The Best 11 Top Italian Souvenirs To Bring Home

What Italian souvenirs will you consider bringing home from your trip to Italy this year? There are always those close friends and neighbors that help you perhaps while you’re away, and of course, family members we want to bring home something to. A souvenir to let these special people know you were thinking of them while traveling in Italy. Here is a list of things you might consider bringing back home.

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Many of my suggestions depend on where you are visiting. Italy is famous for its craftsmanship and anyone would be happy to receive any of these items…

Italian Souvenirs Listed in no Particular Order:

1. Tea Towels

Easy and light to pack, tea towels from a town you’ve visited would be an addition to anyone’s kitchen. It’s one of my favorite things to bring back to family and friends. You can find them anywhere from kiosks in the streets to stores selling trinkets from the town. I use them when making fresh pasta – sprinkled with a little flour. Or covering my bread dough as it’s rising. Some are so pretty that I know several people who have framed them for their kitchen walls.

2. Balsamic Vinegar

A specialty when in the Emilia-Romagna region and the town of Modena. This complex black liquid gold tastes incredible. This traditionally made quality vinegar is amazing on vanilla gelato and over strawberries. If you go to a family establishment such as in our experience here, they will probably ship it home if you purchase enough quantity. Because once you taste this… you’ll have enough quantity!

3. Beautiful Italian Souvenir – The Red Horn

The widely known classic Neapolitan lucky red charm horn is a favorite. You can find them almost anywhere as keychains and necklaces but there is something special when you purchase them in Naples. The horn dates back to at least 3,500 years ago during the Neolithic period when it was customary to hang a horn-shaped object outside the home, hoping it guaranteed fertility and well-being. It is also a well-known charm for good luck. Most noteworthy, if worn as a necklace, it’s said to protect the dreaded “Malocchio” or the evil eye. Who doesn’t need a little help from that?

If In Or Around Venice…

4. Murano glass is handcrafted and beautiful. You can find everything from jewelry beads to chandeliers. Murano glass is easily recognizable and exported all over the world.

5. While also in Venice, why not investigate a Venetian mask? They are unique and fun to give even to a younger family member or friend. Depending on your budget, you can find simple less expensive, and extravagant ones through Venice. They are a treasure but make sure you are not purchasing a knock-off. The value is not the same – view our post on this.

6. The island of Burano is known for its lacemaking. It is an incredible art that takes years in some cases to finish one project.

The List of Italian Souvenirs Continues…

7. Limoncello

8. Leather in Italy

Italian leather is like nothing else in the world. It is soft and beautiful whether it be a handbag, gloves, belt, wallet, or shoes. Some of our favorite shoes we purchased in Italy are so comfortable, it’s like they were made just for us. Purchasing a pair of shoes as a souvenir would be a gift for yourself and not another person but… I say go for it. You won’t regret it!

Florence is known for its leather and there is no shortage of shops selling them. Consequently, please be aware that not all items sold as “Made in Italy” are made from Italian leather. You can read more on our post about Italian Leather and our favorite shop.

9. Ceramics

Hand-painted ceramics are a treasure in Italy, especially along the Amalfi Coast and Sicily. Although difficult to transport, they are wonderful Italian souvenirs to bring to anyone back home. Items can range from tiny magnets to large dishes and bowls. One day I’d love to own a beautiful ceramic table!

10. Italian Gold Jewelry

Always a beautiful gift would be that of Italian 18K gold jewelry. Italian gold has a rich color unlike other 18K jewelry I’ve seen and I have to say I don’t know why. Gary and I have purchased special pieces on the Ponte Vecchio in Florence. Was it the best price? I’m not sure but it has the best memories. And to me, that’s worth the extra price. And let’s face it, an easy-to-carry souvenir too!

11. Now… Let’s Talk Food

According to the US Embassy website, the following information applies only for personal gift-giving purposes. Hence, this information we’ve included does not apply if you are going to resell as a business.

When leaving Italy, you will be asked to fill out a customs form. Customs is mainly looking for large ticket items, but if your luggage is searched and you do not have an item listed on your form, you could face fines up to $10,000. Check this US Customs website before you go!

Here are some important notes :

• As of this post, you can take home $800 worth of items per person duty-free in your luggage. Above this amount, you will pay an extra fee.
• You can also bring in duty-free a liter of alcohol (slightly more than a standard-size bottle of wine) but you must be 21 or over
• 200 cigarettes, and up to 100 cigars
• Household effects intended for personal use, such as tableware and linens, are also duty-free.
• Thanks to limits on liquids in carry-ons, there’s an exception for some foods and liquor purchased at a duty-free shop. The shop itself should know the rules and regulations.

US Customs

Most of all, it’s best to be upfront and not lie if you are over the limit allowed for Italian souvenirs. If those bottles of wine are for your personal consumption, and you’ve stumbled upon a nice agent, they might not even tax you. But don’t count on it.

So… What food items are allowed?

Again, check the US Customs website above for souvenir allowances. It’s just best to know ahead of time. In addition, we’ve included just an overview of items that we are always asked about by visitors wanting to bring items home.

Items that are allowed:

• Wine and Alcohol – Passengers must be 21+ years of age, and duty rates of 3% of value per liter may be applied for anything past the first liter
• Olive oil
• Pasta
• Cheese – Pasteurized hard cheeses vacuum sealed and labeled with the country of origin
• Roasted and unroasted coffee beans 
• Green and black tea 
• Nuts – Nuts that have been cooked are permitted – raw nuts of any kind are not allowed 
• Spices – Most dried spices are allowed
• Chocolates and other candy
• Seafood for personal use – This one surprised me. Fish can be fresh, frozen, smoked, or cooked but all must be vacuumed sealed, canned, or jarred.
• Canned goods – Generally allowed if they don’t contain meat. Such examples would be jams and spreads.  
• Flour or other baking items 
• Dry fruits such as apricots, dates, figs, and raisins 
• Truffles (mushrooms) – Allowed but in small quantities

Items that are not allowed:

• Meat of any sort is not allowed. Yet, we have friends that say if the prosciutto is vacuum sealed, it is allowed. I don’t know what to tell you.
• No dairy products unless it is a bottle for a child
• Fresh fruit of any kind is not allowed

Italian Souvenirs Conclusion

In conclusion, are these the only Italian souvenirs you can bring home to friends and family? Of course not. I thought I’d give you an idea of the most popular. Finally, most stores catering to tourists will offer shipping. Especially relevant when it comes to ceramics, Murano glass, and wine.

It is important when purchasing souvenirs to make sure they are not knockoffs from other countries. As a result, supporting local Italian artists is important to them – and to you.

Would you add any items to my list? Comment below!