Florence brings together seven standout souvenirs that sum up the Tuscan soul: a scented Santa Maria Novella soap, a bottle of Vin Santo, gourmet cantuccini, a leather item crafted at the Scuola del Cuoio, a Richard Ginori plate, a Pineider notebook, and a Florentine straw hat. Available in historic shops scattered between the Duomo and the Oltrarno, these authentic gifts fit in a carry-on suitcase and check all the boxes — tradition, design, and flavor.
| 🎁 Souvenir | Where to buy it (address) | Average budget |
|---|---|---|
| 🧼 Soap Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella | Via della Scala 16 | €10 – €25 |
| 🍷 Vin Santo + 🍪 cantuccini | Poggio alle Lame (Mercato Centrale, Piazza del Mercato Centrale) / Biscuiterie Leonardo, Via dei Lamberti 21 | €12 – €28 |
| 👛 Leather cardholder Scuola del Cuoio | Via San Giuseppe 5R (cloister Santa Croce) | €35 – €120 |
| 🍽️ Richard Ginori Plate “Vecchio Ginori” | Boutique Richard Ginori, Via dei Rondinelli 17R | €20 – €60 |
| 📔 Pineider artisanal notebook | Via de’ Tornabuoni 22R | €15 – €45 |
| 👒 Grevi Cappelli artisanal straw hat | Borgo degli Albizi 88R | €40 – €90 |
| 🍫 Venchi pralines & Gilli panettone | Venchi, Via Calzaiuoli 65R / Pasticceria Gilli, Piazza della Repubblica 39R | €8 – €30 |
Scented soap from the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella 🧼
Founded by the Dominicans in 1221, this pharmacy is an olfactory dive into Florentine history. The bestseller? The rose water soap, always cold saponified. A retro packaging and a fresh scent make it perfect for a light gift.
- 🌹 Scents: rose, iris, Tuscan tobacco
- 📦 Travel size 50 g allowed in cabin ✈️
- 🏛️ Fresco room open for free access
Other artisanal cosmetics addresses
Fragrance lovers can continue at AquaFlor (Borgo Santa Croce 6) or try the cosmetic olive oil from Idea Toscana.
Vin Santo & olive oil: Tuscany’s liquid excellence 🍷🫒
The Vin Santo + new oil duo accompanies every local table. The farmer stands at the Mercato Centrale and Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio offer free tastings on unsalted Tuscan bread.
- 🥂 Vin Santo Poggio alle Lame, 375 ml ideal for the plane
- 🫒 Fluorescent green oil pressed in November 2025
- 💡 Tip: ship via DHL from the market to avoid the 100 ml limit
Procacci: truffle temple
Steps from Palazzo Strozzi, Procacci (Via de’ Tornabuoni 64R) has been preparing truffle panini since 1885; its white truffle sauces travel well to France.
Cantuccini, Venchi chocolate & Gilli sweets 🍪🍫
Almond biscuits are dipped in Vin Santo; chocolatier Venchi adds a gourmet touch with their gianduja bars, while the pastry shop Gilli keeps the art of the winter panettone alive.
- 🍪 Leonardo Cantuccini: 200 g vacuum-sealed bags
- 🍫 Venchi – three-layer Cremino bar
- 🎄 Gilli – panettone with candied fruit from late October
Properly storing treats
A dehydrating sachet prolongs biscuit freshness; Venchi chocolates tolerate up to 28 °C, handy for a summer return.
Leather from the Scuola del Cuoio: from wallet to belt 👝
Located in the old dormitories of Santa Croce, the Scuola del Cuoio still trains artisans who felt, cut, and engrave leather before your eyes. Each piece receives a certificate of authenticity.
- 🔖 Free engraved monogram on site
- 👡 Buca 27 sandals (Via dell’Ariento 27R) in 24 h
- 💼 Stands at Mercato San Lorenzo: compare quality and vegetable tanning
Fratelli Peruzzi jewelry: the silver ally
Right behind Ponte Vecchio, the Fratelli Peruzzi house (Borgo Santi Apostoli 42R) complements leather with its filigree silver jewelry.
Tableware: Richard Ginori porcelain and refined silverware 🍽️
Since 1735, Richard Ginori adorns Italian tables. The white embossed Vecchio Ginori line is dishwasher safe; perfect for daily use.
- ⚪ 15 cm dessert plate: €22
- ✨ 24 K gold rim option on order
- 🛍️ Shockproof packaging provided in store
Complement: table silverware
Fratelli Peruzzi’s solid silver cutlery matches perfectly with porcelain and is simply polished with a local lemon cream.
Elite stationery Pineider & Loretta Caponi embroideries ✒️🧵
Writing a scented card in a Pineider notebook recalls the Florentine epistolary tradition. The marbled papers are still made with a brush.
- 📚 A6 notebooks with saffiano leather binding
- 💌 “carta fiorentina” envelopes with lily patterns
- 👗 Loretta Caponi embroideries (Via Tornabuoni 33R) for monogrammed household linen
Idea: wedding gift set
Pairing a Caponi table runner with a set of Pineider cards makes an elegant box for a gourmet couple.
Tuscan hats & Gucci scarves 👒🧣
The straw from Signa is woven in less than ten hours by artisans from Grevi Cappelli. For more color, a vintage silk Gucci scarf from the Vintage Epoca boutique (Via dei Fossi 6) remains timeless.
- 🆔 “Made in Italy” label required for export
- 🧣 Flora scarf 90 x 90 cm: €265 second hand
- 🎁 Flat box ideal for wrinkle-free transport
Bonus accessory: cameo jewelry
The Cameo Factory di Spitaletta, Piazza Santa Felicita 3R, offers a hand-carved coral pink cameo in 90 minutes.
FAQ
Which souvenir travels best on a plane without checked baggage?
The Santa Maria Novella soap (50 g) and Pineider notebooks pass controls without liquid restrictions or breakage.
How many bottles of Vin Santo can you carry in the cabin?
Only one mini bottle of 100 ml meets the standards; beyond that, plan for check-in or shipping from Mercato Centrale.
Where to find inexpensive souvenirs in Florence?
The Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio offers local stands cheaper than the historic center, especially for olive oil and cantuccini.
Is the leather from the San Lorenzo market authentic?
Quality varies; check the stitching and ask for the vera pelle certificate. For guaranteed items, the Scuola del Cuoio remains the reference.
Are there guided tours dedicated to artisanal shopping?
Yes: three-hour tours combining Officina Santa Maria Novella, Pineider, and Scuola del Cuoio are offered every morning from 9 am for €45.
To continue exploring gifts from around the world 🌍:
souvenirs from Venice |
souvenirs from India |
gifts from South Africa |
Florentine shopping addresses |
souvenirs from Mallorca
For other specific ideas:
Adélaïde’s guide •
AirInfo selection •
traveler’s checklist •
Ali di Firenze deals •
Bellavista Villas blog
