21 Italy Souvenirs To Bring Home: What To Buy In Italy [2024] » Voices of Travel (2024)

Italy is one of the most visited destinations in Europe. No wonder – with its natural beauty, delicious food, and amazing vibe – everyone must experience it once in a lifetime. Bringing a souvenir home from your trip is a great way to bring back memories and Italian flavors.

I’ve asked different travel experts and locals what souvenirs they would buy in Italy. They’ve picked their favorite Italian things for you in this article.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Italy and aren’t sure what to buy to bring home, we’ve got 21 amazing Italian souvenirs for you. From food and drinks to decor, clothes, and items, I’m sure you’ll pick your favorite one.

Let’s go shopping in Italy together!

Best Souvenirs From Italy: Overview

Here is a quick overview of the souvenirs you can buy in Italy that we mentioned in this article. It’ll tell you what the souvenir is and where you can buy it in Italy.

Happy souvenir shopping :).

Italian Foods & Drinks

Who doesn’t like delicious Italian dishes and their ingredients? In the first section, we’ll reveal some of the most unique souvenirs you can buy in Italy when it comes to food and drinks.

Whether you’re a foodie or not, you’ll love these.

1. Bottle Of Mirto – Sardinian Liquor

Mirtois Sardinia’s most famous liquor. While it’s now easily found in most stores across Italy, it originated on the island. The only other place where it’s produced is Corsica, the French island that is very similar to Sardinia in terms of geography, environment, and even culture.

Mirto is produced with myrtle berries, which come from a Mediterranean bush that is very common in Sardinia and can be harvested twice a year. It’s a wild plant that grows mostly inland, sheltered from the strong winds that blow in Sardinia, though there have been attempts to farm it.

The liquor is usually enjoyed as a post-meal drink (typically after coffee), though more recently, it’s sometimes used in co*cktails too. It’s best served very cold (it has a very high alcohol percentage, so it never freezes and can be kept in the freezer) in tiny amounts.

🔆 By Claudia, Strictly Sardinia

2. Cheese From Bologna

Bologna is often referred to as “La Dotta, la Rossa, la Grassa,” which means “the learned, the red, the fat.”

Bologna is compact and easy to explore on foot. Many ofBologna’s attractionsare located around Piazza Maggiore. Once you’ve explored it, step off the piazza and stroll through the Quadrilatero to discover why Bologna is called “The Fat” and is considered the culinary capital of Italy.

One of the best souvenirs to take home is some cheese from one of the Quadrilatero’s delicatessens. The Emilia-Romagna region produces some of Italy’s most famous cheeses.

Parmigiano (Parmesan) is well known. It’s grated over pasta and even salads. Pecorino Romagnolo is a hard sheep’s milk cheese that has a strong flavor and is aged for several months. Grana Padano is similar to Parmigiano Reggiano, with a slightly milder flavor, and usually being less expensive. Squacquerone is a soft, spreadable cheese with a creamy texture.

My favorite is raviggiolo, which is a fresh, soft cheese with a very delicate flavor. Whatever cheese you prefer, you’ll find it in Bologna.

🔆 By Maria, Map and Camera

3. Lemon Sweets From Amalfi

Meander along the quaint, cobblestone paths of Positano or Ravello onthe beautiful Amalfi Coast, and you’ll discover the celebrated Amalfi lemon around every corner.

This local gem outshines the ordinary lemons found in your supermarket. They’re larger, juicier, and more fragrant and sweet.

If you’re searching for the best souvenirs from Italy, Amalfi Lemons sweets are a slice of sugary Italian bliss. Unlike awkward (albeit delicious) bottles of limoncello, these lemon confections are easy to pick up and bring home.

The magic behind the Amalfi lemon lies in the fertile volcanic soil, the unique coastal microclimate, and the abundant sunshine of southern Italy. These elements come together to create the perfect conditions for cultivating fruits with a delightful sweetness!

🔆 By Kaz, The Honeymoon Guide

4. Pasta

A visit to Italy isn’t complete without a few bowls of creamy pasta and a couple of bags stuffed into your suitcase for home. Italy is renowned for its pasta, crafted using traditional techniques and high-quality ingredients.

With this foodie souvenir, you’re getting an authentic taste of Italian cuisine that you may not be able to find in your regular supermarket easily (or at least not of the same quality).

It also makes a thoughtful and easy-to-find gift, whether you’re enjoying thefood scene in Florenceor relaxing in Sicily!

One more bonus: pasta is non-perishable and easy to transport, making it ideal to put in your carry-on or checked luggage. It’s also relatively inexpensive compared to other food items or souvenirs, making it accessible to travelers with various budgets.

🔆 By Rebecca, Veggies Abroad

5. Balsamic Vinegar

If you’re a food lover looking for the perfect Italian souvenir, you absolutely can’t miss out on balsamic vinegar from Modena.

The absolute best spots to buy this balsamic vinegar are right in Modena or the nearby Reggio Emilia. Only vinegar from these areas can earn the prestigious title of “Traditional Balsamic Vinegar.”

To produce it, local artisans follow a precise method, yielding an amazing, slightly sweet, thick vinegar that pairs well with anything – from salads to ice cream (yep, that’s a thing in Modena!).

You can find bottles that have been aged for various lengths, with some vinegars aged 25 years or even up to 150 years. Each offers its unique taste. It’s honestly one of the best things I’ve tried in Italy.

But here’s a pro tip: to truly grasp the backstory and vibe of the vinegar you’re choosing, visit a balsamic vinegar factory. Visiting one is among the top things to do in Modena: you’ll witness the production process, sample different varieties, and buy the ones you like the best.

🔆 By Sharon, The Roads Beyond

6. Truffle Oil & Truffle Products

Italian truffles are a gourmet delicacy with a distinct flavor and aroma. Italy produces some of the highest-quality truffles in the world, making them the perfect souvenir for a food lover!

Often confused with mushrooms, truffles grow underground, whereas mushrooms grow aboveground. Truffles come in two main varieties: black and white.

Black truffles can be grown by farmers, but white truffles can only be found in the wild, making them especially rare. The Alba White Truffle, one of the highest quality truffles, can cost over $1800 for 20 grams.

The best way to purchase truffles in Italy is through truffle-infused products, such as truffle oil or butter. Visitors may be tempted to purchase raw truffles from truffle shops, but they often don’t contain much of the real thing or are low in quality.

Instead, purchase truffle products from local restaurants, festivals, or a truffle farm. Even better,go truffle-hunting with trained dogsat a farm for a unique experience before buying truffle products to take home!

🔆 By Sharvari, Sightseeing Shar

7. Wine From Tuscany

Wherever you go in Tuscany, Italy, you’ll find more wine than water! As one of the most famous wine regions in the world, there’s a good reason people travel from near and far to get a taste and bring it home!

While this may seem like a large (and liquid) souvenir, it’s easier than you think to bring your favorite bottles back home. At most wineries, they’ll offer delivery by the case, so it’ll last until your next trip!

If you don’t need that much wine, simply purchase reusable wine protectors before your trip and leave a little room in your suitcase for a few bottles.

I’ve never had a problem getting a few of my favorites back home toBarcelona. I love popping open my favorite wines from Italy over dinner back home and reminiscing over my trip (and dreaming of another one!).

🔆 By Rachel, Barcelona Uncovered

8. Frutta Di Mortarana From Sicily

At the toe of Italy’s boot is the beautiful island of Sicily, a unique region with Arabic influences, as it’s close to North Africa.

Frutta di Mortaranais a tasty, legendary marzipan-based souvenir of this area. Marzipan is made from sugar and almond paste and was introduced to Sicily in the Middle Ages by Arabs from Spain.

Nuns across Europe make and sell baked goods and confections. Legend has it that the nuns of the Mortarana Monastery in Palermo invented these pastries in the 17th century in preparation for a visit from the Archbishop.

It was early spring, and the trees were bare, so the nuns created little fruits out of marzipan and hung them like decorations from the trees. The Archbishop was impressed and the origin of the confectionery was established.

Frutta di Mortarana takes several days to make. You can find them in most pasticceria (pastry shops) and stores selling Sicilian gifts.

They are packaged in wooden boxes and last three months when stored in an airtight container. Sicilian marzipan is nutty from the almonds and not too sweet. Enjoy these hand-painted pieces of edible art!

🔆 By Tracy, Travel Bug Tonic

9. Limoncello

Although wine may come to mind when you think of famous drinks in Italy, another beverage strongly represents Italian culture.

Limoncello is an Italian lemon liquor associated with southern regions such asSorrentoand the Amalfi Coast. However, you can find this alcoholic beverage everywhere you go in Italy.

Limoncello recipes have been passed down for generations, and if you’re lucky, a local might even give you theirs! But if not, you can always bring a couple of bottles home!

The liquor is made with lemon zest, neutral alcohol (often vodka), and sugar. It has a somewhat sweet lemonade-type taste but still a quite strong alcohol taste. It’s designed to be a digestion drink to enjoy after a meal and makes for the perfect souvenir. You can find it being sold in travel-sized bottles and even at the airport.

You can go from one souvenir shop to another and taste different flavors – vendors will almost always pour a tiny glass for you to try and it’s so much fun.

🔆 By Samantha, Find Love and Travel

10. Cruschi Peppers From Basilicata

Cruschi peppers hail from the region of Basilicata in southern Italy. I discovered them when visitingMatera, as they are used in every restaurant there and sold in many souvenir shops.

They stand out from other peppers due to their unique preparation method and resulting flavor profile.

Unlike fresh peppers commonly found in markets, Cruschi peppers undergo a distinctive sun-drying process until they reach a crisp texture. This intensifies their natural sweetness and gives them a smoky taste with a hint of fruitiness.

Because their taste is so unique, taking Cruschi peppers home from Italy as souvenirs allows you to relive your memories of the Basilicata region each time you cook with them.

You can use them to garnish salads, top pizzas, or infuse oils. But my favorite (and non-Italian) way of using them is by sprinkling them generously atop a warm bowl of pumpkin soup.

🔆 By Vanessa, Traveling Cats

11. Mt. Vesuvius Wine

If you’re looking for a truly unique Italian souvenir, you’ve got to check out the wines from Mount Vesuvius. It isn’t just any wine. It’s grown in volcanic soil, right where the infamous eruption that took down Pompeii in 79 AD happened.

This gives us a wine with this incredible, one-of-a-kind taste, with flavors enriched by the volcanic ash and rocks in the soil. Plus, you can find all sorts of cool stuff made from the volcano, like jewelry and figurines.

But the real star? This bottle of red wine I snagged. It’s like nothing I’ve ever tasted before – smooth, a bit smoky, and with subtle mineral notes.

You can only find these gems around Vesuvius at the souvenir stands around the mountain or straight from the vineyards. So, if you’re up for a little adventure, why notclimb Mount Vesuviusand see what you can find there? Trust me, it’s worth it for the wine alone!

🔆 By Anya, Stop Going to Paris

12. Rossana Candy

During a recenttour in Poland, an encounter with an Italian woman unexpectedly introduced me to a candy from her purse, quickly becoming a new favorite of mine.

This discovery led me to hunt down the candy on a following trip to Venice, Italy. I found the Rossana candy by Perugina, established in 1926.

These candies are noteworthy for their distinctive red wrapping and filling, which combines almonds and hazelnuts within a creamy center, all encased in a hard outer shell. The candies pay homage to Roxanne, a character adored by Cyrano de Bergerac in a celebrated Italian play.

What sets Rossana candies apart is their moderate sweetness. They’re reasonably priced at about 2-3 euros per pack, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking for a thoughtful yet budget-friendly gift.

You can find them in various locations throughout Italy, typically upscale gourmet shops and even sometimes in everyday grocery stores.

With new flavors such as chocolate and pistachio now available, they present various options for delicious gifts.

🔆 By Diana, Travels in Poland

Italian Decor

Next, we have some souvenirs that will bring extra charm to your home. Each souvenir decor is specific to one location, which will also bring you closer to the history and culture of the place.

They’ll last and remind you of your trip to Italy for a long time.

13. Murano Glass

Venice is one of the most romantic cities in the world. Imagine strolling around the canals, crossing the tiny bridges while enjoying some ofthe best gelato in Venice, looking for the perfect thing to bring back home to remind you of the perfect trip.

Murano glass makes one of the most unique souvenirs to bring back from your trip to Venice. Originating from the island of Murano, located in the Venetian lagoon, the Murano glass is known worldwide for its exquisite beauty.

The best place to buy Murano glass is the island of Murano itself. While many shops in Venice sell it, some might not be authentic and can be just simple glass from China.

In Murano, you can buy it straight from the workshops after witnessing a demonstration of how it’s made. All Murano glass is made by hand by artists who have trained for years. It comes in different shapes and forms, such as decorations, jewelry, lamps, and chandeliers.

🔆 By Joanna, The World In My Pocket

14. Artwork

One of the best souvenirs to bring back from Rome is street art. This is not just an incredible way to commemorate your time in the city and reminisce about some of thebeautiful scenery in Rome. It’s also a great way to give back to the locals who rely on tourism to earn a living.

You’ll often find artists along the street with stunning artwork, and it’s often quite a cheap souvenir to bring back from Italy, too.

In Rome, you’ll find great pieces of artwork of the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, the Roman Forum, and much more. While exploring the city, if there is one particular sight you fell in love with, then part of the fun is hunting down some interesting artwork from that sight to take home with you.

🔆 Amy & Liam, Plain2Plane

15. Venetian Mask

A Venetian mask is an enhancing souvenir to bring back from Italy. The Carnival of Venice, held annually in the city, is when locals and visitors elaborate costumes and wear Venetian masks.

The history of the Venetian mask is not completely known. Still, it was worn in the medieval era to cover a person’s identity.

Today, these masks are made of various materials: leather, porcelain, paper mache. I have a porcelain mask that reminds me of my wonderfulVenice trip.

Each mask is handmade 100% in Italy, hand painted, and decorated with feathers, precious metals, stones, and natural wings. The process begins with the sculpture of the mask, starting from a handmade chalk mould.

Due to the detailed process, a Venetian mask is not a cheap souvenir. But it’ll transport you back to the waterways of Venice instantly!

🔆 By Shweta, Zest In A Tote

16. Amalfi Ceramics

If you visit the Amalfi Coast during your Italian holiday, then some local ceramics are a perfect souvenir to bring home. Amalfi pottery has been made traditionally for hundreds of years.

Starting with the red clay containing limestone, artists form the clay into a myriad of shapes and fire them to secure and harden the design.

The clay is then dipped into a coating to give the artist a white background from which to paint the design. After it has been painted, it’s fired again to give it a smooth and shiny appearance.

Ceramics can be made in a factory, but if you want something authentic, many companies and artists still hand-make their designs.

The different types and sizes of ceramics range widely, from small pieces for the kitchen, such as cups, plates, bowls, and utensils, to huge vases or plates for wall décor. The colors and designs are intricate and detailed, making it tough to choose which ones you would like to take home!

🔆 By Kim,Explore Your Bucket List

17. Nativity Scene From Naples

Bringing home a Nativity Scene, or “Presepe” in Italian, from Napoli isn’t just about acquiring a beautiful souvenir; it’s about capturing the essence of a deeply cherished tradition.

Along the cobblestone streets of Via San Gregorio Armeno, also known as “Christmas Alley,” artisans craft intricate Nativity scenes that hold profound cultural significance.

The Presepe tradition in Napoli dates back centuries, intertwining religious reverence with artistic expression. Each figurine is handcrafted precisely, from the Holy Family to the humble shepherds. You can watch as you stroll the historic streets and see how they make each piece.

The Nativity scenes come in various sizes, from elaborate displays to miniature sets. The shopkeeper can arrange to ship your selection home or carefully wrap it to fit in your luggage.

Whether displayed prominently in your home or as a gift to a loved one, a Nativity Scene from Napoli embodies the beauty and spirit of this unique city, making it a special souvenir from Italy for any traveler.

🔆 By Janet, Practical Travel Concepts

18. Silk Screened Linen Tapestries

Bringing home Sicilian fabrics is a wonderful way to preserve memories of your time on this enchanting island.

During a recent visit to Sicily, we discovered a charming artisan shop specializing in handcrafted prints on premium Sicilian textiles. The artisans there transform these fabrics into various items, including table linens, dish towels, decorative tapestries, window treatments, bedding, handbags, and even traditional Sicilian coppola hats.

These pieces are then adorned with silkscreen patterns that pay homage to their Sicilian heritage. The designs are inspired by classic Sicilian motifs and ceramics or by the island’s stunning landscapes and seascapes.

As you map out your travel itinerary for Sicily, be sure to look for Colori del Sole stores and other distinctive fabric shops scattered across the island.

🔆 By Sonia, Carey On Travels

Clothing From Italy

What better way to buy a beautiful dress, a scarf, or something else to wear on your trip to Italy? I love buying earrings from almost every country I travel to and then wearing them for different occasions. It makes me feel like a world citizen, and I also support locals in what they do.

In this section, we have some ideas for clothes and items you can buy in Italy to wear.

19. Silk Scarves From Lake Como

Como, in northern Italy, is a region famous for its stunning lakes, gardens, and beautiful villas, but did you know it’s also the ‘silk capital of Italy’? Taking home a colorful artisan silk scarf from your stay on Lake Como will ensure you have a holiday souvenir you’ll want to keep forever.

Como’s silk production began in 1400 when the mulberry bushes planted around Lake Como encouraged many greedy silkworms. Since then, Como’s silk production has steadily grown, surpassing that of China and Japan. If you want to learn more, stop at the Lake Como Silk Museum!

Two of Como’s best shops for purchasing silk scarves are A. Picci and InComo. You’ll find a selection of beautifully patterned, delicate silk scarves alongside other items, such as men’s ties, handkerchiefs, and other silk accessories. It’s a worthy investment.

🔆 By Jane, The Family Conscience

20. Italian Dress

When looking for the best Italian souvenirs to bring home, it’s about more than finding a simple item. A souvenir is a specialtravel giftfor yourself. It’s a tangible reminder of experiences, journeys, and cherished moments.

So it’s important to find something that symbolizes your trip that you can appreciate for a long time to come.

For me, the best souvenir I bought myself in Italy is a summer dress from a Trastevere boutique in Rome. Clothing is a fantastic souvenir choice because not only is it something you will get continued use out of, but it becomes a vessel of experiences, culture, and moments frozen in time.

Each time I wear my dress, I’m reminded of strolls down cobblestone streets, the aroma of authentic Italian cuisine, and the warmth of the Mediterranean sun.

It’s a tangible connection to my adventure, allowing me to carry a piece of Italy with me wherever I go.And the best part is, when someone compliments me on my dress, I get to say, “Oh, this dress? I bought it in Rome.”

🔆 By Sckylar, Adventuring Dreamers

Miscellaneous Items

Last but not least, we have something special for all coffee lovers. Italian coffee is one of the best in the world, and you can buy something to bring the taste home with you.

So check out this incredible and useful souvenir that is also one of the most unique gifts from Italy.

21. Moka Pot To Make Espresso

One of the objects that most represents Italian culture is the moka pot, which we in Rome simply call the “tiny coffee machine.”

Every Italian home has one or more, as there are different sizes to fill 2, 3, 5, or more espresso cups of coffee.

Making coffee with the Moka (named after a city in Yemen from which Italy imported coffee in the past) takes only a few minutes, just adding coffee and water.

The invention is half French and half Italian; in any case, Italian Carlo Bialetti designed and marketed it in the 1930s. Bialetti brand Mokas are the most expensive (but affordable), but you’ll also find cheaper brands in supermarkets throughout Italy.

If you get a small one, it won’t impact the weight of your carry-on luggage- the moka is a perfect souvenir to bring home from Italy. Combine it with a package of your favorite coffee, and you can invite your friends for Italian-style coffee in no time.

Remember, however, that you should only wash the moka with water to avoid altering the flavor.

🔆 By Lisa,Rome Travelogues

👉 READ ALSO:

What To Be Aware Of When Shopping In Italy

I also have some tips for you when it comes to shopping in Italy. While you’ll see souvenirs everywhere in each location when you travel to Italy, not every place is good to shop.

So here are my biggest tips for you when you’re looking to buy souvenirs in Italy:

1. Choose traditional shops that buy original products
2. Check the quality of the products
3. Talk to the shop owners – they’ll like it and you might negotiate a discount
4. Look into several shops before buying the souvenir
5. Check the requirements to transport it to your home country
6. Tell the shopkeeper to pack it well not to damage it when you travel
7. Ask if they can ship it directly home (if it’s something heavy like wine or a lot of cheese)

FAQs

I’ve also answered some of the frequently asked questions about the souvenirs from Italy. Check my answers below:

What Is The Best Thing To Get In Italy?

Clothing and food souvenirs are the best things to buy in Italy. Clothing is reusable, so you can wear it over and over again, which will keep reminding you of your Italian trip. Italian food is one of the best in the world, so what can be a better thing to buy than some delicious pasta, cheese, or truffle products?

What Food Items Should You Bring Back From Italy?

The best food items to bring from Italy are cheese, pasta, Amalfi sweets, wine, Limoncello, dried tomatoes, truffle products, balsamic vinegar, pistachio cream, and chocolate treats.

Is There A Popular Gift In Italy?

Yes, many popular gifts are typical for Italy. It depends on the region and place you’ll visit in Italy, as every spot has a different typical souvenir.

In Venice, it’s the Venetian mask or a Murano glass from the nearby Murano island. In Bologna, it’s cheese.

In Tuscany and Florence, it’s wine. In Rome, it’s beautiful artwork from street artists such as paintings. In Amalfi Coast, it’s Amalfi ceramics. And in Sicily, there are traditional products you can buy, such as crushi peppers or Frutta Di Mortarana.

WRAP-UP: Italy Souvenirs To Bring Home

These are the best Italian souvenirs you need to buy when you’re visiting Italy. Imagine bringing your favorite Italian flavors back home and cooking with the ingredients in your own kitchen. Doesn’t it sound perfect?

They’re also great gifts for your friends and relatives. Bring in stories from your travels, and they’ll be amazed.

I also want to thank my travel blogger friends for contributing their ideas to this article.

If you have any questions or need help planning your trip to Italy, contact me at info(at)voicesoftravel.com. I’ll be glad to help.

Happy Travels!

About the author: Nicolettais a travel enthusiast and passionate language learner. While traveling, she loves to connect with locals using her language skills to learn about new cultures. Look for her skiing, hiking in the mountains, or exploring new destinations as she designs travel itineraries for her clients.

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