Written by Kelsey
31 Dec 2025
When I was preparing to move to Sweden, I read countless blogs and Instagram posts about what to bring. I had to be selective about what to bring, since I had to somehow pack my entire life into two suitcases. Though I did a pretty good job at bringing the essentials, there were still a few things that slipped through the cracks. On my trip home for Christmas, I traveled with a half-empty checked bag that I could fill up with products on my way back. Here’s what I’m bringing back from the US to Sweden! When packing, you might want to consider bringing:
1. Your Favorite (Customs-Approved) Snacks
One random fact about me is that I absolutely love mild Taco Bell sauce. If you’ve never heard of Taco Bell, it’s an American multinational chain of fast-food Mexican restaurants. Unfortunately, there were NO Taco Bells in Sweden when I arrived. Though recently a location opened in Stockholm, a 4 hour train ride is a little far to travel for a fast food craving. Luckily for me, they sell larger bottles of Taco Bell mild sauce in American stores. Of course, Swedish grocery stores sell salsa and taco sauce. But they just don’t match up to the Taco Bell version. If you have any foods that you absolutely love from your home country, I’d definitely recommend bringing them along. Simple things like that can remind you of home!
2. Specific Toiletries & Hygiene Products
Sweden has a wide variety of shampoos, conditioners, body washes, lotions, makeup products, and more. For most toiletries, I haven’t struggled to find the brands I use. Most products are similar to the brands offered in the United States! So, I wouldn’t necessarily use valuable space in my luggage for these kinds of products, unless you have a specific one you love. For me, a few items are worth bringing back. I have curly hair, so I use gel to scrunch and style my hair. I use a lot of it, so my favorite in the US costs $2-3 at Walmart for a big 20 ounce bottle. I’ve tried countless other gels, which usually come in smaller packaging for higher prices, with the same results. I haven’t been able to find my cheap LA Looks Extreme Sport Gel in Sweden, so I grabbed a couple bottles to take back. Another example is my Covergirl mascara. Though there are plenty of mascara options in Swedish stores, I haven’t been able to find this specific brand. Because I wear mascara everyday, this was definitely worth bringing.
3. Medications & Prescriptions
This might sound obvious, but it’s a good idea to stock up on your prescriptions. For me, I needed to reorder my contacts to last me through the year. Though there are eye doctors and glasses shops in Sweden, it’s less stressful to come prepared. Another thing I’m bringing back from the US is over-the-counter medications. Unfortunately, as my body was adjusting to the Swedish cold and new germs, I got sick for several weeks. US medications are notoriously strong, but that’s what I’m used to taking to deal with sickness! So, I’m bringing some stronger cold and flu medicine. Again, medicine is certainly available in Sweden, but it’s just not the same as the US. Still, I’ve had great experiences with Swedish pharmacists. They were very helpful, recommending the right medications for my symptoms.
4. Sentimental Items & Decorations
Sentimental items are impossible to replace, so make sure to pack these items! For me, I forgot a few sentimental things that reminded me of home and my loved ones. For instance, I bought a hand-drawn print of two possums at a local market in St. Petersburg that I went to with my college friends. I love possums, and the print reminds me of my friends, my college experience, and St. Pete. I got it with the intention of bringing it with me to Sweden, but it somehow got left behind. I’m looking forward to displaying it on my wall when I get back to Gothenburg! Another item was a colorful, handmade quilt that my aunt made me for my 21st birthday. This wasn’t actually forgotten, but it’s heavy, so I didn’t have the weight left in my suitcase to bring it along. This time, it’s at the top of my list. I know it will remind me of home, and has the added bonus of bringing color to my room. Color can help to liven things up when it’s dark and gray outside (which is often)!
5. Miscellaneous Presents
Due to it being the holiday season, I received some gifts from my loved ones! If you happen to be traveling during the holidays, I’d leave a little room in your luggage for unexpected items. When you’re back in Sweden, looking at these gifts can be a nice reminder of home. The extra space in your luggage can also always be used to bring gifts back for your friends in Sweden. As we all know, there are some things you can only buy at home. It may be a way for your friends to learn more about your culture as well! Just make sure to familiarize yourself with the Swedish and EU customs guidelines when bringing any items back!
So, what are the most important things to pack?
At the end of the day, it depends on what is important to you! You know yourself best. Think about those sentimental things that make you feel at home, alongside the practical necessities. Remember that there are plenty of Swedish stores with a wide variety of options, so don’t stress too much! But I’d definitely recommend bringing your favorite products, whether that be snacks or toiletries.
