Meridio’s tips: 7 Italian handmade gifts for your Christmas

What to buy in Italy for Christmas?

The Christmas period is the perfect time to visit Italy. Ancient monuments and traditional villages are covered with colorful lights and the typical smells of Italian cuisine permeates the air. Traditional Christmas markets have their scenographic location on cobbled squares crowded with artisans who show off their handmade goods. Throughout the country there are many places to buy unique Christmas gifts and they vary a lot from city to city as every region in Italy has its own Christmas traditions.

Meridio’s tips will help you to find out the best Italian handmade craft, as every town owns its typical and traditional products that worth the deal.

So if you want to buy Christmas gifts for your mom or are you wondering what to buy in Florence or on in Turin during your holidays, here are some of the best ideas for your Christmas gifts.

What to buy in Milan for your Christmas gifts? 

Italy is often taken as synonymous with fashion and elegance. Milan represents a point of reference for that and its Fashion Quad -or Golden Quadrilateral- is the heart for those who like shopping. You will find it clearly marked from Piazza San Babila with a “golden” rectangle sign.

So if you are looking for a Christmas gift for her Quadrilatero will be the right place to find the best Italian tailoring houses. Rubinacci is an ancient dynasty established by the grandfather of current owner that mixes tradition and fine tailoring creating a unique elegant style. Mararo creates 100% made in Italy clothing with the finest materials. All his clothes are made by skillful Italian artisans carefully chosen for their expertises.

Christmas time in Turin: what should I buy? 

Turin is the go-to destination in Italy when Christmas comes, with many installations designed by local and international artists. The city is also the shop window for Piedmont wines known all over the world. So a great idea for your Christmas gifts is to buy a wine bottle in the several family wineries in the city. You can choose among Barbaresco, Barbera d’Asti and Barolo which are some of the best Italian red wines. For a sweet Christmas don’t forget that Piedmont is the home of Nutella but Gianduiotti are the most traditional chocolates of Piedmont. Their typical shape comes from Gianduja’s hat -a character of the 16^th  comedy- very popular in Turin.

The most famous brands are Streglio, Caffarel and Peyrano.

Verona: antiques, boutiques and classy alimentari 

Located in Veneto amid the bends of the river Adige and close to the Garda, Verona is an historical and cultural gem. City of passion and beauty where the famous Juliet’s house welcomes every year thousands of couples who share their love in front of its ancient walls. Verona is also the perfect place for your Christmas shopping from clothing to leather goods.

Piazza delle Erbe is situated in the heart of the city and it’s the right place to buy unique Italian handmade gifts. Calfskin wallets and genuine traditional Venetian masks are sold in a magical atmosphere full of people and colorful lights. 

Florence and its artisans: a tradition that dates back to The Renaissance 

Florence’s artisan culture is known for its ancient tradition and learning had been passing on from pupil to master. Even today artisans are active and proud of their work that’s why in Florence you will find a great variety of handmade crafts for your Christmas gifts. Giuliano Ricchi & Carlo Cecci’ studio is famous for its wonderful  style metal works following the traditional Florentine creativity. For sale you will find pill boxes, key rings, costume jewelry, frames at a fraction of the price that you’ll pay in Santa Maria Novella, where Ricchi’s works can also be found. Ceramica Ricceri is a small shop with an ancient history that dates back for 8 generations. It produces (handmade of course!) the classic Florentine designs with colorful and geometric patterns with the unique process of stacking “snakes” of clay and building up the item.

Christmas gifts: what to buy in Naples? 

Via San Gregorio Armeno is the best place where to start your Christmas tour in Naples. This area is the capital of the Nativity full of artisans and shops specialized in the creation of Christmas crib statues. Some of them are religious other secular and visiting this picturesque street you will have the opportunity to take a look at the artisans at work. So if you are wondering what to buy in Naple for Christmas don’t waste time and come to via San Gregorio Armeno to find out the statue that match your tastes.

Christmas souvenirs from Sorrento 

Sorrento is known for its woodworking and its artisans have been creating   perfect masterpieces with intricate mosaic since the 16th century. Those artistic creations are a great Christmas gift idea for a unique present.  You can choose from small boxes to piece of furniture rigorously handmade in Italy. Even if this is not your “thing”, you will want to purchase something as a souvenir as they are just that beautiful!

Venice: masks and glass for your Christmas

If you are wondering what to buy in Venice as a Christmas gift we have no doubt: masks and glass. The Carnival of Venice is one of the oldest festivals located in Venice. It is famous around the world for its amazing and unique masks created by artisans according to ancient traditions. It’s not only a souvenir as masks reflect the Venetian culture and its passion for mystery and amusement. Not far from Venice Murano is the homeland for artisans who create their famous masterpieces by glass. In their shops you will find excellent and varied collection of jewelry as well as sculptures and ornaments. it’s worth while checking out if you want the perfect Murano glass gift.