Unique Gifts from Italy

Let's say it's for someone with whom there is more of a business relationship and it is meant to, more than anything, show gratitude for something that they did.

From Piazza Navona, something painted by the artist him-or-herself. Perhaps something you watch as it is painted to be certain of authenticity.

Laurel,
Have you seen any "real" artists on Piazza Navona? My impression thus far has been that they are either painting-by-number of completely faking it! (Apart from the spray paint people...) Bryan

Perhaps some really old and really expensive Balsamic vinegar, the kind you dole out with an eye dropper. Can cost molti dinari.

What about the amazing mosaic work that appears to be finely detailed painting? You might be able to get a small piece in the price range you mention. Obviously a lot of this work is in Florence, but there's the shop near St Peter's, which I believe sells work from the Vatican workshop. I seem to remember it being on the left side of the street, near St Peter's, when you are facing the basillica.

Thanks Sherry, that could be just the thing! I had forgotten about those shops, which do sell nicer things than some of the others. I'll head down that way on Monday and see what I find.

Cameos are a great gift if it is for a female. ie. brooch pin etc.

Bryan, check out La Cupola at Via dei Corridori, 52 near the Vatican. It was several years ago now but we bought some really beautiful Roman and Etruscan artifact replicas there that are very well done. A very unique shop.

How about a leather Moto Guzzi bag? Perfect for laptops. I saw them for sale at various kiosks, including near the train station...

I wouldn't know a Moto Guzzi bag if someone clocked me over the head with it! I am going to check out some of the places recommended here, tomorrow. Thanks again to all for the suggestions.

Hi Bryan. I am not sure if you bought anything yet, but some of my favourite gifts given to others and for myself from Italy were scarves- I can never bring enough home with me from Italy, as every woman loves them, especially knowing it came from Italy. It is fun to say "Its from Italy" when I get a compliment on something I am wearing purchased in Italy. Also GOOD Olio. Most people in Canada and the US do not know the taste of the good stuff. The tastes of Italy is what I crave and miss the most, so really any of your favourite tastes of Italy is a thoughtful gift. Don't feel that 1 gift at your set budget is your only option, as people like me love a basket of a friends favourite things. These will be the gifts I will be bringing home with me from my next trip. Good luck!
Trina

Hi Bryan, I am an American living in Siena. You have probably brought something by now but I would say, for others reading this, in the fall buy "new oil" that is, freshly pressed oil. You can tell because the date on it will be two years hence. So, if it is October of 2012 the expiration date will be sometime in the fall of 2014. This stuff is different from anything they have tasted. It is great on Tuscan (unsalted) bread, toasted and cooled with fresh garlic raked over it. Do the garlic, trickle with oil, then add sea salt and black pepper. Ummmm. Also, cooking with this oil will make any Tuscan dish amazing. Buy a few bottles, plus a Brunello wine, which will add up rather easily to 200+Euro. I also like the idea of Etruscan-styled jewelry. ps The new oil will lose its unique flavor over the months but it will still be great. Beth Young.

Hi Bryan - If you are looking for a gift for a woman, I always buy jewelry or objects made from Morano Glass. Also have bought purses made in Italy. These two are my favorites and are unmistakenly Italian. Donna

Ha I didn't know Moto Guzzi either but boy, my son sure did! Evidently its a RAD hot motorcycle...they make leather bags with their logo...