memento

This term describes a physical object that serves as a tangible link to a past experience or a specific person. It carries a sentimental weight, transforming a mundane item into a vessel for memory. While similar to a souvenir, a memento often possesses a deeper emotional or personal significance, whereas a souvenir is frequently a commercial token of a tourist destination.

As a countable noun, it follows standard English pluralization rules. It is distinct from the Latin phrase memento mori, which serves as a symbolic reminder of mortality rather than a personal keepsake.