Things To Buy In Italy

Things to buy in Italy

Planning a trip to Italy? You're in for a treat! Beyond the incredible food, stunning architecture, and rich history, Italy offers some of the world's finest shopping experiences.

When it comes to what to buy in Italy, you'll discover that this beautiful country is home to exceptional craftsmanship, luxury goods, and unique products that you simply can't find anywhere else. From world-renowned fashion to artisanal foods, Italy's shopping scene is as diverse as it is impressive.

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Things to buy in Italy

San Lorenzo market Florence

Italian leather goods represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship and style. You'll find everything from buttery-soft handbags to perfectly constructed shoes that'll last you decades.

The advantage of buying leather in Italy is obvious – you're going straight to the source where generations of artisans have perfected their craft. Florence is your best bet for leather shopping, particularly around the San Lorenzo Market and the Oltrarno district. Expect to pay €150-500 for a quality handbag, while shoes range from €200-800. If leather isn't your thing, consider Italian silk scarves as an alternative – they're equally luxurious and much more portable.

Italian fashion is legendary, and buying directly from Italian boutiques means you'll often find pieces that haven't made it to international markets yet. Milan's Quadrilatero della Moda (Fashion Quadrilateral) is fashion heaven, housing flagship stores of Prada, Versace, and Dolce & Gabbana.

You'll pay premium prices – think €300-1,500 for designer pieces – but you're investing in quality and exclusivity. Rome's Via del Corso and Via Condotti offer similar experiences. For budget-conscious shoppers, consider visiting during sale seasons (January-February and July-August) or explore Italian department stores like Rinascente for more accessible Italian brands.

Quadrilatero della moda, Milan

Murano glass from Venice represents centuries of glassmaking tradition. These aren't just souvenirs – they're genuine works of art created using techniques passed down through generations. The island of Murano itself is where you'll find the most authentic pieces, with prices ranging from €20 for small ornaments to €500+ for large sculptures.

What makes buying Murano glass in Italy special is the guarantee of authenticity and the opportunity to watch artisans at work. If glass isn't practical for your travels, consider Venetian masks as an alternative – they're lighter, easier to pack, and equally representative of Venetian craftsmanship.

Italian ceramics, particularly from regions like Tuscany, Umbria, and Sicily, showcase the country's artistic heritage. Deruta ceramics from Umbria are especially prized for their intricate hand-painted designs. You'll find everything from decorative plates to functional dinnerware, with prices starting around €15 for small pieces and reaching €200+ for large serving platters.

The advantage of buying ceramics in Italy is the incredible variety and the ability to purchase directly from the artisans' workshops. Deruta and nearby towns offer the best selection, though you'll find quality ceramics throughout central Italy.

Syracuse, Sicily

Things to buy in Italy

When considering things to buy in Italy, Italian wine deserves serious attention. Italy produces some of the world's finest wines, and buying them at their source means better prices and access to bottles that never leave the country.

Tuscany's Chianti region, Piedmont for Barolo, and Veneto for Amarone offer exceptional wine-buying opportunities. Expect to pay €10-50 for excellent bottles that would cost double elsewhere. Many wineries offer shipping services, making it easier to get your purchases home. If wine isn't your preference, consider Italian olive oil – it's equally representative of Italian terroir and much easier to transport.

Tuscany

Italian jewelry, especially gold from Arezzo and Florence, represents exceptional value and craftsmanship. Italy is one of the world's largest gold jewelry producers, and buying here means access to unique designs at competitive prices.

The Ponte Vecchio in Florence is famous for its jewelry shops, though you'll pay tourist premiums. For better deals, explore local jewelry districts in cities like Arezzo or Milan. Prices vary widely, from €50 for simple pieces to thousands for elaborate designs. Italian silver jewelry offers a more affordable alternative while still showcasing Italian design sensibilities.

The Ponte Vecchio in Florence

Italian shoes deserve their world-famous reputation. From elegant dress shoes to stylish boots, Italian footwear combines comfort, durability, and style like nowhere else.

Florence and Milan offer the best selection, with artisan workshops where you can even commission custom pieces. Quality Italian shoes start around €150 and can reach €800+ for luxury brands or bespoke options.

The advantage of buying shoes in Italy is the incredible variety and the opportunity to find styles that aren't exported. If shoes aren't practical for your trip, consider Italian belts – they're made with the same attention to quality and are much easier to pack.

What to buy in Italy

Parmigiano Reggiano, the "King of Cheeses," is something you absolutely must consider when thinking about what to buy from Italy. Authentic Parmigiano Reggiano can only be produced in specific regions of Italy, making it a truly unique purchase.

Visit the production areas around Parma, Reggio Emilia, or Modena for the freshest selections and best prices. A wheel of aged Parmigiano costs €15-25 per kilogram, depending on aging. Many shops offer vacuum-sealed portions perfect for travel. If cheese isn't practical for your journey, consider buying high-quality balsamic vinegar from Modena – it's equally authentic and travels much better.

Italian cheese market

Italian coffee culture runs deep, and bringing home authentic Italian coffee beans or a traditional moka pot is a wonderful way to extend your Italian experience.

Naples is considered the coffee capital of Italy, where you'll find the most passionate coffee roasters. A quality moka pot costs €20-60, while premium coffee beans range from €8-20 per kilogram.

The advantage of buying coffee equipment in Italy is the authenticity – these are the tools Italians actually use at home. Bialetti moka pots, invented in Italy, make excellent gifts and are available throughout the country.

Italian pasta might seem obvious, but artisanal pasta from small producers offers flavors and textures you won't find in international supermarkets. Regions like Emilia-Romagna and Campania produce exceptional pasta using traditional methods.

Prices range from €3-15 per package, depending on the producer and type. Look for bronze-die extruded pasta, which has a rougher texture that holds sauce better. Many small producers offer beautiful packaging, making these purchases perfect gifts. If pasta seems too bulky, consider Italian pasta sauces or specialty ingredients like truffle products – they're more concentrated and equally delicious.

What to buy from Italy

Italian linens, particularly from regions like Tuscany and Umbria, represent some of the world's finest textile work. Italian bed linens, tablecloths, and towels are known for their quality, durability, and elegant designs.

Florence and smaller Tuscan towns offer the best selection, with prices ranging from €50-300 depending on size and quality. The advantage of buying linens in Italy is the superior craftsmanship and the use of high-quality natural fibers. These items improve with age and washing, making them excellent long-term investments.

Italian perfumes and cosmetics offer a more intimate way to remember your trip. Italian perfume houses like Acqua di Parma, Carthusia from Capri, and smaller artisanal producers create unique fragrances you won't find elsewhere.

Prices range from €30-150 for quality perfumes. Florence, Milan, and Rome offer the best selection of Italian fragrance boutiques. Many Italian cosmetic brands focus on natural ingredients and traditional formulations. If perfume isn't your style, consider Italian soaps – they're beautifully packaged, use natural ingredients, and make excellent gifts.

Italian books and stationery reflect the country's literary heritage and artistic sensibilities. Florence's paper-making tradition produces some of the world's most beautiful journals, photo albums, and writing papers. Prices start around €10 for small notebooks and can reach €100+ for large, leather-bound albums.

The Oltrarno district in Florence houses many traditional paper-making workshops. These items make meaningful gifts and are perfect for documenting your Italian adventure. Italian fountain pens offer an alternative – brands like Aurora and Visconti are highly respected among pen enthusiasts.

Things to buy in Italy

When exploring what to buy in Italy, don't overlook Italian chocolate and confections. Italian chocolate-making, particularly in Piedmont around Turin, rivals anything from Belgium or Switzerland. Brands like Caffarel, Venchi, and smaller artisanal producers create exceptional chocolates using traditional methods.

Prices range from €5-30 for quality boxes. Turin offers the best chocolate shopping, though you'll find excellent options throughout northern Italy. Italian nougat (torrone) and other regional sweets provide alternatives that are equally delicious and often more unique.

Italian musical instruments, particularly from traditional makers, represent centuries of craftsmanship. While violins from Cremona are legendary (and extremely expensive), you can find quality mandolins, guitars, and other instruments throughout Italy.

Prices vary enormously, from €200 for decent instruments to tens of thousands for masterpieces. Cremona remains the center of Italian instrument making, though Florence and Naples also have strong traditions. If full instruments aren't practical, consider Italian music boxes or smaller musical accessories.

Italian home décor items reflect the country's design sensibilities and artistic heritage. From Tuscan pottery to modern Italian design pieces, you'll find items that perfectly capture Italian style. Milan's design district offers contemporary pieces, while smaller towns throughout Italy specialize in traditional crafts.

Prices range from €20 for small decorative items to hundreds for larger pieces. The advantage of buying home décor in Italy is the authenticity and the story behind each piece. Many items are handmade by local artisans, making them truly unique.

Italian herbs and spices offer an authentic way to recreate Italian flavors at home. While you can find Italian herbs elsewhere, buying them in Italy ensures freshness and authenticity. Specialty food shops throughout Italy offer dried herbs, spice blends, and unique seasonings.

Prices are generally quite reasonable, ranging from €2-10 for quality herbs and spices. Sicily offers particularly interesting spice blends influenced by the island's diverse cultural history. These lightweight purchases are perfect for travelers and make excellent gifts for cooking enthusiasts.

Things to buy in Italy

Italian kitchenware combines functionality with beautiful design. From copper pots in Tuscany to ceramic serving pieces throughout the country, Italian kitchenware is both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

Prices vary widely based on materials and craftsmanship, from €15 for simple pieces to €200+ for copper cookware. Florence and Rome offer excellent selections, though you'll find quality kitchenware throughout Italy.

These items are built to last and often become family heirlooms. If large items aren't practical, consider Italian kitchen tools like pasta machines or olive wood utensils.

Electic pasta maker

Italian art supplies reflect the country's artistic heritage and commitment to quality materials. Florence, with its Renaissance history, offers some of the world's finest art supplies. From handmade papers to quality brushes and pigments, Italian art supplies are prized by artists worldwide.

Prices range from €5 for basic supplies to €100+ for professional-grade materials. The advantage of buying art supplies in Italy is the quality and the connection to centuries of artistic tradition. Even if you're not an artist, these items make unique gifts for creative friends.

Italian religious items and artifacts offer a spiritual dimension to your shopping. Vatican City and Rome provide the most extensive selection, but you'll find beautiful religious items throughout Italy. From rosaries to religious artwork, these items often have special significance when purchased in Italy.

Prices range from €5 for simple items to hundreds for elaborate pieces. The authenticity and spiritual significance of purchasing religious items in Italy, particularly from Vatican City, make them meaningful souvenirs for many travelers.

Italian vintage and antique items offer unique finds you won't discover anywhere else. Italian flea markets and antique shops are treasure troves of everything from vintage fashion to antique furniture. Rome's Porta Portese market, Florence's Sant'Ambrogio market, and Milan's Navigli area offer excellent hunting grounds.

Prices vary enormously based on age, condition, and rarity. The thrill of finding unique vintage Italian items makes this type of shopping particularly rewarding. Always verify authenticity for valuable pieces, and remember that some antiques may require export permits.

When considering things to buy in Italy, Italian sports merchandise deserves attention, especially if you're a football (soccer) fan. Italian football jerseys, particularly from famous teams like Juventus, AC Milan, or AS Roma, are popular purchases.

Official team stores in major cities offer authentic merchandise, with jerseys costing €60-120. The advantage of buying sports merchandise in Italy is the authenticity and often better selection than you'd find internationally. Even if you're not a sports fan, Italian team merchandise makes popular gifts for sports enthusiasts back home.

Italian textiles beyond linens offer incredible variety and quality. From Venetian velvets to Sicilian cottons, Italian fabrics are prized by designers worldwide. Milan's fabric district offers professional-quality materials, while smaller towns throughout Italy specialize in regional textiles.

Prices vary based on quality and type, from €10-100 per meter. If you sew or know someone who does, Italian fabrics make exceptional purchases. Even if you don't sew, Italian textile items like scarves, shawls, or decorative fabrics make beautiful souvenirs.

Italian beauty products, particularly those made with natural ingredients, offer a luxurious way to pamper yourself with Italian quality. Italian brands often focus on traditional formulations using ingredients like olive oil, grape extracts, and Mediterranean herbs.

Prices range from €10-80 for quality products. Tuscany and other regions known for natural ingredients often have local beauty product makers. These products often use time-tested formulations that have been refined over generations. Italian pharmacies also offer unique beauty products not available elsewhere.

Italian toys and games, particularly traditional ones, offer charming alternatives to mass-produced items. Hand-carved wooden toys, traditional Italian card games, and educational toys reflecting Italian culture make meaningful purchases.

Prices typically range from €10-50 for quality items. Florence and Rome offer good selections, though you'll find interesting toys throughout Italy. These items often have educational value and help children learn about Italian culture. Traditional Italian games like Scopa or Briscola card games are inexpensive and provide entertainment for the whole family.

Italian outdoor gear and sporting goods reflect the country's love of outdoor activities. From hiking equipment designed for the Alps to cycling gear from Italian manufacturers, you'll find quality outdoor equipment.

Italian cycling brands like Campagnolo and Bianchi are world-renowned. Prices vary widely based on the specific equipment, from €20 for accessories to thousands for complete bicycles. Northern Italian cities near the Alps offer the best selection of outdoor gear. If you're planning outdoor activities in Italy, buying gear there ensures you have equipment suited to local conditions.

Italian magazines and media offer insights into Italian culture and lifestyle. Fashion magazines, cooking publications, and cultural magazines provide windows into Italian life.

Prices are generally quite reasonable, from €3-15 for magazines. These items are lightweight and easy to pack, making them practical purchases. Even if you don't read Italian fluently, the visual content in Italian magazines is often exceptional. Italian cookbooks, in particular, offer authentic recipes and beautiful photography that transcends language barriers.

Things to buy in Italy

Italian souvenirs and gifts encompass a wide range of items that capture the essence of your Italian experience. From miniature reproductions of famous artworks to region-specific items like Venetian gondolier hats or Tuscan cypress tree ornaments, these items help preserve memories.

Prices range from €5-50 for typical souvenirs. While some souvenirs are mass-produced, others are handmade by local artisans. The key is choosing items that genuinely reflect Italian culture and craftsmanship rather than generic tourist items.

Italian technology and electronics, while not traditionally associated with Italian shopping, include some interesting options. Italian design extends to electronics, with brands creating stylish and functional devices. Prices are generally comparable to other European countries.

Italian audio equipment, in particular, has some respected manufacturers. While not a primary reason to shop in Italy, these items can offer unique design perspectives. Italian phone accessories and tech gadgets often feature distinctive Italian styling that sets them apart from international alternatives.

Italian seasonal and holiday items offer special shopping opportunities depending on when you visit.

Christmas markets throughout Italy offer unique ornaments and holiday decorations.

Easter brings special chocolates and religious items.

Summer festivals often feature local crafts and seasonal products. Prices vary based on the specific items and seasons.

When thinking about things to buy in Italy, you're spoiled for choice!