trip to italy gift ideas

13 Best Gifts for Someone Traveling to Italy

Last Updated Mar 16, 2024

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Are you searching for the best gift for your friend or family member who is going to Italy? Here are some of the most popular and best gifts for travelers to Italy. Whether they’re traveling to Rome, Florence, Venice, Sicily, or anywhere else in Italy, these gifts will be sure to make their trip even more enjoyable.

Traveling abroad can be an exciting and fun experience, but it also can be stressful and overwhelming. Whether they are going on an adventure , a romantic getaway , a business trip , or an education program , they’ll need to be prepared for all sorts of situations.

So what kind of gift would be perfect for someone who is traveling to Italy? You may want to give them something that will help them on their adventures , but you also want to stay within a budget .

The best gift for a traveler is something they will use and enjoy. These gifts should be small and lightweight , easy to pack in a suitcase or backpack. They should also be practical and useful when traveling. You don’t want to get them something that sits in their closet, collecting dust.

In this article, we’ve put together a list of the best travel gifts for anyone who is traveling to Italy. Each one is a useful , affordable , and thoughtful travel gift that any traveler will love and use. Whether it’s a gift for their  next trip  or for a  birthday ,  graduation , Mother’s Day , Father’s Day , Valentine’s Day , or Christmas , you’ll be sure to find something on this list that they’ll love.

Best Gifts for Someone Traveling to Italy

1. portable power bank.

A portable power bank can be an essential tool for any frequent traveler .

There’s nothing more frustrating than running out of battery in the middle of nowhere and not being able to call for help or take photos. A portable power bank can be a lifesaver in these situations.

Whether they’re going on an international trip or just taking a weekend getaway , a power bank can be used to keep their phone, tablet, and other devices charged.

If you have a friend or family member who’s traveling a lot, it might be a good idea to get them a portable power bank as a gift.

Most power banks are small and lightweight and can be carried in a backpack or even a pocket. And, they’re extremely affordable —making them a perfect gift for anyone who travels a lot.

There are many types of portable power banks available for purchase on Amazon, including power banks with multiple ports and even ones that can be recharged using solar energy .

We recommend the Anker 325 Power Bank for its high cell capacity, fast-charging capabilities, and affordability. You can also find many other types of portable power banks on Amazon that will meet the needs of the adult who is always on the go.

For more information and reviews, check out the Anker 325 Power Bank on Amazon .

2. World Travel Adapter

A world travel adapter is a thoughtful gift for someone who is often traveling.

People often forget to bring an adapter when they pack for a trip because it’s not something that is necessary (unlike money and plane tickets).

However, it’s one of those things that can make or break a trip. For example, it can be a lifesaver when they travel to countries that have different voltage or outlet configurations.

So this time, why not surprise them with a world travel adapter? It’s small enough to fit in their carry-on bag but will be very useful when they need it.

You can find a variety of travel adapters on Amazon . These small, lightweight adapters are perfect for travelers who want to stay organized and avoid extra weight in their bags.

If you’re not sure which adapter is right for them, we recommend the EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter , which can be used in more than 150 countries.

For more information, see what other people are saying about the EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter on Amazon .

3. Sleep Eye Mask

A sleep eye mask is a thoughtful gift for someone who travels a lot and needs to catch some z’s during their flights or while in transit.

There is nothing more frustrating than trying to get some rest on an overnight flight or in a hotel room when the lights are too bright and there is no way to block them out. A sleep eye mask can be a lifesaver for anyone who struggles to sleep in a bright environment.

Whether they are trying to get some quality shut-eye on an overnight flight or trying to catch a nap during their lunch break at work, a sleep eye mask can be a useful gift.

There are many different styles of sleep eye masks available on Amazon , so you can easily find one that is suitable for the person you are buying it for.

If you’re looking for a comfortable eye mask that’s well-suited to travel, we recommend the MZOO Sleep Eye Mask . This sleep mask has a contoured design that makes it comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

For more information, read customer reviews about the MZOO Sleep Eye Mask on Amazon.

4. Inflatable Travel Pillow

One of the most overlooked items in any adventurer’s bag is the travel pillow. It can be the difference between sleeping comfortably or waking up with a stiff neck.

For the person who travels frequently , an inflatable travel pillow is a thoughtful and practical gift.

Because of their small , portable size and weightlessness when deflated, inflatable neck pillows are ideal for stowing in a carry-on bag.

They are the perfect companions for long flights , road trips , and camping expeditions . They are also great to use on overnight train journeys and airport layovers .

There are dozens of types of inflatable travel pillows available on Amazon . You can find pillows to meet any need, from lightweight pillows for easier carrying to ergonomic pillows that reduce neck strain.

If you are not sure which type of travel pillow is best for them, we recommend the UROPHYLLA Inflatable Neck Pillow for Travel . This pillow is an excellent choice for napping on the go and would make a great gift for them.

For more information and reviews, check out the UROPHYLLA Inflatable Neck Pillow for Travel on Amazon .

5. Laundry Bag

A laundry bag is a practical gift for the frequent traveler . It can be used to store dirty clothes and keep them separate from clean clothes.

It’s especially helpful for business travelers who are staying in hotels , where they may not have access to laundry facilities.

Most laundry bags are made from lightweight , durable fabrics like nylon and polyester. A laundry bag can be a worthwhile investment since it will last for many years.

There are dozens of types and brands of laundry bags available on Amazon , so you can easily find one that fits your last-minute shopping.

If you are not sure which one to choose, we recommend Wash Me Travel Laundry Bag . This bag is made with a high-quality fabric that is durable, washable, and easy to carry around.

Read more about the Wash Me Travel Laundry Bag on Amazon to find out what people are saying about this product.

6. Luggage Scale

If you are looking for a last-minute gift, luggage scale makes an excellent gift.

This is a great gift for travelers who tend to overpack and worry about exceeding the weight limit on luggage.

A luggage scale will help them avoid overpacking by ensuring that their bags meet airline weight restrictions.

There are a variety of luggage scales available on Amazon , but we recommend the FREETOO Portable Travel Scale for its affordability and reliability.

For more information and reviews, check out the FREETOO Portable Travel Scale on Amazon .

7. Luggage Strap

For the frequent traveler , luggage straps make a smart gift.

Luggage straps can help secure suitcases and keep them closed, making it easier to transport several pieces of luggage at once. They can also help keep the contents of bags from being lost or stolen.

There is a wide selection of luggage straps available on Amazon , so it’s likely that you’ll be able to find one as a gift that is both useful and affordable.

If you are looking for the best luggage strap, we recommend the Untethered 4-Pack Luggage Straps . This strap is the perfect solution for traveling with multiple pieces of luggage or keeping bags closed while transporting them. Plus, it also makes for a good present.

To find out what other customers are saying and to see current pricing, check out the Untethered 4-Pack Luggage Straps on Amazon .

8. Personal Safety Alarm

For the solo traveler , a personal safety alarm is a must-have.

A personal safety alarm is a small device that can be worn on a keychain or attached to one’s purse or backpack. When activated, it emits a high-pitched noise that is designed to draw attention and scare off potential attackers.

Personal safety alarms can make a great gift for travelers who love to explore on their own , especially if they plan on traveling outside of the country.

There are many different types of personal security alarms available on Amazon . Some personal security alarms especially appeal to female travelers. Other personal security alarms are designed for use by anyone—men, women, children, and elderly people alike.

If you are considering buying a personal security alarm for them, we recommend the KOSIN Safe Sound Personal Alarm . It is small but powerful , so they can wear it on a keychain or attach it to a handbag or backpack. Plus, it makes an ideal gift for female travelers, especially if they are headed to a country where they will be going out alone at night or spending time in unfamiliar places.

Check out the Amazon reviews for the KOSIN Safe Sound Personal Alarm to see what others are saying about this product.

9. Emergency Whistle

For the outdoorsy person in your life, an emergency whistle is a must-have item.

This small tool can be used to signal for help if lost or stranded. It’s also useful for calling attention during emergencies that occur in the wilderness.

An emergency whistle is a small , lightweight item that can easily be attached to a keychain or backpack.

If you are shopping for someone who loves to hike , backcountry ski , or camp , an emergency whistle is a great choice.

There are many different styles of emergency whistles available on Amazon , but our favorite is LuxoGear Emergency Whistle . This emergency whistle is made from durable plastic and has a lanyard for easy carrying. It’s also very loud, which is an important feature of any emergency whistle.

For additional information, reviews and pricing, check out the LuxoGear Emergency Whistle on Amazon .

10. Waterproof Phone Case

If he or she loves to go swimming or is always near the water , you may want to consider purchasing a waterproof phone case.

A waterproof phone case will protect the device from water damage and can provide a protective layer from scratches and scuffs as well.

It is important to note that not all waterproof phone cases are equally effective at protecting the phone from water damage. There are many different brands of waterproof phone cases , so it is important to do your research before purchasing one.

If you are looking for a great waterproof phone case that is affordable, highly rated, and easy to use, we recommend the JOTO Waterproof Phone Pouch Universal Waterproof Case . This case is designed to be compatible with most smartphones, including the iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, and more.

Check out the Amazon reviews for the JOTO Waterproof Phone Pouch Universal Waterproof Case to see what others are saying about this product.

11. Electronics Organizer

If he or she is always losing their sim cards, phone chargers, and power cords, you might want to consider getting them an electronics organizer.

An electronics organizer is a useful gift for the man or woman who has a lot of tech accessories and needs help keeping them organized.

For travelers and business peopl e, an electronics organizer can be a lifesaver — it keeps all their travel accessories together and ready to go.

So if you’re planning on giving a gift to someone this time, why not get them something that will help them stay organized?

You can find a large selection of electronics organizers on Amazon , so there’s sure to be one that will suit the needs of anyone on your gift list.

If you’re not sure what kind of electronic organizer might be best for him or her, we recommend the BAGSMART Electronic Organizer . This organizer is ideal for people who travel frequently, as it has plenty of room for all their tech accessories.

For more information and customer reviews, see the BAGSMART Electronic Organizer on Amazon .

12. RFID-Blocking Wallet

If you’re looking for something practical , an RFID wallet is the perfect travel gift.

For those who travel frequently or enjoy seeing new places , the worst-case scenario is having their credit card information stolen while out and about. RFID-blocking wallets can help prevent this from happening.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a type of technology that allows objects to transmit information via radio waves. RFID-blocking wallets are designed to protect people from identity theft by preventing (RFID) signals from being transmitted.

If you have a girlfriend who travels frequently, an RFID-blocking wallet would make a great gift for them.

There are many types of RFID-blocking wallets on Amazon , so you can easily find one that fits your budget and the needs of the person you’re buying for.

If you’re not sure what kind of RFID wallet is best for him or her, we recommend the FurArt Credit Card Wallet . This wallet features 13 card slots, 2 cash pockets, and an RFID blocking lining — a great gift for the man or woman on the go!

Check out the Amazon reviews for the FurArt Credit Card Wallet to see what others are saying about this product.

13. TSA-Approved Luggage Lock

TSA-approved luggage locks are designed to be opened by TSA agents, so they can inspect the luggage without damaging it.

You can find several different types of TSA-approved locks on Amazon , so it’s easy to find one that fits your needs and budget.

If you don’t have time to find out what type of lock they need, we recommend the Fosmon TSA Approved Luggage Lock . It’s one of the most popular and highly rated locks available. It is made with a durable material that has been approved by the TSA for use in airports.

Check out the Amazon reviews for the Fosmon TSA Approved Luggage Lock to see what others are saying about this product.

We hope this list helps you find the perfect gift for your traveling friend or family member!

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Are you looking for more information? Check out the following posts:

What Currency Is Used in Italy?

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71 Best Italian Gifts for People Who Love Italy

October 13, 2023

What do you buy for someone who loves Italy? Why authentic Italian gifts, of course!  Here’s our gift guide to the best Italian themed gifts for people who love Italy.  Bellissima!

• Check out the best Italian souvenirs you can bring home too!

Table of Contents

The Best Italian Themed Gifts: Gifts for Italy Lovers

Personalised Italian Leather Purse

Handmade in Florence, Italy, the  W1 Leather Purse from Von Baer  is made from the highest quality full-grain, vegetable-tanned Nappa leather. It protects your personal data using RFID technology, and has a number of useful internal compartments. The W1 is available in red, black, or brown leather. Personalize it with a laser engraving to make it an extra special gift.

Personalized Italian Leather Tote Bag

Fashionable and elegant, the  Elegance leather tote bag  is a luxurious gift for someone special. It’s made from Premium vegetable-tanned full-grain Italian leather, which will age beautifully with patina, and comes with a detachable shoulder strap. You can personalise it with a laser engraving, and have it gift wrapped too.

Gorgeous Murano Glass Gifts

Venetian glass from the island of Murano celebrates Italy with a great explosion of beauty and colour. Any Italy lover will know that this is a gift that comes with thought and craftsmanship. 

You can go for whimsical decorative items like these Murano glass sweets above. Or head into the jewellery category below…

These beautiful Murano glass pendants from nerovenezia come highly recommended for their colour and craftsmanship. Find the necklaces on Etsy here.

Italian Gifts for Him

In an ideal world, of course, we wouldn’t need gender stereotypes. However, in the meantime.. Here are some gorgeous Italian gifts for the man in your life. 

 Some unique Italy gift ideas specifically aimed at guys:

Indulge in a little shirt jewellery with these Italian gift ideas:

• Italian flag cuff links keep the country top of mind.
• The Da Vinci Vitruvian Man cuff links feel more erudite.
• And the stovetop espresso cuff links are a little more fun.

Or you could take things up a notch with these custom pins and cufflinks. You can add his name and other personal touches to really set your gift apart from the rest.

Likewise, with a gentleman’s apparel, you can have some fun or aim for a more stylish option:

• An all-out Italian flag tie.
• A more luxurious silk tie made in Italy, for example from here.

Italian Food Gifts

Food makes one of the best Italian gifts because, well, if you have to ask, are you really an Italy lover?! Whether you’re searching for gifts for Italians or presents for those who simply love Italian stuff, then start with food and you can’t go far wrong.

Pasta Making Machine

One of the best Italian themed gifts imaginable is the Made in Italy humble pasta maker. 

Arm yourself with the recipe for how to make a real ragu and spend hours amid flour and egg yolk, rolling and turning and twisting pasta into different shapes.

 Because, in all honesty, you can’t beat fresh pasta. However, it doesn’t make a great gift on its own as it has such a short shelf life. But give the gift of a pasta machine… and it’s a whole different story. 

Italian Coffee

Where would Italians be without their coffee? Grab a taste of their beans (if not their fashion flair) with Italian brand Illy’s classic coffee.

Italian Wine

You have so much scope when it comes to shopping for wine as an Italian gift, from your local supermarket to specialised bottle shops and department stores. Unique Italian gifts are designed to be shared, after all. One of the best ways to find your way through the maze is to shop with a tried and tested high quality retailer:

• Try the Fortnum & Mason Italian Wine Quartet Gift Set here.
• Read more about the best Italian sparkling wines here.

Italian Chocolate

Nothing says Italian chocolate like Baci, the kiss from Perugia. One of the best trips to Italy I ever had the pleasure of undertaking was to this factory in Umbria. Delicious. And completely authentic.

• Buy Italian chocolate online here.

The Best Italian Books as Gift Ideas

These Italian gifts are long lasting and beautiful. Get inspired by some of the best books about Italy. With great options like these, you can’t go wrong. 

Gorgeous Italian Themed Coffee Table Gift Books

Gorgeous coffee table books never go out of style. A rich, illustrated book on Italy is always a good idea. 

• The hardback Rome: Portrait of a City combines photographs from the 1840s to today to showcase one of the world’s most fascinating cities.

• The Vatican: All the Paintings serves as a reference book or a keeper of memories from previous visits. 

• The Italian Gentleman takes a look at the history of fashion through the personal tailors of Italy, interviewed by a French columnist. It’s a wonderful journey through Italian style.

Italian Guidebooks and Phrase Books

If you’re shopping for someone planning a trip to Italy, then a gorgeous guidebook still makes a great gift even in this age of technology. Holiday season or not.

• The Lonely Planet complete guide to Italy – great for someone spending a long time in Italy or planning a trip themselves. 
• Fodor’s Essential Italy is another good choice, with a free health and safety guide eBook available for a limited time.

• The Kids’ Travel Guide to Italy and Rome is a fun way to prepare children for an upcoming adventure.
• Rick Steves’ Italian Phrasebook and Dictionary is a fantastic Italian-themed gift to get people practising their Italian before they go. What a great idea!

Enjoy this fabulous collection of stories and recipes for Italian cookies all packaged together into a gorgeous gift book.

Unique Italian Culture Gift Ideas

A Virtual Italian Cooking Lesson or Wine Tasting

Transport your friend or family member to the land of the Boot through an online cooking course. If you’re lucky, you may get to share the experience with them – or at least the end result. 

• Try a two hour class with an Italian nonna and her granddaughter here.

Italian Art

You can obviously go in several different directions here, either rounding up reprints of the masters, photographs of gorgeous Italian cities or indulging in nostalgic Italian travel-related art. 

I love these Italian prints from Studio Inception, for example.

Funny Italian Gifts

Comedy Socks

Simply no-one’s life is complete without a pair of Italian themed socks like these. Keeps that dream trip in mind every time you do the laundry!

Or you could take it one step further with a pizza box of socks…  They even come in different sizes.

An Italian Themed Doormat

Feel Italian coming and going, with this Italian speaking doormat from Etsy.

An Italian Apron

And another perfect addition to a fun Italian gift fest is this Italian flag apron on Amazon.

Make Your Own Italian Themed Gift Basket

When it comes to Italy themed gift ideas, the most flexible option for special occasions is the Italian gift basket. What’s more, it’s something you can easily make yourself if you need to keep the price down. And, let’s face it, sometimes a personally curated Italian gift basket means more than a shop bought one. Especially for an Italian food lover.

How to Make Your Own Italian Themed Gift Basket

It’s easier than you think to make your own Italian gift sets.

Start with a basket or wooden box, add some scrunched tissue paper or shredded padding and then hit up your local delicatessen for some gorgeous Italian foods. 

Think different shapes of pasta, a selection of amaretti biscuits, a bottle of limoncello, some Illy coffee, pecorino and parmesan cheese, parma ham, balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil and a panettone. All Italian gifts from Italy and perfect for homemade gift baskets.

Alternatively, Order a Pre-made Hamper of Italian Gifts

You can make this a luxury gift by ordering a pre-made hamper or more of a bargain if you shop locally and round up inexpensive gifts from Italy.

• Here’s a ready made Italian themed gift basket you can buy on Amazon and here’s a gourmet Italian hamper from Delicario .

Gift Ideas for Someone Planning a Trip to Italy

For gifts for someone travelling Italy, you can pick one or several of the following to make a package of perfect travel gifts:

• A travel adapter that works in Italy – either a European style one or a worldwide adapter like this .
• A travel sleep set with inflatable pillow, eye mask and ear plugs.
• A scarf for sightseeing. Many areas will insist that shoulders and knees are covered – a scarf can help out here as well as double as a pillow on a long flight. 
• Check out these gift ideas for someone about to go on a trip for more suggestions.

Authentic Italian Gifts for Christmas

First of all, stock up on these beautiful Italian Christmas cards that say Buon Natale here.

Bookmark the Best Gifts from Italy

Enjoying these authentic Italian gifts? Bookmark now and come back to shop for Italian Christmas gifts later!

So, that’s this year’s collection of beautiful and fun Italian gifts for family members and good friends. Hopefully, you’ve found some inspiration here. And possibly a little piece of Italy.

And if all else fails, there’s always gift cards!

More Travel Gift Ideas

None of these quite fit? Not to worry, we have specialist gift guides and lists for you as well. Check out the following:

• Gifts for an outdoorsy girlfriend and adventurous woman
• The best luxury travel gifts for him
• The best gifts for hikers
• What to buy someone going to Japan

If you buy or book through one of the links in this article, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

25 Best Italian Gifts – Souvenirs from Italy

So, if you’re looking for an Italian gifts guide, you arrived at the place where locals will recommend to you what Italian gift to buy, and what Italy souvenir is the best for different people! The best Italy souvenirs are not magnets and postcards, there are much better gifts from Italy you could bring home with you! We’ll walk you through some souvenirs to buy in Rome Italy, but also other specific types of gifts from different regions, or towns in Italy ! We are sure that non of the below 25 best Italian gifts will disappoint you!

25 Best Italian gifts – Italy Souvenirs

Some of the below Italian gifts as we mentioned are region or city-specific. Therefore we’re answering questions like what souvenirs to buy in Bologna Italy, or other destinations around the country. You’ll see some of the unmissable, must buy souvenirs in Italy, and unique ideas for Italy gifts too. Everything from food products to ceramics, drinks, and much more! Make sure you keep enough free space when you’re traveling to Italy because you’ll need it to take home your Italian gift! For all of you who are not frequent travelers, we’ll share a few tips to take home these gifts safely, and of course to avoid having to throw them away at the airport, so read carefully what we say under each gift idea.

1. An Experience

One of the most unique souvenirs from Italy is taking a cooking class . For example, if you’re in Rome, you can book one of the Eatalian Cooks cooking classes , but you can join cooking classes in Florence , and all around Italy. This isn’t one of the Italy souvenirs that you could actually take home, but you can take home the memories of a lovely Italian food experience!

Therefore, if you’re looking for souvenirs to buy in Rome Italy, make sure you check out Eatalian Cooks and you join one of those beautiful cooking classes for pizza, pasta, and tiramisu in the heart of Rome, on Piazza Navona. Food experiences in Rome, and all around Italy are one of the most amazing things to do in the country, honestly. Learning to make your own homemade Italian dishes, pizza, pasta , desserts, and gelato is just amazing so we had to put this as our first suggestion!

2. Olive Oil

One of the must buy souvenirs in Italy is olive oil! There’s nothing more delicious, and multiversal usable Italian gift to take home with you. When it comes to gifts from Italy, a D.O.P marked extra virgin Italian olive oil is unbeatable! We also have a list of the best Italian olive oil brands , so you’d know what to buy if you want to buy olive oil in supermarkets. Olive oil is the Italia gift you should definitely get if you’re looking for what souvenirs to buy in Florence Italy .

This is true for the whole region of Tuscany , anywhere! If you find local farmer products, choose those ones definitely, and buy from local producers instead of supermarkets! Now, when it comes to olive oil, you should prepare for international airports in Italy ! Not only that you need to have this product in the checked-in luggage you have, but you must wrap it well enough that if it breaks, your luggage won’t be draining in olive oil.

One of truly the best Italian gifts is always the wines ! If you’re looking for what souvenirs to buy in Florence Italy, or any other wine region you’re visiting, make sure you make it possible to take home some wine with you! Italian wine as we all know is fantastic, and they are worldwide known. There are plenty of red wines , white wines , and sparkling wines to choose from after taste.

We’ve got also a list of the best Italian wine brands, so you can check what brand to look for when you’re buying. Except of course if you’re not buying from local producers since those are always the best! When you want to find traditional Italian souvenirs, the wine itself is the best pick. There are a few typical Italian food products and drinks to consider, and we’ll list them below!

Italian Liquor brands are phenomenal. We actually have a list linked here to check out the best brands! One of the chicest and perfect Italian gift is for sure a bottle of Campari. If you’re looking for good souvenirs from Italy ideas, lately on side of Campari, Aperol is a really popular drink too.

Taking a bottle of Aperol with you (if you live somewhere where it’s hard to find, or not at all) is a great gift to make a spritz. When it comes to Italian liquors as a kind of souvenirs Italia, since Aperol is more popular now around the world, Campari is the one that is better to buy as a souvenir.

Also, with Campari, you can do plenty of Italian cocktails , such as the simple spritz, Sbagliato, Negroni, or Americano. It’s a perfect gift, and a perfect drink too. You can always find Campari in the airports too, so even if you have only a bag you’re bringing on board, or you don’t have space in your checked-in bag, you can buy Campari in the duty-free shops.

5. Cold cuts

Here come those Italy souvenirs that are perfect for all meat lovers out there! This is a great topic for those asking what souvenirs to buy in Bologna Italy, Tuscany, the region of Emilia Romagna, Rome , and plenty of other parts of the country. Some of the best, and most unique souvenirs from Italy are those delicious cold cuts , salami, and ham.

If we’re looking at Bologna, you must buy Mortadella since this is its origin place, so Mortadella in Bologna is the best. This rule stands for the whole country. Always buy typical regional food, and always eat regional dishes where you are. In Emilia Romagna, the ham in Parma , the salumi, pancetta and the Koppa must be bouth in Piacenza.

In Tuscany, make sure whatever happens, you buy Porchetta. The most delicious cold cut you’ll ever try! In Rome, you should take home some Guanciale, the perfect meat for the delicious pasta alla Carbonara. Always make sure to check all the Italian food by region so you know what to eat and buy exactly in that specific place!

Well, what’s better than pasta in Italy? Speaking of which, if you didn’t check it earlier, if you’re in Rome, make sure you sign up for a pasta-making class ! One of the most preferred must buy souvenirs in Italy is pasta. It’s easy to transport, it’s not liquid, and it’s one of the most traditional Italian souvenirs you could ever pick. We’ve got a list of the best Italian pasta brands too!

When it comes to pasta, you can buy it as souvenirs from Sardinia Italy , from Rome, from Tuscany, from the many towns of Emilia Romagna, or Puglia . Italian pasta is different by region and even by town, so you might find completely different traditional pasta in Ferrara than in Polignano a Mare, or in Cagliari. This is the perfect souvenir to enjoy some more Italy for dinner!

Cheese is my favorite food ideas for Italian gifts! There are thousands of Italian types of cheese , and honestly, cheese is the best Italian gift for anyone who loves cheese. When you’re looking for souvenirs to buy in Rome Italy, you can buy the local Pecorino Romano, which is amazing in many dishes, but it’s one of the base components of one of the most famous Roman dishes , the pasta Cacio e Pepe. When you want to find traditional Italian souvenirs, Italian cheese is a top pick!

I mean, let’s talk of the worldwide famous Parmigiano Reggiano, or the Mozzarella, the Grana Padano, the Ricotta, and many hard cheese types that are easy to transport too! For example, if you’re looking for souvenirs from Sardinia Italy, you should definitely buy Pecorino Sardo! But again, look up regions, and buy local! Matured cheese types of the best to transport and they won’t go bad over long trips either.

8. Moka Pot

For all the coffee lovers out there, one of the most perfect Italian gifts is a Moka pot. The perfect coffee at home, the perfect Italy souvenir is definitely this one. You can buy a small one for 2 people, and those don’t occupy much space either. There’s one of the Italian coffee maker brands who are outstanding when it comes to Moka pots!

Bialetti is the most popular, most used, and overall the best Italian Moka pot that you can also purchase if you’re looking for Italian souvenirs online! They ship almost everywhere around the globe! On side of a real Italian Moka pot, you can also choose coffee, but we’ll speak about that separately. When it comes to Moka pot usage, the only thing I can say is that I couldn’t live without mine, and I had first a 2 person tiny one, and now I have a 4 person yellow beauty. Both from Bialetti!

9. Ceramics

When it comes to Italia gifts, and when it comes to unique souvenirs from Italy, the best thing you can buy is ceramics. Italians are famous also for their ceramics, and they are honestly beautiful! Take it from someone who’s addicted to ceramics! If it comes to good souvenirs from Italy ideas, you can buy decorative ceramics first.

But you can also buy plate sets and all kinds of pieces that are for great use in the kitchen . If you’re looking for the best souvenirs from Sorrento Italy, from Positano, or anywhere around this area of the Amalfi Coast, you will find the most beautiful ceramics there that you’ve ever seen! Another highlight for Italian ceramics is the Deruta ceramics. We’ve got a list of the best Italian ceramics brands, and the best Italian pasta bowl brands too!

10. Balsamic Vinegar from Modena

You never tried the best chicken, the best salad, or the best grill meats, if you didn’t use the Balsamic Vinegar from Moneda! The birth of balsamic vinegar, the first place in the world where you can buy the best quality balsamic vinegar is forever Modena! You can sign up for factory visits, and you can find local balsamic vinegar in shops all around the town! This is honestly one of the best Italy souvenirs for any foodie who loves cooking and grilling at home!

When it comes to food Italy gifts, the balsamic vinegar is fairly easy to transport since there are many that are in small bottles. You still need to be careful of course if it’s over 100 ml, to not take it on the board of the plane, and to pack it well if you put it in the checked-in luggage. However, when it comes to Italy gifts, I’m sure this one will be in your favor especially if you’re in Modena. But, you can find balsamic vinegar from Modena all around the country too!

11. Murano Glass

Murano glass is one of the most famous types of glass worldwide. If you don’t have time to get on a taxi boat and get to Murano to buy beautiful Murano glass products as an Italian gift for yourself or someone else, you can still find some pieces in Venice too. Though, since it takes only a few minutes to get to Murano from Venice , I’d highly recommend going to Murano and buying there.

When it comes to unique souvenirs from Italy, the Murano glass is something beyond imagination. They create the most beautiful decorations, ceilings, tableware , of course, vases, jewelry, and everything basically that could be made of glass. The designs are beautiful, honestly, and in Murano, you’d see different styles and designs from one shop to the other. Though Murano glass products are pricy, you don’t have to buy the biggest plate or the fanciest ceiling. There are plenty of small goods that are more affordable !

Grappa might not be the top pick for many, but in the meantime, it might just be the perfect souvenirs Italia could offer for many! Grappa is a strong drink, a spirit actually that’s consumed usually after dinner. It has a long history, especially up north, and there are plenty of well-established, impeccable quality grappa brands.

When it comes to alcohol gifts from Italy, beyond the liquors and wines, the grappa is another great pick. We’ll have one more suggestion for a drink as such though. Grappa is really similar to the famous “hellfire” drink in Hungary, the palinka, but this one is more about the taste, and not about the % of alcohol in it. Grappa is really enjoyable, and those who love whiskey would definitely love grappa too!

13. Beauty and Skincare Products

Another of the great Italian gift option is beauty and skincare products. There are plenty of amazing skincare brands and Italian makeup brands to pick from, and this, especially for ladies can be an ideal gift, and also one of the good souvenirs from Italy ideas you could think of. Italian skincare brands are mostly based on all-natural products, while the makeup brands are really great quality too.

So if you’re looking for some skincare brands, you should check Acqua di Parma, which you can find in their own stores in Rome and Milan , but you can find them in Sephora and similar stores too. l’Erborario is a natural skincare brand, and if you don’t have space in your luggage, you can order these online too. For makeup, I always recommend checking KIKO Milano, Pupa Milano, and eventually the Chiara Ferragni brand too.

14. Chocolate

Italian chocolate is on another level of Italian gifts. They speak a lot about Belgian chocolate or Swiss chocolate, but the Italian chocolate brands are at least as good as many of the other two. One of the must buy souvenirs in Italy is definitely the sweetest pleasure, some great chocolate! You can go for Perugina chocolates, Baci, which is a Perugina product and they are delicious!

Or you can pick some local homemade chocolate bars too. In Italy, the capital city of chocolate is Turin, so if you’re visiting Torino ( Turin ), you make sure to explore those local chocolate shops! We have made a list of the best Italian chocolate brands you can check to find some of the biggest names from Tuscany to Turin. And also, since chocolate is not liquid (though it can melt) it’s an easy-to-transport souvenir from Italy. Just make sure you wrap it in something if you’re traveling during summer!

15. Limoncello

So, we’ve covered wines, liquors, and grappa, and now it’s time to speak about another digestive drink for after-lunch and after-dinner, Limoncello! When it comes to Italian gifts, Limoncello is really popular, and especially down south this is the to-go drink after a meal instead of grappa. It’s basically like a grappa, only that it’s made with lemon.

The origin of the Limoncello is the Sorrentine peninsula and Sorrento since this is anyways known as the Italian lemon town. If you’re looking for Italian souvenirs online, you could find limoncello brands like Villa Massa to order from. Buying limoncello is the best of the best souvenirs from Sorrento Italy. Its taste is interesting, sweet, lemon taste, but you can sense the alcohol too pretty good.

Say hello to your delicious Italian coffee at home too! When it comes to Italy souvenirs, coffee isn’t occupying much space, you can easily transport it, it won’t crack, melt or break, and there’s nothing like Italian coffee! So for all coffee lovers out there who are looking for what souvenirs to buy in Florence Italy , or Naples Italy souvenirs and gifts, or Milan, Piacenza, and some similar hotspots, make sure to buy coffee!

There are specific brands from specific areas on our list of best Italian coffee brands, so make sure you check them out and check where they are from, so you know what coffee should you buy! If you’re asking for my opinion, there’s no Italian coffee brand like Illy. And I did try out all 10 (+4 others) that are on our list. I actually tried different roasts from most of these brands, and still, Illy is unbeatable! On side you can also get coffee cups .

17. Sweets and pastries

Italian pastries , sweets, and desserts are just like heaven. If you’re looking for Italy souvenir that can survive a few-hour flight too, look for pastries that don’t have cream in or on them. However, for amplifying the pleasure of staying in Italy, I suggest you try as many pastries and desserts as you can. Not only gelato is fantastic in Italy!

When it comes to souvenirs Italia can offer, small pastries and cakes with baked cream are the best to transport. There are plenty of pre-packed delicious pastries in grocery stores too, if you’re looking for something that’s more durable, and already in a safe package. Especially if you’re looking for Naples Italy souvenirs and gifts, make sure to look for pastries, since Naples is big on sweet things, not only on pizza!

18. Original Italian Books

This will be the perfect pick of Italy gifts for those who love collecting books as much as I do. I believe there’s nothing more beautiful in someone’s house than a library that has a nice diversity and quality books. Romance and fiction do not count as quality in this case! So, for those who can understand Italian would be worth visiting some antique book stores or exploring flea markets.

One of the most unique souvenirs from Italy, that’s also an incredibly precious gift too, to buy old copies of some of the biggest literature works and the most famous Italian books. For example, my personal favorite haunt was for Niccolo Machiavelli’s Principe book. Another beautiful piece I found was the complete collection of the operas of Dante Alighieri.

19. Italian Cookbook

Another idea for Italian gifts! Right, so for everyone who loves Italian cuisine, beyond taking those cooking classes, one of the best Italian gift options you have is buying local cookbooks . Though there might be an issue with this, since probably you won’t find all the best ones in English too, for anyone who wants to learn a bit of kitchen Italian , with some Google Translate, an Italian cookbook shouldn’t be a problem.

There’s no way you can learn to make traditional national cuisine than from the locals. That stands for Italian cookbooks written by non-Italians, or American Italians too. I’m highlighting American Italians only because while they are doing a great job in the kitchen, most of them don’t cook anymore, or at all in a traditional way those dishes. And you must know that the biggest allergy of Italians is if someone modifies something on their traditional dishes. Do that in front of an Italian, and you better drop everything and run away!

20. Perfumes

Perfumes are those gifts from Italy that you can easily buy in airports too, and they would probably cost even less than in the actual stores. Well, if you buy them in the duty frees’. There are plenty of amazing Italian perfumes from some of the biggest luxury brands you could’ve heard about. We actually made a list of the best Italian perfume brands too, so you can explore before buying!

Some of the best Italian perfumes to buy are from brands like Armani, Versace, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Valentino. At least that’s the overall accepted opinion. I definitely would suggest smelling around some Armani perfumes first though, especially the Acqua di Gioia is a top pick I believe. Versace has a few great smells I love and D&G too, but don’t forget also to check the BVLGARI perfumes! Those…!

21. Clothes

Right, so when you’re in Italy, clothes are some of those things that you should consider must buy souvenirs in Italy. We have made a list of the 35 best Italian fashion brands for you to pick from, however, it’s not only the luxury and famous brands you should think of when it comes to clothes. Clothing is something that is considered Milan Italy souvenirs since it’s the fashion capital .

However, in each town, you can find shops by local designers which are stunning. From Positano to Bologna, in each city and bigger town, there are plenty of stores of local designers to pick from. If you’re looking for clothing as souvenirs to buy in Rome Italy , you can check the best fashion brands in Rome, but you can also just walk down Via Nazionale to find some beautiful pieces.

Right after clothing, the other amazing category Italians are unbeatable and what’s great for Milan Italy souvenirs, or well, anywhere in the country with shoe stores is to buy shoes in Italy . The artisan work, the high-quality leather, and the design. All of these add up for you to want to have at least one pair of shoes made in Italy.

We’ve put together the best Italian shoe brands for you to pick from, but there are plenty of artisan shoe stores in each of the cities to buy beautiful pairs of shoes. One of the best Italian gifts you could make for yourself or someone you love is a beautiful pair of sandals , high-heels, or Oxford dress shoes for men.

23. Watches

When it comes to beautiful Italian souvenirs online, and Milan Italy souvenirs, I really recommend you keep an eye on watches. Indeed most of the biggest Italian luxury brands have their own watch lines too to pick from. These are usually more affordable pieces than clothing and shoes from luxury brands, but of course, there are high-end pieces too made of full gold and diamonds.

What the point is when it comes to watches is that you can find plenty of beautiful watches for all types of budgets. We also have a list of the best Italian watch brands which will make it easier for you to know what brands you should look for when it comes to watches. The best part about buying a watch in Italy is, that it’s so tiny, it can fit easily in your luggage. Or, if it’s for yourself, you can just wear it during your travel.

24. Jewelry

Italy is famous for its artisans and craftmanship also when it comes to jewelry. Some of the finest top jewelry brands in the world are actually Italian. Think about Bulgari, Pomellato, or Damiani. On side of these big names at the most famous Italian jewelry brands , there are plenty of Italian handmade jewelry brands to pick from for your Italian gifts.

This is actually a topic that you will be overwhelmed in Italy to pick the right ones for you. From Rome to Florence, from Venice to Milan there are hundreds of artisan jewelry stores, fine jewelry stores, and unique brands that make the most exquisite jewelry you could ever buy. We have articles also for jewelry stores in Florence , Milan , and Venice too. Make sure to check them out if you want to pick jewelry as your Italy souvenirs.

Last but not least, when you want to buy Italy gifts, those breathtaking Italian designer handbags are to watch for! This is one of the best categories for Milan Italy souvenirs since you can find dozens of stores for the most beautiful, best quality handbags. If you’re up for designer handbags, make sure you pay attention to Dolce & Gabbana, and Moschino especially.

Of course, the king of bags and leather shoes is Prada, but Moschino for example is more affordable . If you’re looking for trendy pieces, you should also check the Chiara Ferragni bags too! However, to not point out just 3 brands, you should definitely check our list of the best Italian handbag brands ! This will make your search easier!

Wrapping up the 25 best Italian gifts – Italy souvenirs

As I said at the beginning, Italian souvenirs are not just about magnets, small statues, and snowballs. The best Italy souvenirs are the local products. Food products like cheese, pasta, or pastries. Clothing and accessories are other perfect picks for Italian gift, and there are also all those unique souvenirs from Italy like ceramics, grappa, antique books, and artisan jewelry too. We hope you found something on this list that fits your taste, and don’t forget to check out all those linked brand lists too!

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Italy Gift Ideas: What to Give Travelers Going To Italy

Nine years ago, I received a scholarship from the National Italian American Foundation to help fund my studies abroad in Turin, Italy.

Today, I received a copy of their Ambassador Magazine in the mail with my article published inside: Holiday Gift Ideas, What to Give Travelers to Italy .

Please take a look, and if you are interested in anything about Italy or are planning a trip there any time soon, I highly encourage you to become a member of the National Italian American Foundation .

You can get a magazine and newsletter subscription, among other benefits. A subscription would make it much easier to read my feature article as I cannot link to it, but the images above are the best I can do!

Keep reading for the Italy gift ideas I shared in the article, plus some bonus ideas and Italy travel resources.

Italy Gift Ideas

A Kindle allows you to carry thousands of books in one lightweight, convenient package. Load it up with books like Under the Tuscan Sun or Beautiful Ruins for your Italy-loving friend.

2. Wine Bottle Koozie

So your Italy lover can carry wine and keep it at an appropriate temperature, whether red or white.

3. Universal Adapter

A universal adapter is a must-have for all international travelers, whether headed to Italy or elsewhere! We cover adapter and voltage basics and why they are important to have.

4. Italy Guidebook

A physical guidebook is handy for those rare moments you can’t pick up wifi on your smartphone . Plus, you can write notes and highlight passages right on the pages.

Travel Planning Tip: Order a prepaid SIM card before you travel!

5. Pocket Italian Phrasebook

Help your friends and loved ones traveling to Italy go beyond learning the basics by gifting them a pocket phrasebook. They can take it even further by learning Italian with Pimsleur .

6. iTunes Gift Card

An iTunes gift card will help your traveler buy music and apps on the go.

7. REI Gift Card

With an REI gift card, they will be able to pick out the perfect travel backpack .

8. Canon EOS M Digital Camera

When they capture the perfect images from their trip to Italy, they will be so grateful that you got them this mirrorless camera before they left!

9. Moleskine City Notebooks

Encourage your traveler to document their trip with pen and paper.

10. Treasure Chest

This gift is more for their return home from Italy. They can store all their favorite keepsakes from the trip in this treasure chest, so it’s all in one place.

Note: the exact product in the article is not available on Amazon; the link is to a similar product.

11. Bonus Gift Ideas

Buy some experiences for your traveler! There are so many things to do in Italy – and it depends on where in Italy they are traveling to – but here are some fun ideas.

Get them skip-the-line tickets to popular sites like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill or the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel .

Gift your traveler a day trip from Rome to Pisa and Siena or Positano and Pompeii .

Finally, book a room at a swanky Italian hotel for your traveler. If your traveler is budget-minded, they will probably be staying at hostels, so I’m sure they will appreciate a nice hotel room on their first or last night in Italy.

12. Gift Ideas to Bring Memories of Italy Home

Here are some Italian gift ideas for after your loved one returns from their trip to Italy. For when they will undoubtedly be jonesing for any reminder of Italy they can get. 

Home cooks and foodies would appreciate a gift basket with an  Italian cookbook , a set of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar, a bottle of Italian wine, and some pasta imported from Italy. 

Gifts for coffee lovers might include a nice Italian stove top coffee maker and a set of espresso cups . Maybe add in a package of biscotti or another authentic Italian treat for good measure. 

Finally, Italy lovers will absolutely appreciate a coffee table book full of beautiful Italian landscapes to flip through when they really start to miss Italy. 

Additional Italy Resources

Helpful posts and podcast episodes all about Italy to help plan a trip!

City Guides + Things To Do

• Venice City Guide for Budget-Minded Travelers
• Where to Eat in Rome According to Locals
• Rome: 3 Reasons to Love the City of Love
• An Olympic Experience: Torino 2006

Podcast Episodes About Italy

• BMT 65: First Time Travel Planning Help, Featuring Italy
• BMT 68: First Solo Trip to Italy: Results! with Anjie Mikesell
• BMT 70: American Expat Life in Spain and Italy

Ready to Book Your Trip?

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Use these BMT-approved travel resources to plan your best budget-friendly trip yet!

Flights – Learn our tried and true strategies for finding the cheapest flights .

Accommodations – Using Booking.com to search for hostels and budget hotels has many benefits, including free cancelation and member upgrades.

Travel Insurance – Now more than ever, we encourage the purchase of travel insurance for every trip. Insurance protects you against cancellations, lost luggage, theft, injury, and illness. Compare plans at:

• InsureMyTrip
• World Nomads
• Allianz Travel Insurance

Activities – Find amazing things to do that won’t break the bank in destinations worldwide on Viator .

Need an international SIM card? We suggest pre-ordering from SimOptions .

• Tags cameras , electrical outlets abroad , Italy , language , travel gift ideas

75 Italian Gifts for Italy Lovers: Best Gift Ideas

Italy lovers are irresistibly drawn to authentic Italian gifts , as they encapsulate the essence of the country’s rich culture, tantalizing cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes. The sky is the limit when seeking the perfect present for someone who adores Italy.

Our extensive list of 75 great Italian gift ideas , ranging from handcrafted artisanal products to delectable food and wine selections, is designed to provide the ultimate definitive guide for choosing a great gift for your best friend or a family member.

Dive into our comprehensive selection of authentic Italian gifts, and let the charm of Italy inspire your next trip as you explore the best Italian gifts from the land of La Dolce Vita.

Top 3 Picks: Highest Rated Italian Gifts

The Taste of Italy Gift Basket

Packed with an array of authentic gourmet treats , ranging from biscuits to pasta and chocolate, this top pick offers a delightful culinary journey through Italy .

Italian Gelato Maker

This gelato maker is a top pick for its ability to transport recipients to Italy, encouraging culinary creativity with traditional dessert flavors.

Slim Aarons La Dolce Vita

With stunning visuals and insightful narrative, this book is not just a decorative piece but a passport to the heart of Italy , inspiring travel and conversation.

This post contains affiliate links. When you buy something through one of the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.

Italian Gift Baskets

Delight lovers of Italian cuisine or expats longing for a taste of home with a scrumptious gift basket brimming with appetizing Italian treats such as cheeses, crostinis, marinara sauce, salami, biscotti, and more. This considerate gift captures the true essence of Italy’s flavors and delivers them straight to their home.

Introducing three of the finest options for Italian gift baskets, perfect for treating your loved ones to Italy’s best.

1. Papa Vince Italian Food Gift Basket Gourmet

Crafted by a true Italian family in Sicily using organic, locally grown ingredients, this delightful gift basket contains pasta, extra virgin olive oil, tomato sauce, Italian salad dressing, and more.

Ideal for Italian lovers and health-conscious friends or family members, it evokes cherished memories of Italy while being perfect for any occasion.

2. BRAVA GIULIA Premium Artisanal Gift Box

This stylish Italian gift basket is hand-packed with gourmet goodies that reflect the soul of Mediterranean culinary tradition.

It includes high-quality, premium products made by small artisanal producers in Italy, such as Zahara EVOO, Via Farini Yellow Label Balsamic Vinegar, Felicetti Organic bronze cut pasta, and Agromonte Cherry Tomato pasta sauce.

The beautiful presentation makes it a perfect gift for any occasion , and its selection of authentic Italian items is sure to delight food lovers and beyond.

3. The Taste of Italy Gift Basket

This exquisite Italian gift basket offers a variety of traditional Italian gourmet foods , including cookies, organic pasta, Italian seasoning mix, extra virgin olive oil, Le Preziose sugared fruit jellies, and Bella Campagna whole mixed olives.

Beautifully presented in a metal basket, it’s a fantastic gift option for any occasion, allowing recipients to create an authentic Italian meal .

Suggested Reading : Dive into our guide about Christmas in Italy , where you can explore the top 20 destinations and immerse yourself in the country’s cherished traditions.

Italian Coffee Maker and Accessories

Indulge the coffee aficionado in your life with the gift of an Italian coffee maker ! These exquisite, high-quality brewing devices delight even the most discerning coffee connoisseur. Immerse your loved one in the rich and robust world of Italian espresso as they experience making the perfect cup of coffee at home.

Choose from iconic Italian coffee makers such as the classic Bialetti Moka Expresso Maker , the stylish and efficient Nespresso machine, or even the elegant La Pavoni Espresso Machine for a truly luxurious coffee experience. Each option offers a unique and authentic way to savor the flavors of Italy’s finest coffee blends.

Gifting an Italian coffee maker is not just about offering a functional kitchen gadget; it’s about sharing the passion for the coffee culture deeply rooted in the Italian lifestyle. Your gift recipient will undoubtedly treasure this thoughtfully chosen present as they embark on a flavorful journey through Italy’s rich coffee tradition .

Recommended Reading : Read our comprehensive review of the 20 best Italian espresso maker machines .

1. Top Pick: The Original Bialetti Moka Expresso Maker

Gift your favorite coffee connoisseur an original Bialetti espresso maker . This easy-to-use, genuine Bialetti stovetop coffee maker delivers authentic Italian coffee . Paired with Italian coffee, it’s a match made in heaven for an Italian coffee gift set.

2. Authentic Italian Coffee

Complete their coffee experience with genuine Italian coffee to accompany their Bialetti espresso maker. Add coffee to your Italian gift basket for an even more delightful present. Choose from renowned 100% Italian coffee brands , such as Lavazza, Illy , or Segafredo Zanetti .

Recommended Reading : Discover the rich flavors and authentic aromas of Italy’s finest coffee brands in our article on the 14 best Italian coffee brands .

3. Traditional Italian Espresso Cups

Complete the authentic Italian espresso experience with traditional Italian espresso cups . These cups elevate every sip of espresso, making them one of the best Italy-themed gifts for any espresso lover. Impress your gift recipient with a truly artistic Italian coffee experience they’ll cherish.

Handmade and hand-painted in the renowned town of Deruta , Italy, this exquisite ceramic espresso cup and saucer set elevate the coffee experience.

Designed to keep espresso hot and preserve its taste and aroma , these charming cups perfectly combine art and pleasure, making every sip a moment of pure delight.

Italian Cuisine Creation Kits

Experience the art of Italian cooking with our handpicked selection of food-making gifts . From handy kits to efficient appliances, we’re bringing the flavors and traditions of Italy right into your kitchen.

Craving more? Explore Italian Cooking Gift Ideas: 28 Best Gifts for Food Lovers for an extended culinary journey!

1. Italian Gelato Maker

Delight the Italy enthusiasts in your life with a true Italian gelato maker , a gift that will transport them to the charming streets of Italy, one scoop at a time . With various options available, such as countertop machines or hand-cranked models, there’s a gelato maker for every level of the home chef.

Recipients can create authentic gelato flavors , experimenting with classic Italian favorites like stracciatella, pistachio, and tiramisu. This scrumptious gift idea will evoke Italy’s spirit and provide endless culinary fun for those who love to explore the delightful world of Italian desserts .

2. Marcato Atlas 150 Pasta Maker

Pasta is undeniably the heart and soul of Italian cuisine . It epitomizes the Italian culinary tradition, representing centuries of history, love for food, and mastery of the craft. Crafting homemade pasta is a joyful and rewarding experience that pays homage to Italy’s remarkable culinary expertise.

A pasta machine makes it the perfect gift for someone who loves cooking Italian food . Using a pasta maker, they can effortlessly make fresh spaghetti, fettuccine, and linguine.

No need to visit Italy for a fantastic meal—now they can savor delicious fresh pasta in their own home, accompanied by a glass of wine.

The Marcato Atlas 150 Pasta Maker is the ultimate Italian pasta-making tool. This Italian-made, nickel- and chrome-plated steel device use a hand crank to flatten and cut pasta, making tagliatelle , pappardelle , ravioli , or tortellini a breeze.

3. Cuzi Gourmet 4-Piece Large Pizza Stone Set

Who doesn’t love a delicious, homemade pizza? This pizza kit offers a delightful opportunity to create a memorable pizza-making experience and help bring the a uthentic taste of Italy to the kitchen, making it a fantastic gift choice for Italy lovers.

Delight your loved ones with this incredible pizza-making kit that brings the classic taste of Italian pizza to your home while creating lasting memories.

The Cuzi Gourmet 4-Piece Large Pizza Stone Set is an eco-friendly choice that offers a fun, family-friendly experience for sharing authentic Italian flavors. This large set includes a thermal shock-resistant pizza stone, handle rack, bamboo pizza peel, and pizza cutter for a complete pizza-making experience.

4. MasterChef Junior Pizza Cooking Set

For the little chefs in your life, the MasterChef Junior Pizza Cooking Set provides a unique opportunity for kids to learn cooking and immerse themselves in Italian culture.

This 5-piece kit includes a sauce ladle, wood pizza board, personal pizza pan, and a plastic pizza cutter, making it an ideal gift for fostering family time and sparking a lifelong love for Italian cuisine.

5. DIY Focaccia Making Kit

A focaccia-making kit is a great idea for those who enjoy DIY projects or cooking. This kit enables them to create heavenly focaccia right in their kitchen .

The kit comes complete with bread flour, yeast, Italian seasoning, sea salt, food tweezers, and a foolproof recipe – everything they need for perfect Italian focaccia at home .

Exquisite Italian Food Gifts

Delight in our collection of gourmet Italian food gifts . These authentic flavors, from savory Parmesan to rich Olive Oil, make perfect Italian presents for Italy’s vibrant cuisine lovers.

1. Parmigiano Reggiano DOP 24 Months

Treat the Italy aficionados in your life to the rich, savory goodness of genuine 100% Parmesan cheese . As one of Italy’s most celebrated and well-known culinary delights, Parmesan cheese, or Parmigiano-Reggiano , is a versatile and delicious gift that will impress and delight your Italy-loving friends and family.

The Parmigiano Reggiano DOP 24 months 2.2 lb offers an exclusive selection of this renowned Italian cheese, shipped directly from Italy. With a careful 24-month aging process, this Parmigiano Reggiano develops a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, accentuated by its pronounced crumbly texture and characteristic grain.

This cheese is made without additives and delivers an authentic and delectable taste experience for true Italian cuisine enthusiasts.

Gifting a high-quality, authentic Parmesan cheese will transport the recipient to the rustic Italian countryside, where they can imagine themselves savoring a freshly-grated Parmesan atop a plate of homemade pasta or enjoying a sliver of cheese paired with fine Italian wine.

To elevate your Parmesan cheese gift, consider including a cheese knife, a stylish wooden cheese board, or even pairing it with a selection of other Italian cheeses, such as Pecorino Romano or Gorgonzola.

2. Antico Frantoio Muraglia Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Delight the Italy lovers in your life with the gift of authentic Italian extra virgin olive oil , a culinary treasure that captures the essence of the Mediterranean lifestyle. Known for its exceptional taste, health benefits, and versatility in the kitchen, Italian extra virgin olive oil is a thoughtful and delicious present that will transport recipients to the sun-drenched landscapes of Italy.

Introduce them to the renowned Antico Frantoio Muraglia , a family-owned business producing exceptional olive oil for five generations. Their oils from Puglia boast fruity notes, a pleasant bitterness, and a gentle peppery finish, perfect for drizzling over salads, pasta, or bruschetta.

Their beautifully designed hand-painted ceramic bottles also make a stunning keepsake that will remind recipients of Italy’s rich artistic heritage.

Gifting Italian extra virgin olive oil is a flavorful and heartwarming way to share a taste of Italy with a good friend and family who cherish this magnificent country.

By offering them the highest quality olive oils, you’ll provide a sensory experience that transports them to Italy’s picturesque olive groves and vibrant flavors with every drizzle.

Recommended Reading : Elevate your home cooking with the best Italian olive oil brands on the market.

3. Italian Olive Oil of the Month (Club Membership)

Nothing says Italy more than traditional extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). High-quality olive oil elevates any dish with flavors varying from delicate and smooth to peppery and bold.

Consider gifting a subscription to an Italian olive oil club , such as the Olive Oil of the Month Club, for a truly unique and personalized touch.

This exclusive membership will provide your Italy-loving friend with quarterly shipments of some of the finest, hand-selected extra virgin olive oils from Italy’s top producers.

This gift keeps giving, allowing recipients to explore and savor a variety of exceptional Italian olive oils throughout the year.

4. Balsamic Vinegar from Modena Gift Set

Present Italy enthusiasts with the refined taste of authentic balsamic vinegar from Modena , a city known for its centuries-old tradition of producing this exquisite condiment.

Elevate their culinary experience by gifting a beautifully packaged selection of balsamic vinegar , ranging from the classic, rich, and tangy variety to the aged and velvety reserve, perfect for drizzling on salads , cheeses, or even desserts. This thoughtful gift will surely impress anyone who loves Italy and is eager to delve into the essence of Italian cuisine.

For an opulent taste of Emilia Romagna, consider the Italian Vinegar Gift Set by Giuseppe Giusti . Presented in a reusable wooden wine box, this set features two types of vinegar: aged balsamic and white.

The set showcases the essence of Modena , a region renowned for its balsamic vinegar made from cooked grape must. The versatile balsamic vinegar is perfect for meats, salads, sauces, and even drizzled over bread, cheese, and gelato. This Italian vinegar gift set is a true treasure, paired with citrusy white wine vinegar from Trebbiano grapes.

5. Italian Biscotti

This exquisite assortment of Italian biscotti is expertly crafted by Vicenzi, following age-old Italian traditions . Specially packaged to preserve freshness, these soft cookies and crispy, flaky pastries can be savored independently or paired with a coffee, tea, or glass of wine for a truly delightful experience.

6. La Florentine Torrone

La Florentine Torrone is a delightful Italian treat that exudes Old World charm. This beautiful box adorned with a Renaissance portrait contains bite-sized pieces of white nougat candy filled with roasted pistachios and almonds.

Gluten-free and made from almonds, cane sugar, honey, and egg whites, these nougats come in three enticing flavors : lemon, orange, and vanilla. Wrapped in edible paper wafers, La Florentine Torrone is an Italian gift sure to delight .

7. Italian Panettone

Panettone is a traditional Italian sweet bread enjoyed during special occasions and holidays like Christmas or Easter. With a variety of flavors, like hazelnut, coffee, and lemon, panettone is a festive delight.

The classic preparation with candied citron will fill any home with the scent of the holidays . Freshly baked or expertly sealed, panettone is a delicious Italian gift .

Planning for the festive season? Read Christmas in Italy: Top 20 Destinations & Best Traditions and experience holiday magic Italian-style!

8. Gourmet Italian Spices and Seasonings

Italian cuisine is famous for its rich flavors; spices and seasonings make dishes irresistible . Roasted garlic flakes, sweet basil, and rosemary garlic oil dip add unique tastes and vibrant colors to any dish, making it more visually appealing.

Spices and seasonings are often included in Italian gift baskets , making them a delightful addition for any Italy lover.

Recommended Reading : 20 Best Italian Herbs & Spices : Seasoning Made Easy

Italian Chocolate Gift Ideas

While chocolate is technically a food, Italian chocolate is an indulgence so special it merits a category all its own .

Indulge the taste buds of Italy lovers with the luxurious and delectable gift of Italian chocolate . Renowned for its quality and irresistible flavors, Italian chocolate is the perfect way to bring a touch of Italy’s finest confections to friends and family who adore this beautiful country.

Treat them to a delightful journey through Italy’s chocolate landscape with these two exquisite options below.

1. Venchi Chocolates

Venture into the world of Gianduja with Venchi chocolates , a mouth-watering blend of smooth chocolate and hazelnut paste that originated in the Piedmont region.

Venchi’s Gianduja bars and spreads offer a delectable taste of this Italian classic, making them a fantastic gift for anyone craving a true taste of Italy.

Presenting Italian chocolate as a gift is an engaging and delicious way to share the country’s rich confectionery heritage with those who cherish Italy.

The heavenly flavors and artisanal quality of these chocolates will surely transport your Italy-loving friends and family to the cobblestone streets of Rome, the canals of Venice, or the rolling hills of Tuscany, all in just one bite.

Further Reading : Unsure which brand of Italian chocolate to choose? We’ve got you covered with our handpicked selection of the 12 finest Italian chocolate brands.

2. Ferrero Rocher

The legendary Ferrero Rocher, a classic Italian favorite , features a whole hazelnut enveloped in a creamy filling and encased in a delicate wafer shell, all wrapped in a luxurious gold foil. This iconic chocolate never fails to impress, making it a fantastic gift for any occasion .

Italian Wines Gift Ideas

Delight the Italy enthusiasts in your life with the exquisite taste of Italian wines . Italy is renowned for its diverse wine regions, each producing unique vintages.

Gifting a carefully selected bottle of Italian wine , or even a curated wine set, is an indulgent and thoughtful gesture that will transport Italy lovers to the sun-drenched vineyards of their dreams.

Gift a taste of Italy with options like refreshing Prosecco , bold Barolo , or versatile Chianti Classico for the ultimate Italian wine experience.

Suggested Reading : Discover our detailed guide on the 21 Safest Cities in Italy for Travelers & Expats .

Kitchen Items Italian Gift Ideas

Dive into this collection of essential tools and accessories to inspire the inner Italian chef in your loved ones. These gift ideas embrace Italy’s culinary traditions, allowing recipients to recreate authentic Italian dishes at home.

From cooking books to elegant serving ware, this category offers the perfect gifts for those passionate about Italian cuisine.

Recommended Reading: Discover the 28 best gifts for Italian food lovers in our comprehensive review.

1. The Silver Spoon Italian Cookbook

Surprise the Italy enthusiasts in your life with an Italian cookbook , allowing them to savor the flavors and aromas of Italy’s finest recipes right in their own kitchen.

With a carefully selected cookbook featuring Italian recipes, you’ll be gifting them the opportunity to explore Italy’s rich culinary heritage and recreate delicious dishes from the comfort of their home.

The Silver Spoon is a timeless classic that has been a staple in Italian kitchens for over six decades.

Often referred to as the Italian cooking bible , this comprehensive cookbook features over 2,000 recipes from every region of Italy, providing a wealth of culinary inspiration and knowledge for novice and experienced cooks.

2. Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking

Another fantastic choice is Marcella Hazan’s “ Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking .” A beloved culinary authority, Hazan shares her expertise and passion for Italian cuisine in this comprehensive guide.

With easy-to-follow instructions and an emphasis on authentic flavors, this cookbook will quickly become a favorite resource for anyone eager to master Italian cooking .

Gifting an Italian cookbook is a thoughtful and flavorful way to share Italy’s rich culinary traditions with those who cherish this enchanting country.

Through these carefully curated recipes and stories, you’ll be offering a taste of Italy that will inspire and delight Italy lovers as they embark on their culinary adventures.

3. Italian Cooking Class

For those who adore Italian cuisine and enjoy cooking, give the gift of an Italian cooking class . By bringing Italy to their home, this gift offers a truly immersive experience with a local expert.

Search for in-person classes nearby or explore online options, such as Massimo Bottura’s Modern Italian Cooking Masterclass. This is the perfect gift for anyone wanting to learn the secrets of Italian cooking from the comfort of their kitchen.

4. Gourmet Map of Italy

Picture a detailed map highlighting Italy’s most important cities, featuring food illustrations and descriptions of each region’s specialties. This unique gift idea is perfect for foodies, travelers, or anyone fascinated by Italy’s culinary treasures.

5. Italian Themed Chef’s Hat

Celebrate your love for Italy with this tricolor fabric chef’s hat , designed to fit most sizes.

Ideal for cooking enthusiasts and Italy aficionados , this 100% cotton-woven hat ensures a comfortable experience while preparing delicious Italian meals. Wear it with pride during special occasions or while whipping up your favorite Italian dishes.

7. Italian-Themed Kitchen Aprons

Choose from Italian-inspired kitchen aprons featuring scenes of Rome and Calabria, olive oils, bread, wine, or pasta. The sky’s the limit regarding Italian-themed aprons , including funny Italian aprons .

This one says “ I don’t need recipes, I’m Italian .” These lightweight, machine-washable aprons are perfect for Italian-themed gift baskets and will bring a touch of humor and Italian charm to any kitchen.

Italian Games and Brain Teasers

Explore the captivating realm of Italian games and brain teasers , where entertainment and Italian culture intertwine. This category showcases an engaging selection of games, puzzles, and challenges celebrating Italy’s rich history and vibrant customs.

These delightful gift ideas promise hours of fun for Italy enthusiasts and offer an immersive experience of the fascinating world of Italian pastimes.

1. LEGO Icons Vespa 125 Scooter

Whether you’re looking for gifts for kids or Lego-addict adults, this is a perfect choice.

Create and showcase your miniature Italian icon with this LEGO Vespa 125 , inspired by the timeless 1960s Vespa scooter . In honor of Vespa’s 75th anniversary, LEGO designers collaborated with Piaggio to craft a model that appeals to Italian culture enthusiasts .

Emphasizing details like the Vespa logo, a vintage 1960s Italian license plate, a spare wheel, and a working kickstand, this c harming LEGO scooter mode l makes a fantastic gift and can be proudly displayed at home or in the office.

2. LEGO Architecture Trevi Fountain

Discover the joy of celebrating Italian architectural history with the LEGO Architecture Trevi Fountain , a reimagined version of the iconic landmark .

Designed for those passionate about design, architecture, and Italy’s rich heritage, this LEGO set allows you to bring a piece of Rome into your home or workspace, capturing the essence of the famed Trevi fountain through the versatile medium of LEGO bricks.

3. LEGO Architecture Venice

Experience the charm of Italy’s iconic city with the LEGO Architecture Venice set , showcasing famous landmarks such as the Rialto Bridge, St. Mark’s Basilica, and the Bridge of Sighs.

The blue tiles on the baseplate represent Venice’s enchanting canals and rivers, making this set a fantastic gift for admirers of Italy’s architecture, history, and artistic heritage.

4. Tombola Board Game

Discover the excitement of Tombola, a traditional Italian bingo-style game that originated in southern Italy. This centuries-old lottery game offers even more chances to win and is perfect for game-night enthusiasts. With its popularity among large groups, friends, and family gatherings, Tombola is a fantastic gift that brings people together for a fun-filled experience.

5. Scopa: A Traditional Italian Card Game

Scopa is a classic Italian card game that makes an ideal gift for game lovers and anyone interested in Italian culture.

6. Italian-Themed Adult Coloring Book

Italian-themed adult coloring books are perfect for relaxation and sparking creativity. Choose from scenic Italy or a hilarious Italian swear word coloring book for a unique and entertaining gift.

7. Italian-Themed Jigsaw Puzzle

Gift a 1000-piece Italian-themed jigsaw puzzle featuring Italy’s breathtaking landmarks to those who dream of their next Italian adventure.

This mini-vacation in a puzzle offers a stunning Italian landscape to adorn their wall once completed, infusing their days with a touch of Italian flair.

Unique and Quirky Italian Gifts

Discover a treasure trove of unusual, whimsical, and charming items that capture the spirit of Italy. These unique Italian gifts are perfect for those seeking something extraordinary and memorable, reflecting Italy’s distinctive culture, humor, and creativity. Delight your loved ones with these imaginative offerings celebrating Italy’s enchanting allure.

1. Gift a Piece of Italian Land

Surprise those who dream of living in Italy with a certified plot of Italian soil and an official title.

This extraordinary gift allows them to revel in la dolce vita and offers the perfect reason for a romantic picnic in the Italian countryside.

2. Pizza Socks

Looking for the ultimate Italian gift for pizza lovers ? Delight them with a pizza box filled with pizza-inspired socks ! Not only are they fun and quirky, but they’re also practical for travelers preparing for a trip to Italy.

3. Italian Good Luck Charm

Introduce a touch of Italian tradition and superstition to your loved ones with iconic good-luck Italian charms . These symbolic talismans are believed to ward off evil and bring good fortune to the wearer.

Available in various materials like gold, silver, or Murano glass and often featured on necklaces, bracelets, and keychains, these charms capture the essence of Italian culture while providing a stylish and protective accessory.

Gift an Italian horn charm to friends and family who appreciate Italy’s rich heritage and allure.

Italian Travel and Language Gifts

Embark on a journey through Italy’s fascinating culture, language, and destinations with our Italian Travel and Language Gifts category. These thoughtfully curated gifts will inspire , educate , and transport Italy lovers to their favorite corners of the country.

From travel guides and language courses to Italian phrasebooks and maps, these gifts are perfect for those eager to explore the diverse wonders of Italy and learn the beautiful Italian language.

Ignite the passion for La Dolce Vita in the hearts of your loved ones with these captivating Italian travel and language gifts.

Ready for an Italian adventure? Dive into our 35 Best Travel Guide Books for Italy for insider tips and destination inspiration!

1. Rick Steves Italy

Rick Steves Italy travel guide is a must-have guide for anyone exploring the country. Known for his practical advice and engaging storytelling , Rick Steves offers an in-depth look at Italy’s iconic sights and lesser-known treasures.

With detailed maps, itineraries, and recommendations, this guidebook will help Italy lovers make the most of their time in this enchanting land.

2. DK Eyewitness Italy

For those with a special interest in art and architecture, “ DK Eyewitness Italy ” is an excellent choice. This visually stunning guidebook features detailed illustrations, cutaway views, and floor plans, helping travelers fully appreciate Italy’s rich artistic heritage . Accompanied by insightful commentary, this guide is perfect for culture enthusiasts.

3. Italian Language Course

Ignite the passion for Italian culture in the hearts of Italy lovers by gifting them an Italian language course. Learning the beautiful Italian language opens doors to deeper connections with the locals and allows them to appreciate Italy’s rich history, art, and gastronomy on a whole new level.

Here are a few enticing options for those who would love to learn the basics of Italian . Consider online classes on Udemy, a book with short stories in Italian for those with basic knowledge, or a learning Italian podcast as excellent gift options.

Recommended Reading : Explore our carefully curated selection of the top 23 Italian grammar books to enhance your language skills and master Italian with ease.

4. Italian Phrasebook & Flashcards

Knowing a few basic Italian phrases is always good when traveling to Italy.

But suppose you want to communicate with Italians without the frustration of a language barrier (because, in many areas, English is still not well-spoken). You should probably know more than 2-3 sentences in that case.

So what could be a better travel gift for an Italy lover than an Italian phrasebook ? Both practical and fun, it can be useful for traveling and learning and improving one’s Italian.

5. Italian Coffee Table Books

Coffee table books make for an excellent and visually stunning gift . Laden with breathtaking photographs and fascinating insights, these books become a constant source of inspiration and conversation starters.

One of the best books capturing Italy’s essence is “ Slim Aarons – La Dolce Vita .” This luxurious collection showcases Slim Aarons’ lifelong passion for Italy , featuring stunning aerial shots of the Sicilian countryside and intimate celebrity portraits in splendid villas.

Experience “the good life” through the pages of this remarkable book about Italy .

Not only do Italian coffee table books serve as beautiful decorative pieces for your friends and family’s homes, but by diving into the pages of these fascinating books, they can transport themselves to the winding streets of Rome, the rolling hills of Tuscany, or the magical canals of Venice.

Each book serves as a passport to the soul of Italy, inviting readers to embark on a journey through time and space .

6. Italian-Themed Luggage Tags

Italian-themed luggage tags make practical, affordable gifts for travelers who will be reminded of you whenever they spot the tags on their luggage.

7. Italian-Themed Passport Cover

Surprise frequent travelers with an Italy-themed passport cover. With a wide variety of designs, you’re sure to find the perfect gift for Italy enthusiasts.

8. Italian-Themed Phone Cases

Finding a cover that fits every phone model can be tricky, but this Italy-inspired gift is an excellent and affordable choice for those who adore the country. Delight your Italy-loving friends with this budget-friendly yet charming option.

9. Funny Italian Signs

Elevate your special events with funny Italian gift signs , creating memorable moments for everyone involved. These timeless signs can be reused and serve as perfect decorations for weddings, birthdays, or anniversaries.

Italian Home & Lifestyle Gifts

Add a touch of Italian flair to the lives of your loved ones with this Italian home and lifestyle gifts category. These carefully chosen items effortlessly bring Italy’s warmth, charm, and elegance into everyday living spaces.

From Italian-themed mugs to genuine Italian leather notebooks and calendars, these gifts will delight those who appreciate the Italian way of life. Elevate the atmosphere and style of any home with these exquisite Italian home and lifestyle gifts, perfect for Italy enthusiasts.

1. Genuine Italian Leather Notebook for Men & Women

Unleash your creativity with this versatile Italian leather journal , ideal for capturing brilliant ideas, creative thoughts, and poetry or transforming it into a travel diary, sketchbook, or recipe book.

Made from premium, soft genuine Italian leather, this journal showcases exceptional craftsmanship and quality. A perfect gift for those who appreciate fine craftsmanship and have a fondness for Italy.

2. Italian-Themed Mugs

A funny Italian coffee mug is a classic, budget-friendly gift that lets your recipient enjoy their favorite beverage while flaunting their love for Italy.

3. Italian Flag Heart Love Wine Bottle Stopper

This stylish and durable stopper is perfect for Italian lovers who enjoy wine , as it fits most standard wine, liquor, and oil bottles. It’s a great Italian-themed gift that adds a touch of elegance to any bottle.

4. Italian-Themed Calendar

A practical item like an Italian-themed calendar doesn’t have to be boring and can actually be one of the best gifts for someone who loves Italy.

5. Italian-Themed T-Shirt

A vibrant Italian-themed cotton T-shirt is a comfortable and stylish addition to any Italy-inspired wardrobe.

6. Italian-Themed Tote Bag

Thousands of Italy-themed tote bags on Amazon or Zazzle offer practical gifts for those on the go. Choose a relatable phrase like, “I don’t need therapy. I just need to go to Italy.”

Italian Art and Craftsmanship Gifts

Discover the beauty of Italian Art and Craftsmanship Gifts, where each item showcases Italy’s finest artisans’ skill, tradition, and creativity . This category features exceptional handcrafted treasures such as Murano glass creations , Deruta ceramics , and other exquisite masterpieces.

For those who appreciate the finer things in life and deeply love Italian culture, these gifts embody the essence of Italy’s artistic heritage. Indulge in the elegance and timelessness of Italian art and craftsmanship with these extraordinary gift ideas.

1. Murano Glass Creations

Present a piece of Murano glass as a symbol of Venetian sophistication , encapsulating the time-honored art of glassmaking that has flourished in Murano for centuries. These stunning creations not only exude elegance but also pay homage to this enchanting Venetian island’s rich history and unparalleled craftsmanship.

Each Murano glass masterpiece is meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans who infuse their passion and expertise into every intricate detail. The result is an exquisite work of art that captures the essence of Venetian culture and adds a touch of timeless beauty to any space.

Gifting a Murano glass creation is not only an expression of refined taste but also a heartfelt tribute to the enduring legacy of this fascinating art form.

With such a thoughtful and sophisticated gift , you’ll leave a lasting impression on the recipient, who will undoubtedly treasure this exquisite piece of Venetian history.

Further Reading : Just as Deruta Ceramics are renowned their intricate designs and expert craftsmanship, Italian marble is equally famous for its beauty and quality.

2. Deruta Ceramics

Nestled in the heart of Umbria, the quaint town of Deruta has gained international acclaim for its exquisite maiolica , a form of hand-painted Italian ceramics. These breathtaking, artisanal creations are nothing short of masterpieces , adding a touch of elegance and refinement to any home.

As individual works of art, each piece of authentic Deruta ceramics showcases the skill and passion of the local craftsmen, who have meticulously honed their craft over generations.

When you gift a Deruta ceramic piece , you present a luxurious and sophisticated item and offer a timeless treasure that will be cherished for years. These unique and exquisite creations perfectly embody Italian elegance, making them an ideal gift for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

3. Italian Christmas Ornaments

Dive into the festive season with authentic Italian Christmas decorations . These Italian decorative items will enrich your festive decor, from timeless ceramic ornaments adorned in traditional red-and-white to various other holiday embellishments. Go shopping for these cherished keepsakes and infuse a dash of Italy into your Christmas celebrations .

Discover the Best Italian Themed Gifts: Delight Your Loved Ones with the Essence of Italy

In conclusion, our comprehensive list of Italian gift ideas has something for everyone. If you’re searching for the perfect Italian gifts for your Italy-loving friend or that special person , you’ve come to the right place. From the highest quality Italian products to more whimsical and fun options, there’s a good idea for every taste and budget.

Making the perfect choice for your loved ones can be challenging, but with these outstanding selections, you can rest assured that the best Italian-themed gifts are just a few clicks away. So, go ahead and delight your friends and family with these remarkable offerings that truly capture the essence of Italy. Until next time, happy Italian gifting!

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Looking for Italian gift ideas for your Italy-loving family and friends? We’ve scoured the internet for the best ideas so you don’t have to. Whether your friend loves Italian food, coffee, fashion or books, there’s an idea here to get that gifting list checked off in no time. Plus, as we’re all about experiences, you’ll find lots of great ideas to bring a little piece of Italy.

Our top 5 ideas for the perfect Italian gift  

• 2024 Italy calendar   – a beautiful calendar which you can gaze upon to feel inspired to plan a visit to Italy or use to count down to yours!
• Ferrari experience in Italy – how about test driving a Ferrari on the streets of Modena and visiting the factory where these prestige cars are made > more info
• Italian Online Cooking classes – take yourself to the Italian Riviera and make basil pesto and 4 other recipes with our friend Enrica’s Liguria cooking course ,  learn to make pasta with Nonna or when in Rome, join this fun local cooking class in Trastevere
• Portable pizza oven – designed to re-create the effect of a pizzeria’s wood oven, an Ooni portable pizza oven is the perfect gift for any pizza lover
• Or, if you’re in the mood to splurge why not book an Untold Italy small group tour of one of the hidden regions of Italy ? It’s the greatest gift of all. Will it be Tuscany , Puglia or Sicily – browse our tour departures and find the right trip for you.

Article contents

Italy 2024 Calendar

Turn the page each month for an inspiring photo of Italy to keep you dreaming while you wait for your next trip with an Italy 2024 calendar

black friday deals

for Italy travel services and gear are here

Portable Pizza Oven

If your loved one has a passion for making pizza the Ooni portable pizza oven is the perfect gift. Choose from wood fired and gas powered to get your oven to the right temperature to deliver the perfect pizza whether they’re at home or on the go.

Italy Book Ideas

A thoughtfully chosen book about Italy is always a welcome gift. Some of the new releases from the past year include titles from some of our favorite authors and creatives that have appeared on our podcast . 

Wine Doors of Florence by Robin Gheesling

We’ve spent a lot of time curating Italian reads into a long list of books that are either set in Italy or have an Italian theme. You’ll find cookbooks, novels and photographic essays for inspiration all in our Italy booklist .

Italy Gift Baskets and Boxes

Take a trip all around Italy with a generous gift baskets full of delicious  and artisan made goodies. Choose from regional gift boxes shipped direct from Italy or delicious snacks and treats bundled up with artisan wares and even books.

capri gift box

Artisanal box (us), fabbri bundle (us), spirito gift basket, italy coffee gifts.

When you can’t be in Italy, a simple brew of Italian coffee can take you there in an instant. These Italy coffee gift ideas are an easy and thoughtful way to give the gift of Italy for many mornings to come.

A classically Italian and stylish gift is Italy’s favorite Bialetti stovetop moka pot – for classic or induction cooktops.

Experiences in Italy

Here at Untold Italy we love experience gifts. If they have a trip planned to Italy in 2024, why not gift your family and friends the experience of a lifetime. How about a cooking class in the Tuscan hills or a Ferrari driving experience. 

Italian Language Courses

Speaking Italian is a joy as it is such a beautiful, lyrical language. If you’d like to give the gift of language, we recommend the following online courses

• Intrepid Italian Learn Italian Fast – perfect for learning travel ready Italian
• Rocket Italian – comprehensive and multi-dimensioned approach to learning Italian to advanced level

Online Italian Experiences

While you wait for your trip to Italy, transport yourself there and build the excitement with these fun online experiences. From cooking classes to virtual tours, it’s never been easier to connect with Italy from home.

Italian Food Gifts

You could also create your own hamper with delicious Italian food goods available in your town. Look for biscotti, traditional panettone, olive oil and balsamic vinegar plus beautifully packaged Amarena cherries. We just love the jars they come in which can be repurposed as decorative items once the cherries have been gobbled up.

Italian Gifts for Her

Italians are well known for their classic style and beautiful fabrics. Choose a gorgeous Italian silk scarf or cute Italian themed charm to remind her of Italy. Italian made soaps are another indulgent gift that will be well received. 

Italian Gifts for Him

Whether he likes football or is a snappy dresser, there’s an Italian gift idea to suit. We love the Acqua Di Parma fragrance – it’s an instant way to transport you to Italy. Just add a cashmere scarf and he’ll be as well turned out as any well-heeled Italian.

Italy Gift Cards

Not just a last minute gift option (but very handy for that too!) gift cards allow them to choose their own digital guides and planners from us at Untold Italy or tour experience from Take Walks or one of our favorite food tour companies Eating Europe . 

The Gift of Italy

We think the perfect Italian gift is a trip to Italy ! After all, what could be better than strolling around a piazza, gelato in hand enjoying la dolce vita.

If you’re ready to start putting your dreams into action, head on over to our guide to planning a trip to Italy where we take you step by step through building the perfect trip for you and your travel companions.

Or, if you’d like everything taken care of, why not join us on one of our small group tours of hidden Italy where you’ll discover the Italy you’ve always dreamed of.

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Gifts for Italy Lovers: 55+ Classic and Creative Ideas

Italy, oh, Italy. From the Italian lake district , Tuscany, and Rome ( central Italy ) to the hidden gems like Vicenza , it’s everyone’s dream destination. Once the obsession has begun, there is no turning back, and every trip, dinner, and gift must be Italian-themed. Now, buying gifts for Italy lovers may sound easy, but the truth is that it can be challenging.

There are just too many great options out there that it can get quite confusing, but don’t worry. I’m here to bring all that chaos into order.

So instead of you running around from store to store or from website to website, I’m happy to share with you my roundup of the best Italian themed gifts, no matter what your budget is.

* This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure ). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

* I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.

*When purchasing my engraved ring necklace from Vagabond Life , they gifted me with one extra ring and one compass necklace. Dolce Italiana gifted me with one clutch bag . That said, I always share my honest opinions.

Table of Contents

Gifts for All Italy Lovers

Engraved ring necklace.

Vagabond Life ‘s engraved ring travel-themed necklaces are great gifts for both women and men.

You start by buying the necklace itself (or using one you already have at home) and then you can add a ring for every continent, country, or even city you traveled to. You can also only buy the ‘Italy’ ring and add Italian city rings, making it a wonderful themed gift.

I absolutely love how my necklace looks (made from high-quality stainless steel), and a huge bonus for me is that they also use eco-friendly packaging and donate some of their profits to wildlife rescue and environmental organizations.

Purchase your necklace and ‘Italy’ ring here (rings and chains are sold separately) and use the code ORA20 at checkout for a 20% discount on your order. You can also check out my full Vagabond Life review .

Scopa Card Game

This centuries-old Italian card game has become popular even outside of Italy, and it is a perfect addition to a game night! Read more about it and get Scopa on Amazon .

A Piece of Land

If you’re looking for an out-of-the-box gift, an actual piece of land in Italy totally checks that box. It’s not every day that someone gets to own a part of this beautiful country, so this is your chance to wow your loved ones. Learn more about it and purchase it here (for a Tuscany lover, you can also buy a piece of Tuscany ).

Tombola Board Game

Originating in southern Italy, this bingo-style board game is another wonderful gift for game-night lovers. Purchase it on Amazon.

Italian Food Gift Baskets

Whether your gift is for someone who loves to cook or someone more on the eating side, you can never go wrong with gift baskets. They look elegant, impressive, and inviting, and with the right type of basket, it can be a pretty memorable present.

From a simple pasta and sauces basket to sweet baskets, you have so many drool-worthy options that no Italian food lover could resist. Browse all baskets on Amazon or Eataly .

Coffee Table Books

I absolutely love inspiring coffee table books packed with beautiful photos, and I’m happy to announce that there are quite a few dedicated to Italy, boasting images anyone will drool over, like this one .

Coffee Mugs

How can a coffee addict say no to a coffee mug? It’s both practical and fun, and personally, I would be happy to get one on any occasion.

With so many great designs out there, it’s easy to get confused, but there are some really cute options like the mug I bought for myself .

It has great quality, the writing is on both sides, and you don’t have to worry the print will peel off as it is a part of the mug (and not a sticker), though you might want to avoid putting it in the dishwasher too many times.

You can also browse other Italy themed mugs on Etsy .

Christmas Ornaments

If you’re looking for Italian Christmas gifts, why not buy a themed ornament? Check out all options on Etsy or Amazon (like this Venice ornament or this Pisa ornament ).

Fiction Books Set In Italy

From romantic novels to thrillers, there are countless books about Italy that any bookworm will love.

Those include ‘ The Tuscan Child ,’ ‘ One Summer in Italy ,’ and ‘ Murder in Chianti ,’ but you can also check out my roundups of books set in Tuscany and romance novels set in Italy .

You might also like:

• Novels about France
• Novels set in Spain
• Novels set in Greece

A practical item like a calendar doesn’t have to be boring and can actually be one of the best gifts for someone who loves Italy. You’ll find tons of options on Amazon, like this calendar .

Italian Coffee Maker

If you’re looking for gifts for coffee lovers , an Italian coffee maker would be amazing. Whether it’s a classic or a personalized design, no coffee snob could ever say no to such a unique Italian themed gift idea.

The infamous Bialetti is one of the best-selling brands you should check out.

Italian Coffee

Along with a coffee maker, it’s only logical to buy some coffee produced by Italy’s most esteemed brands like Illy and Lavazza. The latter is my personal favorite, and it even has a holiday blend with beautiful seasonal packaging.

Adult Coloring Book

Adult coloring books have become a huge thing (I have quite a few and I love them), so for the right person, an Italy-themed coloring book can be a perfect gift.

No one is ever too old to do a puzzle, and no one can resist a puzzle of beautiful Italian scenery. Check out the ones you can find on Amazon – they’re gorgeous!

Italian Wines

From a beer kind of girl, I’m turning into a huge white wine lover, and Italy is where I had some of the most delicious wines (especially in Tuscany).

You really can’t go wrong with Italian wine as a gift, so check out these awesome options on wine.com .

Limoncello From Sorrento

The iconic lemon liqueur is a must-try drink, especially when visiting Sorrento and Amalfi. So if your loved ones are missing their southern Italian trip, treat them with some limoncello .

Whether you’re looking for gifts for kids or Lego-addict adults, this is a perfect choice. For Italy lovers, you can get the Tower of Pisa or Rome’s Trevi Fountain , though both can be quite pricey.

A significantly less expensive alternative to Lego, Italy-themed 3D puzzles (like these ones ) can also be a fantastic gift for both kids and adults.

I have to say I love the colorful socks trend, even if it’s just for feeling cozy at home. And surprise, surprise, you’ll find themed socks for both women and men (including pizza socks !), which can be a quirky yet adorable gift.

Sometimes the simplest gifts are the best ones. If they’re well designed, beautifully illustrated, or include an inspiring Italy quote , maps and prints are a fantastic gift idea, and I personally would love to get a cool poster that flaunts my love for my favorite destination.

Browse all Italy inspired wall art on Etsy .

Though it’s not easy to find a case for every type of phone, you can find some amazing Italy-themed designs on Etsy .

I love authentic souvenirs, but I also love cheesy ones like magnets and keychains. They could be an addition to another gift, and you’ll find plenty of adorable keychains on Etsy .

Travel Inspired Gifts for Italy Lovers

Travel guides.

There’s nothing better to ignite one’s wanderlust than a travel book. Seriously, if I could, I would buy every single travel guide out there to make a huge envy-worthy library. I especially like to find out-of-the-box guides, like this adorable series .

Italian Phrasebook

When traveling, it’s always good to know a few basic phrases in the local language. But if you want to communicate with Italians without the frustration of a language barrier (because in many areas, English is still not well-spoken), you should probably know a bit more than 2-3 sentences.

So what could be a better travel gift for an Italy lover than an Italian phrasebook ? Both practical and fun, it can be useful for traveling as well as for learning and improving one’s Italian.

Italian Flashcards

If you’re looking for an alternative to the traditional dictionary/phrasebook, Italian flashcards can be a great way for beginners to learn the language (and they’re convenient to carry around).

Travel Journals

I have a weakness for notebooks and travel journals. First of all, they’re practical, because honestly, I prefer to have some things written in a notebook rather than on my phone.

Second of all, anything that’s well-designed deserves my attention. Travel-inspired or quote-inspired notebooks instantly catch my eye, and in most cases, a single purchase is not going to cut it.

Check out all Italy-themed travel journal designs and prices on Etsy .

Surprise Trip Ticket

In case you’re the best gift-giver in the world, you have probably decided to give your loved one a surprise trip, which makes them super lucky.

Now, if you’re reading this post, I highly doubt that you have, but if I’m inspiring you right now, consider adding this sweet printable boarding pass for a creative reveal.

Photo Album

Check out this highly-rated beautiful themed wooden photo album on Etsy , which would be a fantastic gift for Italy addicts.

Best Gifts for Italy Lovers Who Love to Cook and Host

If you’re looking for gifts for people who love Italy and also love to feed others, you’re essentially in a win-win situation. They’ll be happy to receive any cooking-related gift and you will probably be rewarded with a delicious meal.

My advice: hold on to these people and never let them go, especially if they spoil you with hearty Italian food.

Live Online Cooking Classes and Other Experiences

Eatwith is known as a platform for booking meals and tours hosted by locals, and now, it also offers cooking classes and other live online experiences, which are perfect for when you can’t travel.

If you’re looking for a non-materialistic gift for Italy lovers, this is it. Check out all the upcoming Italy-themed online events on Eatwith.

Pizza Making Set

I have relatives who have an outdoor oven and love to host pizza nights, so I can tell you that these kits are a wonderful gift for pizza-making addicts. Most kits include a pizza stone and a cutter, as well as other accessories. Here’s one of the best-rated sets on Amazon.

An apron is a must for those who get down and dirty when they’re cooking (Italian food, of course). So instead of a boring one-color apron, why not add some Italian flavor to it and get a colorful piece ?

Balsamic Vinegar From Modena

For high-quality Italian balsamic vinegar, look for products made in Modena (like this one ) – it really doesn’t get better than this.

Chef’s Hat

If the apron is not enough, top it off with a themed chef’s hat !

A cookbook is a classic gift idea that never grows old. Even Italian cooking lovers who probably already have like 50 cookbooks would be glad to own one more.

From traditional to modern to healthy cooking to desserts, you can find a large variety of Italian cookbooks on Amazon .

Grappa Glasses

Originating in northern Italy, the famous after-dinner drink Grappa is usually served in Tulip-shaped glasses that are designed to make the most of its flavor and aroma. Apart from their practical use, Grappa glasses can also be a beautiful decorative item.

Pasta Maker and Pasta Machine

Do you ever get that feeling of wanting to watch a movie on your comfy sofa while devouring a huge bowl of pasta? I get that a lot.

Everybody loves pasta, so gifting a cooking lover with a pasta maker or a pasta machine is a guaranteed way of earning an Italian homemade dinner.

Italian Olive Oil

If you’re looking for authentic gifts from Italy, it doesn’t get much better than delicious Italian olive oil, and you might be surprised, but the country’s biggest olive oil producer is the stunning region of Puglia (which I adored!), so look for high-quality Apulian extra virgin olive oil .

Read more about Puglia and Italy:

• Best area to stay in Bari
• Best things to do in Bari
• Best day trips from Bari
• Is Bari worth visiting
• 5-day Puglia itinerary without a car
• Hidden gems in Puglia
• Visiting Puglia in March
• Hidden gems in southern Italy

Pasta Bowls

There’s nothing more comforting than stuffing your face with a big bowl of pasta, and my beautifully designed bowls make it taste even better. I wish I could refer you to the same ones I have because their adorable, but these are very similar .

Personalized Cutting Board

A cutting board as a gift? Isn’t that weird? Well, it doesn’t have to be when it has an awesome Italy-related design. With these cool cutting boards of  Venice and Italy , even the worst cooks would want to step up their cooking game.

Gifts for Italy Lovers Who Are Better at Eating Than Cooking

While I do love to cook, I prefer simple and quick meals instead of spending hours in the kitchen. I also find the eating part much more fun than the cooking part, but that’s just me.

So for those people who are a complete trainwreck in the kitchen or just rather eat than cook, these are the best Italian food gifts ( besides the gift baskets I’ve already mentioned above ).

Originating in Milan, the panettone is a Christmastime sweet bread popular all across Italy, so it can be the perfect Christmas gift for those who want to immerse themselves in Italian traditions (I tried one in Milan and absolutely loved it!). Get your Panettone here.

Read more about Milan:

• Road trips from Milan
• Things to do in Milan when it rains
• Non touristy things to do in Milan
• 4 days in Milan
• Day trips from Milan in winter
• Best places to visit in Lombardy

Italian Sweets Assortment

Baci Chocolates

My family knows that the best gift for me is chocolate, and that includes Italian chocolates.

I’m a long-time Baci fan. I was lucky enough to visit the Perugina factory in Perugia and enjoy some delicious tastings, so I’m sure any chocoholic would appreciate this addictive gift. Buy them here.

Biscotti Cookies

Chocolates From Turin

One of the most famous cities in Italy for its chocolates, Turin is known as where the magical combo of cocoa and hazelnuts was born centuries ago.

The most popular praline is a triangle-shaped chocolate-hazelnut treat called Gianduiotto, but there are plenty of other delicious creations that were invented in the city and the region of Piedmont like Cremino and Cri Cri.

Caffarel and Venchi are two of Turin’s most iconic brands, so what could be better than their chocolates ?

• Reasons to visit Turin
• Best things to do in Turin, Italy
• 3 days in Turin
• Where to stay in Turin, Italy
• A guide to chocolate in Turin
• Cafes in Turin
• Turin travel tips
• Winter in Turin
• Hidden gems in Turin
• Turin or Milan
• Hidden gems in northern Italy
• Northern Italy in October

Ferrero Rocher

Not that it needs any introduction, but let’s not forget that this piece of heaven was also invented in the region of Piedmont. Everybody loves Ferrero Rocher, so you can’t go wrong with one of their chocolate boxes .

Hazelnuts and Cocoa Spread

Last but not least, Piedmont has also gifted us with delicious spreads – the original is called Gianduia, and Nutella was born decades later. So if love chocolate hazelnut spreads, Caffarel’s is one of the best .

Engraved Tiramisu Spoon

Who wouldn’t want to eat a big piece of tiramisu with their own personal spoon?

It’s a pretty unique idea that any Italian dessert addict would appreciate, especially when it’s so adorable-looking like  this one from Etsy .

Italy Gifts for Her

Finding Italian gift ideas for her can seem intimidating. I admit it, we ladies are picky. We don’t necessarily need expensive presents, but we do love gifts that are beautiful, adorable, and practical all at the same time.

Lucky for you, I know exactly what kind of Italy inspired gifts will sweep her off her feet.

Dolce Italiana

From clutch bags and pillow covers to coasters and phone cases, Dolce Italiana offers a variety of products decorated with wanderlust-fueling colorful designs inspired by dreamy destinations like Sicily, Amalfi, and Capri.

I’ve chosen the Amalfi clutch bag, which is made of vegan leather, and it’s absolutely beautiful (looks just like it does in the photos), has a great size (especially for travel), and is high-quality.

The original designs are hand-painted, and some pieces can be personalized by adding a name. Dolce Italiana also offers free worldwide shipping, which is a total bonus. See all the latest designs and prices here.

Themed Jewelry

There’s something about jewelry that we women find irresistible, which makes it a perfect gift for any occasion.

Since we’re talking about Italy related gifts, you’ll find some pretty cute themed pieces, which you can browse on Etsy here.

Jewelry Made in Italy

If you’re looking for authentic gifts made in Italy and don’t mind spending some more money, check out this jewelry collection on QVC or these Murano glass pieces ).

Cute T-Shirts

As a t-shirt and jeans kind of girl, I fully approve of cute travel-themed shirts as a gift. Check out the designs you can find on Etsy .

No woman can say no to perfumes, but it is essential to know her taste. Acqua di Parma and Tom Ford both offer many Italy-related scents so that you can find the perfect scent for every woman.

Check out Tom Ford’s Neroli Portofino , Acqua di Parma’s Mandorlo di Sicilia , and Carthusia’s Fiori di Capri .

Scented Candles

Another option involving Italian scents is Italian-scented candles. Again, it’s not for everyone, but I personally wouldn’t mind if my house smelled like cannoli or the Amalfi Coast. Check prices and reviews here.

Decorative items are always a good neutral gift idea, and themed pillows are a really fun way to show off one’s passions and obsessions. For Italy lovers, you can find some great options on Amazon and Etsy .

Italian Gifts for Him

Shopping for men is a hard task in general, and if you’re looking for Italian gift ideas for him, it can be even more difficult. So if you haven’t found anything suitable in the previous sections, I have a few more ideas that might work.

Football Jersey

I know I’m not the only one who loves European football, and jerseys are a classic gift (not only for men), whether he’s a fan of Milan, Inter, Juventus , or any other Italian team.

It’s quite a simple gift, but for the right guy, it could be enough. Check out the shirts you can find on Etsy .

Men’s Cologne

You could never go wrong with men’s cologne as a gift, so why not choose an Italy-inspired scent? Check out scents like Acqua Di Parma’s Arancia di Capri and Fico di Amalfi .

Do you have any other ideas for Italian themed presents? Share them in the comments!

Related Posts

• Best Italian road trips
• Places to visit in winter in Italy
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• Reasons to visit Aosta
• Places to visit in Aosta Valley
• Aosta Valley road trip from Turin
• 7 days in Rome, Florence, and Venice

Looking for more travel-inspired gifts ? Check out:

• Unique travel gift ideas
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• London themed gift guide
• Paris themed gift guide
• Greek themed gift ideas

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I'm a passionate traveler obsessed with traveling in Europe and discovering hidden gems in each place I visit. For me, it's not about ticking destinations off the bucket list but experiencing each one of them to the fullest. Read more about me and my story.

What to Buy in Italy: 35+ Best Italy Souvenirs

There are near-limitless fun things to dream about and budget for when gearing up for a trip to Italy, and planning what to buy in Italy is definitely one of them!

Souvenirs from Italy are a fantastic way to bring a piece of your trip home with you, and you can find a souvenir for every taste when shopping in Italy.

No matter how many times we visit Italy (which is a lot), we always seem to find some new treasure to bring home, whether it’s a ceramic jar from the Amalfi Coast , a magnet from Taormina , an antique map of Italy from an outdoor market in Lucca , or even simply a bag of taralli (one of our favorite snacks from Puglia )… just to name a few examples.

Not sure what to buy on your upcoming Italy trip?

Here are the best souvenirs from Italy to look for!

Table of Contents

Best Foodie Souvenirs from Italy

Decor + collectibles to buy in italy, best italy souvenirs to wear, miscellaneous things to buy in italy, inexpensive (but fun) souvenirs from italy, tips for shopping in italy, read more about visiting italy.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Of all the best Italy souvenirs out there, we have to admit we’re partial to those with a foodie bent.

Not only is Italy’s gastronomy practically synonymous with its culture, but centering your shopping in Italy around food will allow your trip to continue in spirit once you return home, and eliminate the risk of waste or clutter accumulating over time.

If you’re traveling outside the EU, you’ll need to avoid a few of these treasures, like cheese–though if you ask us, souvenirs still count if you eat them before leaving the country!

The most classic of all Italian souvenirs is definitely wine !

Virtually all vineyards in Italy will ship bottles home for you, so if you’re a wine fan, consider picking up several of your favorites and enjoying them slowly over time.

Alternatively, for a budget souvenir option, hit the grocery store for a fun experience and a chance to experience just how delicious “cheap” wine in Italy can get.

Go ahead–try the 5 Euro bottle! It might surprise you!

Like wine, olive oil is a classic Italian souvenir that is easy to ship home.

And while it’s a popular souvenir year-round, if you’re lucky enough to visit during the olive harvest in the fall, you should absolutely, without a doubt, be sure to pick up some fresh olive oil!

For the best quality, avoid anything in a glass jar and instead look for olive oil stored in metal cans.

Spices are one of the cheapest and easiest to transport of these foodie souvenirs from Italy, and they can transform any dish.

Truffle Oil

Drizzle a few drops of truffle oil over your pasta at home, and you’ll almost swear you’re back in Italy when you taste it.

We love having it on hand for dressing up a standard night at home.

Truffle oil also makes a fantastic gift from Italy for foodies at home!

Italian Cookbook

Want to recreate some of your favorite Italian dishes once you return home?

Pick up a cookbook when shopping in Italy!

Cured Meats

From prosciutto to parma ham to plenty of sausages, cured meats travel well and make great souvenirs from Italy.

If you’re heading back to the US, you’ll need to eat this treat before heading home… but no Italy trip is complete without at least one meal that consists of cured meat, cheese, fruit, and wine picked up at local markets.

Dried or jarred–either option is a great way to bring a taste of Italy home!

Arguably Italy’s best-known liqueur, limoncello comes primarily from the Amalfi Coast and the surrounding area in Campania, including Sorrento .

If you’re not headed south, though, don’t worry: y ou’ll find limoncello served and sold all over the country.

If you pick some up as a souvenir, you can make an incredible limoncello spritz at home and bring a taste of the Amalfi Coast back from Italy with you.

This grape-based hard liquor is easy to find in Italy–you’ll undoubtedly be served a shot on the house at a restaurant at some point during your trip !

It d efinitely has quite the kick , and if you find yourself partial to it, grappa makes a wonderful Italian souvenir.

While dried pasta isn’t quite the same as the fresh stuff, it’s still a delicious option that makes for a wonderful souvenir (and easy to transport) souvenir from Italy!

You might also be surprised to learn that some famous Italian dishes are traditionally made with dried pasta–it’s not all about fresh pasta, even when exploring the boot.

Carbonara, for example, is made with dried pasta in Italy (personally, rigatoni is my favorite shape for this dish, though you’ll see many interpretations).

Traditional Balsamic Vinegar

Forget the cheap stuff–traditional balsamic vinegar from Modena takes 12-25 years to make, and the cost matches the commitment !

Expect to spend in the range of 100 Euro for a traditionally made bottle–but for the right customer (like Jeremy!) the cost is absolutely worth it.

Traditional balsamic vinegar is one of the absolute best souvenirs from Italy, as it is a very specific product that is difficult (and expensive) to source abroad, it is easy to transport, and it lasts a long time.

We’ve been very slowly working through our latest bottle for almost a year now, and it’s not even half gone.

From basic olive spreads to more, shall we say, adventurous spreads like cibreo, jarred spreads are easy to carry home.

And, s meared across a piece of crostini, they’re bound to help you feel like you’re back in Italy.

Hard Cookies & Sweets

Hard cookies and sweets (we’re partial to cantucci cookies from Tuscany, personally) are an inexpensive and fun way to bring a taste of la dolce vita home with you.

Chocolate 

Artisanal chocolates may be more readily associated with Belgium and France, but Italy also makes some incredible ones!

L ook for these especially in the region of Piedmont (arguably one of the most underrated regions in Italy, especially for foodies) and in the Val di Noto town of Modica in Sicily .

Hard cheeses, like aged parmigiano-reggiano, transport more easily than soft cheeses, but with a little ingenuity, you can get most cheeses home.

Want to bring true Italian coffee home with you?

While coffee bars are an enormous part of Italian coffee culture, moka pots–the pots that Italians make their coffee at home in–are also a huge part of the culture.

They’re a great way to bring Italian coffee home with you (assuming you’re not willing to splurge on a very pricey espresso machine, that is).

Home decor is one of our personal favorite things to buy in Italy, and even during our four years of long-term travel, we found ourselves acquiring a couple of pieces along the way.

Now that we have a home base again, seeing our carefully chosen pieces puts a smile on our faces every day!

… which is a very good thing, because we never seem to return to Italy without acquiring another treasure or two.

Ceramics + Pottery

Ceramics are popular across Italy, though you’ll see a lot of beautiful, hand-painted choices along the Amalfi Coast and in Tuscany in particular.

This is one of my personal weaknesses when shopping in Italy: I just can’t get enough of the ceramics!

One of our personal favorite souvenirs from Italy is our hand-painted jar from the Amalfi Coast.

From dishes to tiles, Italy is home to some truly beautiful porcelain.

Murano Glass

Examples of Murano glass, with its distinct colors and patterns, can be found in castles, palaces, and other opulent buildings around the globe–and it can definitely make an incredible souvenir from Italy!

While you can find Murano glass available for purchase across Italy, it’s especially lovely (and you’ll have the best selection) purchasing it on Murano or in nearby Venice.

Perugia Tablecloths

The popularity of beautiful tablecloths from Perugia dates all the way back to the 13th century!

If you’re visiting Umbria, it’s still absolutely worth picking one up today.

Door Knockers

Door knockers may be one of the more eclectic Italy souvenirs on this list, but if you’re in the market for one, you’ll certainly find an incredible selection in Italy!

While you can find them in shops, if you’re lucky enough to visit a flea market or antique fair when looking for things to bring back from Italy, you can have luck there as well.

Christmas Ornaments

The best way to go shopping in Italy for Christmas ornaments is at the annual Christmas markets, of course–but you can find beautiful ones year-round!

Easy to buy and easy to pack, Christmas ornaments also make excellent gifts from Italy for people you love back home.

Burano Lace

Italian lace–and specifically lace from the island of Burano near Venice–is cherished, and like Murano glass, has been popular with the extremely wealthy for centuries.

One of its best-known customers was Leonardo da Vinci himself, who bought a piece for the altar of the Duomo of Milan !

While most of the lace you’ll see for sale in Burano these days is made by machine or a hybrid of machine work and handmade touches (the traditional handmade pieces take months to create and cost thousands of dollars), it is still stunning!

If you’re looking for the  best souvenirs from Venice , there’s no doubt that Burano lace ranks among them.

Venetian Masks

What’s a trip to Venice without buying a Venetian mask?

With options raising in price from roughly 3 Euro to thousands, some version of this Italian souvenir is an option for everyone.

Original Art

Of all of the options listed in this guide to what to buy in Italy, a piece of original art definitely ranks as one of the most memorable and unique!

It doesn’t necessarily need to be a prohibitively expensive purchase, either: from small crafts and sketches to enormous oil paintings, statues, and beyond, there are many ways to bring a piece of Italian art home with you.

Prefer Italian souvenirs that you can wear?

These are some of the best options for shopping in Italy if you have your eye on clothes and accessories!

Not just any perfume, though–one purchased from a historic and beautiful location.

Consider purchasing a scent at the 13th-century Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy in Florence or the flagship Merchant of Venice store in Venice when shopping in Italy!

Leather Goods

Leather clothing and accessories, including jackets, bags, belts, shoes, and more, are some of the most popular artisanal goods sold in Italy, especially in Tuscany!

Goods can vary wildly in price and quality, but if you’re looking to get beyond the standard tourist offerings, the Scuola del Cuoio in Florence is a great place to look.

(Not that there’s anything wrong with sticking to a budget if that’s what’s in your price range, though–Jeremy’s fairly inexpensive Italian wallet has been with us for many years now).

Gold Jewelry

Italian gold is known for its high quality–most of the gold sold in the country is at least 18 karat–and its enormous number of artisans will make sure you have plenty of pieces to fall in love with.

You’ll certainly pay a bit more there, but if you’re in the market for a gold souvenir from Italy, the most memorable place to purchase it is undoubtedly from one of the (many) shops along the Ponte Vecchio in Florence.

Italy is known for its high fashion shopping opportunities, and that includes watches.

If you’re looking to splurge on a timepiece anytime soon, Italy is a great place to do it!

Handmade Shoes

One of the most popular souvenirs from the Amalfi Coast (or nearby spots like Capri ) is to have a pair of leather sandals handmade for you onsite .

T he tradition extends beyond the Amalfi Coast, and you’ll find these souvenir options in Tuscany, as well.

Luxury Clothes and Accessories from Italian Designers

Valentino, Prada, Armani, Versace, Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana… even casual observers of luxury brands can no doubt name off several of the big names from Italy!

If you’re looking to splurge on any designer pieces, Italy is absolutely the place to do it–not only is the selection incredible, but you’ll actually often pay less in Italy than you would for the same luxury goods abroad!

Like luxury, but also like deals?

You can also go souvenir shopping in Italy at a luxury outlet retailer–you can even hop a shuttle bus to one near Florence!

Book your shopping trip today!

Leather Wallet

Jeremy loves his wallet from Tuscany–and wallets also make great gifts to pick up while shopping in Italy!

Beautiful stationery is one of the best things to buy in Italy, and Florence and Venice are especially known for it.

This is a particularly wonderful Italian souvenir for honeymooners –what a memorable way to write thank-you notes when you get home!

For Catholics, especially those visiting the Vatican , a rosary can be a particularly meaningful reminder of their trip to Italy.

Additional Religious Items

In addition to rosaries, (Catholic) icons and crucifixes are also popular religious souvenirs from Italy.

You’ll find them for sale all over, but the gift shops of famous churches and cathedrals are a very reliable option!

Whether used or new, books are one of the best ways to remember a trip!

English-language books are fairly easy to find when shopping in Italy (in addition to English-language bookstores, the gift shops of museums are a great place to look), and we’ve collected several over the years.

Only have a few Euro or a small sliver of space in your luggage to spare?

These Italy souvenirs might be right for you!

Magnets are one of the most popular souvenirs to collect from around the world and often run only a few Euro apiece.

It’s worth waiting to find one that really sticks out to you–I spent almost a week looking for the right Sicily magnet, for example, but absolutely adore the one we ended up with!

What better way is there to reminisce about your trip to Italy than to be reminded of it every time you go to make a hot drink and pull your mug from Italy out of the cabinet?

Postcards are the ultimate combination of inexpensive, easy to pack, and easily personalized, making them one of the best budget souvenirs from Italy!

They tend to run .50 to 1 Euro each, but if you’re up to spending an extra couple Euro on top of that, consider filling a postcard out with your memories of the day right then and there.

Then, send it to yourself so you can relive your Italy memories as you return home (or a few weeks after, really–we’ve found that it takes quite a while to receive postcards from Italy in the USA!).

When shopping for food items, check for their certifications.

Italy takes its food incredibly seriously–so seriously, in fact, that there are different certifications a product can earn, stating that it was made in a particular place, with particular ingredients, or with a particular technique.

Look for the DOP and/or IGP labels when shopping in Italy for food products, and you’re bound to come away with a great example of Italian gastronomy.

Shop your region.

While you can find beautiful Italy souvenirs all over the country and can find most of the items included in this Italy shopping guide in many places, shopping for products specific to the region you’re visiting can add something special to the memory while helping ensure you have the best possible selection available.

For example, consider shopping for olive oil in Tuscany, glass in Murano , or masks in Venice!

Have a plan for which souvenirs from Italy you want before starting your trip.

You won’t need to stick to your plan exactly, of course–shopping spontaneously can be part of the fun of travel–but having a general idea of what you want to look for when shopping in Italy can help add structure to your browsing, and in some cases, help limit indecisiveness (for me, anyway).

For example, I already know that I want to pick up a couple of ceramic soap dispensers on our next trip to Italy!

Consider quality over quantity.

When deciding what to buy in Italy, think about quality over quantity.

I t’s incredibly easy to end up buying more Italy souvenirs than expected, and ending up with more knick-knacks than you really need.

In our experience, it’s much better to buy 1-2 truly memorable souvenirs than a whole slew of less memorable ones!

Note the trip and date of purchase on your Italy souvenirs.

You may find it easy to remember when and where you purchased your beautiful souvenirs from Italy now–but give it a decade or three, and you may be very glad you noted the place and year of purchase with the item!

We tend to write the info on the bottom of home decor pieces or Christmas ornaments and love the tradition of it.

Check on transportation regulations.

For the majority of these souvenirs from Italy, there is absolutely no issue with bringing them back yourself in your checked luggage.

F or food items, though, be sure to double-check any necessary regulations before packing up to leave Italy (and for anything not allowed, well–now you have a good excuse to eat them during your trip!).

For Americans like us, check the USDA regulations here .

Check on shipping costs if necessary.

If you’re carrying back something particularly fragile, heavy, or potentially regulated, it’s definitely worth at least inquiring about the cost of shipping.

M any small businesses and artisans in Italy are able and willing to ship their goods abroad , so be sure to ask!

It can definitely make your travels simpler if you don’t have to worry about carrying any particularly heavy or delicate purchases home with you.

… and leave extra space in your bag!

It’s definitely worth leaving an extra outfit or two at home to make sure that you have enough room in your luggage to accommodate a couple of the best souvenirs from Italy for yo u!

Ready to keep planning your trip to Italy?

We’d love to help!

You can  browse our 100+ Italy blog posts here , or check out these guides:

• 7 Days in Italy: 7 Ways to Spend a Week in Italy
• 21 Best Day Trips from Florence (+ Detailed Travel Advice)
• Summer in Italy: How to Plan Your Sun-Soaked Dream Trip!
• How to Take the Perfect Day Trip to Lake Como From Milan (By Train or Tour!)
• What to Buy in Rome: 15+ Best Souvenirs From the Eternal City

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

18 thoughts on “What to Buy in Italy: 35+ Best Italy Souvenirs”

Very helpful! Thanks for writing this and sharing this information!

Nice job! Thanks for the info!

Thank you! I love the idea of a door knocker!

Hi Thanks for the tips! Question: Is it crazy expensive to ship dishes (12 dinner plates) home to US from Positano?

Depends on a lot of factors, but it’s doable and popular! I recommend speaking with the local shop once you find the ones you want–they almost always have shipping programs available and can give more specific information.

Do you recommend aby specific shops for souvenirs, or have a post about that? Thanks!

Hi Yesenia!

I’ll occasionally mention a place or shop in posts about specific destinations, but I don’t have any full guides on where to shop. That’s more of a city-by-city thing, like restaurants.

I usually skim through a some of these guides, however, I read, enjoyed and learned so much from your post.

My husband and I are visiting Tuscany and the Amalie coast in September. Your itineraries and suggestions are practical and have added to the excitement of our upcoming trip. Thank you!

Thank you so much, Elizabeth! Love hearing that travelers find our articles helpful. 🙂

Hope you guys have a fantastic time in Italy!

Thanks for the info,it’s useful and interesting,specially about expenses and budget on souvenirs.

Loved your article! Wanted to point out, however, that the TSA is not the governing authority for items being brought into the US. For that you need to check US Agriculture and Customs. Cured meats such as prosciutto and parma ham are NOT allowed in, sadly! I will have to settle for some great olive and truffle oils.

Happy travels!

Thanks, Kara! I’ll look into getting that link updated. 🙂

The last picture shows a GERMAN (!) market! Germany and Italy is not exactly the same, just saying… 😀

You’re right that there’s German on the signs, but it’s not exactly a German market–I took that photo in Bolzano, in Italy’s South Tyrol region!

The region is definitely part of Italy (since 1918) but has very close ties with Austria and was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire pre-WWI. Many of those traditions, including the German language, survive to this day.

It’s a very interesting place to visit! You can read more about the very cool city of Bolzano (German name Bozen–most towns up there have dual names in each language) in this blog post: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/things-to-do-in-bolzano-italy/

Thankyou for your very interesting articles. They’ve given me lots of ideas. My husband and I will be staying in Sacile (Venezia-Giulia) for some days in September. Do you know anything about this town?

We’ve never been there, but it looks beautiful! The only place we’ve had a chance to visit in Friuli Venezia Giulia so far is Trieste.

Although luxury items may be cheaper, you will still have to claim them when going through customs! You’ll be changed the taxes coming back into the US!

It’s a case-by-case basis (how much did you buy, what is it, etc.) but you generally still come out ahead, especially since you can have the VAT (European tax) refunded at the airport before you leave!

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Italian Gifts for Friends Obsessed With Italy

This is our curated list of Italian gifts guaranteed to please anyone you know who is obsessed with Italy!

Many travelers become obsessed with Italy. Count me among them. 

Despite the number of times my husband and I have visited, we are never bored. There is always another town or region to explore, or an adventure to experience. Italy is a country with layers of rich history and tradition.

On every visit, we learn about new foods , wines, kitchen tools, and customs that we want to incorporate into our lifestyle at home. As one example, I fell in love with pinsa (a Roman flatbread pizza) on our last trip to Italy. Now, I’m obsessively searching for the best pinsa I can find in New York.

If you know someone who similarly loves Italy, an Italian gift will not only make them happy and add a bit of the bella vita (beautiful life) to their life but will also be memorable.

A gift from Italy is a perfect way to say thank you, happy birthday, congratulations, happy holidays, or I’m thinking of you.

Here are some of our favorite Italian gifts or Italian-themed gift recommendations:

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Unforgettable Italian Gifts

Farfalloni-shaped pot grips.

I first spotted these whimsical pot grips at the Eataly store in Manhattan. The company that produces them, Monkey Business, offers a line of kitchen products that are both fun to use and whimsical. The grips are more ample in size than they appear in the photo. 

Made of high-quality washable silicone, the two-piece set of Farfalloni pot grips will be your go-to kitchen tool for safely draining the water from a heavy pasta pot. They have also become one of my favorite Italian gifts. If you’re in New York City, they are also available at the MOMA Design Store.

SEE IT ON AMAZON

A Classic Moka Pot

Almost every home in Italy has a well-worn aluminum Moka pot on its stovetop to make espresso in the morning. You can also see them making cameo appearances in most Italian movies or TV series. 

I’m embarrassed to say that we’ve collected quite a few in different sizes, both from the original maker, Bialetti, and also from Alessi, whose sculptural designs make them collection-worthy.

The 3-cup size of the iconic espresso maker is perfect for serving two people (it also comes in a one-cup and larger sizes, too). If you want to go full-fledged Italian, go for the one sporting the colors of the Italian flag.

Pulcina Espresso Pot

The Alessi 3-cup Pulcina with either a red or black handle is an update on the classic.

Designed by Michele de Lucchi, it has a no-drip pouring spout. It looks great on a kitchen counter or glass cabinet shelt and makes a perfect gift for a coffee lover.

Alessi Cappuccino Mugs

First I bought two, then I bought two more, and then two more again. Then when I had no more space on my kitchen cabinet shelf, I began buying them as Italian gifts of love (they come packaged in a pretty box).

This heart-shaped, bone china mug has an attractive, eye-catching shape with a thin lip that’s pleasant to drink from. The handle is easy to grip as well. Designed by Miriam Mirri for Alessi, it’s my go-to morning cup for coffee or cappuccino and will be yours!

Alessi Big Love Spoons

You might think I’m obsessed by Alessi design. Yes, mea culpa.

This is called a set of ice cream spoons but they are my everything spoons. Somehow, I’m always running short of teaspoons from my stainless set (I think I’ve inadvertently thrown a few away, too). I first bought a set of 4 of these spoons at the MOMA Design Store and liked them so much that I bought another set on Amazon.

These stainless heart-shaped spoons by Alessi, also designed by Miriam Mirri, are extra shiny. With a mirror-polish finish that lasts through dishwashing, they are stylish, functional and gift-worthy. They also look great on the table. 

T his post contains affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Farfalle (Strichetti or Butterfly-Shaped) Pasta

If you haven’t tasted farfalle, the butterfly-shaped pasta called strichetti in Emilia Romagna, you can purchase an artisanal brand from Supermarket Italy.

Your gift recipient will be able to prepare the pasta at home with a cream or tomato-based sauce.

SEE IT ON SUPERMARKET ITALY

All-Clad Pasta Ladle

This shiny, stainless pasta ladle is one of my favorite (and most used) kitchen accessories.

It’s extra long, dishwasher safe, highly-polished and looks as good as new after many years of use. The prongs grip pastas of all shapes and sizes. Like other All Clad products, it carries a lifetime warranty.

Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking: 30th Anniversary Edition

Marcella Hazan’s Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking has been widely praised. It is filled with 500 regional recipes with easy-to-follow directions. It also offers advice on technique, the craft of cooking, and time-honed wisdom that will be treasured by home cooks of every level.

Many consider it the Bible of Italian cooking and have dubbed Hazan, who was born in Emilia Romagna (the food capital of Italy) its godmother. You’ll want to keep a hardcover copy both as a reference book and also for inspiration. It’s the perfect gift for anyone who loves Italian cuisine.

A Book for Hopeless Romantics

Anyone who receives this book as a gift will get so caught up that they won’t want to put it down. It’s one of the most intriguing real-life stories I’ve read in a long time.

Beautifully written and illustrated, Love in a Tuscan Kitchen , is Sheryl Ness’ story of finding romance in Italy and ultimately marrying Vincenzo, a Tuscan chef. It is a story of romance infused with keen insights into Tuscan traditions and culture. An added bonus: It also contains a treasure trove of recipes.

How To Be Italian: The Book

What a fun book this was to read! In this masterful guide, Australian-Italian author, blogger, and food enthusiast, Maria Pasquale, distills the essence of the Italian lifestyle and culture , and captures it on paper in just over 200 pages.

In doing so, she sheds some light on why Italy is perennially one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and why so many of us are Italian-obsessed.

Sparkling Wine Stopper

Anyone who loves Italian sparkling wines (Asti, Prosecco, Lambrusco, Franciacorta and others) will appreciate this Kloveo professional sparkling wine stopper. It’s a nice add-on when your gifting a bottle of sparkling wine.

Made in Italy, it is patented by Italian inventor Walter Fortunato (WAF).  How it works: As pressure builds inside the bottle, the plastic nipple expands outward, creating a ‘bubble-tight’ seal. It is leak-proof and fits all standard neck bottles.

Guzzini Serving Bowl

Guzzini has been designing Italian gifts, kitchen and homeware for more than a century. The Le Murrine bowl was created by Pio and Tito Toso as an homage of the rich Venetian art of glassmaking. Everyone can always use an extra serving bowl. 

Made of a dishwasher-safe acrylic, it is extremely durable and can be used for serving. But it is also pretty enough to place on a coffee table to add a pop of color to a room. It comes in two sizes and several different color combinations.  Comes boxed suitable for gift wrapping.

2024 Guide: Italian Gifts For Food Lovers 

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11 Best Italian Gifts for the Italophile in Your Life

We admit we’re a little biased when it comes to holiday gift-giving. Since most of our friends and loved ones love Italy as much as we do, we at Italy Magazine can shop close to home — literally or figuratively. Our shop contains a huge array of gorgeous Made in Italy gifts, foodstuffs and housewares, and our travel partners are constantly tempting us with fabulous tours and trips. 

If you’re shopping for the Italy lovers in your life — or just looking for something special to gift yourself, check out our guide to the best Italian gifts for Italophiles. From the simplest gesture of a Christmas panettone to an extravagant trip to Italy, here are 11 ideas for gifts from Italy, made, selected and sent with tanto, tanto amore . Buone feste to you and yours!

A Premium Subscription to Italy Magazine

Okay, here’s an easy one. A Premium Subscription to Italy Magazine includes 12 months of access to our 20-year digital content library, all issues of Bellissimo, our quarterly magazine, plus e-books, mini-guides, and much more. For a limited time, a Premium Subscription also includes travel savings with ItaliaPass Primo, and, as a little bonus, two gourmet Vestri chocolate bars, courtesy of our partners at Tasty Ribbon. 

Holiday treats from Tasty Ribbon

Tasty Ribbon is one of Italy Magazine’s most trusted partners, offering high-quality, beautifully presented Made-in-Italy gourmet food items. Choose a thoughtful tea and chocolates gift set , or splurge on a Deck the Halls gift box , which includes a holiday ornament, a scented candle, a curated Spotify playlist and a panettone — of course — in a keepsake tin box. And here’s another great idea: Enter our 12 Days of Buone Feste Holiday Giveaway and win one of six delicious Tasty Ribbon gifts!

A watercolor print from Alan Reed

Artist Alan Reed captures the ephemeral beauty of Italy’s most spellbinding places, from Venice’s Grand Canal at first light to a chilly day on Siena’s Piazza del Campo or the iconic towers of San Gimignano bathed in afternoon light . Remind a past travel companion of your favorite trip together with one of Reed’s limited edition watercolor prints or choose one to grace your own home — right near your luggage and passport! 

An EXAU Olive Oil club membership

Skyler Mapes and Giuseppe Morisani are the dynamic founders and producers behind EXAU, an extra-virgin olive oil company that produces its "green gold" in the heart of Calabria. For that person on your list who won't abide the supermarket-grade stuff  — perhaps that person is you — nicely-priced membership in their olive oil delivery club makes a perfect (and practical) gift. Bottles ship quarterly, but different quantities are available, so you can adjust depending on what works best for your recipient's kitchen.

A course in memoir writing with Kamin Mohammadi

Know a writerly type who's craving a bit more creative structure and could use a seasoned guide? Tuscany-based Renaissance woman Kamin Mohammadi is known for her books Bella Figura: How to Live, Love and Eat the Italian Way   and  The Cypress Tree: A Love Letter to Iran,  both of which draw from personal experience and history to weave a compelling work. Kamin's six-week memoir-writing course , offered on a rolling, by-demand basis, prepares you (or your giftee) to find the heart of your own story while also nourishing overall creativity, incorporating relaxation practices from her day-to-day routine as a yogi in Tuscany.

Handpainted majolica ceramics from Bonechi Imports

Since 1984, Bonechi Imports has been scouring Italy to bring the finest handpainted majolica ceramics to the United States. Each item is hand-painted and kiln-fired in Italy, using traditional colors, designs and forms. Choose a handy oil and vinegar set from the Umbrian ceramics hub of Deruta , a whimsical pair of candlestick holders from Sicily , or a beautiful handmade vase from Tuscany .

Dolci  cookbook by Francine Segan

From one of Italy Magazine’s most beloved and respected food writers and historians, Francine Segan , Dolci: Italy’s Sweets is a rigorously researched, beautifully photographed and carefully documented recipe book for more than 125 of Italy’s most delectable desserts and confections. Find recipes for classic cannoli, zuppa inglese and tiramisu to unique regional specialties like licorice granita and chocolate eggplant. Perfect for the baker and candymaker on your list!

Darren Priest mysteries by Dick Rosano

It turns out that Italy Magazine’s distinguished wine writer Dick Rosano leads a double life. When he’s not waxing on wine , he’s authoring the Darren Priest mysteries, a fast-paced series about a former intelligence agent turned oenophile in Italy. Art imitated life, maybe? Priest’s life-and-death intrigues weave past and present, and showcase Rosano’s knowledge and affinity for Italian food, wine, history and archaeology and make for great fireside reading!

  Silk scarves from Di Fiore New York

Wrap your hard-to-buy-for fashionista in a gorgeous silk scarf or sarong from Di Fiore New York. Made in Italy from responsibly sourced silk twill, these beautiful works of art are based on handpainted designs by Italian-American artist Andrea Di Fiore . Her timeless floral prints are inspired by her love of nature and will become an instant go-to accessory for your stylish giftee.

The New Roman Times from Laura Itzkowitz

We’re big fans of Italy Magazine contributor Laura Itzkowitz’s informed takes on Roman history, culture and lifestyle. Her new Substack newsletter, The New Roman Times , celebrates the Eternal City like only a local can. A subscription to the NRT supports her efforts and is a great complement to any trip to Rome — even if it’s just armchair travel. 

A top-rated carry-on suitcase for your next Italy trip

This isn’t an Italian gift per se, but it sure will be useful on your next trip to Italy . According to Travel + Leisure, The New York Times , Good Housekeeping and many other authorities, the TravelPro Elite Softside Expandable Spinner is durably constructed, extremely well-designed, and worth every penny. The 19- to 21-inch models are approved for carry-on, so you can whisk through security and on to your flight to Italy. With a lifetime warranty, this may be the last piece of carry-on luggage you ever need to buy yourself — oops, we mean gift to a friend! 

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Italian Gifts: Ideas to Make Her or Him Happy

Are you looking for a special present for someone who loves Italy? Let me help you with a few ideas on Italian gifts that your family and friends will love. As an Italian, I’m grateful to all Italy lovers. And that’s why I’m happy to share a list of Italian gifts that might inspire you.

This post contains affiliate links to curated products and services. If you make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

I love giving presents. Whether a little something or a more significant gift, I like it to be unique and carefully chosen, with the particular person in mind.

It might be a book, a piece of clothing, or a decorative item. Whatever the gift and the occasion, I always try to think of what a person really likes, and I start my research from there.

Over time, this led me to draw thematic lists. A much-appreciated one is my selection of gifts for hiking and outdoors lovers. That’s how I ended up creating this list of Italian-themed gifts because many people love anything related to the Italian style . Italy is known for its unique landmarks and delicious food. And it’s also one of the most creative countries in the world. Just think of Italian design or the world-acclaimed Italian fashion.

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Italian gifts for her

If love is in the air, these are perfect Italian gifts for her. Your better half will surely fall for these pretty and valuable Italian presents.

ALESSI “TO” MUG

How about a heart-shaped mug in fine bone china to start the day with love?

ALESSI “BIG LOVE” ICE CREAM SPOONS

Aren’t they lovely? With this design spoons , ice cream will taste even better.

I still have to meet a woman who wouldn’t appreciate cosmetics as a present, not to speak about beauty products with a touch of Italian glamour. 

Kiko Milano is one of the most famous Italian beauty brands, appreciated for its products combining a wide selection and good quality at an affordable price. I use several cosmetics from Kiko Milano, and I like all of them. 

KIKO MILANO BLUSHER AND BRONZER

A beautiful face palette with 2 blushes and 1 bronzer. The blusher’s  matte finish creates a natural look , and the  metallic finish adds a glowy touch  to the make-up.

KIKO MILANO EYE-SHADOWS

9 ophthalmologically tested eye shadows in mauve selection. The different shades and finishes, from pearly to matte, allow the creation of multiple and different combinations.

Italian gifts for men

Many men like a touch of Italian style, and it’s easy to make them happy with a unique Italian gift.

TRUSSARDI UOMO THE RED

A classic eau de toilette for men by Trussardi, one of Italy’s top fashion brands. The red bottle has become iconic!

BORMIOLI ROCCO SET OF 4 WHISKEY GLASSES

A beautiful and stylish set of glasses, an excellent Italian gift for him to savor a delicious whiskey.

ARMANI EXCHANGE MEN’S CHRONOGRAPH

Very stylish but affordable, the Armani Exchange Chronograph is a perfect Italian gift for him if your better half loves watches.

PIQUADRO BACKPACK

This backpack is indeed not only stylish but also extremely well built, with loads of pockets to store a laptop, tablet, and other valuable items.

Italian-themed gifts for coffee lovers 

The one thing I really miss when I travel is Italian coffee: dark, intense, and short.

If you’re not used to it, you might find it too strong, but you’ll undoubtedly make your Italian friends happy. How about a beautiful coffee maker to brew authentic Italian coffee?  

ALESSI LA CUPOLA

How about a coffee maker by one of the most famous Italian producers of Italian-design houseware to serve coffee with a unique touch?

ALESSI PULCINA

If you’re looking for a coffee maker that is also a beautiful piece of design, you’ll love “Pulcina” by Alessi.

BIALETTI MOKA

You can hardly make coffee like an Italian more than this. This is the typical coffee maker you find in almost every Italian house.

CERAMIC COFFEE / CAPPUCCINO CUPS

These decorative coffee/cappuccino ceramic cups will add a stylish touch to your Italian coffee break.

Tea time, with an Italian flair

Although Italians are undoubtedly more into coffee, tea is becoming increasingly popular. The electric kettle may be faster, but an Italian design water kettle is a beautiful object.

ALESSI IL CONICO WATER KETTLE

Designed by Aldo Rossi, this is one of Alessi’s most iconic creations. It will look beautiful whether your home has a contemporary or classic style.

ALESSI MICHAEL GRAVES WATER KETTLE

This is one of my favorite water kettles, designed by Michael Graves for Alessi in 1985. The cute bird on the spout will whistle when water is boiling!

Italian gift ideas for wine lovers

By now, you probably guessed I absolutely LOVE the products by Alessi. Indeed, you can’t get anything better for tableware and home decor in terms of design and quality.

Alessi is one of the most famous Italian design brands, and its beautiful objects are sold worldwide.

Like food, wine is part of the Italian culture, and you can find Italian wines everywhere. Here are some accessories that make perfect (relatively) inexpensive gifts for wine lovers.

ALESSI CORKSCREW

Alessi Anna G. Corkscrew is a stylish corkscrew designed by Alessandro Mendini. It’s one of the Alessi objects I love, and I gifted it to friends on several occasions.

ALESSI BOTTLE STOPPER

It pairs with Alessi A Corkscrew in shape and colors (black, blue, green, magenta). Alessi A bottle stopper is also a perfect idea for a small but thoughtful gift for Italy lovers who also enjoy design.

Italian gifts for pasta lovers

Food is a serious matter in Italy, and I haven’t yet met a single person who doesn’t love Italian food. 

If you traveled to Emilia-Romagna , you know this region is the realm of homemade pasta. How about making your own pasta? It takes a little practice, but with the help of a good book and a pasta machine, you’ll get to prepare mouth-watering dishes.

PASTA MACHINE

The Imperia pasta machine makes it easy to roll thin sheets of dough of consistent texture. Perfect for preparing lasagna and tagliatelle, you can even combine it with additional accessories to create more pasta shapes.

MAKING ARTISAN PASTA

The novice will love this book. Aside from introducing how to prepare homemade pasta, you’ll discover plenty of delicious recipes.

Get ready for yummy Italian dishes.

Books about Italy

Do you have friends and family traveling to Italy soon? Or someone in your inner circle is passionate about Italian icons? And what about Italian fashion?

Maybe because I’m an avid reader, but I always thought that it’s hard to get wrong with a good book. Whether it’s one of the best Italy guide books or a beautifully illustrated publication, you’ll be sure to make a fantastic Italy themed gift.

RICK STEVES ITALY

A guidebook from best-selling author Rick Steves to help people plan their Italian vacations.

ESSENTIAL ITALY

Fodor’s guidebook provides tips, maps, and photos. With this book, it gets easier to get the most out of a trip to Italy.

VENICE IN BLACK AND WHITE

No city in the world is as photogenic as Venice. Discover enchanting views of the most romantic city in black and white. Enjoy the introduction by Tiziano Scarpa, reflecting on his life as a Venetian.

FERRARI, 70 YEARS

A beautiful, illustrated book on the most iconic cars of all time. Ferrari is a unique combination of beauty, performance, and exclusivity. Not to say one of the world’s most beloved cars in F1 races.

Gifts for Italy lovers: an Italian experience

When looking for presents, we often think about things and forget that there’s more one can give. Thus, how about an Italian experience for family and friends who love Italy and plan to visit the country soon?

Actually, I’m pretty sure they’d appreciate such a thoughtful gift that’ll make their Italian trip all the most memorable. There are indeed hundreds of exciting Italian experiences to choose from, so let me drop a few suggestions related to the most popular attractions in the main tourist destinations in Italy: Rome , Venice , Florence , the Cinque Terre .

• From Florence: a Tuscany day trip to discover Siena, San Gimignano, the Chianti hills, and Pisa
• Rome: Street food tour with a local guide
• Florence: Uffizi Small Group Tour and Skip-the-Line
• Venice: Tour of the Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica , with Terrace Access
• Venice: Discover the city’s highlights

Travel addict and passionate about photography, Simon Falvo started Wild About Travel back in 2009. Leveraging her strong PR background, she developed an extensive knowledge of Digital Communications and Content Creation. Besides travel writing Simon holds workshops and trainings, she collaborated with tourism boards for digital marketing campaigns and participated as a speaker at several events.

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101 Special Italian Gift Ideas for Italy Lovers

Who doesn’t love Italy? The food, the culture, the people. And shopping! Whenever I visit Italy, whether it is Rome, Florence, or Venice I feel inclined to book extra luggage for all the Italian souvenirs I want to take home. Maybe you’re a frequent traveler like me, shopping for the best Italian gifts. Or you need to shop for Italian-themed gift ideas for Italy lovers on your family and friends list. Either way, this Italian-themed gift guide has you covered. 

I’ve been to Italy many times. Sometimes I bought souvenirs for my loved ones, sometimes I returned home with only a small Italian gift as a memory of my travel. Of course, you are not obliged to go shopping and return with heaps of gifts from Italy. But if you want to shop in Italy, or find Italian-made gifts, then this is your go-to shopping guide.

I paid for everything in full myself. I was not paid or sponsored. All my opinions and experiences are my own.

Probe around the Globe does use affiliate links. If you decide to follow one of my links and make a purchase, I’ll earn a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you.

101 Italian Gift Ideas for Italy Lovers

Read more: Top 5 of the most beautiful gardens at Lake Maggiore, Italy

Gifts for Italy Lover

Shopping for someone who is infatuated with everything Italy-related is not hard. But where to begin? How to avoid the cliché Italian-themed gifts and come up with something truly original? And where should you shop for it? Join me on this Italian-themed shopping crusade to find the best Birthday and Christmas gifts for the Italy lover in your life.

Italian Christmas Gifts

Christmas gifts are the perfect souvenirs to bring back from Italy. You can buy little cheezy tourist souvenirs in bulk and use them as stocking stuffers as they are usually cheap and small.

And Christmas is the perfect time of year to share those personal gifts, selected with care from abroad without a return policy. Save the gift card for another time. Christmas gifts are made for spoiling your loved ones!

Best gifts from Italy

Ok, so let’s assume you’ve found this page because you’re super lucky to go to Italy or currently traveling in Italy!

I feel you’ve already won the jackpot. But let’s see what are the best Italian souvenirs to bring back home with you.

Souvenirs from Italy – a few ideas

Here are some Italian-made and original gifts to bring back home that makes stellar Christmas gifts:

Leather bags from Florence

Florence might be the best place in Italy to go shopping for some original Italian leather bags. Of course, you can find leather shops all across Italy, but Florence, and especially the Oltrarno neighborhood in Florence still has several artisan shops to buy your leather souvenirs.

Invest some time (and money) to select hand-made or factory-produced leather purses, clutches, or snazzy leather cases.

Murano glass from Venice

The tiny island of Murano is part of the laguna of Venice and makes for a splendid (half) day trip from Venice . The artisan glass-blowing industry produces life-size glass vases or tiny trinkets, ornaments, and must-haves.

You can choose from crystal clear white glass or go for the signature Murano abundance of colors for a new Christmas ornament made in Italy.

Venetian Carnevale Masks make for great gifts from Italy

If you’re in Venice, you cannot escape the Venetian Masks. Although they are usually only worn for Carnivale, they are sold year-round and everywhere. And by everywhere, I mean everywhere .

I wouldn’t even be surprised if your hotel sells them! You can buy cheap, mass-produced masks, or handmade, leather unique masks with intricate details.

I now visited Venice 4 times and every time, I left the city with a new mask. A great souvenir or a unique gift for your loved one at home. My recommendation would be to shop around in some of the few authentic workshops still left in the city. For a hand-made mask, expect to pay from 50 to 70 euros and upwards.

Don’t know where to shop? Consider a Venetian Carnival Mask Workshop, where you learn all about the trade and get to decorate your own mask (and take it home!). Check here for more details .

Italian linen as souvenirs from Tuscany

Handcrafted and embroidered tablecloths, napkins, and bedsheets. It is a dying art but in small villages in Tuscany, you can still shop for some amazing linen souvenirs.

Take your pick from Italy-themed patterns (like lemons and flowers), or chic plain colored linens. Or have them embroidered specially for you with a monogram or text.

Natural products like olive oil soap bars

Such a small and inexpensive gift and it can fit in your carry-on or hold luggage. Natural products like soap, come in the staple bar-shaped or any other shape you can imagine. From soap shaped to replicate the leaning tower of Pisa or Michelangelo’s David or just a cute teddy bear.

Delicious smelling like Italian olive oil and a sweet gift to bring back home.

The perfect Italian Christmas gift: a nativity set from the Vatican

Where better to shop for religious paraphernalia than at the home of the Catholic church: Vatican City!

St. Peter’s Square is lined with small shops selling anything religious, from rosaries to nativity sets and candles.

Wouldn’t it be great to add a Vatican-bought Christmas ornament or nativity figure to your collection?

Best Italian food gifts to bring back home as a souvenir

Ok, I did my best to come up with some non-food related items that you can buy in Italy to bring back as a souvenir but it is hard.

The food in Italy is just unrivaled and maybe even the reason to travel to Italy in the first place! So why not bring back some yummy Italian foodie souvenirs stateside?

Ultimate Italian Christmas Gift: Panettone or Pandoro

Nothing says “Christmas” more to people from Milan, Verona, and Northern Italy than the golden bread that is Pandoro and Panettone.

Depending on the region, and the family, the recipe changes but you can recognize it by its cake-like structure and star shape.

Make sure to buy the Panettone at the end of your visit to Italy as it is best enjoyed when it is fresh but you can store it for up to 2 weeks.

Endless Italian Foodie Yumminess to bring home

Do yourself a favor and book that extra suitcase for your return flight home from Italy. You’ll thank me later.

Because once in Italy, you’ll find a plethora of amazing foodie finds and mouth-watering drinks that you’re dying to bring back home.

Either for yourself or to dote upon your loved ones. They will be forever grateful for your Italian food gifts.

But what are the best food gifts from Italy? And which ones can you bring back home without worrying they stink up your whole wardrobe?

• Dried pasta in any shape or form
• Sun-dried tomatoes, not the ones in olive oil but the dry ones in a bag
• Dried Porcini Mushrooms, also dry and can be infused at home for your risotto or stew
• Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, packed in a vacuum bag. My recommendation: buy the oldest you can get. 24 months Parmigiano Reggiano is to die for!

I know the following items cannot be imported back into the US from Italy, but if you’re flying somewhere else, it might be worth checking if you can take the following items as they make for a perfect foodie souvenir:

• Bag of Risotto
• Dried sausages

The following Italian food presents are riskier to transport back, but when packed correctly, they can be handled in your checked luggage or even your carry-on.

Italian Truffles as a souvenir

And other truffle-related items.

Like truffle salt or truffle oil. Make sure it is packed to perfection as they can stink up your bag in case they pop open accidentally.

Italian Olive Oil

Pure, green liquid gold from the trees of Tuscany and the rest of Italy. Nothing tastes better with a gallop of that rich Italian olive oil.

Italian Limoncello

It will never taste as good as it did on the Amalfi Coast or Sicily but you can always try to relive your best moments with a glass of Limoncello at home.

Or share that feeling with the people who stayed behind. 

Italian Wines

If you go wine-tasting in Tuscany or visit a Chianti wine house, I applaud you if you don’t walk out with at least a dozen boxes of their delicious wines. Luckily, the bigger wine houses and stores can ship your boxes, or bottles, internationally.

Problem solved.

For all Italian food items that you want to bring back, check local legislation and rules. Make sure it is properly packed (vacuum preferable) and commercially labeled with the country of origin and the best-before date.

For more details, check the CBP website .

Gift for Someone Traveling to Italy

Maybe you landed on this page because you’re not the one traveling to Italy, but someone else in your circle is!

Lucky them!

Of course, you can gift wrap yourself and say you’re tagging along, or help them experience the trip of a lifetime in Italy.

By giving them the gift of travel!

It’s basically my favorite present to give to loved ones.

You can read all about my con artists-like tricks and sneaky ways of surprising my loved ones with the gift of travel here .

No idea where to begin?

Here are some things you can gift to others that will help them travel to Italy.

A plane ticket to Italy

This makes for a stellar graduation gift but can also be gifted as a wedding present, birthday gift, or Christmas gift.

Basically, you’re saying: I love you to the moon and back and wish you the very best of experiences, in Italy!

You can present the gift as a self-made flight voucher so the person can book their flight themselves, or when you’re 100% sure (or have access to their passport information) you can book a flight to Italy yourself.

Some airlines also have gift vouchers that you can purchase for a set amount. To search for the best flights to Italy, check here .

Book a hotel in Italy

Ok, maybe you don’t have the cash flow to buy a return flight to Italy. But you still want to contribute to someone’s trip to Italy. Perfect! Why not give the gift of fancy hotel rooms? 

Maybe your grandparents have their trip planned but don’t have the funds to really splurge on a fancy hotel room when in Rome or that cute, but out-of-their-budget, Tuscany wine castle.

You can book it for them!

It doesn’t have to be all their stays, it can be a 1 or 2-night stay, whatever you see fit.

I always book all hotel rooms, especially in Italy, via this website . They have an abundance of choices, and the best prices and you can cancel free of charge in most cases.

Book a tour of Italy as a gift

Some people are hesitant to plan their own trips. They need a little guidance or they like the company of a tour.

Why not give your loved ones a tour of Italy?! It can be a culturally orientated tour, a hiking tour, or a wine-tasting tour. Whatever they fancy!

For the most diverse tours of Italy, check your options here .

Tickets, tours, and experiences in Italy as a present

Maybe a full tour of Italy is a bit too much to ask from your budget.

But what about a few skip-the-line tickets for the Colosseum or a food tour in Rome ? I’m a huge fan of giving experiences instead of just money. 

The options are endless so I recommend you check out this page for some ideas and inspiration.

All can be bought by one person and gifted to someone else!

Best Italian Gift Ideas

I would be thrilled and over the moon to receive any of the gifts above, but maybe you’re not traveling to Italy any time soon. Or the person you’re shopping for cannot travel to Italy. Or you’re looking for more of a budget Italian gift idea. 

Then, you can always go shopping online and choose an Italian-themed Christmas gift. Or a birthday present that screams Italy.

Here are some Italy-inspired gift ideas:

Italy inspired gifts

When you’re shopping for an Italy lover, anything Italian-related will win you major brownie points. Go big and go bold with the following Italy-themed gifts:

Italy-related books to give to your friends or family

Spark the gift of travel with inspirational travel books. From Lonely Planet trip planning to Rick Steves’ guide or a city guide to Rome . Or tingle the taste buds with a cookbook inspired by the Italian cuisine .

Or cause some tongue twisters with an Italian phrasebook . The options are endless.

Italian-Themed Christmas Gifts

If you can’t go shopping for a nativity set at the Vatican, you might want to order some nice Christmas-themed gifts with a hint of Italy on them. Check out these cool items which I’ve ordered in the past.

Turn your own picture into a Christmas ornament, or use someone else’s picture for a nice Italian-themed Christmas decoration. I especially like these ones.

It is my dream to have a Christmas tree with oddly shaped tacky Christmas baubles and ornaments, for example, an Italian cannoli ornament , the Tower of Pisa or a Chianti Wine Bottle .

Practical gifts inspired by Italy

Sometimes you want to give a more practical gift to someone. Maybe it is a gift for a co-worker or work-out buddy that you don’t know that well, but still, want to give a gift inspired by Italy.

Then, a practical gift can be the ultimate solution for your shopping list.

• Italian flag decorated phone case, it can be a map, the Italian flag, or Florentine floral decorations. Some of my personal favorites can be found here .
• A passport holder inspired by Italy, protect your most valuable document with a passport cover in an Italy-themed fashion. I love the one with typical Italian elements or the one I made myself .
• Italian-themed bags, shopping bags, messenger bags, or a nice tote bag. Show off your love for all things Italian with a nice Italian-themed bag as a gift. Find the best designs here .

Italian Food Gifts

Can we talk about Italian food again?

Ok, I know, it is not like eating pasta pesto in Cinque Terre , but replicating the foodie experience from Italy in your own home is still pretty sweet.

So how about some delicious Italian foodie finds as a gift? Basically, anything goes, but to give you some ideas:

Italian Bialetti Coffee Maker

Nothing says refined Italian style and coffee taste, like the red Bialetti Stovetop Coffeemaker .

You can gift a big one, for 6 people, or a tiny one for 2 cups of coffee. They also come in trademark stainless steel Bialetti Coffeemakers , but whichever color you buy, make sure it is a Bialetti.

Pasta Maker Machine as a gift for a kitchen princess

Wouldn’t it be nice to make your own pasta at home?

If you have to shop for a real kitchen prince (or princess), they have to have a pasta maker machine.

Make sure to buy a heavy stainless steel pasta creator, the lighter ones just tip over on the countertop.

I have one from Imperia and they make a nice homemade ravioli or tagliatelle.

Italian food gift baskets

Do you need to shop for someone who isn’t a kitchen princess, but you know they love Italian food?

Why not gift them an Italian foodie gift basket?

Gift baskets might seem impersonal and something you slap together when you forget a birthday, but when you’re shopping for a foodie and searching for some real Italian delicacies, it will be received with great pleasure! Here are some ideas:

• Limoncello gift basket , you can even add in some Limoncello glasses to make the gift complete
• Quality Olive Oil from Italy , or a subscription to the olive oil of the month club !
• Italian Meat and Cheese gift basket , inspired by the flavors of Italy.

Best Italian Gifts for Italy-Lovers

Of course, I can make an endless list of everything related to Italy as they make perfect gifts for Italy lovers. But in the end, it doesn’t really matter what you gift someone who loves Italy.

As long as it makes them think back or long for Italy, the flavors, the views, and the smells of Italy, you’re good to go.

A good gift is a personal gift. A gift they didn’t know they wanted or needed. A gift they will remember and hold special memories for in their heats. What makes the best Italian gifts are gifts that are selected with your special someone in mind and keeping in mind what they would love.

Italy is probably the answer!

Helpful tips and tools for your Italy trip

• Read all my content on Italy here
• Book your hotels in Italy via Booking.com or Hotels.com
• Find your direct flights to Rome here
• Book your tours and activities direct with GetYourGuide or Viator
• Travel in style with these cool Italy travel-themed designs (I made them myself!)
• Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel to Italy. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

Do you need to shop for someone who is infatuated with Italy? What did you get them this year from Christmas? Any ideas you want to brainstorm with me to come up with a perfect Italy-themed Christmas gift? Let me know in the comment section below, I’d love to read it (and when possible, help out coming up with ideas!).

Author: Naomi

One comment.

This has opened up opportunities to gift my husband with something. I am thinking of a return ticket to Italy and your post just endorsed it. He raves about Italian fashion and architecture a lot. Thanks for a nice article!

Comments are closed.

Tips, tricks and things not to miss — in Rome and beyond.

Beyond Rome , Christmas , Rome

Gifts for the Italy-Bound Traveler (Updated for 2019)

Looking for the perfect gift for a traveler headed to Italy? (Or maybe for yourself?). I’ve got you covered!

And don’t miss my  guide to the best Italian gifts,  or my previous guide to the best gifts for travelers to Italy.

The perfect airplane read(s)

Conveniently, each book is on a different city (Florence, Rome and Milan). Talk about the perfect gift trifecta for someone headed for the Grand Tour.

A taste of Roman food – before (or after) the trip

Whenever I’m not in Rome, I miss the food: the  amatriciana,  the  vignarola,  the  pizza romana…  Fortunately, I’ve figured out how to make a surprising number of these recipes at home — thanks to Kristina Gill and Katie Parla’s gorgeous book Tasting Rome: Fresh Flavors and Forgotten Recipes from an Ancient City . As well as a cookbook, it’s a beautiful look at the history and traditions of some of Rome’s finest dishes. (You can read more about it here ).

Meanwhile, a year ago another book hit the market that I’ve also been wanting to try out. Written, like Tasting Rome, by a Rome expat who fell in love with the city and stayed (a familiar sentence…), Maria Pasquale’s I Heart Rome  collects recipes and short stories from the Eternal City. It looks absolutely fabulous — it’s in my Amazon check-out basket as we speak.

The insider’s guide to Rome by… yours truly

If you think the Revealed Rome website is helpful, wait till you read the book. I’ve basically downloaded my Rome-related brain into a book that covers everything a traveler would want to know…. and it’s been updated to be current to 2020!

Think handy tips like how to pick an authentic restaurant at a glance, secrets to skipping the lines at the Colosseum and Vatican, how to eat gluten-free in the country of pasta and pizza, and much more. Recently updated, the book is now available in both print and e-versions. You can read more about the Revealed Rome Handbook here , or head right over to check it out on Amazon — where I’m thrilled to say it has 5-star reviews from 80-plus people who have read (and used) it.

A super-duper camera… that isn’t a smartphone

I adore my  Nikon D3400 . I chose it because I wanted the quality of my old DSLR but less weight and an easier way to transfer photos to my phone. This little (for a DSLR) camera delivers: with the lens, it weighs around 20oz (645g), which is half of what I used to lug around.

While it’s still a little annoying to not have the photographs instantly available for uploading to Instagram or wherever else, the inconvenience of the extra step (you just Bluetooth selected images to your phone) is worth the quality of the photos you can take. I don’t care how fancy your iPhone is — smartphones still have to catch up to a classic DSLR like a Nikon or Canon. Also, I still prefer to look through a camera, rather than to make taking pictures yet another reason to stare at my phone screen. I don’t care if that makes me a Luddite.

A hedonist’s guide to Tuscany

A streetwise stocking stuffer

The best conversational Italian course around

There are a million and one Italian-language software programs out there. While many people swear by Pimsleur for learning the basic, conversational Italian you want when you go abroad, the newer Living Language Italian has the edge: it’s currently the number-one bestseller on Amazon for Italian learning products, and the reviews are stellar. It’s also more bang for your buck, since the $30 complete edition has 46 lessons, with nine audio CDs and three books, that take learners from beginning to advanced.

For anyone who wants to, say, order food at a restaurant or get directions in the local language, this seems like the new way to go.

The gift of Rome… revealed

In my one-on-one travel consulting sessions , folks get an hour to pick my brain about all things Italy: what’s open in August, the best day trips from Florence, how to skip the line at the Colosseum, whether to get a water taxi to their hotel in Venice. Or we can spend that hour whipping a trip itinerary into shape. Or brainstorming where in Italy they should even start to think about going. Or… pretty much anything else.

Know someone who would benefit? I offer gift certificates that can be e-mailed directly to the gift recipient (or to you, so you can print it out and pop it in a card). For more, email me at [email protected].

A hilarious guide to Italian quirks

An off-the-beaten-path experience

Want to give an Italy-bound traveler something truly memorable? How about the gift of an experience?

Depending on how far along they are in their travel planning, they may have already sorted out (and budgeted for) obvious must-sees like the Colosseum or Doge’s Palace. So I always think it’s nice to offer something they probably wouldn’t have thought of. I love Eating Italy’s food tours,  which take place in Rome and Florence. Another fun option — which (bonus) takes place in the evening, so is unlikely to impinge on any sightseeing plans — is this  pasta-making class  in Rome where you cook, dine and drink wine with a chef in his own home. In Florence, I’m a fan of this  evening wine and food tour.

With either company (Eating Italy or Walks of Italy), it’s really easy to buy a tour as a gift. Just click on “gift cards” (at the top of the Walks of Italy site or at the bottom of Eating Italy’s).

A guidebook, notebook, and map in one

Liked this post? You’ll love  The Revealed Rome Handbook, which includes many more tips and tricks like these in more than 200 information-packed — but never overwhelming! — pages. It’s available for purchase on Amazon or through my site here.  I’m also free for one-on-one consulting sessions to help plan your Italy trip.

A travel journalist and Rome insider, I'm the author of the Revealed Rome website and of the Revealed Rome Handbook — now available in both print and e-book editions.

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Wine, Pasta, and Roman Ruins Celebrate the la Dolce Vita With These Gifts for Someone Traveling to Italy

Is it the cuisines, the landscapes, the ancient ruins, Italy, the land ladened with so much history and an integral part of our history, democracy, education, philosophy, and so much more? With all these,  why someone would want to visit Italy is entirely understandable. 

Like many other huge moves, this dear person who is traveling to Italy must have thought things out; crossing the Atlantic that’s a truckload of planning, and no matter the reason for this move, they’ll often find getting a gift or a surprise of some sort from their love ones. 

In this gift guide, I try to focus on items that would make their journey memorable and easy and also items that would facilitate their stay in Italy. There’s so much to consider as a worthy present, so I hope you can find something nice from this gift for someone traveling to Italy. 

Awesome Gifts for Someone Traveling to Italy

1. italian phrasebook.

This is very important to help them have a fruitful time in Italy; an excellent phrase book containing some common Italian phrases and jargon would help your dear traveler connect with the locals and get the necessary help when needed. 

2. Travel Journal

No idea how long they’ll be there and if they’ll be a next time, but the thing with all journeys is there’s always an adventure and story to tell, so encourage your dear traveler to try documenting their time in Italy.

You never know who might need this in the future; it could be turned into a fully published book, so get a lovely travel journal for documentation. 

3. Italian Wine Selection

This would make sense before the primary day; I mean, let them start having a taste of what they’ll experience in Italy. There are a ton of Italian wines you can select from, chianti, Barolo, prosecco, etc.; let them have a taste of the rich Italian wine tasting. These are gifts for Someone Moving Out of State . 

4. Universal Travel Adapter

The last thing you want is your dear traveler getting stuck with no power on their mobile device or lacking access to a sound charging output due to the different country laws.

You’ll be doing your dear Italian traveler great with a suitable universal adapter. Help them keep their devices powered on so you’ll always be able to keep in touch; this is one incredible gift to take to Italy. 

5. Italian Cooking Class

Since they’ll be taking an Italy, you can start getting them ready for most of the mills they often prepare there; get them to be very prepared by enrolling them in an Italian cooking class; they’ll come to love this. 

6. Travel Guidebook

You can contribute to helping your dear friend make the most of Italy by gifting them a travel guidebook about history.

If they are on tour there, this will start giving them ideas of places to visit and what to expect when they get there. This is yet another thoughtful gift. 

7. Italian Music Playlist

Yes, the music is another excellent gesture you can offer your dear friend making this journey. Check out these Gifts for Someone Moving to Scotland . 

8. Leather Passport Holder

Won’t it be nice if your dear traveler could have all her passports in a comfortable holder? 

9. Portable Language Translator

If been on quite a few journeys where I got stuck communicating precisely what I wanted, I had to get one of these. An excellent portable translator is an essential gift for anyone traveling; with an excellent translator, you’ll be doing your receiver a big favor; the communication barrier is so messed up in an entirely foreign country. 

10. Italian Food Hamper

Before they make that move treat them to some lovely Italian hamper, items like pasta, sauces, olive oil, and biscotti, allowing them to savor the flavors of Italy before they embark on the journey. 

11. Espresso Maker

They’ll e visiting a country where Espresso is more than a beverage. It is the most consumed beverage in Italy. Espresso is linked to the country’s habits, culture, traditions, etc. 

For your dear traveler, they’ll have the opportunity to make Espresso from the comfort of their room; the good thing is they’ll experience all the types of Espresso Italy has to offer. 

12. Italian Art Print

Some decor would do; look at this as a housewarming for them if they’ll be living in Italy for a while. Some fantastic art of a landscape or place in Italy would do; getting drawings of some Italian artists famous or enough would go a long way. These are awesome Gifts for Someone Moving to California . 

13. Italian Coffee Table Book

A coffee table book featuring the land, art, history, culture, tradition, etc., would go a long way, and rightfully so. You’ll need so many cups of coffee around if you wish to know all about the great and beautiful country of Italy; its rich culture, tradition, history, and much more is always fascinating for all. 

Say hello to Aunty Vivian, the seasoned soul behind MakeItSpecialGift! With over two decades of gift shop wisdom, this Southern belle from Texas adds a dash of charm to every suggestion. A wife, a mom of three, and a cat lover, Aunty Vivian brings warmth and experience to your gift-giving journey. From Texas to the digital realm, she’s your guide to heartfelt presents and cherished moments. Join the gift adventure with #AuntyVivesGiftWisdom and let her stories unfold in every recommendation! #GiftMaven #SouthernCharm #HeartfeltGiving

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An Italian Mama's Guide to Italy

Gifts for Italy lovers: gifts ideas for Italy lovers you can get online right now

Gifts for Italy lovers. A cool selection of gift ideas for Italy lovers you can get online – gifts big and small for the Italians at heart.

If you are looking for gift ideas for the Italy lover in your life, this article is for you!

I have many friends who simply adore Italy and I love to help them get a piece of my home country at home giving them gifts that will remind them of the Italian atmospheres they crave.

The web is full of lovely gifts that make it easy to get a nice Italy themed gift from the comfort of your home so today, I am going to share with you my best gift ideas for Italy lovers you can get online.

If they can’t go to Italy in December , these gifts will bring a touch of Italy to their homes.

Please note: this post contains affiliate links. Should you make a purchase, we might make a small commission.

As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Gifts for Italy lovers: Italy themed gifts and stocking fillers

Some of these gifts, but not all, are extra personal as customizable with your favorite maps and engravings.

Please make sure you give exact details of what you want to the maker, when possible, so you can be sure to love the final result.

Italy heart map art

I am absolutely in love with this idea: a wall art piece with a map of one, or more, significant places in the shape of a heart, the perfect gift for an international family!

It is available on Uncommon Goods here and you can personalized it with your favorite map: I am thinking places where you met your other half, location of a proposal, first place you traveled to, hometowns if your family calls home several places – Italy locations available

Italy themed coasters

Different, pretty and perfect for those who love to think of Italy over a warm drink or a glass of Italian wines, Italy themed coasters make for a thoughtful gift.

They come in several styles to suit home decor of all types. These ones are from Amazon

While I found these ones on Uncommon Goods here , which you can personalize with your own photos

Italy fridge magnets

Does your friend regret not getting that fridge magnet back in Tuscany?

Or maybe they have a cherished photo from Italy they would love to have on their fridge, but are missing a suitable magnet?

Then an Italy themed magnet can be a lovely, funny small gift that will make them think of Italy (and you) every time they look at their fridge!

Mugs are a fun and easy way to make a personalized gift.

For Italy lovers, you can buy ready made ones with funny Italian sayings or you can even make your own, printing a favorite Italy photo on a plain mug – it makes for a super personal, lovely gift that will make them feel Italy a little closer.

Italy shower curtain

An Italy themed shower curtain can be another funny gift for an Italy lover who needs to spruce up their bathroom!

Easy to set up and budget friendly, they come in several sizes and most do no require DIY ability or complex assembly.

Vintage Italy poster or Map

Vintage Italy posters like this one make for a lovely gift: you can choose between cool vintage ad for Italy holidays or, if you are buying for a map lover, you can select a super cool map of their favorite Italian city like this one .

Wine regions of Italy wall art

A cool gift for Italian wine lovers and Italy lovers in general: a wall art map of wine regions of Italy to reminisce about a trip or dream of a new one. Find in on Uncommon Goods here

Italy map, personalized wine bottle holder

Another Italy themed gift for wine lovers, this is a bottle coaster that you can personalize with a map of your favorite location (I am thinking: Tuscany!) and a personal engraves message on the back, to make it extra special.

Perfect to mark a special occasion such as a anniversary. Find it on UncommonGoods here

Italy Christmas ornaments

Christmas ornaments come in several styles and materials ( this one is cool), perfect for all Christmas styles!

Italy pillow cover

Perfect to spruce up an old pillow and add an Italian touch to any couch! Pillow covers come in several sizes – check here for options

Italy calendar 2021

Make Italy feel a little closed with stunning images of it each month.

I love this Italy calendar by national geographic, with lovely images from some of the most beautiful destinations in Italy.

Simple yet one of the best gifts for Italy lovers counting down the days to their next trip!

Italian themed jewelry

For a thoughtful gift, you can choose between made in Italy jewels like Murano Glass pendants or opt for Italy inspired charm bracelet or pick an Italy map for these costume jewelry ideas for pendants , keyrings and cufflings

Italian perfume

Nothing is more powerful than smell to bring memories back! This fragrance by L’Erbolario for women will transport them right back to Italy!

Gifts ideas for Italy lovers who cook

Some cool ideas for Italy lovers who are good in the kitchen (or want to be) are

• Italy themed kitchen apron
• Italy-themed kitchen towels
• Italian-themed chopping board
• Italian cookery books (find the best selling ones here )

You can even add a virtual cooking class live from Italy, so they can perfect their technique!

• Virtual Italian Cooking class with a chef from Venice
• Rome virtual pasta making class
• Virtual Pizza making class from Rome

Gifts for Italy lovers who drink coffee

Many Italy lovers also love Italian coffee and there are many way to indulge them in their passion!

These are some cool gift ideas to suit all budgets

Italian Espresso cups

Espresso cups make for a lovely Italy-themed gift: they can be used as an everyday coffee cup or, even better, they can come out as a set at the end of meal with friends, Italian style!

You can find them in several styles but for Italy lovers, you cannot beat these painted ones , with pretty images of Italian cities.

Italian stove top coffee maker

A wonderful gift for Italian coffee lovers is a traditional Italian stove top coffee maker.

Easy to use and long lasting (good ones are virtually indestructible!), they make delicious coffee and fill the house with that amazing coffee perfume that will make you feel like you are back in an Italian cafe!

You can accompany the gift with their favorite Italian coffee brand too: find the best Italian coffees you can get online here .

A full Italian espresso machine – barista style

If budget is not a problem, then why not go all out with an espresso machine? Italy has some amazing coffee making brands that you can buy online and will be delivered straight to you.

Gaggia has been a staple in many an Italian households for years and makes machines that good and stylish but you can find more good Italian coffee machines here

Gifts for Italian Food lovers

There are so many gift ideas for foodies I ended up making a full list here !

Among the many, great one are:

A hamper of delicious Italian foods

A gift basket filled with Italian food goodies is likely to go down a treat with any Italy lover.

You can choose among ready made ones like this one , or you can handpick foods according to their specific taste.

Many of the foods in this list can be gifted on their own or as part of an Italian food hamper: if you have the time to assemble it yourself, this will make a wonderfully personalized gift!

A luscious box of Italian Biscotti

A lovely gift for an Italian food lover with a sweet tooth: a box of Matilde Vincenzi biscotti! Perfect with coffee, tea or a sweet bite any time of day.

I love this one , with the Rome-themed tin box, also a nice keepsake once the biscuits are gone.

An irresistible box of Baci Perugina

A food gift with a romantic twist!

Italian chocolate lovers will love a box of ‘kisses’ (this is what ‘baci’ means in Italian): nutty and chocolatey, each of them comes with a message with a quote or love poem folder on signature paper – an Italian classic.

Spreadable Gianduja or luscious Gianduiotti

Gianduia is a delightful chocolatey creation from Piedmont served as spreadable cream or in the shape of bite sized chocolates called ‘ gianduiotti ‘.

Made with chocolate and hazelnuts, it is rather sweet and absolutely addictive: it is one of the most indulgent Italian chocolate creations and a wonderful gift for lovers of artisan chocolate.

Gianduiotti were the first chocolate bite made in Italy and are still now one of the most famous and beloved Italian chocolate creations

A box of Ferrero Rocher

Ferrero Rocher are less luxurious than gianduiotti but also way better known so if you have a friend who loves them, why not indulge them?

They are pretty common in Italian homes at Christmas so this, plus their delicious taste, make them the perfect seasonal gift.

Pistacchio spread from Sicily

Pistacchio may not be to everyone’s taste but pistacchio spread from Bronte is special! Surprisingly delicate, this is a perfect gift idea for an Italian food lover who is missing or dreaming of Sicily.

Dried specialty pasta

If you are building a personalized Italy good gourmet gift basket, then you may want to add some specialty pasta, such as these pici , the traditional pasta of Siena (they are amazing with Tuscan style ragout!)

A bottle of real Balsamic Vinegar from Modena

Balsamic Vinegar has many fans and it is a gift that will last a long time and accompany many creations from cheese platters to salads.

Limoncello or an Italian digestif

Delicious and long lasting (unless you drink it all straight away!) limoncello is a lovely gifts that will make everyone happy with its bright color and sweet taste. Perfect for after dinner cheer.

Top tip! Why not opt for a gift set with cute limoncello cups too? These ones are lovely and bring the memory right back to the Amalfi Coast!

If you prefer a different type of taste, you can also tap into the wonderful world of Italian digestifs or aperitivo drinks : Grappa, Sambuca, Campari – no matter the personal preferences, these all make a great addition to anyone’s Italian home bar!

Italy experiences on location or from home

Help your friend learn italian with a language kit.

You can pick between a vast selection of books, workbooks and CDS, perfect for all language learning styles. Check here good options for all levels.

Let them feel in Italy with a virtual experience

Many of us had plans of trips to Italy crushed by 2020 events but we can still get a little taste of what our trip would have been like with virtual experiences.

Cooking classes and virtual tours can be a fun way to get Italy at home and some make a lovely gift too.

Have a look at:

• Virtual Guided Tour of the Uffizi Gallery, Florence
• Virtual Tour of Pompeii with guide

I hope you enjoyed this quick list of gift ideas for Italy lovers and it helped you find inspiration for a good Christmas present!

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Marta Correale

Marta Correale is an Italian mama of two. Born and raised in Rome, Marta has a passion for travel and especially enjoys showing off Italy to her kids, who are growing up to love it as much as she does! A classics graduate, teacher of Italian as a second language and family travel blogger, Marta launched Mama Loves Italy as a way to inspire, support and help curious visitors to make the most of a trip to Italy and learn about Italian culture on the way.

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Privacy overview.

Italy Gift Ideas for Your Favorite Italophile

• Italian food/kitchen gifts
• Italy travel-related gifts (including travel books)
• Italy books (photo books, fiction, non-fiction, etc.)
• Italian music
• Italian movies/DVDs
• Gifts to help you learn the Italian language
• Random (and sometimes funny) Italy-themed gifts

>> There’s quite a bit of stuff here. The original list included a whopping 65 items, and grew in subsequent years. It got a bit of an overhaul/facelift in 2011, so hopefully it’s easier to find what you’re looking for!

Happy shopping, Italophiles!

Food/Kitchen

Any true Italophile likes Italian food, even if they’re not necessarily interested in cooking it. Here are a few food-related items – either ready-made edibles or tools to help you create them – that’ll make anyone’s kitchen a little more Italian.

• Nutella – Who doesn’t love this gooey chocolate hazelnut spread? Ever since it became more widely available in US supermarkets, Nutella is a pantry staple in many homes (including mine). But did you know it’s made by an Italian company? That’s right, Nutella’s Italian. And it doesn’t have to be World Nutella Day to enjoy it, either. So now you can proudly give Nutella to any Italophile on your gift list and help them spread a little Italian cheer on their morning toast.

• illy Coffee – Everyone’s got a favorite coffee, and for many Italians it’s illy Coffee . It also happens to be my favorite Italian coffee as well, and I like to get the grind that’s specifically meant for a mokapot, like the Bialetti you’ll find next on this list! The tins are re-usable, too – in our house there’s one in the kitchen that serves as the resident coin container, but I’ve also known people to bake small loaves of Italian bread in them to give away as gifts. Yes, really.

• Bialetti Mokapot – Just because you’re not in Italy doesn’t mean you can’t make great Italian coffee at home; and you don’t even need an expensive espresso machine to do it. Every Italian household has a Bialetti Mokapot , and some even have more than one in different sizes (there are two in my house). Pair one of these with a tin of illy Coffee and you’ll please any coffee addict. Do note that when they say it’s a “3-cup” size, that means three espresso cups – not three big American coffee mugs. And yes, the 1-cup Bialetti is absolutely adorable. And read my Italian coffee guide to learn all the different coffee drinks you can make with your Bialetti, or order when you’re in Italy! (If you’d like something more substantial on your kitchen counter, I’m the proud owner of the Ferrari of espresso machines – a shiny red FrancisFrancis! X7 iperEspresso maker that makes perfect espresso, every single time, with the push of a button. Not only that, my friends are the official non-warranty repair shop for all FrancisFrancis! machines , so if your machine needs some TLC it’ll be in good hands.)

• Espresso Cups – Now that you’ve kitted your Italian kitchen out with the right coffee and coffee maker, you can’t very well drink out of the same old beat-up mugs, can you? Of course not. That’s why you need something like this Espresso Cup Set , which comes complete with cups, saucers, and even tiny spoons. There are a gajillion shapes and designs of espresso cups out there, and you can have a ball collecting different ones. Just don’t let the kids get ahold of them thinking it’s a tea party set.

• Marocchino Cups – My friend Sara introduced me to the marocchino (a delicious blend of espresso, steamed milk, and cocoa powder), and it’s now my favorite Italian coffee drink. And while you can certainly make it at home and drink it out of the regular espresso cups you’ve already bought, in a real Italian cafe they’ll always use Marocchino Cups like these.

• Pocket Coffee – I also have Sara to thank for another coffee-related treat on this list: Pocket Coffee . It’s a shot of espresso encased in a dark chocolate shell, and it’s heavenly. They’re only available seasonally, so they’re only for sale in Italy in the cold months of the year – in the hot weather it would melt on the shelves – and they’re not even always in stock at Amazon. But I was pleased to find Pocket Coffee listed there, so you may not have to go all the way to Italy to pick some up. (Though you’re welcome to do so if you wish!)

• Balsamic Vinegar from Modena – Italophiles know that not all balsamic vinegar is created equally, and the real thing from Modena is the only way to go. The good news is that all true balsamic that’s been authorized to bear the name by the Modena council goes into the exact same bottle shape, regardless of the company that’s selling it. So if it’s in a bottle that looks like this, it’s the real thing. Of course, you can spend a pretty penny on Balsamic Vinegar from Modena when it’s been aged for 50+ years, but even the 12-year stuff is pretty mind-blowing.

• Olive Oil – While true balsamic vinegar only comes from Modena, you can find olive oil that originates in lots of Mediterranean countries. But for an Italy lover, only Italian Olive Oil will do! And of course we’re talking extra virgin olive oil here. This isn’t the stuff you use to coat the bottom of the frying pan, this is the stuff you drizzle over salads, veggies, pasta, pizza, soup – you name it. It’ll cost a little more, but you’ll use it judiciously and you’ll love every peppery bite.

• Limoncello – There’s still time before the holidays to make your own homemade limoncello , that sweet lemon concoction from southern Italy , and give gorgeous and tasty gifts to all the Italophiles on your list. But if you can’t be bothered to make your own, you can always go to your local liquor store and buy some (it’s not as good as the homemade stuff, but it’ll do). To make the gift extra special, however, be sure to include a set of limoncello glasses like these from Vietri , or a complete set with a bottle and cups like this one , or a set that includes all that plus a painted tray to carry everything as well.

• Gelato Maker – And by “gelato maker” I don’t mean that you invite me to your Italophile’s house to make gelato for you. I mean you give that person an ice cream machine so they can make their own gelato! There are lots of these on the market that are really affordable; I have this Cuisinart Gelato Maker , and I sometimes use it so much that I went ahead and got a Spare Cuisinart Gelato Maker Freezer Core so one is always ready. If you really want to go all-out, or you’re thinking of opening a gelato shop out of your kitchen, then the Lello Gelato Maker is an industrial-strength wonder.

• Italian Wine – Of course, a good bottle of Italian wine is never an unwelcome gift at the holidays, especially to someone who appreciates what the Italians have done with the grape over the years. There are lots of varietals to choose from, and you can spend anywhere from $15 to $90 or more, so on this one it’s best if you make use of the friendly wine merchant at your local market. Just make sure they know what they’re talking about before you take their word as gospel – and ask if they’ve got wine tastings coming up where you can sample before you buy. Need more information before you buy? This Vino Italiano guide is comprehensive and will make you an Italian wine expert in no time.

• Perugina Baci Chocolates – Perugia is home to one of the biggest chocolate festivals in Europe, Eurochocolate, and it’s also home to Perugina, the big chocolate maker. For a delicious (and affordable) taste of Italy, a box of Perugina Baci Chocolates is a great choice. They’re chocolates with a single hazelnut inside each one, and “baci” means “kisses,” so this is, in effect, the Italian version of the Hershey’s kiss. Except it’s way better.

• Parmigiano Reggiano – While wrapping an entire wheel of authentic parmigiano reggiano cheese may be a bit unwieldy (not to mention expensive), you can easily give the Italophile on your list a big wedge of Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese . You’ll know it’s the real thing by the imprint on the rind.

• Tuna – Okay, this one may seem a little strange, but hear me out. I’m told by my Italophile friends that Italian Tuna in Oil is a gourmet treat. This isn’t like the stuff at your local supermarket, they tell me. It’s phenomenal, they tell me. It’s like no canned tuna you’ve ever had in your life, they tell me. I’m going to have to ask for some myself this year to see what all the fuss is about.

• Italian Cookbook – Want to help out your resident Italophile with a few pointers in the kitchen? Then look for an Italian cookbook that emphasizes authentic recipes. A favorite in my house is Jamie’s Italy by Jamie Oliver, and Mario Batali’s Simple Italian Recipes comes recommended as well. For desserts, the fabulous Dolce Italiano is a must-have.

• La Cucina Italiana Magazine Subscription – For the cook in your life, you can treat them to a year’s worth of Italian cooking inspiration with a subscription to La Cucina Italiana magazine .

When your Italophile is actively planning an Italy vacation, the gift-giving is easy. Next to traveling, researching a trip is usually the second-best thing, so any number of the items listed below would be welcome treats for the vacation planner.

• Italy Guidebooks – Get the trip planning started on the right foot with a couple of good guidebooks. Personally, I’m a particular fan of Rick Steves Italy and Lonely Planet Italy – I tend to buy both before a trip, and bring both with me, although that usually ends up being overkill. The LP guides contain more history (good for pre-trip reading), and the Steves books are lighter-weight. If you’re not covering the whole country, you could also tear out and pack just the sections you’ll need to save space.

• Audio Guides/iPhone Apps – As paper becomes more passé, and as more people are carrying iPods when they travel, the audio guide or iPhone app travel guide is getting to be more common. If your Italy lover will be toting an iPod player, then you can get some city guides, maps, walking tours, or audio guides for them – or simply get an iTunes Gift Card and let them download their own walking tours and podcasts. (Don’t forget to include a list of all the Italy iPhone Apps they could take with them on their Italy trip, too!)

• Moleskine City Notebooks – I wrote about the Moleskine City Notebooks after I used them myself, and I think they’re an excellent gift for anyone who’s traveling to a place they’ve been before, or for people who really do prefer to create their own guidebooks rather than sticking to what Lonely Planet says they have to see. There are several Italian cities covered in this series, including the Moleskine City Notebook for Rome .

• City Secrets – I really like these books; they’re not a replacement for a comprehensive guidebook (at least not for a first-time visitor to Italy), but they’re an excellent supplement, and they’re actually quite interesting to read even if you’re not planning an Italy trip anytime soon. They’re full of little tidbits and stories about things you may not otherwise see, told by people who know Italy well. City Secrets: Rome covers just Rome, and City Secrets: Florence, Venice & the Towns of Italy covers the rest of the country.

• PopUp Maps – I’ve said before that these are my favorite Italy maps , so I won’t belabor the point. I’ll just say that these PopUp Maps are sheer genius, primarily because they’ve eliminated the need to learn how to re-fold a giant city map in the middle of a crowded sidewalk and thereby being labeled as a tourist in a split-second, and you should buy one for each Italian city that’s on the itinerary.

• Marling Menu Master for Italy – I just found a copy of the Marling Menu Master: Italy recently at a bookstore, and although it doesn’t totally replace my very favorite (and yet sadly out of print) Italy food/menu guide , “ The Hungry Traveler: Italy ,” it does an okay job. It’s equally as compact and user-friendly, it’s just missing the regional/seasonal specialty lists that make “The Hungry Traveler” unique. (And if you find a used copy of “The Hungry Traveler: Italy” somewhere, buy it!)

• The Dark Heart of Italy – If the Italophile in your life read “Under the Tuscan Sun” with one eyebrow raised, thinking Italy can’t possibly be that dreamy all the time, then The Dark Heart of Italy by Tobias Jones should be next on their reading list. It’s a healthy dose of Italian history and politics mixed in with soccer, food, religion and everyday life, and it paints a pretty accurate portrait of Italy today. This is a must-read for anyone who’s contemplating a move to Italy as well. I should note that despite the gloomy title, the book is written by someone who truly loves Italy – he’s just trying to understand what makes it tick.

• An Irreverent Curiosity: In Search of the Church’s Strangest Relic in Italy’s Oddest Town – An Irreverent Curiosity was easily one of my favorite books of 2010, a tale of intrigue with Italian and Catholic history expertly woven in. The “strange relic” in the book’s title is the holy foreskin of Jesus, and the author, David Farley, spends a year living in the odd hilltop town in Italy that housed the relic before it was lost. Or stolen? Or something else? You’ll just have to read the book to find out.

• In Etna’s Shadow: Culinary Adventures from Eastern Sicily – In Etna’s Shadow is by WhyGo Italy contributor Karen Landes, and it’s a pretty and heartfelt ode to Sicilian food and cooking, and makes a great gift for foodies, Italophiles, and armchair travelers alike.

• Italy From Above – Most of us don’t have the opportunity to hire a helicopter and fly around over the Italian countryside to see what it looks like from on high, but Italy from Above lets you see what you’ve been missing. If you’re planning to give this one away as a gift, make sure to get one for yourself as well. It’s just that lovely.

• Sprezzatura – Italians don’t need much of a reason to count the ways their homeland is fabulous, but if you want to give your Italophile a few more reasons then look no further than Sprezzatura , or “50 Ways Italian Genius Shaped the World.” My friend Michelle says it’s one of her favorite books , and it covers both things that lots of people know about and also some unknown gems that are sure to make any Italian boastful.

• The Miracle of Castel di Sangro – When you combine an Italophile with a sports fan, you’ve got to have The Miracle of Castel di Sangro by Joe McGinniss on your list. It’s the true story of the triumphs of a little Italian soccer team told with humor, insight, and great affection. And you don’t have to be a sports fan to enjoy the tale.

• A Season With Verona – This is another Italian soccer book, and a personal favorite. A Season With Verona is the story of author Tim Parks following his Hellas Verona team around the country for an entire season – away games, home games, sometimes with the rowdy fans and sometimes with the team itself. It’s as much about Italian fan culture as it is about the game.

• My Cousin the Saint – If you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to have an Italian saint as an ancestor, then you’ll enjoy the tale of someone who does in My Cousin the Saint by Justin Catanoso. You can hear Justin talking about the book and the experiences he writes about in this episode of the Eye on Italy podcast .

• In Tuscany – Don’t let the author name here fool you, this isn’t just another book in the “Under the Tuscan Sun” series. Instead, In Tuscany by Frances Mayes is primarily a beautiful book of photography that really capture that amazing Tuscan light and shows why Mayes and countless others have been seduced by this region. You’ll also find a few recipes and essays in the book, too, but don’t feel badly if you just page through it looking at the pictures. (That’s what I do.)

• The Europe Book – While this one isn’t entirely about Italy, The Europe Book gets honorable mention on this list because it’s a lovely coffee table book that covers all of Europe and could inspire even greater travels than an Italy book alone could do. It’s put together by the folks at Lonely Planet, who have a similar book for every continent and one for the whole world as well, in case you’ve got other travel lovers on your gift list.

I happen to be a big fan of Italian music – this is partly because I like to think it helps me learn the language, and partly because there are just some Italian artists that I’ve really come to like quite a bit. The trouble is that keeping this list updated with what’s current on the Italian music scene would be a full-time job. So here are a few classics, plus a few more contemporary Italian pop artists I happen to like, and an invitation to see what new releases the artists listed below have put out since I made this list – or scout out new artists on RadioItalia.it .

• Sanremo Festival CDs – Each year, Italian musicians compete to represent the country at the European music festival called Eurovision; the competition in Italy is the Sanremo Song Festival, and the compilation CDs that come out after the festival’s over each year are a fun way to find out about new Italian pop music. The current year’s Sanremo CD is as good a place as any to start, though there’s at least one (if not a few) for every year.

• Pavarotti – The world lost a great tenor when Pavarotti died in 2007, but his voice lives on. With Pavarotti Forever you get a collection of the arias and songs he was best known for. A Pavarotti CD is a must-have for any Italian music collection.

• Fabrizio de Andre – I’ve heard de Andre described as an Italian Bob Dylan, a singer/songwriter who may be decades in the past but left such a lasting mark both with his music and the messages in his songs that he remains beloved by young and old alike. This 3-CD set of Fabrizio de Andre songs is a great start to any de Andre collection.

• Andrea Bocelli – Bocelli is kind of a good middle ground for music lovers who can’t quite get into opera all the way, but who like the idea of Italian opera. His album Andrea Bocelli: Incanto came out in 2009, just in time for the holidays, but it’s still a great gift this year.

• Renato Carosone – One of Carosone’s songs was featured in “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” and Renato Carosone: I Successi includes not only that song but many others that he was famous for. This is old-school Italian music at its best.

• Nek – I and other Italian students agree that Nek is a great singer to listen to if you’re learning the language, as he enunciates so clearly. He’s also a great singer with really catchy melodies. Start with Nek: Best of Nek and expand your collection from there.

• Ligabue – For a bit more of a rock n’roll style, you can’t go wrong with Ligabue. A good place to start is his two-disc Greatest Hits set including Ligabue: Primo Tempo and Ligabue: Secondo Tempo . Either (or both) would be great gifts for the Italy music lover.

• Eros Ramazzotti – Eros is quite popular in Italy, and is one of the many Italian singers who also records most of his albums in Spanish to appeal to a wider audience. As such, one of the new songs on the Eros Ramazzotti: E2 greatest hits collection is a bouncy duet with Ricky Martin that was all over Italian radio early in 2008.

• Neffa – Part jazz, part pop, part rap, Neffa is a bit hard to categorize. But whatever he is, I love his music. I particularly love Neffa: Alla Fine Della Notte , but any one of his CDs is a hit as far as I’m concerned.

• Giusy Ferreri – Ferreri shot to stardom a few years ago on the Italian equivalent of American Idol, and has been called the Italian Amy Winehouse (without the drugs). Her breakout CD was Giusy Ferreri: Gaetana .

Movies/DVDs

Note that DVDs which play on Italian DVD players will not work on DVD players in the United States. There are different types of machinery involved, so you’ll either need two different kinds of players or will need to make very sure that any foreign DVD you’re buying is meant to be played in a US machine.

• Cinema Paradiso – This Italian classic is beloved the world over, and with good reason. And this deluxe edition of Cinema Paradiso includes both the original theatrical version and the director’s cut, which really changes the way you think about the characters! It’s worth seeing both versions.

• Il Meglio Gioventù – This drama series aired on Italian TV and was such a hit that it was later released on DVD. It’s a 6-hour marathon if you choose to do it all at once, but The Best of Youth (which is what “Il Meglio Gioventù” means) artfully tells 40+ years of Italian history through the experiences of one Italian family, so it’s worth making the 6-hour commitment.

• Benvenuti al Sud – If you love the Italian south, you’ll love this film. Benvenuti al Sud is Italian for “Welcome to the South,” and tells the tale of a Milanese postal worker who’s punished with an assignment to work at an office on the coast near Naples. Even if it’s predictable at times, it’s delightfully heartwarming – and the stereotypes the northern people in the film have about the south are no joke, either.

• Il Postino – While the story told in Il Postino is ultimately a sad one, it’s a gorgeous movie just dripping with incredible southern Italian scenery, not to mention a sweet love story and the poetry of Pablo Neruda. It’s a classic that should be in any Italophile’s collection.

• Under the Tuscan Sun – Personally, I thought this movie was a little ridiculous (sometimes a lot ridiculous), but it’s hard to beat the scenery. So even if you don’t buy the romantic tale Under the Tuscan Sun is trying to sell, you can just lose yourself in the backgrounds. (And if you’re into this kind of thing, the Italian guy who’s the love interest in the film ain’t bad scenery himself.)

• My House in Umbria – Although My House in Umbria was actually filmed in neighboring Tuscany, you don’t have to worry about those details. Just sit back and enjoy the Italian landscape.

• Rick Steves DVDs – Even if you’re not planning a trip to Italy, Rick Steves: Italy’s Cities 2000-2007 is a fun way to get to know the country. It’s a collection of Steves’ programs over the years highlighting the cities of Italy. The companion collection, Rick Steves: Italy’s Countryside 2000-2007 , covers – you guessed it – the countryside.

• Italy Revealed – This interesting program ran on the Discovery Channel some time ago, and although I think some of the stories felt a little forced, the cinematography is gorgeous and the HD DVD makes the colors pop in an unreal way. Italy Revealed may not reveal anything about Italy that you don’t already know, but you’ll have to admit that it’s eye candy.

• Francesco’s Italy: Top to Toe Francesco da Mosto is the tour guide you’ve never heard of, but once you’re done with this program you’ll wish you could hop into his Alfa Romeo the next time he speeds through Italy. Francesco’s Italy: Top to Toe is only available from the BBC (where the program originally aired), and unless your DVD player is region-free that means the DVD won’t work in American players. In the US, the program ran on the Travel Channel, so you can keep an eye out for it to re-broadcast there, or you can get the BBC book Francesco’s Italy instead.

• Inside the Tuscan Hills – This series of programs about Tuscany’s hill towns doesn’t rise to the marketing level of Rick Steves or Globe Trekker, but Inside the Tuscan Hills is a charming look at the region through the eyes of the filmmaking couple behind the shows.

Language Learning

There are so many ways to learn a language, it’s important to get the right tool for the right person. You know your Italophile best, so choose the right tool (or tools) from this list to help them on their way to speaking Italian like a pro.

• Italian Textbook – Whether you’re taking a class or studying on your own, having a good textbook is key. When I was teaching, I used Italian: A Self-Teaching Guide , and I also liked Italian the Easy Way . Some textbooks also come with CDs so you can hear the words pronounced, which can be really helpful (espcially if you’re not taking a class).

• Italian-English Dictionary – No matter what else you’re doing to learn Italian, a good Italian-English Dictionary is indispensable. I like the Oxford one (I’ve had mine since 2001), but there are dozens to choose from. And for the serious Italian student, there are huge hardcover dictionaries that aren’t very good for travel, but they don’t leave any words out!

• Italian Phrasebook – For the Italian student who’s planning a trip to Italy, a small phrasebook is a good idea. You may remember all the key things you need to know how to say, but it’s nice to have a cheat-sheet handy just in case. My favorite is the Rick Steves Italian Phrasebook because it’s got everything you’ll need as a traveler with some fun phrases thrown in for humor, and it’s also got a small dictionary in the back.

• Audio Program – Is your Italophile someone who spends a lot of time commuting? Then a Living Language Audio Italian CD set is a good option. It’s an all-audio course, so there are no books to pay attention to.

• Computer Software – For the interactive learner without an Italian class nearby to sign up for, Rosetta Stone Italian or some other computer-based language program is a good alternative.

• Streetwise Italian – And when you need a break from all that polite and useful Italian, pick up a copy of Streetwise Italian and learn all the words your Italian best friends would have taught you and for which you might have gotten your mouth washed out with soap.

• Italian Magnets – Y’know those poetry magnets that were so popular years ago? Well, they’re multilingual now. You can get Magnetic Poetry: Italian and cover your fridge with Italian words. You may even discover your inner Italian poet. And not even know it. Okay, I’ll stop.

• Italian Word of the Day Calendar – For a daily reminder of the language you’re trying to learn, pick up the latest year’s edition of a Berlitz Italian Phrase a day Calendar and then try to work your new word or phrase into everyday speech.

• Language Class – If there’s a community college in your area, consider enrolling your Italophile in a non-credit Italian class. I’ve been both a student and a teacher of classes like that, and they’re great fun from both sides.

Miscellaneous

If you’ve made it this far and still not found that perfect gift for the Italophile in your life, then I hope something on this list of miscellaneous Italian goodies strikes your fancy!

• Italy Calendar – What better way to enjoy the beauty of Italy every day than with the latest year’s edition of this photo-a-day Italy Calendar ? There’s not only a big picture for every month, there’s a small picture for every single day of the year.

• Italian Flag – No Italophile’s collection of Italian-ness is complete without the tricolore , the Italian Flag ! Flagpole not included.

• Italy Flag Tree Ornament – Who wouldn’t want to show off their Italian pride at the holidays with this lovely glass ornament of the Italian flag ? It’s an added bonus that the Italian tricolore is also Christmas colors!

• I’d Rather Be in Italy Hoodie – When I saw this “I’d rather be in Italy” hoodie , I couldn’t resist including it in the gift guide. I know I could wear this thing every day (at least the days when I’m not actually in Italy, that is).

• Carthusia Perfume – Anyone who’s been to Capri or the Amalfi Coast has probably heard of Carthusia perfume , the company that was started on the island of Capri hundreds of years ago. The scents are all evocative of the region, and a sweet gift for anyone on your list. (My personal favorite is Mediterraneo; it’s lemon-scented summer in a bottle to me.)

• Italy Key Chain – You don’t have to drive a Ferrari or a Lamborghini to have a little bit of Italy with you every time you hop in your car. Heck, you don’t even need a car to need a keychain, and with an Italian flag keychain you can adorn your keys with a bit of Italia.

• Italy Oval Car Stickers – I don’t know about you, but I miss the old days of all the European car stickers that showed which country a vehicle was from (these days, it’s included in the license plates so no stickers are necessary). Bring back a little bit of the past with your own Italy car sticker , whether you’re in Italy or not.

• Italian Horn Pendant

• Venetian Glass – It can actually be kind of risky to buy Venetian glass outside of Venice, because there’s no guarantee you’re getting the real thing. But if you’re not as worried about that and just want something pretty and Venetian-like, then a Venetian Glass Necklace is a nice choice (and this one does say it’s real Murano glass).

• Florentine Paper – Florentine paper is gorgeous, all colorful curlicues and gold leaf, but if you can’t go to Florence to get it then you can pick up these Florentine Note Cards as a handsome substitute.

• Italian Soccer Jersey – There’s nothing like showing love for your team by donning their jersey. If your Italophile doesn’t yet have a team, then let me recommend mine – because an AC Milan Jersey goes with any skin tone. And if you’d prefer to show love for country rather than one particular squad, then nothing but an Italian National Soccer Team Jersey will do.

• Ferrari Gear – Gearheads will appreciate anything bearing the logos of one of the famed Italian auto manufacturers, whether it’s Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo, or Fiat, but the one everyone recognizes is the dancing horse of Ferrari that’s displayed so prominently on this Ferrari Shirt .

• Italian Vocabulary Shower Curtain – Who doesn’t love a bit of whimsy in the bathroom? When you combine whimsy with something that’s actually educational, you’ve got a winner – like with this Italian Vocabulary Shower Curtain . Genius. (Though I’m still not sure why you’d need to learn the word for “pineapple” while you’re showering. I mean, if you wanna shower with a pineapple, I guess that’s your business, but still…)

Dream of Italy Gift Goodies My friend Kathy of Dream of Italy has a few gift subscription packages for her award-winning newsletter this year, as well as Christmas cards decorated with lovely Italian scenes and Italy-fied gift baskets. The newsletter especially is ideal for any Italophile, and especially for anyone who’s got a trip to Italy planned in the coming year. You’ll find more information about each of these Dream of Italy gift ideas by clicking on the links below:

• Dream of Italy Newsletter Gift Subscription Packages
• Dream of Italy Christmas Cards
• Dream of Italy Movie & Travel Gift Baskets

Whew! I hope you’ve found something that’ll make the Italy lover on your gift list smile this holiday season, but if you think I’ve left off something that should be featured, please let me know by leaving a comment below!

Italy: a first-timer’s guide

Feb 28, 2024 • 8 min read

One of the best things to do in Italy? Spend time on the water (coast, lake or canal) © Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images

With its iconic monuments, timeless landscapes and irresistible food,  Italy is one of Europe’s most alluring destinations. Its historic cities promise thrilling art and architecture at every turn while its varied coastlines and Alpine heights provide a stunning outdoor playground.

In fact, the country is so packed with possibilities that it can seem almost overwhelming. Where should I go? How do I get there? How much will it cost? This planning guide tackles these questions and provides clear practical advice on how to get the most out of your first Italian trip.

When should I go to Italy?

The short answer is anytime. Spring and fall are best for sightseeing , touring and seasonal food. It’s warm without being stifling and nature is in full color. But with the glorious blue-sky weather come crowds and high-season prices in the main cities.

Summer sees cities empty as holidaymakers head to the coast. Prices skyrocket in popular areas, peaking in mid-August when beaches are packed and resorts full. Meanwhile, the festival season swings into gear with high-profile events such as Il Palio di Siena, featuring a wild bareback horse race around Siena 's Piazza del Campo , and Spoleto’s Festival dei Due Mondi , with musicians, artists and actors performing to passionate throngs.

Winter is generally quiet – except in ski resorts – and it can be wet and cold. But low season rates and empty museums make it a decent option for a city break.

How much time do I need to visit Italy?

Realistically, you’ll need at least two or three days in top cities such as Rome , Florence and Venice . That won’t give you enough time to cover everything, but it will allow you to get a feel for the place and explore some of the headline attractions.

If you’re happy to move fast, you could cover Italy’s highlights on a whistle-stop 10-day tour. That would give you a couple of days each in Venice and Florence, a day in Bologna , Pisa and Naples , and three days in Rome. Alternatively, you could focus on a particular area. For example, with a week you could explore southern Tuscany and parts of neighboring Umbria , or cut a swathe through Sicily’s baroque southeast .

Is it easy to get in and around Italy?

Italy is well served by air with flights from across the world. Major airports include Rome Fiumicino (officially Leonardo da Vinci) and Milan Malpensa , the two main intercontinental gateways, Venice Marco Polo , Pisa International (for Florence and Tuscany), Naples International  and Catania (Sicily’s busiest airport). There are also excellent rail and bus links, especially to northern Italy, and ferries to Italian ports from across the Mediterranean.

Once in Italy, you've got transport options . Trains are best between major cities and along the coasts, while buses are better for the mountains and hilly inland areas. For more remote parts you’ll really need your own wheels. Most major cities have decent public transport, though you can often cover their historic centers on foot.

Top things to do in Italy

Tour rome’s greatest hits.

First port of call for many travelers is Rome, Italy’s charismatic capital. You’ll never be able to cover all of its monuments and masterpieces, but there are some you won’t want to miss. The Colosseum and Pantheon are obvious highlights, along with the Roman Forum and Palatino . Then there’s the Vatican where you’ll find St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel (in the Vatican Museums ). And, of course, you’ll want to toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure you return to the Eternal City.

For a taste of authentic Roman cuisine, try a slice of pizza from Forno Roscioli or a pasta carbonara at Flavio al Velavevodetto in the Testaccio neighborhood.

Marvel at masterpieces in Florence

One and a half hours north of Rome by train, Florence is the second of Italy’s ‘big three’ (Venice completes the trio). Visitors have been rhapsodizing about the city for centuries and still today it thrills with its Renaissance palazzi (palaces), frescoed churches and artworks such as Michelangelo's David at the Galleria dell'Accademia , Botticelli’s Birth of Venus at the Galleria degli Uffizi , and Brunelleschi’s red dome atop the landmark Duomo . Art apart, there are markets and boutiques to explore and Negroni cocktails to be sampled, including at the historic Caffè Rivoire .

With more time, you could add a day-trip to Siena or a tour of the Chianti wine country .

Get lost in Venice’s backstreets

As soon as you set foot in Venice you know it’s special. And confusing. To get your bearings take vaporetto (water bus) No 1 along the Grand Canal to Piazza San Marco where you’ll find several landmark sights. Chief among these are the Basilica di San Marco and the Gothic Palazzo Ducale , former residence of the ruling Doge. Elsewhere, you can catch modern art at the world-class Peggy Guggenheim Collection and browse colorful produce at the centuries-old Rialto Market .

To fuel your wanderings, Venice is famous for its cicchetti (bar snacks). A top spot for these is the canal-side Bracaro ae Bricoe bar in the Cannaregio sestiere (neighborhood).

Feast on pizza, art and street life in Naples

With Mt Vesuvius brooding on the horizon, Naples is sprawling, loud, sometimes edgy and often magnificent. Its Dickensian backstreets are a joy to explore and its regal palaces showcase world-class collections of Greco-Roman antiquities and baroque art – check out the Museo Nazionale Archeologico and Cappella Sansevero for a glimpse. Then, of course, there’s the city’s revered pizza, served at historic pizzerias such as Da Michele .

Beyond the city, Pompeii is an easy day trip and the Amalfi Coast is within striking distance via the sunny resort town of Sorrento .

Cruise the Italian Lakes

Ringed by brooding Alpine summits and steep wooded slopes, the Italian Lakes have been a popular holiday spot since ancient times. At Lake Maggiore , you can explore the Isole Borromee with their ornate palaces and lavish gardens, while further east you can go celeb-spotting on Lake Como , cruising around its exquisite villas and villages.

To reach the lakes you’ll often have to pass through Milan , Italy’s northern powerhouse. A day here would be enough to take in some of its signature sights: Leonardo Da Vinci's Last Supper , the fairy-tale Duomo , the Quadrilatero d’Oro shopping district.

My favorite thing to do in Italy

Italy’s obvious beauty and blockbuster sights abound, but what I love are its simple pleasures: a leisurely lunch in a favorite trattoria, the sight of pine trees towering over Roman ruins, a glass of prosecco on a Venetian canal-side.

I also love wandering around Rome and seeing how its life plays out against a backdrop of ancient monuments and historic palazzi . There’s always something going on and even without trying I usually come across something special, an amazing baroque fountain or a teeming market in a medieval square. The city’s streets really are an experience in themselves. I mean where else can you wait for a tram just yards from where Julius Caesar was stabbed?

How much money do I need for Italy?

Italy isn’t cheap. Accommodation rates vary enormously between places and seasons but prices are universally high in popular destinations. That said, you can still find deals if you book early and avoid peak periods. Sightseeing can also add up with top sites charging top dollar. On the plus side, eating out doesn’t have to cost the earth, especially if you stick to pizza and gelato.

Some average daily costs:

• Double room in an agriturismo (farm stay) €40-80
• B&B room €60-140
• Coffee (standing at a bar) €1.10
• Midrange meal €25-35
• Glass of wine €5-8
• Museum admission €10-20
• Public transport ticket (Rome) €1.50 for 100 minutes unlimited travel (but only one metro ride)
• High-speed train ticket Rome to Florence €55

Frequently asked questions

This is italy, so do i have to dress up all the time.

In a word, no. When sightseeing go for comfort, especially when it comes to shoes – you’ll be walking a lot and cobbled streets can be murder on the feet. Note also that major religious sights often enforce dress codes, so make sure you can cover your shoulders, torso and thighs. For going out in the evening, smart casual is the way to go.

What’s the score with tipping?

Tipping is not strictly necessary in restaurants as most places add servizio (service) to the bill. If they don’t or if you want to leave something, a few euros is fine in pizzerias and trattorias; 5% to 10% in smarter restaurants.

What’s this about not drinking a cappuccino after 11am?

Italy has a whole (unwritten) rule book on the dos and don’ts of drinking. As a foreign visitor you’ll get a pass if you order the wrong drink at the wrong time, but it helps to know that Italians regard cappuccinos as breakfast drinks, call an espresso un caffè , and drink beer with pizza.

What’s the card vs cash situation?

Businesses are legally obliged to accept digital payments but it’s always best to have some cash on you. You probably won’t have any problems but it’s not unheard of for payment machines to be mysteriously broken in smaller bars, shops, museums or restaurants. Major credit cards are widely accepted (Amex less so).

This article was first published May 24, 2019 and updated Feb 28, 2024.

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15 Underrated Places to Travel This Summer, From Kosovo to Quebec

By Jamie Spain

Planning the perfect summer trip can take weeks of research, preparation, and organization to ensure it goes off without a hitch. But before you get to the planning and booking phase, you'll need to decide where to go. There's a seemingly endless amount of great options out there, and while there's nothing wrong with heading to the same familiar spot over and over again, sometimes you want to get a little off the beaten path and go somewhere you haven't been before. Whether you're in the mood for a nature escape with jaw-dropping vistas, hiking paths, and secluded lodges, or are looking for a big city excursion surrounded by trendy restaurants, unique neighborhoods, and great shopping, we've got ideas for you.

From islands to national parks , here are 15 underrated summer travel ideas, perfect for avoiding the crowds while you explore someplace new.

Domestic destinations:

Finger Lakes, New York | Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota | Isle Royale National Park, Michigan | Catalina Island, California | San Juan Islands, Washington | Crystal River, Florida

International destinations:

Kosovo | Budapest, Hungary | Copenhagen, Denmark | Buenos Aires, Argentina | Sardinia, Italy | Mauritius | Kyoto, Japan | Bora Bora | Quebec, Canada

Domestic destinations

Finger Lakes, New York

A fan-favorite of New York City residents, the New York Finger Lakes are unquestionably idyllic. The perfect destination for a summer weekend , or a weeklong trip with the family, this region is home to some of the most beautiful waterfronts. Dotted with adorable small towns , the 11 long, slender lakes that make up this area are exactly what East Coast summer dreams are made of. Spend your trip navigating nearby state parks; hiking, biking, and exploring; and enjoying everything that lake life has to offer, from jet-skiing to swimming.

Where to stay: Check out the Gould Hotel , a modern boutique property in Seneca Falls; book a night at The Lake House on Canandaigua for an airy, design-forward stay; or head east to the Inns of Aurora .

Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

Completely immerse yourself in nature at Minnesota's Voyageurs National Park. This gorgeous destination is ideal for getting in some of the best stargazing you could ever imagine. Just like dozens of other national parks , this one has an International Dark Sky Park certificate, designating it as a location that is particularly good for viewing the night sky and stars. Unlike the others, however, Voyageurs is one of the least-visited national parks in the country, meaning you'll be able to truly connect with nature and enjoy seclusion. It's ideal for boat rides and swimming, as it's primarily made up of waterfronts and islands—almost 40 percent of the park is water.

Where to stay: Nearby Cantilever Hotel is great for those interested in exploring the park, but not wanting to stay too far away from civilization. Those who are a little more daring will enjoy the Kettle Falls Hotel , a property that is only accessible by boat or seaplane. If you're really looking to be one with nature, you can rent a canoe and camp at a tent site.

Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

If you're looking for a summer vacation where you can explore an area relatively untouched by civilization, look no further than Isle Royale National Park . A favorite of my family, this park is uniquely difficult to get to (the main island is best reached by ferry), so the only other travelers you'll find here are extreme adventurers and in-the-know locals. It's best to visit during the summer months since Lake Superior is quite cold and foggy throughout the rest of the year. My family heads to this park in the summer months in hopes of spending a few days backpacking , canoeing, and hiking through the near-untouched environment—admiring the nature and wildlife along the way.

By Sarah James

By Melissa Liebling-Goldberg

By Jessica Puckett

By Todd Plummer

Where to stay: While the actual park is best experienced through camping, those who aren't interested in totally roughing it can stay at the Rock Harbor Lodge , centrally located on the main island. Or, book this nearby rustic Airbnb cabin with panoramic views of Lake Superior for the days leading up to your national park visit.

Catalina Island, California

Just a hop, skip, and a jump from Los Angeles , Santa Catalina Island is quite literally heaven on Earth. Hopeful travelers can either take the one-hour Catalina Express ferry over to the island (it departs daily from San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point) or charter a private yacht to get them there in style. Whether you're looking to hike the Trans Catalina Trail or simply indulge in some tasty seafood while wandering through the quaint town of Avalon, Catalina Island is a great break from the hustle and bustle of LA. Head a bit farther inland to explore El Rancho Escondido , the acclaimed Arabian horse ranch that's also home to Rusack Vineyards.

Where to stay: For day-trippers or those who plan to extend their vacation to include a stay in Los Angeles, there are a variety of hotels and Airbnbs to choose from, including The Beverly Hills Hotel, Dorchester Collection , The Malibu Beach Inn , and the luxe Chateau Marmont Estate on Airbnb. If you're hoping to stay on-island, the plush Bellanca Hotel is the way to go.

San Juan Islands, Washington

A 2019 Readers' Choice Award winner, named one of the best islands for beautiful scenery, this collection of more than 400 islands off the coast of Washington is ideal for a Pacific Northwest weekend getaway. The three most popular (and largest) islands to explore are Orcas , San Juan, and Lopez—all easily accessible by ferry. Travelers can enjoy a laidback vacation with comfortable temperatures and a relaxed atmosphere: hop on a bike and explore the area; spend time sailing, hiking, and fishing; or take a walk to admire all of the islands' natural beauty, from the mountains to the lakes.

Where to stay: Glampers, campers, and regular hotel-goers will all adore the Lakedale which has accommodations for every type of traveler.

Crystal River, Florida

Home to one of the best beaches in Florida , Crystal River is unlike most other cities you'll find in the Sunshine State for one major reason: It's one of the only places in the world where people can swim alongside manatees . If you've ever wanted to truly get up close to these gentle giants, this is the city to visit. Head to the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge to see your fill of the endangered animal, and spend some time taking in the natural beauty of the nearby springs and parks.

Where to stay: The Plantation Resort on Crystal River is home to a variety of different activities including a 27-hole championship golf course and a family-friendly resort with 196 accommodations.

International destinations

There's a reason Kosovo is on our list of the Best Places to Go in 2024, and it has everything to do with the jaw-dropping scenery that can be found in every corner of this country. Outdoorsy folks who want to spend their time hiking and biking through untainted valleys, mountains, and countryside will appreciate the chance to explore the newest European country. Travelers who who are looking for a taste of the young nation's history can head to the national museum; afterward, explore the streets of Prizren taking in the architecture as well as the historic mosques and churches.

Where to stay: Book a night at the Hotel Gracanica in the quiet suburb of Prishtina, or pamper yourself at the luxe Ujevara e Drinit Resort near Peja. For something a little more traditional, enjoy tasty Kosovo dishes as well as classic comforts at the rural Ariu Guesthouse . (Check out our guide on where to eat, play, and stay in Kosovo for even more recommendations.)

Budapest, Hungary

Skip Western Europe and instead head to the beautiful capital of Hungary . Luxuriate in the mineral-rich thermal baths you'll find around the city , or spend your days exploring the historic Castle District, walking along the Danube, and meandering through the city streets. You can even take a faux hot air balloon trip to enjoy the best view in the city. If you plan your trip for August, it may coincide with the Sziget Festival , one of the largest music and cultural festivals in all of Europe.

Where to stay: Book a night at 2024 Gold List winner, The Four Seasons Gresham Palace Budapest , or spend a few nights at the adults-only Hotel Clark Budapest . (Check out our guide on where to eat, play, and stay in Budapest for more recommendations.)

Copenhagen, Denmark

There's no better time to visit Copenhagen than during the summer months when the weather is warm, the days are exceptionally long, and the waterfront views are breathtaking. Aside from being ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world , sustainably-minded travelers will appreciate how eco-focused the place is, and enjoy a trip to CopenHill, the multi-use waste-to-energy plant with a ski slope, climbing wall, and cafe. It's also worth checking out the Tivoli Gardens, Rosenborg Castle, and the picturesque Nyhavn harbor .

Where to stay: Check out our favorite hotels in Copenhagen , including the grand and historic Hotel d'Angleterre , the Nimb Hotel which was originally built as a castle in 1909, and the modern Villa Copenhagen .

Buenos Aires, Argentina

From awe-inspiring museums to culture-packed tours to dance halls perfect for learning to tango , there's no shortage of amazing things to do and see in Buenos Aires . Whether you're spending the day simply walking the streets and taking in the sights; exploring the colorful La Boca; watching a soccer match; learning to tango; or going to the Colón Theatre to see the opera, this will be a trip to remember.

Where to stay: Some of our favorite hotels in Buenos Aires include the luxe Palacio Duhau ; the Jardín Escondido , once home to Francis Ford Coppola; and the Faena Hotel Buenos Aires located right by the water in Puerto Madero.

Sardinia, Italy

There's so much more to Sardinia than just a beautiful coastline and wonderful beaches. While the long, warm days are perfect to spend by the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, travelers who want a little more substance to their vacation can head inland to experience the island's charming towns, rustic cuisine, and ancient ruins.

Where to stay: Rest your head at the Cascioni Eco Retreat , set on a 90-acre nature reserve with gorgeous views of the surrounding land. The colorful Su Gologone Experience Hotel is another great option, as is the luxurious, high-end Hotel Cali de Volpe .

Another location on our list of the Best Places to Go in 2024, Mauritius is about 1,200 miles east of Madagascar . From its gorgeous coastlines with pristine beaches to the luxury accommodations and unparalleled nature, this island destination is nothing short of paradise. Head here during the Northern Hemisphere's summer months to avoid wet season. Your main activities on Mauritius will be water-based, from diving and snorkeling to sitting on the beach and admiring the coastline. If you need a break from relaxing, take a trip to the Bel Ombre Nature Reserve, the Botanic Gardens, or the capital city of Port Louis.

Where to stay: Check out our favorite hotels in Mauritius , including the four-time Readers' Choice Award winner and two-time Gold List winner, One&Only Le Saint Géran . You can also book a stay at the legendary resort, Lux Belle Mare , or the kite-surfers' paradise of Riu Palace Mauritius .

Kyoto, Japan

Instead of heading to the mega-popular Tokyo or the bright and lively Osaka, consider touching down in Kyoto , one of the best cities to experience traditional Japanese culture. Spend the day exploring the temples and shrines that are dotted throughout the city; take a walk through Gion, the “Geisha District;” or while away a few hours in the Kyoto National Museum. The best times to visit Japan are at the very end or beginning of summer when the season overlaps with spring and fall, and while it'll certainly be a bit warmer during the peaks of summer, it's no less beautiful.

Where to stay: From the Ace Hotel to the Shinmonzen , there is no shortage of great hotels in Central Kyoto. If you're interested in something a little different, tour guide Sara Aiko from Traveler 's Ask a Local series recommends taking a trip to Moksa , a gorgeous property in the north of Kyoto surrounded by temples and nature.

Nothing says romance like staying in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora. The winter in French Polynesia corresponds with the summer in the Northern Hemisphere, meaning June, July, and August experience less humid and more comfortable temperatures. This time period also falls during Tahiti 's dry season, so you don't have to worry about being rained out. You could easily spend your days simply lounging in your bungalow and slipping into the crystal waters whenever you feel, but Bora Bora is also ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, and taking a boat or a 4x4 island tour.

Where to stay: Bora Bora is particularly known for its luxury overwater bungalows. Conrad Bora Bora Nui is a more private option with exceptional snorkeling and coral, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is perfect for honeymooners and families alike, and the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is home to over 100 bungalows, fine dining, and an exceptional spa.

Quebec, Canada

When you think of summer travel, your first thought is probably an island getaway or a far-flung destination that you've only read about in books. But, don't overlook all of the beauty that our northern neighbor has to offer. Quebec City is home to all the same type of charm you'll find in Europe but without the exceptionally long flight to get there. Spend some time in Old Quebec City —home to some of the oldest streets in North America—taking in the history and culture that make this city worthy of its title as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Or, head to Montreal , where you can enjoy a variety of museums, the open-air market, and great culinary options. Don't forget to explore the nature and French architecture found in the greater province.

Where to stay: For a wonderful stay in Quebec City, Hotel 71 is a six-time Readers' Choice Award winner while Auberge Saint Antoine Quebec City and Le Germain Hotel Quebec are both five-time winners. For a wellness-focused retreat , head to Monastère des Augustines . In Montreal , check out the Auberge du Vieux-Port on the St. Lawrence River, or Hotel William Gray in Old Montreal.

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31 Best Gifts for 15-Year-Old Girls, According to Actual Teenagers

High schoolers will be obsessed.

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The world of the 15-year-old girl in your life is a hoot. She wants to make a little sanctuary at home where she listens to her music and tunes everyone else out, but she also wants to have adventures and outings with friends and family. If you're looking for the best gifts for 15-year-old girls, you can go sweet or savvy, but you probably won't be walking the toy aisles anymore.

You know your teen best, so if nothing jumps out at you among our top picks, keep scrolling for even more choices. We also recommend checking out our gift guides for the best gifts for teens , best gifts for teen girls on Amazon and the best sweet 16 gift ideas .

UGG Women's Tazz Slipper

If your teen wants these comfy slippers with a 1.5-inch platform, meant to be worn out and about, buy them as soon as you find her size and shade. They keep selling out! But nearly every teen we consulted is coveting this hot shoe by the long-popular UGG brand. They're suede and come in colors such as pink and blue as well as neutrals such as brown and black.

Stanley Quencher Tumbler

Who is to say why things to viral? There are hundreds of millions of TikTok views for content around Stanley-brand cups . The outdoors brand is now hot with teens, influencers and celebrities. Most of the teens we consulted put this high on the list of must-haves: The water bottle that outshines all other water bottles, as far as they are concerned. One is justifying the price with, "I have to stay hydrated!"

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

There's just no hotter brand of makeup among teens than the line called Rare Beauty by singer/actress Selena Gomez (the most Instragram-followed person in the world). And the most popular product in her line is this light liquid blush that looks natural and doesn't scream "I'm wearing makeup!" Having it is a flex, as your teen might say, so if she's into beauty products, this will be a winner. It comes in 13 colors with inspirational names such as Hope, Worth and Believe.

Jellycat Amuseable Star Plush

Our 15-year-old sources tell us that the Jellycat brand now rivals other plushes for cute, untraditional characters. We've always loved the softness of Jellycat baby toys and agree that this squeezable glittery star is an adorable birthday gift idea for any age, including 15!

Beats Studio3 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

If your budget can accommodate it, all the teens say there is no better pair of headphones than those from Beats by Dre. These are noise-canceling, so if other kids in the house are rowdy or gaming, your 15-year-old can slide these over her ears and tune them out. (And concentrate on homework, maybe?) They've got more than 36,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Sol De Janeiro Hair & Body Fragrance Mist

Every generation of teens wants to smell good. The current crop of 15-year-old girls we heard from like this hair and body mist, which is lighter than perfume. The idea is to spray it in your hair so that each time you shake your head or run your fingers through your tresses, a little of the fruity, floral scent is released.

Kendra Scott Letter Pendant Necklace

The goal, girls told us, is to own and wear multiple Kendra Scott necklaces, a mom-founded brand that now has over a million Instagram followers. If your teen doesn't yet have the initial necklace, it's a cute and personal gift she can use to start a collection or add to her others.

Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

This is another beauty brand that's hot with teen girls (and adults for that matter). Summer Fridays uses recyclable packaging, so you can feel good about it too. Much of the skincare is over $40, which might explain why the 15-year-olds told us they "just" want the sheer, shimmery lip balm.

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Dew Drops Hydrating Serum

If she's just getting into skin treatments, this primer can brighten her skin and minimize pores. The directions are to put it on before any other moisturizer and before makeup. It's got a fresh watermelon scent and lots of happy online reviews. It's also a favorite brand of our GH beauty pros — and recommended by one of our teen sources.

iWALK Small Portable Charger

Whether you like it or not, they are constantly on their phones. But at least with this top-rated compact charger, you know they'll never run out of juice (which means you'll always be able to get in touch with them). Over 12,000 Amazon reviewers have given it five stars.

'Not a Lot Going On at The Moment' Shirt

No doubt she's a Taylor Swift fan, and even if you aren't sure exactly what this shirt means ( she wears a similar one in her iconic 22 music video) , you'll score major points for getting it.

Custom Neon Name Sign

How cool is this? Get her name written as a neon sign she can hang on her wall. Choose from different fonts and add a heart, star, flower or other emoji to the end. The price is approximate and goes up a bit if you add more letters or want to have the sign in more than one color, but every sign is fun to design and reasonably priced even if you go long.

3960-Piece Bracelet Making Kit

If she got into making friendship bracelets for Taylor Swift concerts or special events, this kit is one GH staffer's favorite. "My kid and I can turn out bracelets pretty fast because this just uses elastic that you cut and tie. There's no need to attach hooks," she says. "Pro tip: Tell her to use a toothpick to easily pick out letters." This kit has a huge number of beads, stored securely in containers with locking lids, so it will keep her going for a long time.

Cloud Slippers

They look like Barbie shoes but are in fact comfortable, durable indoor or outdoor sandals. Wearing them feels a bit like getting a foot massage! She can wear them as slippers around the house but go out with friends in them, too. They come in some 20 colors, both neutrals and pastels.

Squishmallows 12-Inch Rayen Pancake

Every-age kid flips out over Squishmallows , which are squishy plush with simple faces that teens love to collect. The hilarity is that the brand makes stuffies shaped like fantastical animals, holiday characters and pets, but some of the most delightful are shaped like food, like this stack of pancakes.

The Hate U Give: A Printz Honor Winner

Be the person who gives her a great book to read with this award-winning young adult novel with more than 37,000 five-star Amazon reviews. Many online reviewers call it "required reading." It's been made into a movie, too. Your teen was too little for it when it came out in 2017 but is now ready for its tale of a 16-year-old girl who witnesses the death of her best friend to a police shooting.

RELATED: The Good Housekeeping Best Kids' Book Awards

Sour Patch Kids Pillows

The 16.75-inch large Sour Patch kid is our favorite. It's pillow-sized and looks sugar-coated, though that's just a trick of the speckled fabric, which comes in seven color choices. The smaller 8.5-inch Sour Patch Kid would be better on a shelf and costs $9 less.

Legend Of Zelda Zip Wallet

Nintendo fans who love the Legend of Zelda game flip for this durable, gorgeous wallet in a very light green. There's a black-and-white map design on the lining inside. We like the zipper closure with the tassel, and of course the nods to Princess Zelda. This could be a nice companion gift with this year's The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom game for the Nintendo Switch.

RELATED: The Best Gifts for Gamers

Beauty Bakerie The Chosen Bun Eyeshadow Palette

If she loves playing around with makeup, you can steer her to some useful neural shades (both matte and shimmery) with this nine-piece premium collection. The brand is a favorite of our beauty editors; these eyeshadows go on smoothly and are unlikely to crumble all over your bathroom.

Shashibo Shape Shifting Box

Click the link to watch the video — that may be the best way to get the gist of this relaxing puzzle which effortlessly shifts into different shapes. It's a pleasing, relaxing fidget tool, really, and something your teen can mindlessly twirl to help her think, relax or wind down.

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