The holidays are coming, and with that comes one of the season’s most important questions: What to buy your loved ones? For those with a passion for Italy, the country’s rich culture, delicious food, and stunning art hold a special allure. Finding the right gift for an Italophile means looking beyond the basics and finding something that evokes the Italian way of life. Here’s a guide to the top Christmas gifts that will delight anyone who loves Italy, offering a touch of la dolce vita to their holiday season. (Links below are NOT affiliate links.)

Italian Food Baskets

As a foodie, it’s not shocking that this is the first on my list. Nothing says Italy quite like an assortment of Italian treats! An Italian food basket can bring the flavors of Italy straight to their doorstep. Look for a curated collection that includes high-quality ingredients, like the following:

• Extra virgin olive oil from regions like Tuscany or Sicily. Olive oil producers I have visited and can recommend include: Frantoio Pruneti and Sagittario. Both are excellent and can ship.  
• Aged balsamic vinegar from Modena. I always bring the Emilia Romagna groups to Acetaia Villa San Donnino. You can see their offerings here.
• Artisanal pasta in classic shapes such as orecchiette or pappardelle.
• Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino Romano cheese. These can easily be found in the USA. My go-to trusted source is usually Whole Foods.
• Italian chocolates or a jar of authentic chocolate hazelnut spread for a sweet finish. Chocolate from Modica in Sicily is very unique in flavor. I like the one from Sabadi.

This gift is perfect for someone who loves cooking Italian meals or appreciates gourmet flavors. You can even include some recipe cards, offering culinary inspiration for traditional Italian dishes.

Subscription to an Italian Wine Club

If your recipient is a wine enthusiast, a subscription to an Italian wine club is a gift that keeps on giving. Italy is renowned for its diverse wine regions, from the famous vineyards of Tuscany, to the sparkling wines of Franciacorta. Wine club subscriptions deliver curated bottles from small vineyards, complete with tasting notes and background information about each wine’s origin. Options range from monthly shipments to quarterly boxes, allowing the wine lover to savor Italy throughout the year.

Italian Language Learning Resources

For someone who dreams of exploring Italy or wants to connect with its culture on a deeper level, learning the Italian language is a gateway to that experience. There are many ways to give the gift of language including:

• App subscriptions like Babbel or Duolingo Plus for mobile learning on the go.
• Online classes with native Italian speakers through services like iTalki or Preply.
• Language books such as Italian for Dummies or Italian Short Stories for Beginners.

This thoughtful gift lets your Italy lover build a skill they can use on their next trip while bringing a bit of Italy into their everyday life.

Italian Cookbooks

An Italian cookbook can transport the flavors of Italy to any home kitchen. Look for titles by Italian cooks and chefs who bring authentic recipes and personal stories to the table, such as:

• Marcella Hazan’s Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking: A must-have for lovers of traditional Italian cuisine.
• Giada De Laurentiis’s Everyday Italian: Modern, approachable Italian recipes with a California twist.
• And I’d be remiss if I didn’t list my own cookbooks! You can check them all out (three) here.

Cookbooks are not only great for trying new dishes but also for learning more about Italy’s culinary history and regional specialties.

Italian Coffee Maker and Espresso Beans

Italian coffee culture is an essential part of daily life, and gifting an Italian coffee maker allows someone to recreate that experience at home. The two most iconic Italian coffee makers are:

• The Moka Pot: Known for its stovetop brewing method, the Bialetti Moka pot is perfect for a strong Italian espresso. This is my go-to espresso maker and I have several in various sizes. This is considered an “old school” way of making espresso, but it’s my preference and how I still make my espresso.
• The Espresso Machine: Brands like Lavazza make great espresso machines that can brew professional-grade coffee at home. Think of this as Lavazza’s answer to the American Keurig machine.

Pair the coffee maker with a bag of high-quality Italian espresso beans, like Lavazza or Illy, for a complete Italian coffee experience.

Italian Art Prints or Maps

Italy is home to some of the world’s most celebrated art and architecture. Gifting Italian art prints or vintage maps can bring the beauty of Italy into any room. Options include:

• Art prints of iconic masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David or Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus.
• Photographs of famous Italian landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, or the canals of Venice.
• Vintage maps of Italian regions like Tuscany, Sicily, or the Amalfi Coast are perfect for decorating a study or living room.

Etsy also has some stunning options. With a framed print or map, your gift recipient will feel closer to Italy every time they look at their wall.

Italian Perfumes and Fragrances

Italy is a hub for luxurious perfumes crafted with exquisite attention to detail. Perfumes from Italian brands make excellent gifts, especially when chosen to reflect Italy’s landscapes and scents. Some popular options include:

• Acqua di Parma: Known for its fresh citrus notes inspired by the Mediterranean.
• Gifts from the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy: One of the world’s oldest apothecaries, based in Florence, offering perfumes and colognes with notes inspired by Italian flora.
• Versace or Dolce & Gabbana Fragrances: High-end Italian brands that offer perfumes capturing the glamour and elegance of Italy.

Handcrafted Italian Ceramics

Italy is famous for its hand-painted ceramics, particularly from regions like Deruta, Sicily, and Amalfi. Handcrafted ceramic pieces make wonderful decorative items or serve as functional art in the kitchen. Look for items such as:

• Decorative plates featuring traditional Italian designs.
• Espresso cups and saucers with intricate hand-painted patterns.
• Ceramic oil and vinegar sets to add elegance to the dining table.

Italian ceramics are known for their vibrant colors and motifs inspired by Mediterranean landscapes, making them beautiful pieces to treasure. I have had great luck finding some amazing Made in Italy ceramics at Home Goods and Marshalls.

Virtual Italian Cooking Class

For a truly unique gift, a virtual Italian cooking class can be a fantastic experience. Online cooking classes are a wonderful opportunity to learn some traditional Italian dishes from the comfort of home. Participants can learn how to make everything from homemade pasta to classic Italian desserts like tiramisu. I’d love to host a private virtual cooking class for your gift recipient! Send an email for more info!

Italian Travel Guidebooks and Journals

For those dreaming of a future trip to Italy, travel guidebooks and journals provide both inspiration and practical information. A few top choices include:

• Lonely Planet’s Italy Guidebook: A comprehensive guide covering all the main cities and hidden gems.
• Frommer’s Italy: A very reputable source for all things Italy!
• Travel Journals: Beautifully bound journals with Italian-themed covers make wonderful gifts for jotting down travel memories or planning future itineraries.

Pairing a travel guide with a journal gives the recipients a starting point for their Italian adventure and a place to document the journey.

The Gift of all Gifts: Travel

The gift of travel offers more than just a destination; it opens up new worlds, cultures, and perspectives. It enriches the soul, creates unforgettable memories, and fosters connections with people and places. Travel lets us step outside our routines, inspiring growth, gratitude, and a deeper appreciation for life. Consider gifting your spouse, child, best friend, or just yourself, a wonderful tour of Italy! Join us in 2025 on one of our scheduled tours, or form your own private group!

Conclusion

These gifts offer something for every type of Italy lover, from the culinary enthusiast to the art admirer and travel dreamer. Whether it’s a beautiful piece of Italian ceramic, a gift basket filled with Italy’s finest flavors, an Italian cooking class, an Italian language course, or the ultimate gift of travel, these gifts capture the essence of la dolce vita. This Christmas, let your loved one experience a piece of Italy, whether through taste, scent, or skill and make their holiday season unforgettable.