Souvenirs from Italy?

[agabbymama]

Trust me - I'm not in the tax bracket you think I am;) I'm a hourly wages girl. I just save for a trip every 2 years and use my employee benefits and frequent flyer miles and frequent guest points to make the trips cheap. I plan for one big purchase on my trips to Europe and have the money saved for it.

For the VAT, I've always been able to show each article and get the VAT back on it when I feel like going through the hassle; I don't necessarily have $500 spent, either. I'm not sure why you had trouble. Are you thinking of when you buy a high-ticket item and you can get the certificate right there at the store?

 

Oh, you do know you weren't buying real pashminas, but imitations, right? A genuine pashmina product, made from pashmina wool costs quite a bit. The word "pashmina" has been taken from the original meaning to now designate a knit stole.

 

In Italy I was told you had to spend at least 50 EURO per store to get the VAT back, that you couldn't just show your total purchases at the airport. I knew I hadn't spent anywhere near that much so just gave up.

 

And yes, I know they weren't REAL pashminas, but they were nice souvenirs. I just made sure they weren't made in China or Indonesia.

 

I do however have a REAL SCOTTISH WOOL scarf, purchased on a sheep farm in Scotland.

[ollienbertsmum]

In Italy I have enjoyed buying different types of pasta as gifts for family. They have wonderful coloured ones and shaped ones.

 

I have to say that in France (Marseille) I bought the most exciting souvenir of all. In a specialist kitchen wear shop I bought a little gadget especially to prick eggs. Only in France of course, but I had been wanting one for ages and thought I had to invent it myself. :)

[ritaly]

I second the recommendation for Pecorino, preferable from Pienza. You can buy a wheel have it cut into quarters and vacuum packed. Theybwill tell you how to store it at home.

I also visit a Coop and bring home food related items....porcini boullion cubes are a must...small and easy to pack added to risotto, pasta sauces and soups bring the flavor of Italy home. Haven't seen anything like it here USA

Also small packages of spices to make sauces etc also found in Coop or many shops throughout Tuscany.

In Rome Campo Fiori market has great bins of mixed spices that are wonderful for cooking at home and remembering Italy.

Like to bring olive wood accessories and kitchen items.

Just don't try to bring home salami!! It's a no no, most food items packaged are fine just not meat

[griffy116]

My purchase sounds (and is) very cheap in comparison. I buy a Christmas ornament. We have Christmas ornaments from every cruise. In Rome, we found a tiny little shop that sold ornaments that were hand-painted and very fragile, but beautiful. We have some really cheesy ornaments too, but it's always a wonderful reminder of all the fun times when we get out the ornaments to decorate the tree. Even in Kusadasi we found a Christmas ornament, which we didn't think would be possible. We also bought a beautiful little bowl in Turkey, a book with the transparencies in Rome, a couple of jars of wonderful olive spread and olive oil, and a little box that an old man was carving. We don't decide ahead of time on any specific purchases. We find something in an area that has some significance for us at the time.

[texancruzer]

My purchase sounds (and is) very cheap in comparison. I buy a Christmas ornament. We have Christmas ornaments from every cruise. In Rome, we found a tiny little shop that sold ornaments that were hand-painted and very fragile, but beautiful. We have some really cheesy ornaments too, but it's always a wonderful reminder of all the fun times when we get out the ornaments to decorate the tree. Even in Kusadasi we found a Christmas ornament, which we didn't think would be possible. We also bought a beautiful little bowl in Turkey, a book with the transparencies in Rome, a couple of jars of wonderful olive spread and olive oil, and a little box that an old man was carving. We don't decide ahead of time on any specific purchases. We find something in an area that has some significance for us at the time.

 

I actually have a Christmas ornament of every ship we have sailed on.....check the gift shop onboard ..... they are tiny ships with the names on them...... always fun putting them on the tree......

[CSloan]

For those who have brought Olive Oil home - how did you pack it?

[TroubleT]

For those who have brought Olive Oil home - how did you pack it?

 

We always bring lots of regular plastic and ziplock bags. Wrap breakable items in t-shirts and put in ziplock bag. Place it in the middle of your suite case, surrounded by soft clothes. We never had a broken bottle or souvenir brought from our trips. Unless you are planning on bringing a huge canister of olive oil. But then you are on your own!:D

[Darkster]

Italian shoes:D

 

Cindy

proud charter member of the Imelda Marcos/ Carrie Bradshaw fan club

 

Shoes and suits!

[candyrae]

What sort of souvenirs should I look for in Italy? I know Venice would be the Murino glass and the Amalfi coast would be anything with lemons! But what about the Tuscany area? Rome? Not the cheesy kind but something to be enjoyed after the cruise is over.

I think the pietra dura in Florence is a must. It was originally crafted by monks in the Vatican I believe. You can google it to understand it thoroughly but basically, it is a piece of artwork crafted from pieces (inlay) of semi precious stones, black onyx, malachite, lapis, tigers eye, etc. I have two small pieces that I picked up previously in Florence...one 3 multicolor birds on black onyx and the other is two butterflies on black onyx. I treasure these pieces and intend to buy another when I cruise there in a couple of weeks. There is a design shop/school near the Ponte Vecchio bridge and it can also be purchased in various furnishing or antique shops...5 x 7" piece can go for $150(depending on intracasy) but so so worth it if you want to remember Italy with a lovely dying art form.

[slidergirl]

Shoes and suits!

 

Love it!!! Where are your favorite shops for acquiring those goods??? Off-the-rack, bespoke? We hear so infrequently from men on the forum about their shopping that it might be enlightening for us!!!

 

Nothing to do with anything, but when I'm traveling in Italy, and I see a store like Ermenegildo Zenga, Roberto Cavalli, Armani, etc., I always chuckle to myself and think "Dinozzo would shop here." (for reference, look up NCIS...)

[texancruzer]

Shoes and suits!

 

You should check out the tie store right down from the Pantheon. It is on Via Seminaria (just to the right of the Albergo del Senato) and down 2 or 3 doors.

 

They have a tiny open loft area stuffed with material and sewing machines - 2, I think. They make all the silk ties right there. We bought 2 for gifts and dh asked if he could go up the stairs and take a picture..... they said sure.

 

Gorgeous ties but not cheap.

[Ontariotrekker]

Don't know if you are buying for others or not but my grandchildren love the soccer shirts you can get from the various ports.

[euro cruiser]

You should check out the tie store right down from the Pantheon. It is on Via Seminaria (just to the right of the Albergo del Senato) and down 2 or 3 doors.

Is this the place you are thinking of?

 

http://www.eziopellicano.com/

[texancruzer]

Is this the place you are thinking of?

 

http://www.eziopellicano.com/

 

Yep, thats it. I have a picture but cannot upload from my new pc for some reason.

 

It was a really neat store....very small and the loft area was FULL of bolts of material everywhere..... and beautiful ties !!!!!!

[KCcruisin07]

I bought a necklace with black stones and silver beads from one of the street vendors in Pisa. I knew I was supposed to avoid them, but there was this necklace. I just looked at it, but decided against it. The guy kept pursuing me, and so finally I bought it.:rolleyes: I get compliments on this necklace whenever I wear it!:)

 

I don't know if you can take this on the ship, but the limoncello in Sorrento is so good. Maybe the ship will store it for you. If there's a way to bring some back, take it!

[slidergirl]

Don't know if you are buying for others or not but my grandchildren love the soccer shirts you can get from the various ports.

 

Cool idea! Find out which teams are specific to those ports so you know which ones are "the best". Look at who is in the Champions League (the special league that takes one or two from each Euro League for a super league). Right now, you've got Juventus and Milan for Italy and Barcelona and Real Madrid for Spain. (I've got my Barca jersey from my trip there!!!).

 

If you are going to other ports, give a look at the Internet and "ask" for Champions League teams to find others for your ports.

[Steirisch]

My massage therapist collects rosaries. She's not Catholic, but she loves rosaries. I got her one with the Pope on it and it was cloissone. She loved it, but it may not be for everyone. On the street in front of St. Peters, where you can see St. Peters at the end of the street, there are lots of shops selling religious items.

[pastamom2011]

We always shop for small gifts. Our waiters love it when we bring back waiter cork screw/wine openers from different places. I love the wine stoppers I bought that plug into the bottle and then hook under the lip of the bottle. They keep Prosecco fresh for up to a week. I bought several scarves for myself and friends. A leather backpack purse for myself in Sienna.

We bought "art work" in almost every city. It was expensive to have it shipped back. This year I am bringing one of the shipping rolls with me. I'll stuff it with socks and things on the way over, but have it for art or photos on the way back. And if I don't buy any of that stuff, I can just leave it there.

[Hockeylovinmom]

I have a question. I'm a newbie to Europe. My first trip will be in 2014! Is it feasible to ship things home? How do you manage? Do you bring an extra suitcase? Also, about the Murano Giles's. how can you be sure you get the "real thing"?

 

 

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[Hockeylovinmom]

The art/photo tube was a good hint!

 

 

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[Islandgirl4242]

Love this thread...so many great ideas! I haven't worn the gloves a friend bought for me in Italy about 10 years ago...I've been saving them!:rolleyes: Wow, I can put them on and wear them out...we'll be in Italy in 2 months!

[KCcruisin07]

I have a question. I'm a newbie to Europe. My first trip will be in 2014! Is it feasible to ship things home? How do you manage? Do you bring an extra suitcase? Also, about the Murano Giles's. how can you be sure you get the "real thing"?

 

 

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If this is your first trip, you'll love it! I think that shipping would be expensive. Awhile back someone explored here about shipping their suitcases over and decided against it because of cost. Usually we pack light and leave room for souvenirs in our suitcases. We use a luggage scale. In a couple of instances we have left some things behind to meet the weight limit or to have space.

I suggest starting a new thread for your questions.

[pastamom2011]

I have a question. I'm a newbie to Europe. My first trip will be in 2014! Is it feasible to ship things home? How do you manage? Do you bring an extra suitcase? Also, about the Murano Giles's. how can you be sure you get the "real thing"?

 

 

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We shipped things back but it wasn't cheap. I pack a flat duffle bag in my suitcase. it brings home dirty laundry and my harder sided suitcase brings home linens, shirts, scarves, wine, etc.

[25years2gether]

Hi. You mentioned linens. I am interested in getting a nice set of made in Italy sheets. I will be in Venice, Rome, Florence and Naples, among other ports. Where would you recommend I look? Do you have a fav. store for linens? Thanks. Diane

[euro cruiser]

Hi. You mentioned linens. I am interested in getting a nice set of made in Italy sheets. I will be in Venice, Rome, Florence and Naples, among other ports. Where would you recommend I look? Do you have a fav. store for linens? Thanks. Diane

Be sure to check the dimensions before purchasing, as Italian beds are slightly different than American ones.