Exploring new countries is truly amazing. As Paula Bendfeldt once said – travel opens your heart, broadens your mind and fills your life with stories to tell. Furthermore, it is also an opportunity to learn about different cultures and ways of life.

 

If you are lucky enough to travel to Italy, you will have the chance to discover magnificent nature, captivating architecture and, of course, kind people.

You will find some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world from gorgeous Italian lakes to majestic green hills.  It is no wonder so many people fall in love with the incredible country and therefore want to take a piece of it with it home. Here is a list of the best souvenirs to buy in Italy. 

*As with all food type souvenirs check with immigration in your country to make sure you can bring the items home.

 

Bring home wine from Italy

 

Of course, Italy is well known for its incredible cuisine, but it is not all there is to it. Their wine tradition is fantastic as well. Although Italy is known for being one of the biggest wine exporters, it is also famous for its great flavors. Depending on the region, the delicious drink is made using different kinds of techniques, land, and vines.

 

According to experts, Italian wines are considered one of the best in the world. What is more – they are strictly controlled in more than 300 zones. Where can you find the best wine to bring back home? Well, you might as well look in the local grocery stores. To have a wider selection, it is better to head to a specialized store.

 

Italian Olive Oil

Olive oil in Italy is a different creature than what we can get in the United States. It has so much rich flavor and delicious silky mouth feel. In fact, when we came back from our latest trip to Italy I decided I would only buy genuine imported Italian olive oil from now on. I am lucky to live in Connecticut, where there is a large Italian population so I can easily find imported oil but if you want to buy your own, this is my favorite.

If you want to learn more about olive oil and good prices check out this article from Epicurious or this one from New York magazine.

It makes such an enormous difference.

 

You can buy it Italian olive oil at the grocery stores in Italy but you are much better off finding it at local stores or markets. That way you know that it is the authentic thing. Be prepared to pay for good olive oil. The good stuff will cost over 15 euros per liter but you can often find larger containers that help bring the price per liter down.

 

Buy Stunning Italian Ceramics

 

Probably one of the coolest gifts you can bring from Italy is their hand-painted ceramics. Depending on the region you are in, the pottery can be quite different. You might find more traditional pieces in some cities, while in other parts of the country – modern pottery. You will find beautiful ceramics all around the charming country.

 

Whatever you end up buying – plates, bowls, teapots, glasses or spoons – it is a beautiful way how to take Italy home with you. They will be beautiful additions to your home decor.

 

In Tuscany, Umbria and Sicily, you are most likely to get your hands on pieces made by modern designers who still include ancient traditions in their work. The prices can vary – for some, you might pay as low as  €5, while other pieces may cost up to several hundreds of euros.

There are options you can buy online like the piece above if you don’t want to risk carrying it home, but smaller pieces are easier to keep safe.

Buy Delicious Italian Cheese

 

Calling all cheese lovers! When visiting Italy, make sure to buy some of their delicious cheese, which can be a great gift as well, especially if packed in a small gift box.

 

You should not have any problem bringing hard cheese with you, but when it comes to Gorgonzola (from Lombardy) or Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (from Bologna or Modena), you have to pack smart.

 

Otherwise – all of your things may end up being messy or smelly, which can be pretty annoying. If you get the chance – take Caciocavallo Silano from Calabria with you. It’s an incredibly delicious cheese that is hard to find anywhere outside the land of Pizza itself.

 

 

Glass from Murano

When exploring Venice, make sure to stop by Murano – located just a mile from the city of canals. Murano is world-renowned thanks to its brightly colored glass that is truly one of a kind.

Nowadays, authentic Murano glass is protected by the Veneto region so if you purchase glass in Murano, you are sure to get the real deal.

Colored earrings, necklaces, and interior pieces – plenty of choices will satisfy your inner shopaholic. I purchased a miniature nativity set made of Murano glass when I was in Venice 20 years ago.

 

Of course, you can find Murano glass in all parts of Italy, but to be sure of its authenticity, it’s better to buy it straight in Murano. 

These are authentic Murano glass earrings you can buy online but you must be very careful to make sure that’s where they are coming from.

Venetian masks

 

While you wander around Venice, you are likely to notice a bunch of shops offering handcrafted masks. As it turns out – this unique souvenir is an important part of Venetians’ culture.

 

It is used to protect their identity, whether it is to indulge in mischievous activities or simply conduct business. It was also a way to maintain equality among the city’s citizens, and that is why it is such a special thing to bring home.

 

Of course, you can find similar (and probably cheaper) versions made in China, but if you are looking for a truly authentic gift for yourself or your loved one, make sure to purchase it in Venice.

 

Silk from Lake Como

 

Lake Como is one of the most beautiful places in Italy – both for its charming architecture and for its fantastic nature. It is also a great place to go shopping and find cute souvenirs to take home.

 

If you are a fashionista, then you might want to get your hands on one of the finest silk in the world, made in the city of Como. Stop by Como or Bellagio and pay attention to the historic brands, such as Frey and Mantero. If you are curious to learn more about the history of silk in Italy, visit the Lake Como Silk Museum.

 

Pinocchio Dolls

The story of Pinocchio is that a woodcarver in Tuscany carved a wooden puppet who dreamed of becoming a real boy. When Pinocchio tells a lie, his nose grows longer. The famous story was made into a Disney movie that popularized Pinocchio all across the world.

 

When you visit Italy, you will find strings of Pinocchio puppets in souvenir shops all over when you visit Florence or Pisa. They come in various sizes and colors, although the traditional color is red.

These make great gifts for kids and are brightly colored reminders of a great family trip.

Want more Italy content? Here are some of my other posts:

Best movies to watch before you visit Italy

Florence with your Kids

Quotes about Italy

Christmas in Italy

 

 

 

Last update on 2024-09-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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