With the busy holiday season rapidly approaching, and the usual end-of-year crunch time ensuing, I am somehow managing to stay ahead of the shopping curve. For the first time in years, I feel prepared to deal with Christmas without the usual last-minute dash for presents to wrap.
That might be because I have put together a list of the best gifts for Italy lovers, focusing on the best presents that you can find on any budget. Whether you know an italophile who is obsessed with fashion or food, here is a list of gifts to keep you ahead of the curve (and to remind them of the bel paese).
Gifts for the fashionista:
First things first, I love nail polish and I love it even more when it is a perfect red and called Amore at the Grand Canal. I can absolutely imagine this shade on a gondolier’s scarf flapping in the wind as he pilots his iconic boat.
At only $8, this AMORE bracelet is a cute way to spread the love plus it is super adorable and affordable.
And while there is nothing quite like pope socks, these Rome socks come pretty close as a cute $6 stocking stuffer. (But a chic Italian linen scarf like this one is also sure to please more classic tastes, and is a steal on sale for $15).
Italian gifts for the cook:
If you are looking for an Italy-inspired gift that can keep everyone busy in the kitchen (and feed you in the end), I would opt for something like this cool graphic tea towel of Venice. You can also support more pizza in your loved one’s future with a pizza stone for a perfectly crispy crust (which is like a boomerang gift because everyone wins more tastiness).
There are always classic Italian cookbooks like Marcella Hazan’s Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking, as well as some lovely newer Italian cookbooks that I can’t wait to crack open. Some of my favorites include:
Veneto: Recipes from an Italian Country Kitchen
Two Kitchens: Family Recipes from Sicily and Rome and
I Heart Rome: Recipes & Stories from the Eternal City (you can read my review here).
All of which can make Italian foodie dreams come true for less than $25.
Gifts for the Italian dreamer:
If you know someone who is always dreaming of escaping back to Italy, then this Moleskine Italian notebook is perfect to record future adventures in.
Or keep them inspired with beautiful custom prints of Italy, like these by Sara White.
And if you know a reader who can’t get enough of stories, check out these books about Rome for even more ideas.
Best of all – do you shopping in person! Here’s where to find the most unique Rome souvenirs.
Please note that I truly love all these products and some of the links above are affiliate links – which means I may earn a commission, thus they support the blog at no cost to you!
Hi Natalie,
I loved this! I visited Rome earlier this year and I’m adding some of these suggestions to my holiday list. I enjoy your posts and photos!
Thanks so much, Valerie! Wishing you happy shopping 🙂