What to Buy in Italy - Our Top Picks for Unique Italian Products

For us, Italy is not only about food and historic sights, but also about high-quality products — from food and drinks to kitchenware, clothing, shoes, bags, and much more.

We especially love the handcrafted products you can find throughout Italy. Small shops with proud owners selling unique, one-of-a-kind items.

When visiting Italy — which is very often — we spend a lot of time not just shopping, but also wandering around local stores and discovering what they have to offer. Our favorite items are the ones we actually use, and they bring us joy every time we do.

We might buy a colourful leather case for eyeglasses, a new wallet, cooking utensils, scarves, a calendar for the wall, a handbag, spices, or chocolate... All things that always remind us of lovely Italy.

Tre Marie offers a huge choice of soft panettones

Discovering Italy Through Its Local Shops

Meeting the makers and hearing their stories

One of the best parts of shopping in Italy is meeting the people behind the products. In small workshops and local stores, we often get to chat with the makers — whether it's a leather craftsman in Florence, a ceramic artist in Sicily, or a spice seller in Rome.

They’re proud of what they create, and you can feel that passion in every item. Hearing their stories makes each purchase more meaningful and memorable.

How we find hidden gems in every region

We rarely shop in big touristy areas. Instead, we love wandering through side streets and quiet neighbourhoods, where the real treasures are hidden.

Often, we find beautiful shops just by chance — a small boutique with handmade scarves, a cosy deli packed with local flavours, or a family-owned store that’s been around for generations. These hidden gems always feel more special, and they’re a big part of why we love coming back to Italy again and again.

Beautiful things that bring Italy home with us

A scented soap wrapped into colourful paper could be a great souvenir from Italy!

First, consider purchasing a bottle of Italian wine or limoncello, which captures the essence of Italy. You can also delight any foodie with authentic extra virgin olive oil from Tuscany or a selection of dried pasta and sauces that bring Italian flavours to your kitchen.

Aged balsamic vinegar from Modena is another standout, offering a rich taste that elevates any dish. I personally loved picking up some exquisite Murano glass from Venice - each piece is a testament to centuries-old glassblowing techniques. Leather goods from Florence, like belts or handbags, also make wonderful gifts; their quality and design are exceptional.

Lastly, Italian ceramics, particularly those from the Amalfi Coast or Deruta, bring a splash of color and craftsmanship into any home. These treasures offer a slice of Italy’s charm and will always evoke fond memories of your travels.

A scented soap bar (wrapped)- Large natural soaps packed in colourful paper is another great idea for gift from Italy. You'll find them in stores known as "erboristeria", selling natural cosmetics and other goods. Soaps are so divine, scented and packed in beautiful packaging!


If you find yourself in Florence, visit Erboristeria De Herbore (Via del Proconsolo 43R; close to the Bargello Museum) and get on of these amazing soaps for your or your dear ones. Their scent will remind you of Italy when you go back home!

Italian Panettone - Starting from the end of November, stalls at shops and artisan bakeries start to fill with pannetoni, set in beautiful boxes or nicely wrapped. This sweet bread in the shape of dome is popular Christmas treat all over Italy, despite the fact that it originates from Milan, where it was first baked.

We always like to taste delicious panettone from artisan bakeries when in Italy. If you find yourself in Milan, go to Tre Marie Caffetteria/Store (Corso Venezia 2), situated a short walk from the Duomo (near San Babila Metro). Once there choose among many panettone flavours, from classic with candied citrus/raisins, with pistachio cream, chocolate drops and custard cream... The prices start from €20 for 750g panettone.

We tried their panettone enriched with lemon and almond paste - it's super soft and tastes amazing! This year we grabbed it for only €11, as their panettone goes on sale (up to 50%) after the New Year! Panettone is no longer just made in Milan, so you'll find bakeries all over Italy making this sweet bread.

You'll find a huge collection of quality panettones in Rome's Rinascente Department Store (Via del Tritone 61), close to the Spanish Steps. Panettone makes an ideal gift to the food lovers!

Our Picks from Tasty Italian Travels

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Best Florence Food Tours
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