It’s that time of year again!
We are making our list, and checking it twice, as we go on the hunt for the perfect gift for our friends and family. If, by chance, one of these important people on your list loves everything Italian, well, we’ve got some great gift ideas that will certainly help you make a “bella figura”.
If the person on your gift-giving list loves to curl up with a good book or eBook on chilly winter days or nights, then we have some suggestions for you.
52 Things to See & Do in Calabria
This unique guide book, written by our good friend Michelle Fabio of Bleeding Espresso, provides an authentic look at Calabria. It not only gives you great ideas on how you should spend your time in Calabria, but also gives delves into interesting facts and stories of the places you may encounter.
Where to Buy: Amazon.com
Napoli Unplugged: Guide to Naples
Napoli is a beautiful place to visit, and if you know someone who agrees and has been thinking about making a trip to this wonderful part of Southern Italy, than you should definitely give them a copy of Napoli Unplugged. This box will help you discover everything there is to know about this complex and intriguing place. You’ll find it hard to resist booking your flight after seeing the many beautiful photographs inside.
Where to Buy: Amazon.com
100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go
If your book worm is all about girl power, then this is a great book. Written from a woman’s perspective, this book inspires woman to get out there and explore Italy and appreciate all the wonder and beauty it has to offer. It is an indispensable resource of secret gems and interesting places to visit that you won’t find anywhere else. Now in it’s Third Edition, you’ll get all the most up-to-date recommendations you need to plan your next trip to Italy filled with unforgettable moments.
Where to Buy: Amazon.com
Lonely Planet Southern Italy
The lonely planet series is a great resource when you want to plan a vacation. You can opt for the installment on Italy or you can even choose to narrow it down and choose the Lonely Planet Southern Italy guide. There are also travel guides for more specific areas, if there is a certain place in Italy that is especially close to your gift recipient’s heart.
Where to Buy: Amazon.com
Southern Italian Desserts
Bring Italy into your kitchen with a great cookbook. We’ve known Rosetta for years and we loved her first cookbook, My Calabria. Southern Italian Desserts is her newest cookbook highlighting the deliciously sweet goodies you can find in the southern area of Italy. This collection of 75 recipes hailing from Calabria, Campania, Basilicata, Puglia, and Sicily will inspire anyone to head into the kitchen and whip up on of these desserts. And, who knows, maybe you’ll get ask to taste test! You can check out our review of Southern Italian Desserts here!
Where to Buy Southern Italian Desserts: Amazon.com
Do you have someone close to you that travels often or is planning to travel in the new year? Well, why not help them out with one of these awesomely thoughtful gift ideas?
My Bella Vita Gift Certificates
Give someone that extra nudge towards their dream vacation in Italy with gift certificates from My Bella Vita. Our gift certificates can be purchased in any amount so you can choose to cover the costs of a consultation or you can help pay for part of, or all their trip. Contact us for details, we’d be happy to help you out!
Dream of Italy
Dream of Italy is a great resource for Italophiles with its informative blog, entertaining PBS TV show series and member-exclusive newsletter. Give a gift that keeps on giving all year long by visiting the Dream of Italy Shop and purchasing a six-month or one-year subscription to their newsletter which provides travel-inspiring articles about Italy. And now, for a limited time, you can save on subscriptions and get exclusive bonus gifts with your purchase. Check out our recent contribution to Dream of Italy’s “Uniquie Christmas Celebrations in Southern Italy” article.
Where to Buy: Dream of Italy Website
If that special person on your Christmas gift list happens to enjoy wine, then head to your local supermarket or specialty liquor store and pick up a bottle or two. We suggest purchasing a good Calabrian DOC wine from the regions of Ciro or Donnici. And, you can take your gift to the next level by pairing it with some wine charms, like these Murano glass inspired charms.
Where to Buy: Amazon.com
If wine isn’t really their thing, you could always pick up an after-dinner liquor, perfect for that person who loves hosting dinner parties. Our favorites include Limoncello (Amalfi Coast, Campania), Vecchio Amaro del Capo (Capo Vaticano, Calabria) or even Liquore di Cioccolato (Modica, Sicily). Check out our Simple Guide to Liquors in Southern Italy for more ideas.
Is there someone on your list that loves a good cup of java in the morning? For the coffee lover in your life, why not pick up a classic Bialetti Stovetop Espresso Maker? Don’t settle for imposters, these classic moka pots have been made using the same design since the 1930s and are known for their durability and consistency – these small treasures will provide you with endless cups of great espresso.
Where to Buy: Amazon.com
And, what’s a good espresso maker without good coffee? We suggest picking up some Calabrian-based coffee like Aiello. Aiello has been in business for over 40 years and is known for its high-quality flavor, in fact many bars in the province of Cosenza, where you’ll find their headquarters, use Aiello exclusively.
Where to Buy: Amazon.com
For those coffee lovers that also have a soft spot for chocolate, you should pick up some Pocket Coffee. These yummy teats, produced by the internationally famous Ferrero company (also the creators of Nutella), are real espresso with a dark chocolate shell – a perfect pick-me-up and a fantastic stocking stuffer.
Where to Buy: Amazon.com
Well, we hope we’ve been able to help you tick a few people off your Holiday Gift List. Don’t forget to treat yourself while you are at it!
Happy Holidays!
Disclaimer: This blog contains Amazon affiliate links, which means that if you purchase the above mentioned products by clicking through the links, I’ll receive a small commission.
