If your suitcase is coming to Italy, leave it a little empty on purpose. From peppery Tuscan olive oil and Modena’s aged balsamic to Florentine leather, Murano glass, and sun-bright Amalfi ceramics, Italy is an outrageously good place to buy things you’ll actually use and love, plus it can impress your loved ones. The trick is knowing what’s authentic, what’s worth the splurge, and how to get it home without airport drama.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the best things to buy in Italy, region by region, plus how to spot quality. You’ll also learn where to shop, smart price ranges, and packing and customs tips that save your bottles and your sanity. Whether you’re hunting for an heirloom pasta bowl, a perfectly cut leather belt, or a suitcase-friendly stash of pesto and pistachio crema, consider this guide as your no-nonsense roadmap to shop like a local in Italy.

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Quick Summary:

• Edible Essentials

• Leather, Fashion & Accessories

• Jewellery & Precious Craft

• Glass, Ceramics & Stone

Edible Essentials

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Italy’s purest olive oil, made by pressing fresh olives. It tastes bright and a little peppery, with a clean, green flavour. Drizzle it on salads, bread, pasta, or grilled veggies for instant taste. For the best quality, pick dark-glass or tin bottles and look for a recent harvest date.

• Famous market: Florence’s Mercato Centrale; Rome’s Testaccio gastronomie & Eataly Ostiense; Puglia’s frantoi around Ostuni/Monopoli.

• Price: €12-€35 per 500 ml; premium single-estate €35- €60.

• How to avoid scams: Look for DOP/IGP seals, a recent harvest date, and taste before you buy. Skip light-exposed bottles and vague “Mediterranean blend” labels.

Traditional Balsamic Vinegar

Traditional Balsamic Vinegar is a thick, dark vinegar from Modena/Reggio Emilia that’s aged for years in wooden barrels, so it tastes sweet, tangy, and very rich. You can find good bottles at family-acetaie in Modena or at quality delis and markets in big cities. Store it in a cool, dark place with the cap closed (no fridge needed), and it will keep for years. If you’re flying, remember anything over 100 ml must go in checked luggage, ask the shop to pack it well, then wrap it in clothes for extra protection.

• Famous market: Modena’s family acetaie (with tastings), Bologna’s Mercato delle Erbe, Parma’s gourmet delis near Piazza Garibaldi.

• Price: IGP €8-€25 (250 ml); Tradizionale DOP €60-€120 (100 ml).

• How to avoid scams: For Tradizionale, check the official squat bottle and DOP label. For IGP, read ingredients, avoid caramel colouring and “glaze” if you want the real thing.

Parmigiano Reggiano

Crystalline, nutty, and naturally umami-rich, Parmigiano Reggiano is the king of hard cheeses, and it travels beautifully when sotto vuoto. Expect tiny, crunchy tyrosine crystals and layered flavours that deepen with age: 24-30 months is versatile for grating and cooking; 36 months turns crumbly, intense, and perfect for snacking with a few drops of real balsamico. Made only in specific provinces, it’s lactose-free by nature and lists just milk, salt, and rennet.

• Famous market: Parma’s caseifici (dairy shops), Bologna’s Mercato di Mezzo, Modena’s historic delis along Via Emilia.

• Price: €18-€30 per kg (ageing and dairy vary).

• How to avoid scams: Check the dotted “Parmigiano Reggiano” rind with dairy code and ageing. Don’t confuse it with Grana Padano. Ask for vacuum-sealed.

Pasta

This dried pasta is made with bronze moulds, which give it a slightly rough surface that helps the sauce stick better. It’s light, easy to pack, and tastes better than factory-made pasta. On the label, look for trafilata al bronzo and essiccazione lenta or a bassa temperatura. Ingredients should be only durum wheat semolina and water. Cook in well-salted water until just firm, then toss it into the pan with a little cooking water so the sauce coats well. The popular shapes to take home are paccheri, rigatoni, bucatini, spaghetti alla chitarra, pici, trofie, and orecchiette. Store in a cool, dry place; good pasta lasts 12 to 36 months.

• Famous market: Naples’ historic-centre speciality grocers; Rome’s Campo de’ Fiori/Monti gastronomie; Gragnano’s pastifici with factory shops.

• Price: €2- €6 per 500 g; artisan formats: €6- €10.

• How to avoid scams: Look for “trafilata al bronzo” and “essiccazione lenta.” Prefer 100% durum wheat semolina; avoid overly smooth, shiny pasta.

Sicilian Pistachio Cream

This smooth, naturally green spread is made from Bronte pistachios grown near Mount Etna in Sicily. There are two kinds: a sweet pistachio cream for desserts and a pistachio pesto for pasta and cheese. Check the label to choose the right one. Use the sweet cream in gelato, tiramisù, or cheesecake, or spread it on brioche and croissants. You can also mix it into mascarpone for a quick dessert. The pesto is great with trofie or busiate, on burrata, or with grilled prawns.

• Pack & store: Jars are glass, pack well in checked luggage. Keep sealed in a cool, dark place (often 12-18 months best-before); refrigerate after opening and use within 2-4 weeks.

• Famous market: Catania’s La Pescheria area; Taormina boutiques along Corso Umberto; Palermo’s Capo and Ballarò markets.

• Price: €6-€14 per 200-250 g jar (PDO blends higher).

• How to avoid scams: Check pistachio percentage and choose “Pistacchio Verde di Bronte DOP.” Avoid artificial colouring and bargain jars with vague nut blends.

Italian Wine

From everyday table bottles to cellar-worthy icons, Italian wine makes a perfect take-home treasure. Think elegant reds (Barolo, Brunello), crisp whites (Soave Classico, Verdicchio, Gavi), and crowd-pleasing bubbles (Prosecco Superiore, Franciacorta). Pick styles you’ll actually drink at home and ask shops for travel sleeves or a shipper box for your suitcase.

• Famous market: Alba & Barolo towns (Langhe); Montalcino/Siena enoteche (Tuscany); Verona/Valpolicella cellars (Amarone); Conegliano-Valdobbiadene (Prosecco Superiore); Trento; Rome & Florence historic-centre enoteche.

• Price: Everyday €8-€15; Chianti Classico €12-€25; Prosecco Superiore €12-€20; Franciacorta/Trento €18-€45; Barolo/Brunello/Amarone €30-€100+.

• How to avoid scams: Buy from reputable enoteche or winery cellars, avoid displays exposed to heat or light, and be wary of “too-cheap” prestige labels. 

Leather, Fashion & Accessories

Leather Belt

A forever piece that only gets better with age. Full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather develops a rich patina; choose a simple buckle, such as solid brass or steel, clean-edge finishing, and tight, even stitching. Neutral browns and chestnut pair with everything from denim to tailoring.

• Pack & care: Roll loosely, place in a dust bag, and keep away from moisture/heat. Condition sparingly with neutral cream every few months.

• Famous market: Florence’s Oltrarno & Santa Croce workshops; Rome’s Monti/Trastevere pelletterie; Milan’s Brera ateliers.

• Price: €40-€120 (custom sizing slightly more).

• How to avoid scams: Avoid “bonded/split” leather, ask for full-grain or top-grain. Check for a single leather piece (not laminated), solid metal buckle, tidy stitching, and a clear “Made in Italy” stamp.

Leather Handbag

Structured or softly slouchy, Italian totes balance durability with refined design. Look for full-grain or top-grain hides, smooth zippers (YKK/Excella), clean-edge paint, and a lined interior with reinforced handles for daily carry.

• Pack & care: Stuff with a T-shirt to hold shape, store in a dust bag, and avoid crushing in overhead bins. Keep away from prolonged sun; condition 1-2× per year.

• Famous market: Florence (Santa Croce/Oltrarno artisan district); The Mall Firenze/Serravalle outlets; Milan’s Quadrilatero della Moda.

• Price: €120-€400 (designer houses higher).

• How to avoid scams: Beware ultra-light, plasticky “leather.” Inspect stitching per inch, hardware weight, and finish. Ask the shop for workshop provenance and a stamped receipt.

Leather Gloves

Soft Italian nappa leather, often made from lambskin, feels smooth and flexible, and a cashmere or silk lining keeps your hands warm. The fingers are well-shaped and the seams are neat, so the gloves fit close and move easily. Choose black or tan for a classic look, or pick a bright colour for a more stylish look. Aim for a snug fit, as leather tends to loosen a little with wear. Keep them dry; if they get wet, let them air-dry away from heat and rub a little leather cream on them now and then.

• Pack & care: Lay flat or nest the pair and slip into a small pouch; keep dry. If damp, air-dry away from heat and massage with a tiny amount of leather balm.

• Famous markets: Naples (Chiaia glove makers); Florence (near Ponte Vecchio); Rome (around Piazza di Spagna).

• Price: €40-€100 (lining and custom sizes vary).

• How to avoid scams: Check for “Made in Italy,” even stitching, and soft, consistent grain. Avoid loose threads, stiff finishes, and synthetic linings passed off as cashmere/silk.

Handmade Shoes 

Italian-made shoes feel special because makers focus on shape, comfort, and high-quality leather. Choose a style you’ll wear often, like loafers or lace-ups. Check that the leather feels soft and thick, the stitching is neat, and the lining is smooth. Stitched soles last longer and can be repaired, while glued soles usually cannot. Leather soles look smart for dress wear; rubber soles give better grip in the rain. Aim for a close fit that feels snug but not tight, as leather eases with use. Care is simple: brush off dust, use a little cream or polish, and store with shoe trees to keep the shape. If you walk a lot, ask the shop to add a thin rubber layer to protect the sole.

• Pack & care: Use shoe bags and lightweight shoe trees; don’t crush in transit. Rotate wear, brush after use, and condition/polish periodically.

• Famous market: Florence (Oltrarno cobblers; Santa Croce); Rome (Monti district); Marche (Montegranaro/Fermo factory outlets).

• Price: €200-€500 (ready-to-wear); made-to-order/bespoke higher.

• How to avoid scams: Flip the shoe, look for stitched (not glued) outsoles, clean welt lines, and Vero Cuoio markings. Ask the maker about construction and resoling; avoid “genuine leather” shoes at suspiciously low prices.

Como Silk Scarf

Woven from long-fibre mulberry silk around Lake Como, these pieces drape beautifully and hold colour with depth. Look for classic twill (fine diagonal rib, great body), lustrous satin (high sheen), or patterned jacquard weaves. Scarves with hand-rolled (roulotté) edges feel luxurious and sit softly at the neck; ties with a resilient wool/linen interlining keep a clean knot all day. For ties, widths of 7-8 cm are modern-classic; for scarves, popular sizes are 70×70, 90×90, and 140×140. Prints range from heritage foulards and paisleys to contemporary botanicals. Pick something you’ll wear on repeat.

• Pack & care: Roll, don’t fold; store in a sleeve. Spot-clean promptly; dry-clean sparingly. Keep away from zips/Velcro to prevent pulls.

• Famous market: Como lakefront boutiques; Milan (Brera & Duomo haberdashers); Rome (Via del Corso/Spagna menswear).

• Price: Scarves €30-€90; ties €35-€120.

• How to avoid scams: Check for hand-rolled scarf edges, “100% seta”/“silk” labels, crisp printing, and deep colour saturation. Avoid polyester blends marketed as silk and stalls with inconsistent labelling.

Jewellery & Precious Craft

Cameo Jewellery

Hand-carved from shell or stone, Italian cameos feature classical profiles, florals, and mini scenes with incredible depth. The best pieces show crisp relief, smooth transitions, and a polished bezel setting that feels timeless on pendants, brooches, and rings.

• Pack & care: Wrap individually in a soft pouch; avoid perfumes/lotions on the carving. Clean gently with a soft, dry cloth.

• Famous market: Torre del Greco workshops (near Naples); Naples’ Via Toledo/Chiaia jewellers; Rome’s Monti antiques.

• Price: € 60- € 300+, depending on size, shell vs. hardstone, and setting.

• How to avoid scams: Prefer hand-carved (irregular, visible tool marks) over moulded resin. Ask for maker details and hallmark; check layered shells (sardonyx) for natural colour, not painted surfaces.

Sardinian Filigree

Delicate lace-like patterns made from twisted wires form rosettes and knots rooted in island tradition. Lightweight yet intricate, filigree earrings, pendants, and rings add a subtle sparkle to everyday wear.

• Pack & care: Store flat in a rigid box to protect from bending; polish silver sparingly with a microfiber cloth.

• Famous market: Cagliari old town (Castello/Marina); Alghero and Olbia artisan boutiques.

• Price: € 100- € 350+, depending on metal (925 silver vs. 18k gold) and complexity.

• How to avoid scams: Look for hallmarks—“925” for silver, “750” for 18k gold—plus a maker’s mark. Avoid flimsy pieces with sloppy solder points or uneven symmetry.

Vicenza Gold Chains & Bracelets

Made in the gold district of Vicenza, these chains feel smooth and flexible on the skin and shine with a warm 18k glow. You’ll see classic links like Figaro, box/Venetian, rope, paperclip, and Singapore. Good pieces have neat, even links and a strong lobster clasp that clicks shut cleanly. Most shops can size the length on the spot, so you get a chain or bracelet that fits just right.

• Pack & care: Coil each chain in a small zip pouch to prevent tangling; keep away from abrasive surfaces.

• Famous market: Vicenza (Corso Palladio jewellers); Verona’s Via Mazzini; Milan Duomo area.

• Price: € 150- € 600+, depending on weight, link type, and craftsmanship.

• How to avoid scams: Insist on 18k/750 stamping and a proper invoice. Weigh the chain; examine clasp integrity and link consistency. Be cautious of ultra-cheap “gold-plated” pieces passed off as solid.

Roman Micro-Mosaic Jewellery

Thousands of tiny glass tesserae compose birds, florals, and ancient vistas, set into pendants and bracelets, mini artworks you can wear. Antique-style pieces are collectable; contemporary versions are fresh and colourful.

• Pack & care: Cushion in a hard case; avoid knocks that can dislodge tesserae. Keep away from solvents and ultrasonic cleaners.

• Famous market: Rome, around the Vatican and Piazza Navona; select antique galleries in Florence and Venice.

• Price: € 150- € 500+, depending on age, tesserae density, and setting.

• How to avoid scams: Check tessera density and even grout lines; avoid printed look-alikes. Ask for provenance (new artisan vs. antique) and a receipt listing the materials.

Mediterranean Red Coral Jewellery

Deep red coral from the Italian sea is made into beads, pendants, and small carvings. Many fine pieces come from towns like Torre del Greco and Alghero. The rich colour looks beautiful set in gold or silver, giving a classic Italian look. When buying, ask for the origin and make sure it’s natural coral, not dyed or plastic. Check that the setting is solid and look for a maker’s mark. For care, keep it away from perfume, sunscreen, heat, and strong sun; wipe with a soft cloth and store each piece in its own pouch.

• Pack & care: Wrap separately to prevent scratches; keep away from heat and chemicals. Wipe gently after wear.

• Famous market: Torre del Greco ateliers; Naples/Chiaia jewellers; Alghero coral boutiques in Sardinia.

• Price: € 80- € 400+ (from small studs/beads to statement pendants).

• How to avoid scams: Ask for origin and authenticity; avoid dyed bamboo “coral” (too uniform colour). Seek documentation when offered; check for 18k/750 or 925 hallmarks on settings, and ensure a clear return policy.

Glass, Ceramics & Stone

Murano Glass Tumblers

Hand-blown in Venice, these thick, sturdy glasses come in bright colours with bubbles or confetti-style patterns, so each one looks a little different. They’re perfect for water, wine, or a spritz and feel like everyday art on your table. A small smooth mark under the base is normal; it shows the glass was made by hand. For the real deal, buy from a trusted shop and look for the Vetro Artistico Murano label. Hand-wash only, avoid sudden heat or cold, and wrap well if you’re packing them in a suitcase.

• Pack & store: Ask for double-boxed packing with foam or cardboard dividers; wrap each tumbler in clothes inside your checked bag, or carry on if space allows.

• Famous market: Venice’s Murano furnaces and showrooms; curated boutiques near Rialto; select studios in Dorsoduro.

• Price: €30- €80 per tumbler; sets €120- €300.

• How to avoid scams: Look for the official Vetro Artistico  Murano label/certificate, a studio name, and clean finishing. Avoid “Murano-style” mass imports, too cheap, identical pieces, no maker info.

Vietri sul Mare Dinner Plate

Hand-painted plates from the Amalfi Coast with bright, sunny patterns. Made from sturdy majolica, they work for everyday meals or as bold serving pieces. Each plate is a little different, so mixing patterns looks great on the table.

• Pack & store: Use bubble wrap plus cardboard “sandwiches” between plates; place flat in the centre of your suitcase with clothing around.

• Famous market: Vietri sul Mare studio showrooms; Salerno old town ceramic streets; Positano/Amalfi boutiques.

• Price: €20-€60 per plate; serving platters €80-€200+.

• How to avoid scams: Flip it, there should be a studio signature and town name. Prefer hand-painted brushwork (tiny variations) over perfect decal transfers; check for an even glaze and no pinholes.

Caltagirone “Teste di Moro” Planter

Hand-thrown and hand-painted maiolica planters shaped as regal kings and queens, bold glazes, intricate crowns, and expressive features that turn any shelf, console, or terrace into a theatre. Traditionally displayed as a pair, they work as statement planters (herbs, succulents, citrus) or as sculptural décor. Expect real heft and luminous glaze; many ateliers offer custom colours and sizes.

• Pack & store: These are heavy and fragile, request professional double-boxing, foam corners, and consider insured shipping for large sizes.

• Famous market: Caltagirone workshops along the Scala di Santa Maria del Monte; boutiques in Catania (off Via Etnea) and Palermo’s Kalsa.

• Price: €120-€400 each (sizes and details vary); pairs cost more.

• How to avoid scams: Check base stability, weight, and the maker’s mark underneath. Hand-painted pieces show subtle brush variation; avoid lightweight resin look-alikes with printed patterns.

Deruta Serving Bowl

Renaissance-inspired majolica (maiolica) from Umbria, tin-glazed for that luminous white ground and hand-painted with classic patterns like Raffaellesco, Ricco Deruta, Arabesco, or Galletto. Each bowl is double-fired, slightly unique (look for subtle brush variations), and sturdy enough for daily salads, pasta, fruit, or as a statement centrepiece. Many studios will personalise with initials, dates, or house names, making it a giftable heirloom that actually gets used.

• Pack & store: Ask for kiln-house packing or double-boxed protection; cushion the bowl with soft clothes and avoid pressure points.

• Famous market: Deruta factory stores and ateliers; Perugia and Assisi artisan boutiques.

• Price: €60-€180 depending on size and detail; museum-line pieces are higher.

• How to avoid scams: Look for the studio signature and “Deruta” on the base, clean glaze, and sharp line work. Beware decal “prints” and pieces without a producer address.

Carrara Marble Mortar & Pestle

Cool, dense, and naturally grippy, Carrara marble anchors perfectly while you pound pesto Genovese, aioli, gremolata, or spice pastes, turning aromatics into a silky emulsion you can’t get with a blender. The faintly rough, matte interior gives ideal friction without tearing herbs; pair it with a classic olive-wood pestle (traditional for pesto) or a marble pestle for all-purpose grinding. Beyond sauces, it’s brilliant for crushing peppercorns, nuts, seeds, and garlic, and it doubles as a sculptural countertop piece when not in use.

• Pack & store: It’s heavy, wrap in thick clothing, place at the suitcase base near the wheels, and pad the pestle separately to prevent chips.

• Famous market: Carrara marble shops; Genoa’s kitchenware stores (traditional pesto gear); Florence houseware boutiques.

• Price: €35-€90 for small/medium sets; large or premium-vein pieces €100-€180+.

• How to avoid scams: Real marble has cool touch, irregular veining, and matte-polished working surfaces. Avoid ultra-light resin or composite imitations; buy from shops that state quarry origin and include a receipt.

Popular Markets to Shop From 

Mercato Centrale (Florence)

What makes Mercato Centrale special isn’t just the food—it’s the two-in-one setup: a classic ground-floor market for shopping, and an upstairs food hall for grazing. It’s a few minutes’ walk from Santa Maria Novella station, so you can pop in for tastings, grab gifts, then head back out to explore. 

What to Buy: EVOO (€12–€35/500 ml), Parmigiano (€18–€30/kg), bronze-cut pasta (€2–€6/500 g), truffle condiments (€6–€15 small jars).

How to Get There

Location: San Lorenzo market hall, between Via dell’Ariento and Piazza del Mercato Centrale, Florence. (5 min on foot from SMN station.) 

Transport Options

• Walk: 5–7 minutes from Santa Maria Novella station. 

• Tram: T2 to Unità stop, then a short walk. 

• Taxi: €10–€15 within the historic centre (metered; varies by traffic).

Timing

Open Hours: Ground floor typically opens in the mornings; the first-floor food hall generally opens until late (often to midnight). Check current hours.
Best Time to Visit: Mornings for produce and cheese; evenings for the food hall.

Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio (Florence)

Smaller, more local, and less touristy than San Lorenzo, with great prices and friendly banter. You’ll find produce, cheese, bread, and a few casual eateries inside and out. 

What to Buy: Tuscan pecorino (€16–€28/kg), finocchiona salami (€22–€36/kg), farm veg/fruit (€2–€6/kg), dried beans/lentils (€3–€6).

How to Get There

Location: Piazza Ghiberti/Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti area, Florence.
Transport Options

• Walk: 15–20 minutes from the Duomo area.

• Bus: Several local routes serve the Sant’Ambrogio area.

• Taxi: €10–€15 from central Florence.

Timing

• Open Hours: Mon–Sat, roughly 7:00–14:00; closed Sun.

• Best Time to Visit: Early morning for the best selection; Saturdays are lively. 

Mercato di Testaccio (Rome)

Rome’s neighbourhood market that mixes old-school produce stalls with modern lunch counters (traps, pasta bars, bakeries). Easy place to assemble edible gifts and grab a quick plate of pasta. 

What to Buy: Pecorino Romano (€12–€20/kg), guanciale (€14–€22/kg), biscotti & pastries (€2–€6), dried pasta (€2–€6), olive oil (€12–€35/500 ml).

How to Get There

Location: Via Beniamino Franklin / Via Lorenzo Ghiberti, Testaccio, Rome.

Transport Options

• Metro: Line B to Piramide, 10–15 min walk.

• Bus: Frequent routes across Testaccio.

• Taxi: €10–€18 from Centro Storico (metered).

Timing

• Open Hours: Mon–Sat, 7:00–15:30; closed Sun.

• Best Time to Visit: Late morning for tastings and a sit-down lunch.

Mercato Albinelli (Modena)

Beautiful 1930s covered market and the best place to buy balsamic and local cheese under one roof. It’s central, atmospheric, and full of friendly vendors. 

What to Buy: Balsamic (IGP €8–€25/250 ml; Tradizionale DOP €60–€120/100 ml), Parmigiano (€18–€30/kg), Lambrusco (€8–€15), salumi (€18–€30/kg).

How to Get There

Location: Via Luigi Albinelli 13, vicino a Piazza XX Settembre, Modena. 

Transport Options

• Walk: 10–15 minutes from Modena’s historic centre sights.

• Bus: City buses stop around Piazza XX Settembre.

• Taxi: €8–€12 from Modena train station.

Timing

• Open Hours: Mon–Fri 7:00–15:00; Sat 7:00–19:00 (non-stop). Restaurants inside often open 12:00–15:00 and 18:30–23:00.

• Best Time to Visit: Morning for shopping; Saturday late afternoon for a lively vibe. 

Rialto Market (Venice)

Venice’s classic market by the Grand Canal—produce and a famous fish hall. It’s as much a slice of daily life as it is a shopping stop. Perfect for spices, salts, and pantry gifts; cafés and cicchetti bars are steps away.

What to Buy: Seasonal fruit/veg (€3–€6/kg), lagoon sea salt & spice mixes (€3–€6), risotto rice (€3–€6/500 g). For glass gifts, browse Murano studios elsewhere in Venice.

How to Get There

Location: Near Rialto Bridge, San Polo, Venice (along the Grand Canal). 

Transport Options

• Vaporetto: Stop Rialto Mercato, short walk to the stalls.

• Walk: 5 minutes from the Rialto Bridge.

Timing

• Open Hours: Produce market Mon–Sat 7:30–13:00; Fish market Tue–Sat 7:30–13:00.

• Best Time to Visit: Early morning (cooler, fresher, fewer crowds).

Quick Shopping Tips 

• Markets are best in the morning; many close for lunch or on Sundays.

• Carry some cash; small stalls may not take cards.

• Ask for vacuum-sealing for food; double-boxing for ceramics/glass.

• Prefer DOP/IGP for food, DOC/DOCG for wine, maker's signature for ceramics/glass, and Made in Italy stamp for leather.

• Keep them for VAT refunds and authenticity.

Leave a little space in your suitcase and a little time in your day; Italy rewards both. Buy what you’ll actually use, ask for Tax-Free at checkout, keep receipts, and let shops double-box the breakables. Taste before you buy, check those DOP/IGP labels, and skip anything that looks too perfect (or too cheap). Pack smart: liquids in checked bags, ceramics flat, cheese vacuum-sealed. Then bring home flavours, textures, and stories- not just souvenirs.