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We all have that friend who can’t shut up about Italy. You know the one. Maybe they studied art history in Florence for one golden semester, or have made The Sopranos their entire personality. Perhaps they’re obsessed with Gucci, Pucci, and Prada, or just drink a lot of Chianti. Regardless, we love them—because they are so easy and fun to shop for. If you want to show the Italy-lover on your list that you appreciate and understand them, not just any old wine or olive oil will do. You must get them the real made-in-Italy stuff, conveniently delivered to their door. And lucky for you, we’ve done our research to bring you the best gift ideas to shop for the Italy-obsessive in your life.
The selection of Italian gift ideas below includes all kinds of goodies created by Italian artisans, makers, and designers. You’ll find everything from leather goods from storied Italian heritage brands to wines that even a Piedmontese Nonna would love to receive. The gifts here vary by audience and price point, so if nothing else, consider them inspirational or aspirational. The thought is what counts—and the thought is that you want to take your loved one to Italy, even if only through a stocking stuffer.
And if they’re not totally into material things, don’t worry: you can always give them the gift of the Italian language, or a memorable experience to partake in on their next visit to Italy. (If you want to go ahead and buy them a ticket, you should also know that these are the best hotels in Rome, Milan, Florence, Venice, and more.) Ready to shop? Here are 41 beautiful Italian gifts for anyone who’s ever fallen in love with the country—yourself included.
Top picks:
For the foodie
One of the biggest perks of being an Italophile and a foodie is that these two loves go hand-in-hand. Italy is so well-known for its cuisine—which includes far more than just pizza and pasta—that anyone who loves Italian culture will be happy with something as simple as a bottle of good Italian olive oil. Or wine. Or even salt. The options below are all Italian classics, from beautifully aged Parmigiano to decadent truffles in their most accessible form (jarred as sauces). We’ve also included some coffee beans that can run through either a classic stovetop Moka pot or a beginner-level espresso machine, if your gift-receiver needs a new hobby to get into. And if you have a food-fan in your life that knows their way around a kitchen, a pasta maker or piece of cookware will be a gift that keeps on giving. If you’re lucky, they’ll try out their new toys by making some Italian dishes and having you be their taste tester.
For the stylish traveler
Savvy shoppers know that to get the best deals on Italian leather goods, you have to go to the markets in Florence—or the city’s Scuola del Cuoio, which literally translates to “school of leather.” But barring a trip to Tuscany, the world’s best designer names will have to do. Think of any internationally-renowned brands making shoes and bags and leather accessories, and you’ll probably think of an Italian name: Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Ferragamo, and so on. La famiglia is all here, as are some cult faves like Marni and heritage houses like Pineider. These are, of course, rather pricey, but it just proves the point that you may as well buy a plane ticket and get the goods straight from the source. (To go along with that trip, we recommend some sunnies from Fendi for that dolce vita glamour, and one of our favorite carry-ons from Milan-founded Bric’s.)
For the beauty buff
All that time in the Mediterranean sun means that Italians know how to take care of their skin. Below, you’ll find a selection of beauty and grooming products worthy of a space in any Italian’s bathroom or vanity. Santa Maria Novella is an iconic Florentine brand that creates scents, soaps, candles, and more; Capri-born Carthusia makes all manner of body care items and home fragrances; and Roman brand Borghese (founded by a princess from the Borghese family) sources incredible mud masks. Apart from these historic brands, this wishlist also has some cool names in the Italian beauty scene, like Le Rub (always have your SPF on hand!) and Gioli (for hair that looks fresh-from-the-sea slick!). And, of course, we can’t talk beauty without mentioning Acqua di Parma–scroll down for a chic Capri-scented soap sculpted into the shape of a lemon.
For the homebody
Sometimes all the jetting around between Taormina and Lake Como and Venice can take a toll. For days that demand downtime, here are some treats to bring Italy into your home. Dolce & Gabbana’s silk pillow and tea set are indulgence in decor form, while Frette’s sheets and Loro Piana’s throw are built for eight-hour-long Italian film marathons on the couch or in bed. (It’s not bed rotting when it’s this chic, says us.) For the Italy-obsessed bookworm in your life, give them a handsome copy of the greatest classical work of Italian literature ever (you’ll see it below!), and if someone needs to play catch-up on their Ferrante, a box set of the Neapolitan novels will do just the trick. If pretty picture books are the preference of your intended, Il Dolce Far Niente and the Dolce Vita tome from Assouline are exactly what they need.
For the experience seeker
There are those among us who eschew material goods, who would much rather receive the gift of life—vita, if you will. Make theirs all the more sweet by treating them to an experience in Italy they won’t soon forget. Whether it’s a wine tasting in Milan or a private boat ride to the Venetian islands of Murano and Burano, here are a few of our favorites, all bookable through Airbnb. Just be sure to book yourself a spot with them!
For the language learner
If you have a beloved someone in your life who can say “ciao” and “grazie” but is ready to take that next step when ordering at a restaurant in Italy, give them the gift of knowledge. There are apps like Duolingo and Babbel, but a book can also take learning to the next level; there’s just something about holding physical pages that makes you feel like you’re embarking on a serious endeavor. To start out, a Rick Steves phrase book and dictionary can keep it fun and lighthearted, while a copy of Italian for Dummies will offer some self-guided learning. And if you have a true-blue nerd in your family, chosen or otherwise, give them the latest edition of Soluzioni from Routledge—yup, the textbook publisher—if they’re really itching to go back to school.
Soluzioni: A Practical Grammar of Contemporary Italian by Denise De Rôme
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
