5 Italian Gifts for Italy Lovers
The best gift for the Italy lover is one that makes them remember their visit with fondness or feel proud of their Italian heritage
Made in Italy
Made in Italy brands have a worldwide reputation for quality but for many small companies, distribution was very costly and complicated. Today, online purchasing and international shipping have given smaller companies more possibilities. Amazon and Rakuten have had their fair share of criticism, but there is no doubt, global e-commerce platforms like these are saving the Italian artisan and brands.
And now, the Milano Style shopping guide: 5 Italian Gifts for Italy Lovers gift
Ferrero Rocher, a taste of ‘la dolce vita’
Although the name sounds French, Ferrero Rocher are the quintessential Italian chocolates. Beautifully wrapped in golden foil, the sweet treats are chocolate and hazelnut bon-bons produced by Ferrero. They say that in the Alba factory a total of 24 million Ferrero Rochers are made each day! That’s gives “dolce vita” a whole new meaning!
Moka Express by Bialetti, for coffee lovers
Every Italian household has one! The Moka Express by Bialetti is a household item found in every Italian home. Its distinctive design has changed very little since the first ones produced in 1933 by Italian engineer Alfonso Bialetti. Bialetti got the idea for the design while watching his wife do the laundry! In those days a washing bucket called the lisciveuse which used a funnel-like tube to swoosh the water around. He thought the same system could be used to brew coffee! Today, over 105 million have been manufactured and it has earned a place at design museums such as the Triennale Design Museum in Milan and the MoMA, New York. Newer models are colorful, and some have sleeker designs and are even electric, but nothing beats the classic Bialetti Moka Express made in Aluminum with the classic octagonal base.
This is the classic design, but there are also sleek designs as well as a French Press by Bialetti.
Lavender & Bergamot Scented Soap by Saponificio Artigianale Fiorentino
This Lavender & Bergamot Scented Soap is made in Florence, Tuscany. An all-natural vegetable-based soap with no dyes or chemicals, it not only has a lovely scent but is beautifully packaged in a decorative box, perfect for gift giving.
Imperia Pasta Maker Machine, for perfect homemade pasta
If you want, you can hand roll and cut your pasta! Even the best of the best use a pasta machine. Some prefer it as the pasta comes out evenly and cooks at the same rate. The risk with rolling and cutting pasta by hand is that the uneven dough may cause uneven cooking times, therefore leaving some of the pasta over or undercooked. Imperia Pasta Maker Machine is a made in Italy brand made of heavy-duty, shiny chromed plated steel and a wooden handle. The most useful tool for making homemade spaghetti and fettuccine.
Moto Guzzi Cap
Moto Guzzi, the Lake Como based motorcycle factory is Italy’s pride and joy. The factory has a small but steady production making Moto Guzzi motorcycles an exclusive item for collectors around the world. Established in 1921, Moto Guzzi was started by three army buddies, Carlo Guzzi, Giovanni Ravelli and Giorgio Parodi. Dreaming about what they would do together after the war, Moto Guzzi became a reality. Unfortunately, Ravelli died just days after the war’s end in an aircraft crash and is commemorated by the eagle’s wings on the Moto Guzzi logo. Even if you don’t have a motorcycle, the Moto Guzzi name has become synonymous with “Italy”, “courage” and “determination”.
I’m always on the lookout for quality products and gifts.
Click here to shop more of my “Editor’s Picks“.
Contact me if you need more ideas!
The food, wines, culture and beautiful landscape also make for a perfect holiday. If you are planning to visit Milan & Lake Como I would be happy to help you create an itinerary. Click here for more info.
This list was compiled by Celia Abernethy, editor milanostyle.com
