The 10 Best Souvenirs To Buy in Italy
Memories and experiences are more important than things, though when you travel it can be fun to shop around and see what the local specialties are. If you're looking for what souvenirs to buy in Italy, here's what you should get - these are much better than your average refrigerator magnet or key chain.
1. Limoncello
Made in Southern Italy on the Amalfi Coast, this Italian liqueur is a sweet ending to a meal. I've seen it cost much more in the US, so bring a bottle back if you fancy it.
2. Wine
Like pasta, wine in Italy is seriously the best. If you take a bottle home make sure to have it wrapped up in some type of padded wine bag to avoid breakage.
A sip of Italian wine will transport you back to your trip while allowing friends and family to have a taste.
3. Dry pasta
Even the local bagged pasta from grocery stores is amazing. You'll be having the best pasta while in Italy - and when you get home and compare it to your average grocery store pasta, you'll truly taste how much better the real thing is.
4. Italian or European brand name items
Taxes will be cheaper since they have to ship the items shorter distances, so if you're contemplating buying an Italian or European designer item, it tends to be cheaper than back in your home country. –
For example, my black Longchamp bag (a French brand) from Florence turned out to be less expensive in Italy than it would’ve been if I had bought it in the states.
5. Leather
One product Italy is known for is leather - you can find markets, shops, and department stores carrying different types of leather clothing and shoes, such as leather jackets or boots, and even accessories like luggage tags or handbags.
It's always high quality and will last a long time - just make sure to take good care of it!
6. Shoes
Italians truly know what quality, comfortable shoes are. My custom-made sandals from Capri and short leather motorcycle boots are not only some of my favorite pairs, they are also far more durable than other shoes on the cobblestone streets.
7. Porcelain
You'll see porcelain ceramics, especially dishes, at shops or markets around Italy. Whether it's a coffee mug or a wine bottle stopper you'll have a piece of Italy back home with you in your kitchen.
8. Glass
Venice is known for its handmade Murano glass and you'll find many shops and stalls selling it - everything from jewelry to decorative figurines.
9. Olive Oil
Why is there yet another food item on this list? Because the food in Italy is just that fantastic! I've always said that Italy is the food capital of Europe, and even if you can find these foods at home it is likely they won't even compare to the real stuff.
So yes, a bottle of silky, smooth olive oil from Italy is definitely worth bringing back.
10. Postcards
Postcards make for light souvenir that take up hardly any space. You can send them to your loved ones from abroad or keep them to frame or display at home.
Tuck them inside something like a book or magazine (I usually put paper products in my laptop case) to prevent bending.
Quick tip: Make sure to review your government's website for information on bringing back food items. You wouldn't want to bring back a large quantity of a certain item only to have it taken away at the airport!
Going to Europe Soon?
Book a place to stay - my all-time favorite booking website is the well-known Booking.com - I’ve used it for years all over the world.
It is the easiest way to search and find the best hotels (hostels too!), especially based on reviews. I always check the reviews on Booking, even if it’s a name-brand hotel. You never know!
Check out these posts:
What To Pack For Europe: Fall & Winter
What To Pack For Europe: Spring & Summer
How To Travel Europe: Tips & Advice! (VIDEO)
Four Amazing Day Trips from Florence, Italy
16 Italian Experience You Need to Have in Italy
Digital Nomad Tips:
The Ultimate List of Jobs That Pay You To Travel
How To Travel as a Digital Nomad: 3 Quick Tips
Traveling to Italy as a digital nomad and working remotely? Check out Citrix vdi and Hosted QuickBooks, two remote technologies that let you access your work anywhere on any device.
They have all day, year-round technical support with Apps4Rent which powers O365cloudexperts. Personally, I use QuickBooks Self-Employed to keep the finance side of my online business running and highly recommend it - I use it through the mobile app so I can do updates from anywhere in the world.
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