SHOPPING IN ITALY

Shopping in Italy! What fun looking for everything with that Tuscany style.

While traveling through Tuscany I did not want to bring back the “usual” souvenirs. So what's a women to do? Shop of course. Shopping in Italy was fun and easy and I accomplished my goal.

Between the local shops, flea markets, designer shops, and outlet malls, there was a huge variety of options for everyone.

Almost all of the local shops and vineyards will help you ship everything home. Otherwise you have to pack it. So plan for this. I usually bring an extra small suitcase. But I found it a lot easier to have some of it shipped home.

GIFTS FROM TUSCANY

Handmade Tuscany Perfumes and Soaps - I found an abundance of choices in Florence but as you know I found my choice of perfume in Montalcino in a farmacia. Most often these products are ancient formulas made by monks and nuns especially the ones in Florence. I thought these products were quite luxurious. One of my favorites.

Ceramics - Shopping at all the Tuscan towns made this very easy to find. I loved all of the Italian ceramic dishes that I saw. Choices ranged from the simplest items like spoons to the elaborate pasta bowls. While shopping in Volterra I came across a lot of items for your patio or garden. You can even find sculptures. They were made out of alabaster.

Fashion - Leather goods such as handbags, coin purses, wallets, brief cases, belts and shoes. Shopping in Italy varies from the flea markets to the designer brand stores. I found depending on what you prefer all good choices. Just so much to choose from! Clothes - Whether your shopping for local fashions or Designer labels you will find it here. Florence’s Designer District is between Via Tornabuoni and Via Calzaiouli, behind the Piazza Reupubblica.

Fashion Accessories - Silk scarves, charm bracelets, necklaces, rings I could go on and on. If you’re looking for the real thing, the designer shops and Ponte Vecchio in Florence were amazing. If you happen to make it to Venice my choice would definitely be Murano Glass for necklaces. If your choice is costume jewelry the local vendors in San Gimignano and Siena had unique and beautiful choices, actually any of the small towns had plenty to choose.

Food - You can get just about anything shopping in Italy. Biscotti, cookies, dry pasta, sauces, olives, sun dried tomatoes, truffles, mushrooms, peppers, cakes, chocolates, spices, salts, coffee, cheeses, and of course Olive Oil and Wine.

The small Tuscan towns thrive off their products. And they are extremely proud of them. Their products are excellent.

Because we cooked every night at the villa we had such a fresh variety daily. It was wonderful. We had a great taste of all that Tuscany had to offer.

It was great to bring a taste of Tuscany home.

MALLS - There are quite a few malls in Italy. Shopping through them is an experience. You can find that Tuscany style of linens, ceramics, fashion.

The Mall - Via Europa 8, Leccio Reggello. Barberino Designer Outlet Mall A1 Firenze-Bologna, exit Barberino di Mugello.

OUTLET STORES - All you have to do is ask around. I don't think there is a female here that does not know where to go shopping in Italy. Especially the designer outlets.

Richard Ginori Botteguccia Outlet, Sesto Fiorentino (outside of Florence). Industria Vetrania Valdarnese Outlet, San Giovanni Valdarno. Prada Outlet known as “Space”, Montevarchi. Gucci Outlet, Leccio Reggello. Alessi and Lagostina Outlets, Piedmont. The Frette Outlet, Concorezzo. Pratesi Outlet, Pistoia.

DEPARTMENT STORES - La Rinascente, Coin, Upim and Standa. Can be found in all large cities and in some smaller ones.

Fidenza Village Outlet Mall near Parma - is just wonderful. It’s not in Tuscany but a great day trip for something different. Excellent for families.