Welcome back to the Ciao Bella Holiday Gift Guide, the time of year when I think about my favorite gifts made in and inspired by Italy. This year’s guide is keeps it simple with five gift ideas guaranteed to bring cheer, color and auguri.
Sultry Slip-Ons
Friulane are my latest fetish. You can where these stylish slip-ons anywhere. I can attest because one evening in Venice after spending 12 hours walking around the Venice Biennale, I needed to give my feet a break but I still had more walking. Serendipitously I stumbled into Campo Santo Stefano to the beautiful boutique Piedaterre whose walls are lined with friulane for every color and fantasy. Yes, I wore them walking all over Venice, and my second pair are my house shoes.
Beautiful Blue Ceramics
I love blue so of course, I have to suggest anything from Bitossi Ceramiche‘s Rimini Blue series. An iconic line created in the 1950s by artistic director Aldo Lodi, Rimini Blue are Londi’s whimsical animals, vases, bowls et al in a sumptuous blue glaze.
Bitossi collectors, here’s a peek inside its Montelupo museum where designs are showcased since the 1921 opening of Maioliche Artistiche Guido Bitossi. But remember, since 1536, the Bitossi family has had, um, their hands in sculpture, painting and earthenware.
Pop Art Notebooks
I can never get enough of Olimpia Zagnoli. This year, she teamed up with PdiPigna, Italy’s heritage stationary shop for their line The Italians. Pop art to the max, I love these notebooks and this series which features covers by famous designs like Zagnoli, Enzo Mari and Gio Point (inspired). And I think they make the perfect stocking stuffer.
Ancient Rome at Home
When I was mentioned to Darius that I was writing a gift guide featuring my colourful faves, he insisted on including entire box set of his latest series Traveling the Roman Empire (Wondrium). Available in DVD and Instant Video.
In eight episodes, Darius travels to amazing places in antiquity – Rome, Morocco, Jordan, Serbia, Croatia and Spain and places them in today’s context.And he also rides a horse named Barbara, dives for wine in Croatia and explores Marrakech’s markets.
Delicious Panettone
You know I can’t write a holiday gift guide without celebrating panettone, the magical Milanese Christmas cake.
A Very Gucci Christmas
Top of my list these days is the special panetone found at Gucci Osteria Beverly Hills.This year, Gucci Osteria teamed up with master panettone makers From Roy, led by Roy Shvartzapel for two delicious confections: the traditional and one with amarena cherries, chocolate, and whole hazelnuts. At $160, this panettone is better be good and Gucci. Of course, it’s a limited edition with a tin in Gucci floral that you’re going to want to keep.
Panettone Perfection
A delicious panettone is worth every euro and tops for quality, price and history is Olivieri The award-winning bakery in Vicenza has been perfecting panettone for 130 years. Light, crunchy and fresh, Olivieri never fails to wow. I always get classic but I’m curious about the sea salt and caramel. Available for international order, delivering within 24-48 hours.
Need more gift ideas?
Check out The Coolest Gifts for Art-Inspired Travels, my Holiday Gift Guide for Forbes Travel.
