We were wandering from Ponte Vecchio to Palazzo Pitti and I happened to see the gorgeous window…read moredisplay this store had. I'm a sucker for owl things (and who isn't, lol?) and they seemed to have such cute stuff I had to come in and check it out. The people working here are so nice and really helpful. They have a large collection of stuff here, from figurines (what I was after) to their large number of hand painted paper items. One of the ladies working noticed I was looking for owl things, so she pointed out a few things for me I hadn't seen (the store is a bit overwhelming with it's copious amount of items.) Honestly, I would have just left with my one figurine but with her help, I bought a few more items than intended. I will say this place is a bit expensive. But it's understandable given the quality of the items.

This place was amazing for kids! I had heard that they do demonstrations of how they make the paper…read moreand that this location was one of them (there are many in the city). We arrived and I did not want to straight up ask, so we milled around looking at stuff and within minutes, an employee asked us if we wanted a demonstration. It was a very in-depth thorough demonstration and he was so good with the kids. It lasted about 5 minutes and then they got to keep the paper. I think it helped that we were one of the only ones in the store at the time, so we got the personal demonstration. We ended up buying a few items, which were expensive, but super high quality and good keepsakes of our trip.

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!

Location: In the beautiful medieval town of San GImignano…read more The goods: Franco Balducci produces some of the most beautiful ceramic pieces that I've seen thus far, from small pieces like sugar bowls and cups, to larger pieces such as plates and vases. The shapes, colors and textures that he uses are brilliant - this is the perfect place to pick up souvenirs of a genuine local flavor, from a local artist. The place: The space itself isn't huge but its very well laid-out. My absolute favorite part of this little excursion was seeing Franco at work in his workshop, which happens to be the front of the store. So, stop in and watch the master at work! Price point: Personally, I found Franco's pricing to be very reasonable - I purchased two pieces for 30 Euro and don't regret it one bit. The pieces are gorgeous and a great reminder of my time in Italy.

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.

This shop sells a variety of handcrafted ceramic plates, bowls and dishes. They are beautifully…read morehand painted by local artisans. My wife had been looking for Italian themed oil and balsamic dispensers at import stores in the U.S. but found them too pricey. The prices here are far more reasonable and the quality of product is much better. She found a variety of options with designs we both loved. We purchased a couple of these dispensers as well as some dishes. This is a family (father and son) run business. The son speaks English but the father doesn't. Both are friendly and helpful. They are happy to ship what you buy so you don't have to carry it around. If you do take your items with you they will carefully wrap your purchase in bubble wrap for travel. Ours made it home in perfect condition. You can also purchase from their website and they do custom orders. Don't miss the small staircase that takes you upstairs to a second floor of incredible items!

Cute little store in the Piazza Giocomo Matteotti. The owner works in the back making and repairing…read morejewelry. He sells watches for men and women, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings. He even will create a duty free form form for you if you spend over 70€. I bought 2 gold plated silver earrings and a necklace. The prices were reasonable. And my siblings bought several things here as well. Its located right next to a children's shop which is on the corner of the Piazza. And the jewelry store is sandwiched next to a wine store. Perfect little jewelry store for such a small town.

I found this place after a friend told to me to buy a gift there. What I found was sleepwear of…read moreextreme quality and beauty. I went to their laboratory in Florence city center and I totally recommend it if you are looking for traditional italian couture nightgowns

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.