The Ultimate Guide to What to Buy in Italy – Our Top 9 Picks

Wondering what to buy in Italy?

We love shopping across the country—any chance we get, we’re exploring local markets and small shops.

Our favourite purchases are usually food (we can never resist), followed by little unique finds from tucked-away stores, and then fashion—shoes, bags, and wardrobe staples. We also love art and handmade pieces.

We don’t buy souvenirs that end up forgotten in a drawer. Instead, we choose things we’ll actually use: a handmade wallet, a linen scarf, a pack of spices or dried pasta, or a bar of chocolate.

If you’re wondering what to buy in Italy, here are our top picks—everything from iconic fashion in Rome and Florence to special finds in the seaside towns of Puglia.

Let’s shop like locals. ✨

1. Panettone – Italy’s beloved Christmas bread

Every festive season in Italy, we look forward to panettone, the popular Christmas cake. It’s actually a type of bread, but it tastes like cake—soft, fragrant, and perfect for a sweet indulgence.

For the best panettoni, we recommend artisan bakeries, though supermarkets and specialty shops often have delicious options too. Italian bakers compete every year to make the best panettone.

We remember a huge selection of panettone at La Rinascente in Rome on Via del Tritone (only 5 minutes from Laurina 33). We picked several to give as gifts, and they were half price in January.

Leonardo Firenze bakery offers panettoni that are to die for during the festive season (you can even order online—they ship worldwide).

In Milan, we love buying panettoni at Tre Marie Caffetteria & Store (Corso Venezia 2). They have so many flavours—candied citrus, pistachio cream, chocolate chips—that it’s hard to decide!

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2. Italian pasta in various shapes and colours

We never miss the chance to buy a few packs of pasta when we’re in Italy. From flat tagliatelle to thick picci, ravioli (little pillows), belly-button tortellini, or ear-shaped orecchiette — we love them all.

When we want to cook pasta while in Italy, we always choose fresh handmade pasta from a local market (nothing beats it). But for taking home, we stock up at the small food stores you can find in every city.

Eataly stores offer a huge selection of pastas (and other food products) from all Italian regions.

Sfoglia Rina in Bologna is a pasta lover’s dream: try their tagliatelle al ragù, savour tortellini in brodo, or grab fresh pasta to take with you.

If you’re heading south to Bari, don’t miss Strada delle Orecchiette, a street where local women make orecchiette right in front of passersby — and you can buy them fresh from them too.

For those who want to take it a step further and learn pasta making while in Italy, we’ve picked the top pasta classes across the country. 👈

👌 Learn pasta making in Bologna

3. Italian olive oil - a true tast of Italy

When thinking about what to buy in Italy, olive oil is always at the top of our list.

Renowned for its quality and flavour, it’s an easy way to bring a little piece of Italy home. We love finding small producers who craft their oil with care and tradition.

On our last trip to Monopoli, Puglia, we discovered Annese, just steps from our Casa Mia apartment, and brought home a few liters of their exceptional extra-virgin olive oil.

Another favourite is Apuglia La Finestra sul Mare, where you can taste different local olive oils before choosing. They also sell small ceramic oil pots, called "orcio pugliese", filled with their own oils.

For the best picks, look in specialty shops or local markets, especially in Puglia, Tuscany, and Sicily.

👍 Taste Italy’s finest olive oils straight from the source

4. Authentic Italian cookies worth bringing home

Italian cookies make some of the easiest—and tastiest—souvenirs to bring home. One of our favourites are the crunchy cantucci from Leonardo Firenze, perfect for dipping into coffee or Vin Santo, and surprisingly affordable at around €6 per pack.

From the same shop, we also love their pistachio brutti ma buoni, a sweet gift from Florence that never disappoints.

Italy is full of regional cookie specialties worth discovering. In Rome, try soft almond cookies or classic ricciarelli from Siena. From Sicily, the fragrant cannoli shells and cantucci Siciliani are a must, while Amaretti di Sassello from Liguria are perfect for almond lovers. In Naples, don’t miss Roccocò, crunchy spiced Christmas cookies, and in Puglia, the sweet, buttery taralli dolci make a delightful treat.

Light, easy to pack, and full of flavour, Italian cookies are a delicious way to bring a taste of Italy home.

🍪 Recommended Italian Bakery & Cookie Shops

Rome

• Biscottificio Artigiano Innocenti – Classic Italian cookies and artisanal biscotti.
• Regoli Pasticceria – Historic pastry shop with traditional sweets.
• Parenti – Classic Roman pastries and biscuits.
• Il Fornaio – Well-liked bakery with cookies and baked goods.

Florence

• Il Cantuccio di San Lorenzo – Famous for cantucci (Tuscan almond cookies).
• Ginos Bakery – Local bakery with a variety of sweet treats.

Northern Italy

• Pasticceria Rovida (Milan) – Elegant pastries & biscuits.
• Pasticceria Tagliafico (Genoa) – Renowned for regional sweet specialties.
• Pasticceria e Bistrò Biasetto (Padua) – Classic Italian baked goods.
• Pasticceria Castelnuovo (Milan) – Well-reviewed pastry shop with cookies.
  
  

5. Taralli – A savoury snack from Puglia

Looking for a light, easy-to-pack souvenir from Italy?

Choose taralli — crunchy, ring-shaped snacks packed with authentic Italian flavour. Lightly seasoned and wonderfully crisp, they pair perfectly with a glass of Italian wine and make an ideal gift for food lovers.

Taralli come in a range of flavours, from fennel seeds and black pepper to chili flakes and other regional variations. While you can find them throughout Italy, some of the very best come from local bakeries in Puglia, where they are still made according to traditional recipes.

Although available in most food shops, we prefer artisanal versions from small producers. One of our favourites was from Zio Pasquale, discovered at the charming souvenir shop "Apuglia - La Finestra sul Mare in Monopoli". You don’t have to travel there to buy them; they ship worldwide, so you can order online.

6. Chocolate bars, pralines and assortments

When it comes to chocolate in Italy, there’s something for everyone. We love exploring Venchi for their giandujotti, chocolate bars, pralines, and assorted gift boxes—perfect for savoring on the spot or taking home. Whether in Rome or Florence, these beautifully packaged treats make the sweetest souvenirs, offering a little taste of Italy in every bite.

7. Handmade & Colourful Italian ceramics

Handmade ceramics are among the most unique Italian gifts.

Italy is famous for its vibrant pottery, from decorative plates and bowls to tiles and vases, each reflecting local traditions and craftsmanship.

In the very south of Italy, Puglia, you’ll find Mediterranean-inspired ceramics full of bright colours and patterns.

Deruta, in Umbria, is world-famous for its intricate majolica pottery, while regions like Sicily and Tuscany offer their own unique styles.

For the most authentic finds, visit small workshops and family-run stores, where artisans create each piece by hand. A ceramic plate, bowl, or decorative tile makes a perfect gift or keepsake — a beautiful reminder of your time in Italy and one of the best souvenirs for anyone asking what to buy in Italy.

👉 Create your own ceramic piece at a workshop in Montelupo, a charming town near Florence.

8. Natural skincare, perfumes, soaps...

Italian cosmetics make wonderful souvenirs, especially wrapped fragrant soaps made with natural ingredients like olive oil and herbs. You can also find luxury skincare, hand creams, natural perfumes, and bath oils — all beautifully packaged and easy to carry. These products add a touch of Italian luxury to your daily routine and make perfect gifts for friends back home.

If you’re in Florence, visit Erboristeria De Herbore (Via del Proconsolo 43R, near the Bargello Museum) and pick up one of these amazing soaps for yourself or your loved ones. While in the city, join a perfume workshop and create your own custom fragrance — a unique souvenir to take home.

9. Italian fashion: From luxury pieces to casual wear

Italy is a great place to refresh your wardrobe, whether you’re looking for timeless investment pieces or stylish everyday fashion. For quality clothing, explore locally made items crafted from fine fabrics like Italian leather, silk, and wool — known for their excellent tailoring and durability. From elegant shoes and handbags to well-cut coats and classic shirts, Italian craftsmanship stands out for its attention to detail.

If you prefer more affordable options, Italy also offers trendy high-street fashion and casual wear that combine style with good value. Whether you choose luxury or everyday pieces, shopping in Italy means bringing home effortless style with a touch of Italian flair.

Top 5 Italian souvenirs to buy in Italy

1. Italian Leather Goods
   Italy is world-famous for handcrafted leather handbags, wallets, belts, and shoes. Florence is the heart of leather craftsmanship, where you can pick up pieces that are stylish, durable, and uniquely Italian.
2. Local Pasta and Specialty Foods
   Bring the authentic flavours of Italy home with regional pasta, sauces, and spice blends. From truffle products in Piedmont to hand-rolled pappardelle in Tuscany, these edible souvenirs are practical, delicious, and unforgettable.
3. Limoncello, Olive Oil, and Regional Wines
   Pick up a bottle of Limoncello from the Amalfi Coast, a rich Tuscan olive oil, or a local wine from Sicily or Piedmont. Beautifully packaged, these treats let you savour Italy long after your trip.
4. Hand-Painted Ceramics and Pottery
   Regions like Sicily, Puglia, the Amalfi Coast, and Umbria are famous for colourful, artisanal ceramics. Plates, bowls, and decorative tiles make souvenirs that are both practical and beautiful, full of character and history.
5. Fashion Accessories & Artisan Scarves
   Italy’s style shines in silk scarves, handmade hats, and artisan jewelry. Lightweight and chic, these items are easy to pack and bring a touch of Italian elegance to your everyday wardrobe.

Which souvenirs to buy in Rome vs. Florence vs. Sicily

Rome

Whenever we wander through the streets of the Eternal City, we can’t resist popping into small shops near the Vatican to pick up handmade leather goods, artisan jewelry, or religious-themed treasures. We also love stocking up on local pasta, olive oil, and Limoncello—perfect reminders of a Roman afternoon.

Our Favourite Shops for Souvenirs in Rome

• Castroni - We love shopping at their store in Via Cola di Rienzo, and pick up pestos, pasta, Sicilian pistachio...
• I Dolci di Nonna Vincenza - Offers Sicilian sweet products - we adore their pistachio spread.

Florence

Florence feels like the heart of craftsmanship, and we always make time to explore the leather markets around the Duomo. High-quality leather bags, wallets, and shoes are a must, and we often end up with hand-painted ceramics or beautiful stationery inspired by Renaissance art. It’s hard not to fall in love with every artisan stall!

Sicily

Sicily always surprises us with its colourful and vibrant finds. From hand-painted ceramics and Sicilian sweets like cannoli or marzipan fruits to locally made wines and citrus products, there’s something special around every corner. We also can’t resist picking up handmade lace or embroidered textiles from tiny village shops—little pieces of Sicily to take home with us.

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