Shopping in Italy that Won’t Break the Bank

​ “Made in Italy” is a synonym for quality. In food and beverage, fashion or art, with Italian products you can rest assured - they will not let you down.  Italy continues to take pride in maintaining excellence in craftsmanship and quality. 
 
Shopping is something that we like to do with our friends.  Finding those ‘off the beaten track’ or hidden shops and treasures is exciting.  And if you can get a good deal… that’s even better.  But some things are expensive no matter where you go to buy them. A few examples: art, name brands and precious metals. 
 
Come with us and we will show you where to find interesting and unique gifts for yourself or for your friends in the Abruzzo region of Italy.
 
Leather Goods: Florence isn’t the only place where you can buy fine Italian leather goods. Browse exquisite bags, wallets, shoes, and boots that showcase artistry in fine Italian leather and suede all around the Peligna Valley.  Margiotta Shoes is one of my favorite shops where they feature my favorite Italian handbags made by GABS.

Jewelry: Rose gold is especially popular at the moment, Pandora – a traditionally Italian brand can be found in most village jewelry shops, the town of Scanno is famous for its handmade jewelry. For centuries family-owned shops have been designing and producing one of kind pieces to be treasured for years.
 
Confetti, Chocolates, Sweets, and Pasteries: Sulmona is famous for its candy covered almonds also known as confetti. Or, you can't go wrong with Baci chocolates (chocolate-encased hazelnuts that come with a sweet message) or the popular Italian Christmas cake panettone.
 
Wine: There are so many great wines here in the Abruzzo region.  Choose from whites – Pecorino, Trebbiano, or Brut, and/or reds – Montepulciano, Cerasuolo.  Bottles can be bubble wrapped and packed right in your suitcase.
 
Religious Items: Rosary beads, statues, crosses, cards, framed paintings, pendants, and medals can usually be found in every village center.  There is always a religious store right around the corner.  Prices vary from cheap souvenirs of little value to pieces that are quite expensive such as religious art or statues depending on the quality. 
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Foods: There is much to choose from in this category: Balsamic glazes, pasta, honey, dried or oiled pepperoncino, olives, cured meats, truffle oils/sauces, salts, cheeses, coffees,   Italy has 138 products of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO or DOP in Italian).  This means that they are authentic and of high quality.  Everyone enjoys the true taste of Italy once they are back in their home country…definitely worth packing and taking back home!
 
Kitchen Gadgets: For your foodie friends, there is the Biaglietti coffee Moka maker for that perfect espresso, a breadboard, ravioli cutters, a chitarra cutter (typical Abruzzese pasta press), copper pots, a pasta-maker or a recipe book for fresh inspiration.
 
Ceramics: Traditional Italian ceramics is a great gift that people often overlook because of the fear of traveling with breakables in their luggage.  But giving the gift of a hand-painted pasta bowl or platter could become that one piece that gets handed down from generation to generation.   I give them as family wedding gifts and have the artists paint the family name within the design.
 
Second-Hand Treasures: There are two second-hand ‘Mercatino’ here in the Peligna Valley.  Both are loaded with special treasures from the past.  We often find that one-of-a-kind piece that just isn’t made anymore or is very expensive in retail shops.
 
Art:  Italian art can sometimes be very expensive.  Look for the many local artists with the various styles that can be obtained for reasonable prices. Or, you can stock up with more purse-friendly presents for your arty friends at any gallery gift shop.  There are several options such as buying a simple print or an arty mug, tea towel, or other souvenirs.
 
I once read an article about the MUST buys while visiting Italy.  Murano glass from Venice, leather goods from Florence, hand-made leather sandals from Positano, ceramics from the Almafi Coast, and limoncello from Capri.  But the fact is that you can buy any of those things anywhere in Italy.  You don’t have to be traveling within the FAB FIVE (Rome, Venice, Florence, Almafi or Tuscany) to be able to find quality “Made in Italy” gems.  So where did I find all these amazing, gift options?
 
Right here in the Peligna Valley… so come to Abruzzo and Shop with us!
 
Pratola – shopping along the main street
Sulmona – shopping along the street
                   Il Nuovo Borgo (Mall)
Scanno – Armando Di Rienzo Jewlers
Pescara – Corso Umberto for luxury shopping with all the top brands
Castelli – a town filled with hand-made ceramic shops
Citta Sant’Angelo Outlet Mall

• Adidas
• Biagletti
• Camomilla Italia
• DEsigual
• Kiko
• La Casa Italiana
• LiuJo
• Marina Militare
• And many more……

 
                                                 Enjoy your shopping in Abruzzo!
                            We can help plan your perfect trip…we hope to see you soon…
                                 email us today at la.rocca.mia@outlook.com