Question of the month: What should I buy in Italy?
June 6, 2008 by Cyndi Lavin
Filed under Italy, My Family & Friends
Yup, I’m going to Italy. Next week, in fact. Mike and I will be flying to Rome and then traveling to Orvieto to pick up daughter Dani, who has been studying there this semester. Pretty tough, huh? Poor little art major, having to study oil painting and sculpture in Italy…
But I digress.
We’ll be traveling to Florence and Venice (with an obvious trip to Murano!), and then back down to Rome. Mike has a plan for what we’re going to go see, and Dani has the language ability to get us there! I have the tendency to just go along for the ride on these once-in-a-lifetime trips, and I’d like to pay a bit more attention this time! 
So, what should I plan to bring home with me, besides my daughter and all her artwork? Any suggestions?
Cyndi,
Bring home leather anything, I bought a purse and used it for years (many). And fabrics. Just my favorites. Of course some glass(Murano, Venice). Just watch you duty fees. Have a wonderful trip.
Hi there,
You will fall in love with Italy. And Florence is the BEST spot for jewelry. Don’t miss the Ponte Vecchio! You can find some beautiful items there. We have been there 4 times and purchased items that we could find no where else.
Enjoy your trip and if you have any questions, please, email me.
Linda
Hard to answer your question! And not so convenient to buy with dollars in Europe…
But as an Italian reader of yours I can suggest: not to buy famous brands’ stuff, try to find hand-craft shops (you’ll find hundreds in cities like Rome and Florence) we have a great and ancient tradition in handicraft: porcelain, tableware, food, needlework and laces if you’re going to Burano-Venice and, of course, many Murano beads!. And don’t be tempted from “classical” souvenirs, they’re very expensive (and probably made in china…). Hope you have the time of your life in my country!! And thank you for everything I’ve learned from you!
Alessia
A pottery coffee cup from Orvieto, a small leather good from the Florence straw market, and small glass items or milifiore jewelry from Venice. If you get to Burano, lace items.
Have a great time.
With the exchange rate as it is, I would not buy that much but at the fabulous market right by the Ponte Vecchio (the one with the boar statue), you can find stretchy bracelets made of gorgeous italian glass beads. I bought a bunch when I was there and quickly snipped them apart. Voila! Beads. Have a great time. Try to eat at Il Latini when you are in Florence. It is a trip!!
Thanks so much for the suggestions, guys! You *know* that some beads are coming home with me no matter what, so I appreciate all your tips
Anything that your willing to share lol
If you don’t get anything else, go to a shoe master and have them measure you and make you a pair of fine italian leather heels and a macthing purse. The are experts and the shoes will fit like a glove the first time you wear them!
But the little hand buffer and small conditioner they have to keep them looking great. Although I dont wear shoes with that high of a heel anymore they have served me well over the las 15 years. And on yes everyone must get a scarf to drape around you head and let flow in the wind while you are scooter riding or convertible.
Have a wonderful time. Best Wishes Jackei b
Hmmmm…bringing home things I’m willing to share! Now *there’s* an idea…
Stay tuned…I’ll try to let you know what that might be
Cyndi,
When you are in Venice look for glass jewelry made by the Sent Sisters. When I was in Venice 6 years ago they had a store on the street on the way to the Peggy Guggenheim museum.
Mary