Natural Treasures

Shells are nature’s most perfect souvenir, and some rocks can be very nice too.  If you’re going on a beach vacation, let your kids bring back a small amount of sand.  We do this every time we go to Hawaii, and have amassed quite a collection.

Buy Things You Need Anyway

One way to assuage the guilt of extra-curricular spending is to buy things you need anyway.  Stationary, calendars, books, pens, clothing, and coffee cups are good, as are school supplies.  I sometimes pick up hostess gifts too.

Just Say Yes to Posters

With a nice frame, a poster can be an inexpensive memento of a not-so-inexpensive family vacation.  Pick up a packing tube before you leave home as they can be a little hard to find sometimes at your destination.

Consider Coins and Currency

If you’ll be traveling overseas, forget spending the money and just have your kids hang onto it instead.  Every kid should have a coin collection, and it’s even more fun when they’ve visited the country in person.