37 Best Souvenirs from Italy to Take Home in 2024
If you are looking for the best souvenirs from Italy to fill your suitcase with, then you have come to the right place! We have family in Sicily, so we travel there quite often.
Italy is an incredible place to visit. As a result, sometimes it may be a little difficult to decide which souvenirs you should be purchasing that are truly representative of your visit.
During our many family trips to Italy, we have come home with a variety of items.
From Soccer balls and jerseys to flags, magnets and Christmas ornaments, we have accumulated quite a collection of treasured trinkets.
So how do you decide?
Our run-down of the best souvenirs from Italy should help decide what gets a coveted spot in your suitcase for the flight home!
Souvenirs from Italy
One of the best parts of travelling is finding the perfect treasure or keepsake to take home.
Whether it reminds us of an adventure, a certain place we visited (like the below magnets from Castellammare del Golfo), or maybe even someone we met along the way, trying to find that truly unique gift can be a lot of fun.
And the best part is, no matter what your budget, you are sure to find souvenirs from Italy that are affordable, practical, unique, fun, and that represent this amazing country.
37 of the Best Souvenirs from Italy
To make things a little easier, we have broken down our list of best souvenirs from Italy into categories.
Whether you are shopping for kids, friends, relatives, or yourself, you are sure to find something that is meaningful or just plain fun!
Best Italian Souvenirs for Foodies
If you are anything like our family, food and travel are strongly intertwined.
So naturally, quite a few of the best souvenirs from Italy that we want to mention, are edible!
1. Italian Chocolate
While most people usually think of artisanal chocolates coming from Belgium or France, Italy also produces a delicious selection of these goodies.
In fact, you really won’t have a difficult time finding artisanal chocolates in a wide range of colourful shapes and sizes.
Some of the top brands that offer premium artisanal chocolates are Caffarel, Modica, Perugina, Ferrero, Gianduiotto, and Cioccolata Venchi. One taste and you’ll be hooked!
My absolute favourites are the Perugina Baci chocolates. They are pretty much a Christmas tradition in our household.
Each delicious chocolate has a message enclosed in the wrapper (like a fortune cookie).
2. Italian Cookies or Sweets
Of course, if chocolate isn’t your thing (really??), you still have plenty of options for Italian sweets.
After all, we cannot overlook the iconic Italian biscotti, almond cookies, pizzelle, and even hard candies or marzipan.
3. Olive Oil
Whether you are eating a delicious slice of pizza or enjoying an incredible pasta dish, it’s pretty much guaranteed that one of the ingredients is olive oil.
And like wine, olive oil is a classic Italian souvenir that is easy to take home with you.
Italy is the second-largest producer of olive oil in the world after Spain.
What could be better than taking home a bottle of olive oil to recreate your favourite Italian dishes at home!
Some of the best regions for olive oil include Sardinia, Sicily, Calabria, and Liguria. However, you won’t be hard-pressed to find quality olive oils all over Italy.
4. Truffle Oil
Italian truffles are known to be of some of the highest quality around. So what better time to buy truffle oil at an affordable price, than while you are in Italy?
Our absolute favourite use for truffle oil is on french fries!
Yep, turn those regular spuds into a fancy appetizer with a sprinkle of truffle oil and some freshly grated Italian Parmeggiano!
5. Italian Cheese
Although Italy may not be the first country that pops into your mind when you think of cheese, they definitely know what they are doing!
And every region in the country has a cheese that sets it apart from the rest.
From the spreadable blue cheese that comes from the northern town of Gorgonzola to Sardinia’s sheep-milk Pecorino Sardo, and the Pecorino Romano from Rome, it may be hard to choose just one.
And call me traditional, but I absolutely LOVE Parmigiano Reggiano. Sprinkled liberally over pasta, or added to a charcuterie platter, it’s delicious!
Cheese could be considered one of the best Italian souvenirs for friends and family.
And the fact that it can be made into many different delicious dishes, makes it even more perfect to take home for yourself!
6. Italian Herbs and Spices
And speaking of spices, there may be other foods that you enjoyed during your trip to Italy and would like to recreate at home.
Foods like homemade tomato sauce, meatballs, meats, seafood, and sauces all have very distinct flavours.
In many Italian dishes, you will find spices like oregano, basil, parsley, rosemary, sage, and anise.
Throughout your travels, make a note of your favourite dishes and stock up on spices at the local market.
While you could easily buy all these spices separately at home, many Italian grocery stores and butcher shops will sell spice packets that are mixed and ready to use in your favourite recipes.
Spices are one of the easiest and least expensive foodie souvenirs from Italy to transport.
7. Traditional Balsamic Vinegar
One of my favourite indulgences while in Italy, was to eat bread dipped in olive oil and balsamic vinegar before a meal.
This simple appetizer was soooo delicious, and quintessentially Italian, that I wanted to take that flavour experience home with me.
Balsamic Vinegar is very versatile in that it can be used for cooking, adding flavour to salads or pizzas, and of course, for dipping.
There are many types of Balsamic Vinegar, including flavoured varieties.
With so many amazing varieties, I guarantee that you will have a difficult time choosing!
My favourite from Italy is the fig balsamic we tried in Sicily.
8. Cured Meats
Cured meats are another of the most popular souvenirs from Italy for foodies.
And just like with the cheeses, each region of Italy has its own specially cured signature meat.
For example, in Venice, you will get some delicious San Daniele prosciutto, in Milan and Northern Italy, you’ll find salami and bresaola, and if you like it spicy, head south to Calabria where you can sample some very hot sausages cured with chilli.
9. Sardinia’s Torrone
Authentic Torrone is an absolutely delicious, stick-to-your-teeth, sweet that the Sardinia region is famous for.
What North Americans refer to as nougat, is made with pure honey and nuts (walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts), and is much better quality than the mass-produced nougat we find in stores at home.
While nougat can be found in most shops in Sardinia, the best honey-made stuff can be purchased in the town’s weekly farmer’s markets, or even at local festivals and events.
So if you have someone with a sweet tooth, don’t hesitate to bring them some authentic Sardinian Torrone as their souvenir from Italy!
🇮🇹 Fun Fact: Tonara in Nuoro province loves Torrone so much, that they hold an annual Torrone food fair in April!
10. Pasta
Without a doubt, pasta is the most famous Italian food. So taking home some artisan pasta as a souvenir makes perfect sense!
We are not talking about the mass-produced variety from grocery stores
It is not difficult to find an incredible assortment of hand-made dried pasta that is made from fresh local ingredients.
There are many types of pasta, made from wheat or whole grains, or those made with vegetables to produce vibrant colours.
And of course, if you have a certain shape of pasta that you enjoy, you will find that too!
Choose from some of the most popular such as Gnocchi, Linguine, Tagliatelle, Pappardelle, Tortellini, spaghettini, or macaroni.
Or perhaps go with something new like Orrechieti, Bucatini, and Cavatelli.
If you choose to buy from a grocery store, some of the popular brands include Benedetto Cavalieri, Afeltra, Voiello, Alce Nero, Il Pastaio di Gragnano, Verrigni, Antignano, Alfieri, or Mancini.
11. Italian Cook Books
One of Miss Sunshine’s (our oldest daughter), favourite travel souvenirs is cookbooks.
She loves to cook, and this is a great way to try and recreate some of the fantastic meals that she has enjoyed when visiting new places.
So if you are a foodie, or have one in your life, then a cookbook is the perfect souvenir from Italy to take home.
Purchase something regional, or find a book with all your favourite recipes, you won’t be disappointed. Buon appetito!
12. Moka Pot (Caffettiera)
A caffettiera is something you will find in Italian homes not just in Italy, but all over the world.
These Moka pots are used to make espresso and come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colours.
The iconic pots can be purchased in Italy for a lot less than what the authentic ones cost in North America.
Bialetti is a popular brand (and our fave) for these awesome espresso makers and is a name you will see not just in households, but also in Italian cafes.
Known for their uniqueness, simple design and ease of use, a caffettiera is an essential souvenir from Italy.
13. Italian Espresso Cups
If you are a coffee lover, then without a doubt, you have sampled some espresso during your travels throughout Italy.
If that’s the case, then purchasing some authentic espresso cups might make a lot of sense.
This is especially true if you are planning to use your new Caffettiera to make coffee at home!
And really, espresso is meant to be only served in proper cups for that authentic experience.
These classic thick-walled cups can be found in ordinary kitchenware shops, or even specialty shops all over Italy.
14. Coffee
And while we are on the subject of coffee, Italian coffee is famous worldwide. With popular brands like Illy & Lavazza, you really can’t go wrong.
Not only can you purchase incredible coffee in specialty shops, but you can also buy some pretty aromatic beans in supermarkets, convenience stores, and other local shops.
I love the fact that coffee is easy to pack in your suitcase, takes up very little room, and most people will love it as a gift!
Best Italian-Made Alcohol
Italian-made alcohol can be another souvenir you may want to consider bringing home with you.
Of course, there is a limit to how much you can travel with, so keep that in mind.
15. Wine
Italy is definitely a leader in wine production. So while you are travelling around the country, be sure to stop in at a few vineyards, take a tour, and sample their products.
Tuscany is home to Italy’s most scenic vineyards, as well as the country’s best-known wine, chianti. Dating back to the 8th century BC, it is Italy’s most ancient wine-producing region.
Most wine estates will even ship your order straight to your home address, making it one of the best Italian Souvenirs to get.
16. Limoncello
Limoncello is definitely one of those quintessential flavours that you associate with southern Italy.
This incredibly popular Italian liqueur was originally produced in Capri and the region surrounding the Amalfi Coast.
Nowadays, Limoncello is produced and sold throughout the country. This is definitely one of my favourite souvenirs from Italy.
🍋 Insider Tip: Many places that sell Limoncello also make and sell Meloncello. It tastes like cantaloupe, is delicious, and you can’t find it anywhere outside of Italy. Trust me, we have tried!
17. Grappa
While travelling in Italy, you are bound to come across Grappa. This hard liquor is made from pressing Italian grape seeds and skins.
Just a warning – Grappa is VERY strong and not for the faint of heart!
Best Souvenirs from Italy for Kids
Considering we are a family travel blog, we would be remiss not to mention the most popular and best souvenirs from Italy for kids.
While some of the items are just plain cute, others can be geared toward a child’s interests, hobbies, or collections.
18. Italian Books for Kids
You can find some really great children’s books about Italian. From interesting facts to fairy tales and everything in between, books are easy to pack but can get a little heavy.
My favourite, as well as Hubby’s, was always Strega Nona.
We have also bought many books for adults from our travels around the world.
The last time we were in Sicily, Hubby also picked up a few of the Italian language Harry Potter books.
19. Italy Puzzle
Puzzles are a great way to keep kids busy.
Whether it’s a picture of your favourite Italian landmark, a gorgeous landscape scene, or even a mosaic of your favourite Italian foods, puzzles bring joy to people of all ages.
And what better way to reminisce, than to spend time as a family working on a puzzle featuring a special place in Italy! It truly is one of the best souvenirs from Italy for kids.
20. Magnets
Our kids would tell you that magnets are hands-down the best souvenirs out there.
Magnets are easy to find, come in a ton of different styles and colours, are relatively inexpensive, and are easy to find in EVERY gift shop across the country.
The kids always ask for a magnet when we explore a new place. They are easy to pack in your bags, and just as easy to easy to display once you get home.
21. Pins or Patches
Another item we consider to be one of the best Italian souvenirs is a pin or patch.
Small, inexpensive and easy to pack, these small items are often collected by kids and adults alike.
Choose a generic Italian flag, or maybe find something specific to the part of the country you visited, like the Triscele, which is the 3-legged symbol of Sicily.
22. Keychains
Keychains are probably one of the most popular items on our list.
They may seem old-school, but they are lightweight, easy to find, pretty inexpensive, and take up very little space in your suitcase.
Kids can use them for their house keys, attach them to backpacks, hang them in their room, or just add them to a growing collection!
Hubby actually uses a couple of his keychains for various keys we have in the house to make them easier to find.
23. Pressed Coins
Pressed coins are small, inexpensive collector items that make great souvenirs.
Our kids have books filled with pressed coins from all over the world that are perfect reminders of all their adventures.
Pressed coin machines will either use actual Euros or ‘slugs’ to create this one-of-a-kind souvenir.
These pressed coin machines can usually be found at tourist attractions, in a popular square (we found one in Erice’s main square, for example), and even inside some hotels.
A quick online search will give you the location, how many machines, and even the designs that can be found at each spot.
And don’t forget to grab the handy collector books to store all the coins in!
Best Decorative Italian Souvenirs
When it comes to the best Italian souvenirs, some people prefer decorative items that will remind them of their travel adventures.
Trinkets that will be placed around the home, or used on a daily basis, are often a favourite for travellers.
24. Italian Flag
What better to remember your trip to our beautiful country, than by purchasing an Italian flag to take home?
It really is an awesome keepsake whether you prefer a small patch to stick on your suitcase, a small desktop flag, or a flag large enough to fly from a flagpole.
25. Tablecloths from Perugia
Most people don’t think of tablecloths when they are coming up with a list of the best souvenirs from Italy.
However, if you are visiting Perugia in the Umbria region, you will find some pretty incredible textiles.
Here, production dates all the way back to the 12th century. The tablecloths from Perugia are made with linen and decorated with a variety of blue geometrical patterns and shapes.
26. Murano Glass
Murano glass is probably one of the most popular souvenirs from Italy that people purchase while in Venice.
Having been in production since 982, the tradition of Murano glass has been fine-tuned into a true form of art.
Each vibrant piece of Murano glass is handmade and unique, so you can be sure your souvenir from Italy is going to be one of a kind!
From glassware to jewelry, clocks, figurines, lamps, and many more interesting pieces, you will have plenty to choose from.
You will definitely need to pay extra attention when packing it!
And if you do not feel comfortable carrying your souvenir in your hand luggage, the Murano glass factory will ship directly to your home.
27. Burano Lace
Burano lace is definitely considered a true work of art.
Originally produced on the Island of Burano, which is just an hour’s boat ride from Venice, the lace is all handmade and very intricate.
Today you can purchase many items which incorporate Burano lace, such as scarves, tablecloths, and handkerchiefs. Just be aware of knock-offs when purchasing this exquisite lace!
28. Venetian Masks
And while we are still on the subject of Venetian souvenirs from Italy, masks are incredibly popular as well.
These Venetian masks actually have a fascinating history.
Worn to protect the identity of individuals, people were pretty much on equal footing while wearing elaborate masks.
This made them popular while conducting business transactions.
Be sure to look for unique hand-crafted masks that are made locally, rather than the cheaply-made imported knock-offs.
29. Ceramics and Pottery
As one of the oldest forms of art known to man, pottery is definitely something you will find all over Italy.
Colourful ceramics of all shapes, sizes and for all purposes can be found in both small towns and villages, as well as in larger cities.
And depending on the region, you will find different patterns and colours that are prevalent.
In Piedmont, you will find the famous rooster decorating their ceramics, while in Sicily, lemons or cactus pears are the popular themes.
30. Porcelain
From dishes to tiles, Italy is home to some truly gorgeous porcelain.
Whether you are looking for single tiles to hang as decor or sets of dishes with colourful patterns, you are sure to find them anywhere you go in Italy!
31. Christmas Ornaments
One of the easiest Christmas-related souvenirs from Italy you can find is ornaments.
From unique hand-made wooden ornaments to glass baubles, pewter and even a few kitschy items, ornaments can often be found year-round at various attractions.
Ornaments are small enough to carry, and depending on what you choose, can be pretty inexpensive, making them the perfect souvenir to take home.
The ornament I purchased in Sicily has gorgeous poppies on it.
My only complaint is that it is quite heavy so I need to be careful where I place it on my Christmas tree.
32. Rosary or Religious (Catholic) Items and Art
Whether you are a religious person or not, you can still appreciate the beauty of the artwork that can be found in Vatican City.
This epicentre of Christianity has no shortage of religious shops selling art that you can only find in Italy.
As a Catholic myself, we have purchased rosaries from churches that have patron saints with the same name as our kids, for their sacraments.
It makes the item that much more special.
Items like rosary beads, pendants, statues, cards, and medals make for the perfect religious souvenirs from Italy.
Best Souvenirs From Italy That You Can Wear
One of the most popular and best souvenirs from Italy that you can take home, are items you can wear.
Whether it’s an Italian designer that you can’t get anywhere else or Italy-branded items with the colours of the flag, they make wonderful gifts for family and friends.
33. Genuine Italian Leather Goods
Italy is famous for its leather goods. Items like purses, bags, wallets, belts, gloves, and shoes can be easily found throughout the region of Tuscany.
So if you happen to be strolling through the streets of Florence, be on the lookout for the artisans creating these handmade items.
After all, they would make the perfect souvenir from Italy!
34. Perfume
Italy produces a number of popular brands of perfume and cologne.
And yes, although you can easily purchase them all over the world, you will usually find a better selection when visiting Italy.
Brand names like Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Laura Biagiotti, Dolce&Gabbana, Versace, Prada, and Bulgari, can be found in most cosmetics shops and department stores.
But if you are looking for something a little more unique – something you can’t find anywhere else – try some of the smaller artisan shops.
There you will find some amazing traditional perfumes made with extracts of herbs and plants.
A unique perfume like this would make a wonderful gift or one of the best souvenirs from Italy to take home for yourself!
35. Soccer Shirts or Ball Caps
Italy loves soccer. So purchasing either branded or replica shirts, jerseys, or ball caps can be the perfect souvenir idea, especially if you are visiting during a World Cup year!
In fact, during the World Cup, you will find a ton of fun fan clothing, funky hats, fake mustaches, and jewellery that you can wear to cheer on the Italian team!
36. Handmade Shoes
If you are looking for an original Italian gift, then Italy is one of the best places to purchase handmade shoes.
Florence is famous for its leather, so you will have no trouble finding many local family-owned businesses, that have been around for generations.
But aside from small family businesses, you will also find many brand-name Italian shoes that are awesome.
Brands like Nero Giardini, Cafè Noir, Igi&Co, and Geox, carry affordable and comfortable shoes.
But if you are looking for more high-end pieces, then places like Just Cavalli, Valentino, Armani, or Salvatore Ferragamo will definitely carry plenty of options to catch your eye.
37. Unique Jewellery
And speaking of Florence, this beautiful city is also known for its jewelry.
With more than 400 years of experience, Florence’s goldsmiths have been creating incredible pieces which are sold along the Ponte Vecchio.
Sardinia is another popular location for purchasing beautiful artisanal jewelry.
With their tradition of fine gold filigree, silver and white gold with mounted gemstones, coral, or volcanic black onyx, you are sure to find something unique.
As always, you can also look for high-end brands of jewelry like Bulgari, Buccellati, Morellato, and Salvini.
There, you are sure to find the perfect (but expensive) souvenir from Italy.
38. Luxury Clothing
You cannot visit Milan without at least having a look inside all the designer shops!
Whether you have the means to purchase something should not deter you from at least window shopping!
And although Italian fashion brands like Valentino, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and Versace have stores all over the world, you will often find that they have collections that are unique to Italy.
Of course, for those of us with smaller budgets, Italy also has many other great brand names that are more affordable.
Names like Germano Zama, Mariella Burani, Sandro Ferrone, Ermenegildo Zegna, Marella and Luisa Spagnoli, also carry some pretty nice pieces
39. Italian Accessories
Italians are famous for their perfectly coordinated accessories.
So while you are visiting Italy, you will see a multitude of shops carrying bags and wallets in all sizes and colours, shawls, ties, belts, key rings, hats, and gloves.
And depending on your budget, you will find local artisanal shops where the items are handmade, all the way to designer brands that will leave a dent in your bank account!
Some great brands to look out for include Moschino, Coccinelle, Furla, Emporio Armani, Missoni, and Versace.
What Product Is Italy Famous for?
Italy is definitely a country filled with indulgences. From incredibly rich food to gorgeous designer clothing, Italians certainly know how to live ‘la dolce vita.’
Wine, cheese, bread and gelato are just a few of the incredible things you need to try when visiting this culturally rich country.
As a result, some of these items definitely hit the mark when looking for the best Italian souvenirs to take home with you.
Of course, anything related to leather goods, festivals, art and historical sites are also popular items and products.
Where to Buy the Best Souvenirs from Italy
The absolutely perfect Italy souvenir can actually be found and purchased all over the country!
Since we love to support local businesses as much as possible, we recommend buying your souvenirs directly from the artisans, local producers, or small-scale retailers that you come across in your travels.
With that being said, there are also many other places you can source your Italian keepsakes.
Shopping online from department stores, boutiques, or even retailers like Amazon may be an option if your suitcase is already busting at the seams!
We have also provided links to some of the best Italian souvenirs online, just to make it a little easier if you decide to go this route.
Tips on Buying Italian Souvenirs
Shopping abroad can be a lot of fun. But just like anywhere else, there are a few things to keep in mind before making a purchase.
Especially if your Italian gifts are something that you will be spending a considerable amount of money on.
Final Thoughts on the Perfect Italian Souvenirs
There are so many incredible things to see and do in Italy.
So when your visit comes to an end, hopefully, our list of best souvenirs from Italy will help you to find exactly the perfect gifts to take home with you.
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