15 Best Souvenirs to Bring Home From Italy

Whether you want a keepsake from your trip or are looking for a meaningful gift for loved ones back home, it’s never easy deciding what to buy on vacation. So, if you need some gift ideas, we’ve rounded up the absolute best souvenirs to bring home from Italy.

These souvenirs aren’t your generic, overpriced T-shirts or fridge magnets. Each item on this list is crafted by skilled artisans who showcase skills passed down through generations of tradition. And you can get them anywhere – whether it’s big cities like Rome or small picturesque towns like Alberobello, there’s something for everyone on every corner.

Now, let’s have a look at the best souvenirs and Italian food items to buy on your next trip and where to find them.

Must-Have Souvenirs to Buy In Italy

Each region has its specialties, but there are souvenir shops everywhere you look, selling everything from jewelry made from delicate Murano glass to mouthwatering local food products and finely crafted textiles. Here’s a quick look at the best gifts to get next time you head to Italy.

1. Handcrafted Ceramics

Italy has a rich culture of ceramic-making dating back to the Renaissance period, as far back as the 1300s. Italian maiolica is a type of fine pottery traditionally decorated with green and brown. These eye-catching ceramics, including vases, decorative plates, and bowls, are produced across the country, but mainly in Umbria, Tuscany, Campania, and Sicily.

Deruta is one of Umbria’s smaller towns with a nice selection of ceramic styles, but it’s mostly known for the Raffaellesco design, featuring a hand-painted blue and gold dragon. You can also find plates and mugs with the same design.

Tuscan ceramics often include terracotta tiles painted with landscapes, flowers, olive branches, and other intricate patterns. In Vietri sul Mare on the Amalfi Coast, the ceramics are characterized by vivid shades of blue and yellow, representing the beauty of the coastline.

Each region’s ceramics have something unique, but whichever you choose, these will undoubtedly make a great gift or decorative piece for your home.

2. Sicilian Puppets and Marionettes

One of Sicily’s most unique and storied crafts is the Opera dei Pupi – traditional Sicilian marionettes dating back to the 19th century. These puppets were used in theatrical performances depicting epic battles, novels, and poems of the Renaissance period. Today, the art of Sicilian puppet theater is a beloved and UNESCO-accredited cultural heritage.

Each puppet is a work of art, and it’s clear that a ton of effort was put into making them. They’re carved from wood, hand-painted with expressive faces, and then usually dressed in armor.

The best places to find them are in Palermo and Catania, in family-run workshops or small stores. Perhaps visit the Marionettistica Fratelli Napoli, a Sicilian puppetry museum where you can watch shows, see the workshop, and buy your own handmade puppet.

That said, you can find them anywhere in Sicily.

3. Italian Linen and Silk

Nothing quite beats the feeling of finely woven Italian linen or silk. They’re luxurious, elegant, and crafted from the highest-quality materials. Italy is world-renowned for producing these fabrics, from neutral and minimalist designs to vibrant prints with detailed embroidery.

If you’re looking for bed linens or clothing, there aren’t specific places that sell them, since you can find them almost anywhere you go. That said, most major cities, like Rome, Florence, Sicily, Como, or Milan, will have a good variety.

In fact, most quality fabrics and clothing can be bought from Milan – it is the fashion capital, after all. You can also find silk ties, breezy linen T-shirts, scarves, and tablecloths, all perfect for bringing a touch of la dolce vita home.

Either way, make sure you’re packing light while planning your trip, so you have plenty of space to bring these luxurious fabrics back home.

4. Cornicello

If you’ve ever spotted Italian gold jewelry with a tiny red horn dangling from a necklace or charm bracelet, you’ve seen the cornicello. This curved amulet is shaped like a twisted chilli pepper and is often made in red, gold, or silver. In Italy, the cornicello is believed to be a sign of protection against the malocchio, or the evil eye, and brings good luck to whoever wears it.

While the symbol is traditionally crafted in bright red, you can get it in pretty much any color – pink, gold, silver, or covered in diamonds – there’s one for every style. And they aren’t just made for jewelry, either. You can also find ceramic decorations in this shape or even larger art pieces.

They’re usually sold all over southern Italy, but they originated in Naples, so the ones you buy there are more authentic. Either way, they make for a great souvenir.

5. Venetian Masks

Every year, the Floating City celebrates Carnevale di Venezia, a dazzling parade where locals and visitors alike wear elaborate costumes and stunning masks. It’s one of the oldest festivals in the world, dating back to the Middle Ages, and an integral part of the city’s culture. It’s no wonder Carnevale is considered one of Venice’s main attractions.

Even if you’re not visiting Venice during Carnevale (February and March), you can still buy the brilliant, skillfully made masks worn during the celebrations. The nicest ones are made by artisans in tiny mask workshops around the city, where you can even see the mask-making process in action. There are also mask-making experiences where you can create your own masterpieces to take home.

Venetian masks range from simple papier-mâché designs to intricately hand-painted masks with bold and bright feathers, gold leaf, and crystals.

6. Burano Lace

For a unique souvenir that showcases elaborate designs with painstaking detail, you need to buy some Burano lace. As the name suggests, you can only find these on the island of Burano, in Venice. As much as the island is known for its vivid, colorful homes, it’s famous for its lace-making tradition that dates back centuries.

Burano lace-making is an intricate art form passed down through generations. Even now, as you walk through the streets of Burano, you will see local women painstakingly crafting their lace designs by hand, stitch by stitch. From handkerchiefs to table runners to lace shaped like a butterfly, or even an umbrella, these lace pieces are a must-have.

While you’re exploring the island, stop by the Burano Lace Museum to learn more about the rich history of the craft and then visit the souvenir shop to buy some of your own. Of course, there will also be plenty of boutiques throughout the island selling these masterpieces.

7. Italian Leather Goods

Italy is synonymous with top-notch quality leather. They are known worldwide for exceptional craftsmanship and quality, and there’s no shortage of leather goods to choose from.  If you’re wondering where to buy the nicest items, just know that Tuscany is the hub for leather production, particularly Florence.

The Florentine leather-making practice originated around the 13th century and has been ingrained in local heritage ever since. Today, you can buy anything from leather gloves, handbags, and belts to wallets and bound journals. Whatever you choose, you’ll be leaving with something both luxurious and practical.

Unsurprisingly, there are plenty of local shops that sell these leather goods, but if you need a little help, it’s always a good idea to try some guided tours. Guides are the experts, after all, and would be happy to give some recommendations.

8. Murano Glass

Yet another entry on the list hailing from Venice is the iconic Murano glass. Glass making is an ancient tradition that began as far as the Roman era, but Venice’s history began between the 13th and 14th centuries. Over the years, the popularity of the art has risen and fallen, but now, it’s arguably better than ever.

These dazzling pieces are created by master glassblowers, who make anything you can imagine. Grand chandeliers, magnificent vases, wine stoppers, glass beads, and jewelry – you name it. If you’re after a great gift that’s small but stunning, look for a Murano glass pendant made with vivid colors and swirling designs.

Like Burano lace, there is a dedicated Murano Glass Museum that you can visit to learn more about it, and a souvenir shop to visit when you’re done.

Italian Food Souvenirs

Everyone knows that Italy is renowned for its amazing food, and there are some things you can’t get anywhere else in the world. So, why not bring some of it back with you? From dainty chocolate treats to world-famous wines, here are the best things to buy in Italy for food lovers.

9. Italian Cheese

The first thing that often comes to mind when thinking of Italian food is cheese. Whether that be a mild Mozzarella or a more nutty and sharp Parmigiano Reggiano, there are thousands of cheeses to choose from.

But if you want to narrow it down to the very best, go for the DOP cheeses, which stands for Denominazione di Origine Protetta, or Protected Designation of Origin. Anything with this designation is authentic and produced in specific areas using traditional methods.

Each region has its own specialties that you can buy from factories, grocery stores, or local markets. Basically, you can purchase cheese anywhere, but if you want something specific, you’ll have to travel to that region. You can try Asiago from Veneto, Fontina from Valle d’Aosta, Pecorino from Tuscany or Sicily – the list goes on.

10. Artisanal Chocolates

Italy may be best known for its savory delights, but its chocolate scene is equally impressive. Italian chocolatiers have perfected the art of blending chocolate with unique designs and mouthwatering flavor combinations. Baci Perugina and Ferrero Rocher are two popular Italian treats, but there are so many other options.

You can find boxes of handcrafted pralines and bars infused with different ingredients. They may use pistachios in Sicily, and Calabrian chocolates are often filled with citrus fruit.

For artisanal chocolate, Piedmont is considered Italy’s chocolate-producing capital, specifically Turin. For a decadent treat, grab some Gianduiotto. This is the most famous Piedmontese chocolate – a small chocolate, often wrapped in gold, made from the delicious hazelnut paste, gianduja.

Visit any local cioccolateria or chocolate shop to pick your own selection of melt-in-your-mouth delights to take home. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, a walking tour like this will take you to the best local spots to buy your sweet treats.

If you’re visiting Perugia in Umbria, be sure to grab some Baci – little hazelnut chocolate kisses. You can even explore the famous Casa del Cioccolato Perugina, where you can delve into the rich history of Italian chocolate making, trace the evolution of the iconic Baci Perugina and even attend the Scuola del Cioccolato (School of Chocolate), where visitors can participate in hands-on workshops and learn the secrets of chocolate making from master chocolatiers.

11. Italian Wine

Now, what goes better with cheese and chocolate other than wine? If you’re a wine lover, a trip to Italy is nothing short of paradise. Winemaking is yet another great tradition in Italian culture, one that traces back thousands of years. All wine connoisseurs know that the wine made in Italy is some of the best in the world.

Italian wine is a great souvenir and comes in all styles, from full-bodied reds to light crisp whites or even fizzy sparkling wines. Much like the cheese we spoke about earlier, these wines differ a lot based on the region.

Tuscany is known for deep red Brunello, Veneto for its Pinot Grigio, and Lombardy for its sparkling Franciacorta. There’s a bottle for every palate.

You can buy wine from wine shops called enoteca. Italian wineries may also offer tours of the vineyards, so you can see exactly where the grapes are grown and how the wine is made. They also offer tastings and ship internationally, but getting a bottle right from the source is always extra special.

12. Olive Oil

There are hundreds of olive varieties across Italy, from Puglia to Liguria to Tuscany. These little fruits pack quite the punch and are used to make any food lover’s staple ingredient. The first signs of olive oil date back to ancient times, but it’s now a modern essential in almost every Italian meal, whether in pasta or over some toasted bruschetta.

It isn’t the cheapest, but the quality of authentic Italian olive oil is something you can’t find anywhere else. You can get bottled extra virgin olive oils at small farms, local food markets, or boutique shops. Some are plain, while others are infused with flavors, like truffle, lemon zest, or wild herbs.

If you’re visiting an olive grove, many producers offer tastings so you can pick your favorite before packing it up.

13. Italian Pasta

Pasta has been embedded in Italian culinary culture for hundreds of years and now thrives as one of the country’s specialties. Every region has its own shapes, styles, and sauces that reflect local ingredients and customs.

In Puglia, orecchiette, or little ears, are handmade by skilled locals on the streets of Bari’s old town. Tuscany is known for thick, chewy strands of pici, while Liguria is known for trofie. While you can’t exactly take entire meals back to your home country, you can definitely get the pasta on its own.

You’ll find pasta in specialty food shops or grocery stores, some hand-dyed with natural ingredients like beetroot or squid ink, others made in fun shapes. That said, there is one thing better than buying pasta to bring home – learning how to make it yourself.

You could always try a local cooking class to sharpen your culinary skills.

14. Traditional Balsamic Vinegar

Balsamic vinegar is another staple ingredient in any Italian pantry, so it’s always a good idea to buy a bottle or two while traveling. Traditional balsamic vinegar is produced in the Emilia-Romagna region, specifically the Modena and Reggio Emilia provinces.

This smooth and silky liquid has a robust flavor that changes depending on how long it’s aged. They’re aged for a minimum of 12 years, but some can age for up to 25 years, creating an even richer, tangy, and sweet flavor profile. Even the types of wooden barrels the balsamic is aged in can impact the flavor. Overall, it’s a time-consuming process, but the outcome is incredible.

Like local cheeses and wine, make sure you’re getting balsamic with a DOP label to ensure authenticity and traditional production methods.

15. Italian Coffee

Let’s round off these food souvenirs with a bang, with a tried-and-true delight – coffee. Italy’s coffee culture is second to none, a daily ritual ranging from a quick espresso taken standing at the bar to hours spent socializing over a cup or people-watching in a bustling piazza. 

Why not bring some locally produced beans or coffee grounds to enjoy back at home? You can find them at grocery stores, markets, or coffee shops in any region. Look for popular brands like Illy (based in Trieste) or Lavazza (based in Turin) for unbeatable quality. Brands like Caffè Vergnano are also excellent, offering coffee capsules, grounds, beans, and even some accessories.

Top Souvenirs From Italy – Wrapped Up

There are plenty of souvenirs that will catch your eye while traveling through Italy, and while it may be tempting to buy everything in sight, that isn’t always possible. If you had to choose, these local crafts and food items are undoubtedly the best things to bring home from Italy.

From delicate, handmade ceramics to delicious Parmigiano Reggiano from Emilia Romagna, Italy, is filled with the perfect gifts to share with friends and family – or treat yourself to. Either way, you’ll have a little piece of Italy to remember long after.

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