Traveling in Italy and shopping are inextricably linked. It is impossible to visit the stone streets and bustling ports without taking with you a weave of colorful spaghetti or powdered sweets. Here, delicious purchases beckon from every shop window, so do not deny yourself the pleasure of bringing home unusual gifts from Italy.
Olive classics
It’s hard to imagine Italian shopping without pasta, olives and olive oil. But spaghetti can be bought at every corner today, so the first tip is to give up pasta. It is better to buy something less fragile and not so voluminous. For example, basil sauce. The second recommendation: buy “basic” Italian goods not in souvenir shops, but in regular supermarkets. A packet of pasta will cost you 1 euro, a bottle of wine – 4-5 euros.
As for wine, it’s simple – buy the varieties of the region you visited. We bring prosecco from Veneto, chardonnay and merlot from Abruzzo. Prosciutto and salami are worth buying with wine, not forgetting a bottle of balsamic vinegar. When thinking about what to bring from Italy, don’t forget about the legendary limoncello and its strong brother, grappa.
Stylish and tasty souvenirs
Where else to look for the soul of the country, if not in handmade souvenirs? High-quality haberdashery can be bought in family workshops. For leather bags and wallets, head to the Mancini shop near the Pantheon.
In Rome, pass by the Bartolucci family’s shops. This store is famous for its handmade watches and wooden Pinocchio figures. The shop is located in the very center of the capital.
Lace is also on the list of the best souvenirs of Italy. Visit Burano Island last, otherwise you won’t have room in your backpack for other purchases. Lace masterpieces will win your heart, and they will only compete in beauty with the colorful houses on the waterfront.
Those with a sweet tooth should visit Turin, where ancient confectionery recipes are mixed with modern technologies. The result of such an experiment will shock your taste buds. Try chocolate with hot pepper or candies with rosemary.Take home a box of marzipan in the form of miniature fruits.
Packing for home
When packing souvenirs in your suitcase, make sure you don’t take any pebbles or shards. It can be mistaken for a valuable piece of history. Otherwise, there are few restrictions:
- Alcohol can be taken out in any quantity that you can bring into your country;
- Food is allowed without restrictions, but it must be packaged and labeled;
- It is not recommended to take out shells in the amount of more than 2-3 pieces. They will certainly be confiscated. When wondering what you can bring from Italy, imagine yourself on a regular shopping trip and buy everything you like. And remember that the inhabitants of the Mediterranean love to bargain loudly and temperamentally. Especially if you are going to buy several items at once.