Every time I go to Italy I want to bring a few things home for family and friends. With all the restrictions on what you can bring on airplanes and the undependable Italian postal system it can be perplexing.

Over the years I have found a few things that people always appreciate:

Italian Scarves: Beautiful scarves and wraps are available all over Italy and at all prices.What says I have just been to Europe better than a scarf cast jauntily over your shoulders? The great thing about buying a scarf in Italy is that the sales people actually show you how to wear them and you can impress your family and friends when you show them.

Italian Leather Products: In Italy you can buy book marks, coin purses and eyeglass cases for a few Euro or soft leather jackets for hundreds or thousands of Euros. The cheaper the item the less likely it was actually made in Italy, but it was bought in Italy, it is pretty and the recipient will know that you were thinking of them.

Italian Paper Products: Handmade journals, notebooks and paper goods of all kinds are available in small stores on almost every street.