Stuck on the inspiration front for gifts? Here’s The Florentine’s pick of the presents this holiday season for the Florence lovers in your life.
LEATHER LOVE
Treat your loved one to leather this Christmas with a beautiful bucket bag (535 euro) made by the Sabatini brothers at Cuoiofficine. Handcrafted in the finest calfskin, this gorgeous accessory is a one-of-a-kind piece because of its marbled leather detail and all-over naturally soft texture. At the via Guicciardini store, customers can even personalize purchases by choosing the technique, decoration and colour of every flap, shoulder strap and pocket, as well different kinds of lettering for monograms.
Cuoiofficine, via de’ Guicciardini 116r, Florence / www.cuoiofficine.com
A NURTURING GIFT
A good massage, a Himalayan salt room, essential oils and hot stones: surprise your significant others with a holiday gift idea that takes “taking it easy” to the next level. Choose a Relax Firenze wellness ritual such as Ayur Detox, Awakening the Goddess, Mediterranean or a decadent Chocolate Wrap.
Try Relax Bio Cosmetics, the centre’s signature organic skincare line that represents a new era in the luxury organic experience, combining pure ingredients, ancient traditions and sustainable processes.
Available from Relax Firenze, via Strozzi 2 (first floor), Florence / www.relaxfirenze.com
NUTCRACKER NIGHT
Holiday experiences make perfect seasonal—not to mention sustainable—gifts. Surprise a loved one of any age with tickets for a night at the theatre together. Just before Christmas on December 22, the St. Petersburg Ballet will land at La Pergola theatre for two colourful and mood-lifting performances of Lo Schiaccianoci (The Nutcracker), a beloved Christmas classic with all the trimmings: fine costumes, familiar Tchaikovsky tunes and sugar plum fairies.
Tickets at via della Pergola 24, Monday-Saturday 9.30am-6.30pm; www.boxofficetoscana.it
RED, WHITE + BUBBLES
Put wine first on your Christmas present list (instead of relegating it to last-minute gift status). Our advice is to stock up with reds, whites and bubbles at Ruffino’s flagship estate Poggio Casciano, a half-hour drive from Florence in the Chianti hills. Mark your advent calendar: on December 15, 11am-8pm, make the most of the generous discounts by arriving early at Poggio Casciano’s early Christmas open cellar event, Natale in Cantina.
Tenuta Ruffino di Poggio Casciano, via Poggio al Mandorlo 1, Bagno a Ripoli.
CREATIVE OFFERING
Get creative at Cartavetra with a gift voucher from Oltrarno’s contemporary arts centre (100 euro for three lessons anytime during 2019). Lucky recipients can choose from three courses: illustration/monotype, engraving and mixed technique. If you’re looking for an original gift, head to via Maggio from December 22 to 24 for Regal’Arte, when paper-based engravings, paintings and graphics, small and large, will pull at your artistic soul.
Available from Cartavetra, via Maggio 64R, Florence / www.cartavetra.org
RING IN THE CHANGES
If you’re in the market for a family heirloom with a contemporary vibe, check out this statement ring from Fratelli Piccini. Handcrafted by the historic Ponte Vecchio jewellers’, this asymmetric ring (6,650 euro) from the original and trendy Metropoli collection is mounted on 18KT white gold with 2,37 carat of brilliant cut white and black diamonds.
Available from Fratelli Piccini, Ponte Vecchio, 21/23R, Florence / www.fratellipiccini.com
BIBS FOR KIDS
Stuck on what to get for your newborn niece or nephew back in the States? The Palio di Siena collection by Florence-based brand Zac 4 Kids features this gorgeous jungle bib (15 euro) starring all the horse race’s neighbourhood icons. (Bibs and bags boasting the individual animals are also available.) Made from 100 per cent cotton with a cute elasticated neck, it’s fun and practical, perfect for catching turkey bits. The range even boasts the approval of the Palio di Siena Consortium!
Available from Giulia Materia, sdrucciolo de’ Pitti 13R, Florence / www.zac4kids.it
GLAM IT UP
Think irresistibly vintage: local jewellery designer Rossana Fani merges simple materials in an original way. Dress up your LBD with this instantly glam Isabella light grey necklace (220 euro), handmade in Florence from shiny resin beads on a leather collar. Rossana’s website provides guidelines on how to wear her unique pieces based on the circumference of your neck and there’s even the possibility to personalize the jewellery.
Available from www.rossanafani.com
HOW TO REGIFT THIS CHRISTMAS
Vincenzo D’Angelo
1/ TAKE OFF THE GIFT TAG + CUSTOMIZE
Remember to remove any old gift tags. Wrap again in new paper and include a letter or a new tag. Use a favorite quote, song or life story to share with the future owner.
2/ PAY ATTENTION TO THE DETAILS
Speaking of zia Carol, check for any personalization she might have included inside the present. Imagine when your cousin Amanda’s face when she opens up a gift addressed to you! A big no no.
3/ SELL ONLINE
Use apps like Depop or Rebelle to sell that woollen pompom scarf that your aunt gave you last year. You’ll have made a Youtuber hipster’s day!
4/ ORGANIZE A “REGIFTING PARTY”
Rules are easy: each guest brings an anonymous gift. After a drink, some food and chatting, each choose the present you like the most.
