Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
If you’ve been following my journey on Instagram, you know I just wrapped up an incredible 20-day road trip through Europe. From the rainy streets of Glasgow to the stunning Cliffs of Moher, it was a whirlwind—but the absolute highlight was the 20 days I spent driving through Italy.
I’ve never been a “big shopper,” but Italy has a way of changing that! Between the artisan leather markets and the world-class food scene, I found some items that were absolute steals and others that were worth every Euro.
If you’re wondering what to buy in Italy including some italy travel souvenirs on your next trip, here is my honest review of what was actually worth the suitcase space.
Table of contents
- The Best Italian Chocolate: Is Venchi Worth the Hype?
- Authentic Modena Balsamic Vinegar & Infused Oils
- Shopping for Leather in Florence: Real vs. “Faux”?
- Unique Collectibles: Vatican Postcards & Italian Silk Scarves
- Final Thoughts: Leave Room in Your Suitcase!
- Shopping in Italy: Your Most-Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Best Italian Chocolate: Is Venchi Worth the Hype?
You can’t visit Italy without diving into the chocolate scene. While there are local brands everywhere, Venchi is the name you’ll see most often.
[Insert Image: A flat lay of various Venchi chocolate bars]
I picked up a variety of flavors at the duty-free shop (pro tip: it’s a great way to use up your last Euros!), and here is the breakdown:
- 75% Extra Dark Chocolate: Surprisingly smooth. Usually, extra dark can be bitter and harsh, but this has a refined, velvety finish.
- Creamy Pistachio: This was my personal favorite! It’s white chocolate-based, but the pistachio is so dominant it’s not overly sweet.
- Milk Chocolate with Hazelnut: Hazelnuts are a staple across Italy, and Venchi does them perfectly with massive, crunchy chunks.
- Tiramisu Chocolate: A bit of a letdown if you’re expecting the cake! It’s very coffee-forward. If you love coffee, you’ll love it, but don’t expect a creamy mascarpone experience.
The Verdict: Absolutely worth it. They range from €6 to €7 per bar, which is pricey, but the quality is tiers above standard store-bought chocolate.
Authentic Modena Balsamic Vinegar & Infused Oils
While on a vineyard tour, I had a realization: I have never actually tasted real balsamic vinegar until now. We learned that Balsamic Vinegar of Modena is the gold standard because that is where the curing and packaging are strictly regulated.
[Insert Image: Close up of the Modena Balsamic Vinegar bottle next to a piece of bread]
I brought back a classic Modena Balsamic and Extra Virgin Olive Oil set. I also found a set of “Fine Italian Dressings” in three flavors:
- Basil
- Lemon
- Peperoncino (Chili)
Traveler Tip: If you see a bottle labeled “Aceto Balsamico di Modena,” grab it. It transforms a simple salad or piece of chicken into a gourmet meal.
Shopping for Leather in Florence: Real vs. “Faux”?
Florence is known as the leather capital of the world. You’ll find leather shops on every corner and massive flea markets like the one I visited at Lake Garda.
I picked up two bags for €10 each:
- The Tan Crossbody: Perfect for Italy travel because it’s secure against pickpockets and has interchangeable straps.
- The Chic Blue Handbag: A softer, more “buttery” leather with a gold chain.
[Insert Image: The blue and brown leather bags styled with an outfit]
Is it real leather? At €10, it’s likely a leather blend or “split leather,” but for the price, the style and durability are unbeatable. If you want the 100% authentic artisan experience, I recommend visiting the Scuola del Cuoio (Leather School) in Florence.
Unique Collectibles: Vatican Postcards & Italian Silk Scarves
Sometimes the best souvenirs are the ones that weigh the least. These Italy travel souvenirs are a treasure:
- Italian Silk Scarves: These are everywhere. I paid €15 for one near the Duomo (a bit of a tourist trap price!), but later found a deal for 3 scarves for €20 at the tent shops near the Florence Cathedral. They are perfect for adding “flavor” to your travel outfits.
- Mailing Postcards from the Vatican: This was such a cool experience! You can buy postcards of Michelangelo’s and Raphael’s masterpieces at the Vatican Museum, buy a stamp at the post office next door, and mail it to yourself. It’s a great way to have a “memory” waiting for you when you get home.
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Final Thoughts: Leave Room in Your Suitcase!
Whether it’s a Zara trench coat you couldn’t find back home or a box of hazelnut chocolates, Italy has treasures at every price point.
Let’s Chat!
Have you been to Italy? What was your favorite find? Let me know in the comments below!
Shopping in Italy: Your Most-Asked Questions (FAQ)
When I was planning my 20-day road trip, I had so many questions about the logistics of shopping in Italy. Based on my experience and what I’ve learned from the local artisans, here is everything you need to know before you swipe your card.
The market I mentioned in the video is the Lake Garda market (specifically the one in Desenzano). It happens every Tuesday! While Florence is the “capital,” these regional markets are where you can find those amazing deals on leather accessories if you’re willing to dig a little.
This is the most searched shopping topic! If you spend over €70 in a single shop (the updated 2026 threshold), you are eligible for a refund of about 12-15%.
At the shop: Ask for the “Tax-Free Form” and show your passport.
At the airport: Before you check your bags, go to the Customs (Dogana) desk to get your forms stamped.
The Refund: Take the stamped forms to the Global Blue or Planet office to get the cash back or a credit to your card.
As a food blogger, I had to be careful here!
Allowed: Hard aged cheeses (like Parmigiano Reggiano), dried pasta, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and chocolate.
Banned: Anything containing meat (no prosciutto or salami!) and fresh, soft cheeses like buffalo mozzarella. Always ensure your food items are vacuum-sealed (sotto vuoto) to make it through customs safely.
The “Pelle Vera” (Real Leather) tag is a start, but the “Smell Test” is better. Authentic Italian leather should have a rich, earthy, musky scent. If it smells like chemicals or plastic, walk away. Also, check the edges of the leather—if it’s real, it will be one solid piece; if it looks like layers glued together, it’s likely “bonded” leather (low quality).
If you visit a vineyard in Modena, buy it there! Not only do you get to taste it first, but the price is usually better because there’s no “middleman.” Plus, the memory of buying it from the people who actually bottled it makes the flavor that much better when you’re back home in Toronto.
I was worried about this! Since we were driving, I kept a small insulated cooler bag in the car for my “food hauls.” If you’re buying chocolate in the Italian summer, definitely don’t leave it in a hot car. Wait until your final stop or buy it at the airport (duty-free) to ensure it makes it home in one piece.
Yes, significantly. Because these brands are headquartered in Italy, you aren’t paying the massive import duties and international shipping costs added in North America. When you combine the lower retail price with the VAT tax refund (see below), you can often save 25% to 40% on luxury items compared to prices in Toronto or New York.
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