As the holidays approach, plans of family gatherings and religious celebrations fill the calendar.
Christmas centers around special moments shared with those we love. In Italy that can mean presepio, family feasts and la befana. But wherever you are in the world, you can add a little bit of Italy into your holiday festivities by giving a special gift straight from the bel paese.
Below are our recommendations for Italian-inspired gifts to leave under the Christmas tree.
1. Get into the holiday spirit with Christmas songs from one of the most popular new groups of the year. The young Italian trio of tenors, Il Volo, have recorded a collection of Christmas melodies. Celebrate the season with five songs, including Silent Night and Panis Angelicus.
2. Relax during the crazy holiday season with an Italian film. Give the gift of one of the top 10 Italian Movies. We suggest Mediterraneo, the story of Italian soldiers stationed to a remote Greek isle during World War II, and sure to please any movie lover on your list.
3. Bookworms will love the Inspector Montalbano series available for the kindle e-reader.
The detective stories are set in the fictional town Vigàta, based on author Andrea Camilleri’s on hometown of Porto Empedocle, Sicily. The popular stories of the endearing investigator are as much about the lavish meals he enjoys as they are about the crimes he investigates.
4. Now writers and techies alike can enjoy the iconic Moleskine brand journals. Milan-based company manufactures diaries and sketchbooks that were once the favorites of Oscar Wilde, Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and Ernest Hemingway.
For the first time, the company is offering iPad and iPhone covers that disguise your high-tech gadgets as classic notebooks.
5. For personal pampering, give the gift of beauty with L’erbolario Lodi. The brand was born in Lodi, Italy in the 1980s, with the goal of offering the highest quality products with natural ingredients. L’erbolario is known for sensual scents and soothing formulas.
6. For a real taste of Italy, give an unforgettable gift of Italian cooking classes in Sicily. The week-long courses will take you on a culinary journey, from the kitchen where you will recreate traditional family recipes, to tours to visit local producers for fresh, authentic ingredients.
7. For a Christmas treat, DeLonghi gelato makers imported from Italy are widely available online and perfect for whipping up a classic Italian dessert at home. Indulging in freshmade gelato is simple- add the ingredients, press two buttons, wait approximately 20 minutes, and then buon appetito.
8. As a special stocking stuffer, anyone with a sweet tooth will be thrilled with Modica Chocolates. The tradition of chocolate making in Modica dates back to the 16th century. The pure cocoa with spicy peperoncini will delight any palate.
9. For a little piece of Italy that you can use every day, give an ItalyMag tote or coffee mug. The practical and stylish gift can be a daily reminder of the bel paese.
10. As the saying goes, tis better to give than to receive. This year, we suggest giving to the towns devastated by flooding in late October and November. Mudslides in northern and southern Italy claimed lives and buried communities. The best Italian gift is one that helps families in a time of need- donate today!
