Top 5 Gifts to bring home from Italy

Zia Carol, this one's for you . . .

While our trip is short, that doesn't mean you can't bring home THE BEST gifts to your loved ones at home!  Yes, there's an endless list of things you COULD buy (and, yes, I will strongly discourage you from buying tourist "crap"), but here are some great gifts which would give your loved ones a taste of your experience:
1.  Food products - what greater gift than showing someone you care about them so much that you'd make a meal for them?  Packets of spices, soup mixes, pre-packaged meats, and cookies are some easy, low-cost gifts you can bring home.  What fun to bring home something which you enjoyed eating in Italy, and making it for your family!  And they're not breakable!  Of course, you want to stay within Customs policies, but most things which are vacuum-sealed are good for transporting home.  I'll take you buy some really great local-product spots while we cruise around town.
2.  Print products - in Tuscany, stationery and linens are a great gift (even to bring to someone who lives there).  Consider buying napkins/tablecloth or special stationery for someone you love!
3.  Perfume products - in Florence is my favorite perfumeria - the monks at Santa Maria Novella (not just a church, not just a train station) have been making their products for centuries.  Their Officina Profumo, located just behind the church (which is across the street from the train/bus station), offers amazing products.   They're not cheap, but easy to carry!
4.  Maps/posters/Calendars - Mom will attest - these are great gifts which carry well (pack them flat in your suitcase).  And what is neater than having a gift which reminds your parents all year of your experience in Italy???  On this note, I'm a big fan of buying postcards for views which I can't capture with my camera.  Consider that!
5.  Religious Articles - seriously, guys, we're visiting the center of Christianity.  Pick up a medal of an important saint/pope, get a small icon or statue of a favorite religious character for your parents . . . If anything, send Mr. Poore and your teachers a John Paul II postcard!!!  900 Coit Rd.  Plano, TX, 75075  Maybe you'll get a pencil out of the deal . . .

Hugs,
Laura  :)