You’re traveling to Italy and suddenly you have no idea what to bring back your friends, family, and colleagues who are all living vicariously at home. No ideas? No problem!
Here are some great (and practical) Italian souvenirs to bring back from The Boot according to the gift-receiver:
Italian souvenirs for The Foodies or Masterchefs:
– Cookbooks (also available in English) are a great way to share regional recipes with your friends at home.
– Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar: why not bring back some gourmet olive oil you bought straight from the source? Olive oil infused with spicy peppers or Italian truffles are a sure-to-please present. On that same note, a bottle of Modena Balsamic vinegar is a great idea for fruit and salad lovers.
– Kitchenware: why not get a set of beautiful serving utensils carved from olive wood or a gnocchi paddle? Or how about a ceramic hand-painted spoon rest or salt and pepper shakers?
– Jarred Foods: from Italian olives to special spreads made for bruschetta, sealed delights of this nature are easy enough to bring back to a hungry friend back home.
Italian souvenirs for the Car/Scooter Fanatic:
– Ferrari/Lamborghini/Ducati/Vespa paraphernalia is easy to come by. Purses, wallets, bags, hats, shirts, coats, mugs, key chains, and even mini-models can easily fit into your suitcase home.
Italian souvenirs for The Sports Guys/Gals:
– Soccer/Football jerseys, flags, patches, stickers, and banners can be the perfect gift for your sporty friend at home. Also in baby or kids sizes for your friends with mini-fans! Those of you with diehard Pittsburgh Steelers fans at home can see about getting a souvenir from the only Steelers bar in the country- “La Botticella” in Rome, near Piazza Navona.
Italian souvenirs for The Arty Friends:
– Books of Italian art or architecture can be found in museum gift shops or book stores, usually in multiple languages. You might not be able to bring back a Botticelli or The David, but you can do the next best thing and share them in book form!
– Italian leather bound books for water-color painting or drawing are a great gift for your artistically inclined friends.
Italian souvenirs for the Sweet-Toothed:
– Italian chocolate, whether it’s bite-sized “Baci” made from hazelnut and milk chocolate or a big bar of Gianduja, your choc-a-holic friend will not be disappointed.
– Biscotti, the Italian almond cookie perfect for dipping in sweet wine!
Italian souvenirs for The Faithful Catholics:
– Rosaries: whether the rose petal rosaries bought inside the Vatican gift shop or any of many easily found around major cities in Italy, rosaries are a much appreciated gift for the devout.
– Prayer cards: specific prayers or cards devoted to a particular saint are a beautiful and thoughtful present to give to your religious friends.
– Calendars/Shirts: from Pope Francis or John Paul II to Vatican Priests, you can find many Catholic-themed calendars. There are also a lot of fun t-shirts such as “I LOVE POPE FRANCIS”.
Italian souvenirs for Coworkers Or Friends You Don’t Know So Well:
– Key chains, postcards, chocolate bars, a calendar for the office, coffee, Italian brand soaps or cosmetics, “I Love Firenze” type shirts or magnets… these are all cheap and inoffensive gifts to bring back folks you aren’t very familiar with (yet would feel bad not bringing anything back to) or the many colleagues you might have.
Italian souvenirs for Kids:
– Books: there are tons of books related to Roman history or Italian history written especially for kids. Some are more informative, others are fun sticker books.
– Candy: what kid would turn down candy?
– Figurines/Models: when in doubt, gladiator figurines or miniature Vespas shouldn’t be met with tears.
Italian souvenirs for The Wine-o’s & Drinkers:
– Wine, obviously! Italian wines are really affordable, and packing smartly will ensure it makes it home safely (trust me, it’s possible!). Why not bring home a bottle you drank and enjoyed while here?
– Limoncello: this sweet after dinner digestive drink typical of Sorrento is a great gift.
– Vin Santo: the perfect Tuscan dessert wine for your friends to enjoy with the Italian biscotti you also gifted them.
Italian souvenirs for The Fashionable Ones:
– Italian leather: 100% Italian leather found in lots of chic forms like gloves, belts, shoes, jackets, hats, bags, etc. are a simple and super present. Especially easy to find in Tuscany!
– Murano glass jewelry: this glass is the colorful specialty of the Venetian island of Murano which can be found made into fancy chandeliers or sleek wine stoppers as well as necklaces, earrings, and rings.