Such a charming shop!…read more This unique gift store in Oltrarno in Florence is packed with delightful curiosities and lifestyle objects. From espresso cups and saucers with drawings of Florence, to whimsical place mats and cushions, each item is crafted with panache. Great for one of a kind souvenirs from Florence, or distinct decorative item for one's own home. One of my new favourite places.

It's a curious shop owned by the renown calligrapher and packaging designer - Betty Soldi. It is…read moreone of the most interesting retail space / cross media studio to check out in the Oltrarno area. Betty's curated home decor items, jewelries and artisanal hand crafted gifts are as unique and whimsical as her calligraphy works. When I was walking through her paper cut filled store, I felt like I was entering Betty's creative mind. I found a lot of unique gifts designed by Betty for myself and friends in the store. Packaging was awesome. Betty personally put the item in the box and sprinkled with confetti for me. She is such a sweet person. All retail shops and art galleries on Via Maggio close between 1 to 3pm. If you got there after 3pm but it's still not open yet, hang around.... Betty or her husband may be just across the street chatting with friends.

I almost missed my train to Rome shopping at Taf Ricami. I'd passed by the store a few times during…read moremy two days in Florence and the display of children's clothes never failed to catch my eye. We were on our way back to our hotel to grab a cab to the train station when I decided I had to take a closer look. My husband went ahead, a good decision, and I did my best to keep this side quest as short as possible. Unfortunately, the clothes were even more beautiful than I'd imagined. I could have spent another hour (and many more euros) if I'd had the time to spare. I didn't know anything about Taf Ricami when I walked in, but I've since learned that it's a hand embroidery shop that's been in the same spot since 1954. It's not a brand, as I'd assumed, but a single store, selling linens and children's clothing, all of it handmade. The kids' clothes were on the second level, and I got to work there with the help of a very nice woman who more or less brought me everything they had in my sons' sizes. I loved every item she showed me. Classic, handsome pants and shirts and sweaters of unmistakeable quality. I bought a matching set of rust-colored corduroy pants, blue oxford shirts, and green knit sweaters, picking those particular items because they were in stock in both sizes. I honestly would have been happy with any of the designs I saw. I also bought a gorgeous dress for my niece, green velvet with a girly ribbon and sweet embroidered details. A dress to make me ache for the daughter I'll never have. The clothes were expensive, but downright reasonable for the level of craftsmanship. I got my tax back too, which amounted to a non-negligible discount. Taf Ricami is the kind of shop I always hope to find when I travel, a local place selling quality goods that I can't buy at home. The boys have already worn their new outfits twice, once for a family photo shoot and once to meet Santa. They're easily the nicest clothes in their closets, and I almost regret not buying up the store.

Incredible service and beautiful selection of handmade children's clothing as well as linens!! They…read morewait on you based on what you're looking for! I wish I could have this shop where I live because it's THAT great!

Such a beautiful little shop with jewelry, notecards, art, all made by artists in Florence. We…read morebought some hammered gold plated earrings and a ring, some notecards, and plan to go back to purchase some art. The shop owner Elena is lovely and friendly, and shared some tips for local restaurants and sites here in Florence.

I just LOVE this store! Have been coming here for many years ...a must stop every time I visit…read moreFlorence. Has lovely gift items...all unique & made locally. Prices are very reasonable & the owner is very helpful & has great suggestions.

There are many places in Florence that claim to sell original cameos, but if you look at all the…read moredesigns in details they all have the same lady look, same orientation, maybe in different sizes and no other designs available. Then you should know they may have all come from the same mold and possibly made out of plastic or other resins. However, when we first came to Cameo Factory, we saw the owner carving his own designs and the designs are completely different from other stores. This is a sign that this is an authentic artisan and the art in here are going to be original. The only con is that all the metals are going to be either made out of silver or steel. Very little gold options. This didn't matter for us. We saw a lot of designs and one with the woman piqued our interest, see pictures. This one was very different from other places and it was unique desing. So we bought it. Glad that we found this place after exploring all over Florence. It was a hidden gem. I'd suggest come visit, take a look and you'd be surprised and most likely love this place and what it offers. In addition the owner was very friendly and helpful. Excellent products and excellent services : )

Gorgeous cameos and jewelry! They offer tax-free certificates for purchases $70 and over. Best…read morejewelry find in all of Italy!!

Mr. Caradini is an outstanding artist and a great person. We stayed in a an apartment near his…read moreworkshop. I found myself admiring his work on a number of occasions. His work has a certain eclectic cut and paste feel (he often literally cuts and pastes a variety of source material onto his multimedia pieces). The man is skilled with everything from exacto blades to pencils. From war propaganda to nature scenes his inspiration is varied and interesting. He's often creating new pieces in the shop and it's really cool to watch him work. He is also an all around awesome guy. On our last day, we were waiting over an hour for our cab. Paolo came out and talked to us for a few minutes. After learning that our cab had been missing and that my poor Italian skills didn't help when calling the cab company, caradini invited us into his workshop. He then proceeded to call several cab companies and speak Italian for us. We would have missed our flight without him. If I'm ever in Florence again (and not a broke grad student), I wouldn't hesitate to stop by and purchase some art

Most amazing art I've seen in Florence to date, museums included!…read more Mr. Carandini has an incredible imagination as well as an endless knowledge base, both of which he uses to create unique parchment boxes that tell a story like no other. If you can only afford to buy one thing during your stay in Florence, be sure to stop here. By the way, the workshop is no longer on Borgo Allegri 17/R, but just down the street at 7/R.

MUST VISIT. My fiancée and I found this place after walking around Florence. This is a family owned…read morebusiness and we ended up spending a ton of time there talking with them, such nice and friendly people. The style and quality is incredible and it's all designed and crafted here locally in Italy. We bought a few bags at very reasonable prices and also gifts for friends. We will enjoy these bags for years to come and never forget the experience and hope to visit again one day! Don't waste time like we did looking at all the imported and non authentic leather at the market and other shops, as well as the pushy sales people, go to Roberta Firenze.

My visit to Florence started out a little bumpy but after my visit to Roberta's and meeting Sandro…read moreeverything turned up. I have NEVER had such an exciting and enjoyable shopping experience in my life. When I was there I never felt pressured, received tons of information on quality and even was able to compare good quality leather with premium quality leather (from cream to butter). They feature brand name and house ties that start from 18€. I know what your thinking, and while you can get four ties for 10€ in the market, they are garbage so just shop at Roberta's instead. Don't compare flea market to custom. They have hand stitched ties in this shop that will out-live you! They also sell scarves, wallets and purses that can be custom ordered at no extra cost. You want a neon green wallet with a gray interior because the Seahawks made it to the Super Bowl again? Done! You will not find another quality leather shop like this in Florence, which is why they have three locations! Check the website. I even managed to get a ton of sightseeing advice while shopping! I walked out with a smile and after my great conversation was given 3€ off my tie and my wife a free leather keychain! What an experience! Worth every penny!

I was window shopping as the store was near end of business and closing up. The kind owner waved me…read moreinside and proceeded to assist me in finding 3 perfect earrings for a gift as well as for myself. The owner was kind, patient, and attentive. The beauty and quality of the items I purchased are delightful. I would give more stars if I could. I will be back in my next visit to Florence!

Christian and the woman employee were very helpful. We purchased two gold bracelets. One was for…read moreme and one was for my son's girlfriend. They assisted in finding us the style we wanted at a very fair price. Also received a bangle bracelet from here a few years back as a gift. Very kind and caring staff. Matassini was recommended to me by my Uncle in New York and also by my Air B N B Host in Florence. We love this store ~

Service was amazing, great atmosphere, would recommend for any nice leather accessories they have.read more

My wife and I purchased a very high quality purse and wallet at this store - the staff was polite,…read moreknowledgeable, and attentive. We're very happy to have discovered this place.