The Best Souvenirs from Italy – Forget the Touristy Gifts

On my recent study abroad trip to Florence, Italy, I was able to travel all over the country, and I tried my best to live like the locals. However, like all travelers, there is a little thrill in finding gems in each new place and learning about mini-cultures. In this article, I’m going to share the well known, and not so well-known, authentic souvenirs from Italy that I have discovered on my own travels, or have heard about through friends. If you have anything to add from your own experience, feel free to comment below!

 

The Best Authentic Italy Souvenirs

 

What Italian souvenirs to buy from Milan

Of course, Milan, the fashion capital of Italy, is one of the best places to find unique and stylish Italian souvenirs. One accessory known to Milan is the gloves. Extremely soft, and always stylish, gloves make a great gift for friends and family, or as a nice treat for yourself.

 

What souvenirs to buy from Venice

Ah, Venezia. Venice is known of course for its canals, bridges, and its gondola rides. But some of the best Italy souvenirs can be found in Venice. Though it can seem quite touristy, Venice is a worthwhile destination with a couple of must-see hidden gems.

The first is the Murano Glass. Murano is just out of the main tourist area in Venice, and as a former trading port, it fuses Roman, Greek and Asian cultures. Since the 1200s, the crafter glassmakers of Murano have perfected their skill, creating beautiful jewellery, chandeliers – you name it.

The second is Venetian masks. Typically worn during the Carnival of Venice, known as Carnival, and many other occasions, these were originally used to hide identity and social status.

READ: Find out how to eat like a local in Venice 

Get to know Venice like a local with private, customised experiences with Wanderjack. Here’s how I sailed a Bacaro and went pub-hopping for Cicchetti and wine with them. 

Best souvenirs from Florence: Italy souvenirs

Florence is one of my favourite places in Italy. Okay, I admit, I might be a bit biased, but after spending six weeks in Florence, I was able to figure out the best souvenirs, (and also importantly, the best gelato)!

Florence, of course, is a cultural centre of art and history, but what you may or may not know, is that you can find some of the best leather products in all of Italy here. One of my favourite places was the Leather School in Santa Croce, where you can watch artisans hand-stitch leather products.

Another must-have Italy souvenir from Florence can be found on a visit to the Ponte Vecchio. On the bridge, you can find jewellers everywhere selling beautiful rings, necklaces and anything else you can imagine.

Lastly, don’t forget about ceramics! You can find beautiful handmade ceramic pieces all over Florence. The best are the small shops where you see them making the pieces!

READ: Find out the best way to explore Florence – on foot

 

Como

Put aside the beautiful lake views, and pay attention to some silk! One of the best Italy souvenirs comes from Como. In 1400, the Duke of Milan started planting mulberry trees. Lake Como’s silk industry boomed after this, due to all of the silkworms. Silk production became refined and the economy boomed. If you’re looking for great quality silk – Como is the place.

 

Best Souvenirs to get from Rome

Okay, I know how cheesy this sounds. But, think about it. If you were to get an engraved marble tablet, wouldn’t Rome be the best place? The answer is yes. I found them all over the city and even ended up buying one myself. They’re often engraved with old Roman proverbs. Mine says, “In Vino Veritas”, which means “In wine, there is truth”. You can find tablets like this throughout the city, and they make great decorations for your own home or gifts for others. One of the best choices of Rome souvenirs.

 

 

Italy souvenirs: What to buy from Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast will always hold a piece of my heart. Here, you can find the most delicious limoncello made from the biggest lemons I have ever seen. Sorrento, in particular, is known for its lemons and limoncello. You can find it all throughout the villages of the Amalfi coast as well.

READ: Along with the stunning Amalfi Coast, make sure to check out some other beautiful Italian destinations

 

Sicily: What souvenirs to buy?

Though I didn’t get the chance to visit Sicily, I was lucky enough to meet some Sicilians who gave me some insight into the best Italian souvenir gifts to get from Sicily. Each of them had great things to say about Caltagirone pottery. You can find it all over and its designs and colours are stunning. The other recommendation was to get something made with Etna lava stone. Etna is an active volcano in Sicily, and there are many products and jewellery made with its lava stones. Some of the more popular, like tables, are hard to travel with, but the smaller jewellery and souvenirs are great for travel.

 

 

Honourable Mention: Parma

Unfortunately, it’s a big no-no to take meat through customs, but give the incredible meats in Parma a taste if you get to go! I highly suggest visiting a Parmigiano Reggiano factory or a Parma ham factory. They’re very generous with food samples, and some are available to purchase (of course to be finished before your next flight).

And of course, there are some things that you can buy anywhere in Italy. You can find beautiful scarves all over, as well as extra virgin olive oil and wine. I personally think Tuscany has the best, but I might be a bit biased.

If you’re lucky enough to visit Italy, these are the best souvenirs from Italy you can get, and don’t forget to make sure to check your country’s customs restrictions before purchasing anything to bring back home!

 

READ: Check out the most drool-worthy vegetarian dishes from 24 countries in Europe! 

And here are some ideas for a 2 week Italy trip for you.

Check out some tours to help you experience Italy like a local here. 

 

 

This post is written by Caroline Lussier, an American who spent a semester abroad in Italy and fell in love with it. She loves to travel and spending time with her friends and family. Connect with her on Instagram @caroline_lussier