No matter where you travel to in Italy, and what found treasures you decide to bring home, you truly can not go wrong! Each region, however, does have its own unique charm, culture, and specialties so here's a guide of some great take-home gifts to look out for on your next trip to Italy:
This well-known liqueur comes primarily from the Amalfi Coast and the surrounding area in Campania, as well as Sorrento. Limoncello is served and sold all over the country, but if visiting the south you can learn first-hand how limoncello is made and bring home a bottle (or two!) to enjoy sipping after dinner or make into a limoncello spritz.
Traditional balsamic vinegar from Modena takes 12-25 years to make (and be forewarned that the cost reflects that!) Traditional balsamic vinegar makes for a great souvenir because it is a very specific product that can be difficult and expensive to source authentically abroad. It's also easy to pack for transport and it lasts a long time.
This beautiful hand-crafted keepsake can be found all over Italy, but you'll certainly find the best selection in Murano where it is made, or nearby Venice. It's easy to travel to Murano from Venice for the day and in addition to picking out some beautiful pieces, you can watch the process and the skilled glass-blowing masters at work.
Italy has long been known for its beautiful lace, and more specifically lace from Burano has long been loved. In fact, Leonardo Da Vinci himself bought a piece for the altar of the Duomo of Milan. While most of the pieces you see today are either made by a machine or finished with handmade touches, (traditionally handmade pieces take months and cost thousands), they're still absolutely gorgeous!
One of the most popular artisanal goods sold in Italy are leather goods and accessories, including jackets, bags, belts, shoes, and more. Tuscany is an especially great place to pick up a quality piece, and if you’re looking to get something super unique beyond the standard tourist offerings, the Scuola del Cuoio in Florence is a great place to look.
A must-have souvenir to add to your list if the opportunity presents itself is to have a pair of custom leather sandals handmade for you onsite. One of the most popular locations to traditionally find this is while on the Amalfi Coast (or nearby spots like Capri), but you may also find this souvenir option in other locations, such as Tuscany, as well.