Florence is a city with deep craft traditions and a long history of making everyday goods well. Shopping here is about small workshops, food purveyors, and family-run makers as much as it is about stores.

This guide points to souvenirs you can find across the city — at markets, museum shops, and craft streets — not a single store or street. Each suggestion focuses on things that pack reasonably well and show local skills.

1. Hand-stitched leather wallet

• Why it’s worth buying: Florence is famous for skilled leatherwork that lasts. A well-made wallet improves with use and shows traditional techniques.
• Where to look: smaller independent shops that specialize in leather and accessories.
• Price range: $40–$150
• How to spot a good one: Check even stitching, full-grain leather, and solid hardware before buying.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Slip it inside a shoe or between folded clothes to cushion it.

2. Goldsmith pendant or small handmade jewelry

• Why it’s worth buying: Local goldsmiths still make fine, small pieces using classic techniques. Jewelry captures a bit of the city’s metalwork history in a wearable form.
• Where to look: galleries near historic landmarks that represent local artisans.
• Price range: $60–$400
• How to spot a good one: Look for hallmarks, solid settings, and consistent finish on the metal.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Store in a padded pouch and carry it in your hand luggage.

3. Marbled-paper notebook

• Why it’s worth buying: Florentine paper marbling is a centuries-old craft used for books and stationery. A hand-marbled cover gives a practical keepsake with clear local roots.
• Where to look: independent shops selling stationery and bookbinding supplies.
• Price range: $12–$45
• How to spot a good one: Pages should be sewn rather than glued for better durability.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Slip it into a backpack or tote to avoid bending.

4. Small ceramic espresso cup

• Why it’s worth buying: Local potters produce distinctive glazes and compact cups made for espresso. They are both useful and represent regional ceramic styles.
• Where to look: markets with artisan stalls and occasional craft fairs.
• Price range: $8–$30
• How to spot a good one: Check the glaze for even coverage and the base for a maker’s mark.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap cups in clothing and place them in the center of a suitcase.

5. Extra-virgin Tuscan olive oil

• Why it’s worth buying: Oils from the region have clear varietal flavors and pair well with bread or salads. Small bottles are easy to test and bring home.
• Where to look: food halls that sell regional bottled products and staff recommendations.
• Price range: $10–$40
• How to spot a good one: Prefer dark glass bottles, recent harvest dates, and cold-pressed labels.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Put the bottle in a sealed plastic bag and pad with clothing for check-in.

6. Cantucci (almond biscotti)

• Why it’s worth buying: These twice-baked cookies keep well and reflect local baking traditions. They travel easily and make practical gifts.
• Where to look: food halls and bakery counters inside market buildings.
• Price range: $5–$15
• How to spot a good one: Choose dry, crunchy biscuits with visible almonds and a plain ingredient list.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Keep them in original packaging and place in carry-on for freshness.

7. Truffle salt or truffle-infused products

• Why it’s worth buying: Truffle flavor is a local taste accent that enhances simple dishes at home. Small jars or tins are concentrated and long-lasting.
• Where to look: covered markets where local food producers sell preserved items.
• Price range: $6–$25
• How to spot a good one: Check the ingredient list for actual truffle pieces or truffle oil, not only flavorings.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Seal jars in plastic and pad them with clothing in checked luggage.

8. Hand-dyed linen table runner or scarf

• Why it’s worth buying: Linen is common in Tuscan textiles, and hand-dyed pieces show simple, traditional weaving. A runner or scarf is useful and compact.
• Where to look: co-ops that represent textile artisans and small workshops.
• Price range: $20–$90
• How to spot a good one: Look for tight weave, natural fibers, and even dye without streaks.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Roll linen items to minimize creases and save space.

9. Limited-run art print or map

• Why it’s worth buying: Local artists produce prints that capture the city’s architecture without being tourist trinkets. Prints are flat, light, and easy to frame later.
• Where to look: galleries that carry local printmakers and small publishers.
• Price range: $15–$120
• How to spot a good one: Prefer signed, numbered runs or clear artist information on the back.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Carry prints in a tube or between stiff cardboard to prevent creasing.

10. Small brass bookmark or decorative metalwork

• Why it’s worth buying: Metalwork shows long-standing smithing and is often compact and durable. A brass bookmark is functional and subtle.
• Where to look: markets with artisan metal stalls or craft fairs.
• Price range: $8–$35
• How to spot a good one: Inspect joins and finish; quality metalwork has no sharp edges.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap in tissue and slip into a book for protection while traveling.

11. Hand-stitched leather coin purse

• Why it’s worth buying: Small leather goods are practical and give you a taste of local craftsmanship. A coin purse is inexpensive and useful daily.
• Where to look: co-ops selling goods from regional leatherworkers and artisans.
• Price range: $15–$60
• How to spot a good one: Check closure hardware and inner seams for neat stitching.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Tuck it into a pocket or a zipped compartment to avoid crushing.

12. Natural herbal soap or small perfume sample

• Why it’s worth buying: Local soaps and apothecary-style perfumes use regional herbs and scents. They’re light and easy to test before committing.
• Where to look: independent shops that focus on natural products and fragrances.
• Price range: $6–$40
• How to spot a good one: Read ingredient lists for natural oils and avoid vague “fragrance” listings.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Pack soap in a sealed bag; carry small perfume samples in hand luggage.

Quick buying tips for Florence

• Carry some euros in cash; cards work at most shops but not stalls.
• Haggling rarely works in boutiques; try gentle bargaining at outdoor markets.
• Wrap ceramics and glass in clothing, and mark them fragile in checked luggage.
• Many shops offer international shipping; ask for packing and customs paperwork help.
• Look for maker’s mark, natural materials, and handwritten tags indicating made locally.
• Liquids and oils must follow airline rules; vacuum-sealed foods travel better.

Where to shop in Florence

Shopping spreads across the historic core and a few craft-focused districts, so plan time to walk between areas. You’ll find food products in market halls, stationery and paper goods in independent shops, and workshops concentrated around certain streets and squares.

• Historic center near the Duomo for leather accessories, paper goods, and tourist-oriented crafts.
• Mercato Centrale for olive oil, cured items, packaged sweets, and specialty food stalls.
• San Lorenzo open-air market for leather goods and small, portable fashion accessories.
• Oltrarno artisan quarter for ceramics, handmade jewelry, and studio pottery sold directly by makers.
• Ponte Vecchio and nearby streets for traditional metalwork and goldsmith pieces from local artisans.
• Museum shops at major museums for curated prints, books, and well-made replicas.
• Seasonal artisan fairs and holiday markets for unique textiles and limited-run craft goods.

What to skip (common tourist traps)

• Mass-produced leather stamped “Made in Italy” that uses bonded or low-grade materials.
• Unmarked jewelry claiming solid gold without hallmarking or proper documentation.
• Cheap reproductions labeled as “antique” which are often modern copies.
• Pre-filled “local wine” bottles sold at inflated prices without producer information.
• Low-cost ceramics with uneven glaze and visible casting seams indicating poor quality.
• Street vendors selling counterfeit designer goods that risk confiscation at customs.

If you only buy three things

Hand-stitched leather wallet: Practical and a direct example of local craft.
Extra-virgin Tuscan olive oil: A small taste of the region that lasts at home.
Marbled-paper notebook: Light, useful, and tied to Florence’s bookmaking tradition.

FAQ

1. What is Florence known for making?
   Florence is best known for leather goods, goldsmithing, and traditional paper marbling. The city also has a long history in textiles and ceramics produced by local workshops.

2. What are the best edible souvenirs from Florence?
   Olive oil, cantucci (almond biscotti), and truffle-preserved products are reliable choices. Buy from market halls or producers with clear labels and recent dates.

3. Are souvenirs expensive in Florence?
   Prices range widely; you can find inexpensive, decent-quality items as well as high-end handcrafted goods. Expect higher prices for pieces with clear maker marks or precious metals.

4. What is the easiest souvenir to pack from Florence?
   Marbled-paper notebooks and small art prints are light and flat, making them the simplest items to pack. Place prints between stiff cardboard to prevent creases.

5. How do I know if something is truly local?
   Ask for a maker’s mark, production details, or a handwritten tag and proof of origin. Shops that openly describe their artisan process and materials are more reliable.

Tip: Save your receipts, and keep fragile items in your carry-on.

About the Author 

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!

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