Handmade in Florence
Florence has all types of great gifts to bring our family and friends ones back home. So this holiday season, why not stay away from cheap, tourist gifts that go lovingly in a drawer and are never to be seen again? The handmade gift selection in Florence is vast, with a number of craft workshops and boutiques where you can find fun trinkets at great prices.
Of course, this means getting off the main drag and hitting the lesser known parts of the city. Think of it like a treasure hunt and the tinier the shop, the better the gift. Keep a look out for things like handmade bags or those great Italian handmade shoes, leather jackets, jewelry and funky Florentine clothing (not the type in the high end shops, but rather handmade high end, with hand written labels, fun buttons and great stitching). If I had a nickel for every time someone complimented me on my handmade scarf from Europe or my earrings from Rome....
Not really into fashion or clothing? Another great take home gift from Italy are the lovely paper stores, with handmade paper, envelopes, or custom made stamps and wax kits (not the Brazilian type). Anything you can find that is handmade in Florence, usually has a history, passed down from generation to generation. If the shop is far away from the tourist path, try bargaining in a soft subtle fashion. If the price is firm and the item is worth it, buy it. It will be a lasting memory for you of your treasure hunting in Italy and a great gift for a loved one at home.