What to buy in Italy? Which are the best shops and areas for souvenir shopping in Italy? What are the best souvenirs from Italy to take back home? Answers to all these and more in this fun Italy travel guide.
Italy is all about bustling markets, sprawling shopping malls, designer boutiques, antique shops, and tiny stalls full of beautiful things.
It is the country that deserves much more than just a fridge magnet space in your luggage.
Be it the delicate lace items from Burano or the leather goods from Florence, some of the best souvenirs from Italy are popular around the world.
When it comes to designer shopping in Milan, tours like Serravalle Designer Outlet Roundtrip Bus Transfer are definitely helpful.
Do you want to know what to buy in Italy and where? Here is the comprehensive list of Italian souvenirs you must splurge on during your next trip.
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Best souvenirs from Italy in Venice
Murano glass
Take a trip to Murano Island, spend half a day wandering the colourful lanes here, visit the glass factory, watch the fascinating process of how these popular, exquisite glass items are made, and buy some of the best gifts from Italy.
Taking this guided tour of Burano, Torcello & Murano w/Glassblowing will give you an exclusive 10% discount on your purchases from the souvenir shop at the glass factory.
Bring Your Travels Home With Photo Canvas Prints
Easy access to phones and cameras has ensured that all the photos are at our fingertips. It takes seconds to go back years and look at the memories on our screens.
But does this have the charm of good, old photo albums? Does this let you show off your memories to adorn your house? T
hat one summer you spent lounging on the beaches of Majorca or that winter where you learned skiing in Switzerland, these travel memories are too precious to be buried inside our phones.
There is a simple solution to ensure all your travels come home with you – Photo canvas.
This will give you a chance to make your favourite travel photos a part of your home decor.
The photos of you laughing in the sunshine with a backdrop of colourful Murano houses? Or the ones in Vatican City hunting for rosary beads? Make a canvas wall hanging or a photo board to showcase your travels proudly.
MY-PICTURE.co.uk is one of the best-rated UK canvas shops that will give you high-resolution prints at the lowest prices.
You can also get customized cushions or a tote bag or even a simple desk picture frame to remind you of some of the best moments of your life.


Burano lace
Nobody can compete with Italians when it comes to preserving centuries-old art and traditions.
Visit the tiny island of Burano and learn about the 400-year history of needlework and embroidery techniques used to make lace.
You can stop by Atelier Martina Vidal Venezia to buy everything from monogram handkerchiefs to other decorative lace items.
This Murano & Burano Guided Tour by Private Boat includes lace-making demonstrations along with glassblowing sessions
Venetian mask and doorknobs
When it comes to unique gifts from Italy, consider buying Venetian masks.
These quirky masks have a long, interesting history, as they were first used in Venice Carnivals and date back to the 1260s.
You can also find lavishly decorated doorknobs with intricate designs.
No matter which Italian souvenirs in Venice you buy, always check the ‘made in Italy’ label, as many touristy souvenirs are made in China and Taiwan.
Handmade shoes
From using the best raw materials to experimenting with different shades, handmade Italian shoes are cherished souvenirs from Italy.
It is important to visit stores like Giovanna Zanella, where Italian shoe-making traditions are well-preserved and followed. Ensure that you take good care of these shoes to make them last for years.
Pasta
You cannot travel to Italy and not buy pasta. It is like breaking some kind of unwritten law.
So, no matter how cliche, buy handmade pasta from local stores for the best gifts from Italy.
Shops like Pastificio Giacomo Rizzo in Venice have been working for four generations, perfecting the antique technique of Italian fresh pasta and dry pasta.
You can visit the famous Mercato Centrale to check out different artisan pasta shops.
Baicoli
Baicoli, one of the best Italian cookies, originated in the 1700s.
Made with simple ingredients like butter, eggs, sugar, salt, flour, and yeast, these biscuits taste heavenly with coffee.
You can also pair them with dessert-beverage Zabaione. These Baicoli biscuits have a long shelf life, making them perfect cheap things to buy in Italy.

Best souvenirs from Italy in Rome
Ancient Roman coins
You can legally buy ancient coins from the Greek, Roman, Medieval, or Renaissance periods in Rome.
Check the flea markets for such stalls, or visit shops like Numismatics Philately Central snc or Diana Numismatics Srl, as these are trusted coin dealers.
Religious souvenirs
Be it the rosary beads, saint statues, wall crosses, or religious pictures, Rome is the perfect place to buy religious souvenirs, thanks to the Vatican City that lies in its heart.
When you take this Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Basilica Tour, ask the local guide where you can buy these Italian souvenirs.
Hand-painted paper
Rome is the place where buying a simple paper can turn into an artistic experience.
This city is known for its hand-made, hand-painted marbled papers, which are often used in notebooks, journals, and diaries.
You can also look for small souvenirs from Italy, where this marbled paper is used in photo albums, wrapping papers, or different stationery items.
Perfumes
Buying a fragrance can be one of the best gifts from Italy. What better place to search for intoxicating perfumes than Rome?
Some tourists swear by Officina Profumo – Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, whereas some find iconic Acqua di Parma best. Designer perfumes from Laura Biagiotti or Armani are also trendy.
All things football
Football or soccer, no matter what you call the game, buying authentic football souvenirs from Italy is a must for sports enthusiasts.
It is recommended to check the official stores of A.S. Roma or S.S. Lazio, where you can find retro jerseys, tracksuits, or other football merchandise.
Where do you buy luxury items in Italy? With a local guide, you can check out the Fendi Experience, the pure essence of Roman high fashion.

Best souvenirs from Italy in Florence
Leather goods
Florence ensures you get the best of leather goods, including Madova leather gloves, designer bags, and wallets.
The leather craftsmanship that goes into making such exquisite products is appreciated around the world.
Pottery
The streets of Florence are dotted with interesting paint and pottery studios where you can learn how these intricate designs are made.
But if you want something off-the-beaten, consider a trip to Montelupo Fiorentino.
This commune has been known for producing exceptional ceramics for centuries.
Handmade Tuscan toys
You will find many shops in Florence as well as around the Tuscan region where handmade wooden toys are for sale.
The fantastic world of Pinocchio is open to all with a collection of wooden puppets, stuffed toys, books, and many other different merchandise.
If you want to buy the Best souvenirs from Italy for kids, then head to Pinocchio Store Firenze.
Truffles
Why buy expensive truffles from a shop when you can go truffle hunting in Florence?
This Truffle Hunting, Food, and Wine Tour is perfect for truffling hunting in San Miniato and then enjoying a lovely Tuscan lunch.
Some estates let you buy the truffles you have found. Please confirm that before booking a truffle hunting experience.
Italian jewellery
Italian jewellery sets itself apart from fashion accessories around the world. Be it gold or jewels, you will find intricate pieces in Florence.
Shops around the historic Ponte Vecchio Bridge are famous for their handmade necklaces, earrings, and other items.

Best souvenirs from Italy in Milan
Designer clothes
When it comes to practical, simple, yet elegant designer clothes, Milan stands on top of the list with its upbeat fashion district.
For a true shopaholic, a Vintage Shopping Tour in Milan is a must to go fashion hunting.
Renowned brands like Valentino, Prada, and Dolce & Gabbana are standing shoulder-to-shoulder with exclusive boutiques in Milan.
Fashion accessories
Craft umbrellas, designer bags, jewellery pieces, hand-embroidered fabrics, and different leather goods make some of the best souvenirs from Italy.
Milan is known for having the best collections of such fashion accessories. If you are looking for handmade products, check the labels to ensure you are not buying machine-made items.
Porcelain
Often overlooked, Italian porcelain is one of the best in the world. Milan will surprise you with a range of unique Italian souvenirs, be it porcelain tiles or handcrafted pottery items like vases or teapots.
Stores like Richard-Ginori go back centuries and have upheld the traditional art of making porcelain items.
Paintings and artwork
Milan comes with many artists and artworks for any art enthusiast. The city is full of painting studios, art galleries, and workshops where you can uncover hidden gems of the art world.
Some of the best works can also be found around the city canals in small ateliers.
Book a Serravalle Designer Outlet Roundtrip Bus Transfer to enjoy a day dedicated to shopping in Europe’s largest shopping mall.

Tips for buying the best souvenirs from Italy
When buying delicate items like glass or porcelain, ensure you have enough luggage space to carry it safely.
Tourists in Italy can claim a VAT tax refund if they are not European citizens. You need to show your passport at the store if you have purchased anything above €100 and then claim the refund. You usually get reimbursement between 13% and 15% of your purchase value.
Confirm the souvenirs you are buying are made in Italy. Check the label to see if these are not made in China or Taiwan.
When buying food souvenirs from Italy, such as pasta, cheese, and Baicoli biscuits, check the shelf life regularly.
If you are buying olive oil or wine, check your airline guidelines to know if and how much liquid you can carry.
Many of the best Italian souvenirs are available online and can be shipped to corners of the world.
But, it cannot beat the fun of strolling the streets of Milan for a designer bag or taking a ferry to Murano to buy glass. So, plan your trip to get these souvenirs from Italy.
Have I forgotten any other must-buy Italian items? Are there any shops you love for souvenir hunting? Do let me know in the comments.
FAQs – best souvenirs from Italy
- What is the best thing to get from Italy?
Italy is full of wonders, especially for tourists when it comes to the best things to get from Italy. It has souvenirs like handmade leather goods, Murano glass, Burano lace, hand-painted marbled paper, Venetian masks, Porcelain, pottery, pasta, and cheese.
- What is worth buying in Florence?
A true shopaholic can buy luxury brands and designer clothes in Florence. Other Italian souvenirs, such as Madova leather gloves, handmade Tuscan toys, and Italian jewellery from shops around Ponte Vecchio Bridge, are also worth buying in Florence.
- Is shopping better in Rome or Florence?
Rome and Florence are both known for offering Hand-painted paper, perfumes, leather items, and popular Italian souvenirs like pasta and cheese. If you are looking for designer clothes and international brands, then Rome and Florence each have their fair share of shopping areas. So, no matter what, Rome and Florence both offer a great shopping experience.
- What to get as a souvenir from Rome?
The best souvenirs from Rome are ancient Roman coins and religious souvenirs from Vatican City, like rosary beads. When in Rome, you can also consider buying Roman statues, hand-painted papers, and football merchandise.

Award-winning Analyst, multi-nominated digital content creator and photographer Lavina Dsouza's words capture stories about culture and tradition mainly through its food and people. She has written and contributed to publications such as The Washington Post, Lonely Planet and Matador Network, to name a few. She is the editor of UntraditionalHumans.com, a non-profit created to share inspiring stories from women of colour who break free from traditions and choose happiness.
She's also a speaker passionate about DEI and champions solo travel. She has collaborated with numerous renowned brands such as Intrepid Travel, TripAdvisor, Travel and Leisure and Adobe, to name a few.
She can be found on Twitter and Instagram.
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