We will be in Rome, then Naples for 2 weeks. We would like to buy small gifts for our 2 neighbor girls who, along with their father, take care of our cats. Any ideas for things we should look for? We'd ideally like to spend less than $20 each. Thank you!
Posted by
Wyoming, USA
114 posts
What about some type of purse/bag or scarf. I remember all the tourist areas having shops and carts set up that sold these items along with a multitude of other souvenir items.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
What teen girl doesn't want a purse?
You can find cute leather purses at Campo de' Fiori market in the mornings, about €15 for a multi-zippered bag with a thin shoulder strap that holds a few items (including a smartphone). I buy lots of them.
Posted by
1417 posts
Yup, a highly motivated teen cat sitter is a blessing. I usally give mine some cash and also some teeny gifts after a trip....pencils with the names of exotic locales rate high (chicago also counts as exoctic for my cat sitter)....bonus is that she can take them to school. She really liked an 80 page composition book i picked up in the grocery store because it had italian verbs inside the cover. Just so happens the "swag" is so interesting her younger brother has let me know he's ready when she ages out.
Posted by
Carmel, CA, USA
2455 posts
Hmmm Becky, small Italian gifts for American middle school girls, hmmm. Purses or scarves, those might be good. Pencils or composition books, maybe not so great, offer I. I was thinking more of a couple smallish Italian high school guys. They would probably be a big hit, if you choose carefully, and they would likely travel with you without charge, saving you $40. Or maybe, just maybe you could find small music boxes for close to your budget. Carefully chosen, handmade, Italian refrigerator magnets from each of your cities might be good too, I have a collection of those myself, always trying for locally handmade, not Made in China. Maybe each Italian high school kid could arrive bearing a music box, or a refrigerator magnet, that would be a nice gesture. Remember, it's always the thought that counts.
Posted by
TX, USA
4185 posts
I love starting my morning with a good chuckle, Larry. :)
Posted by
California 🦋
5233 posts
Becky,
How about a small colorful ceramic box or bowl that they can use as an earring/ ring holder.
I like Zoe's idea of a small leather purse.
Enjoy!
Posted by
OP
seattle
2048 posts
Thank you, all, for the ideas. I'll be looking for small purses.
Posted by
Centennial, CO, US
2129 posts
My granddaughters love the purses. I always fill them with little items like small candies from the hotel with Italian words on them, or little pencils, or individually wrapped cookies from an espresso stop. Be on the lookout for free bits of everyday Italian life that would be interesting to them. Add in some small leftover Euro coins at the end.