From books to candles, spa experiences to beer and wine, here’s The Florentine’s pick of the gifts this holiday season.
Read more articles about Christmas in Florence.
Scented
Equally fragrant, Officina de’ Tornabuoni’s lovely wax pendants are entirely crafted by hand and scented with signature natural fragrances. Pop them in drawers, closets, or wherever a touch of refined fragrance is desired. As artisans, OdT can also personalize unique pieces or create a customized batch.
Light it up and support a cancer charity: that’s the backstory of recent Florentine transplant Eleonora Miller’s limited-edition Exquisite Garden Candle. Having partnered with artisan perfumery AquaFlor and the oldest candle manufacturer in Florence, Migone 1866, the candle is dedicated to the memory of Eleonora’s mother, who died of colon cancer in 2022.
Crafted
Family-run firm Cellerini manufactures traditional artisanal handbags with passion in central Florence. The handmade creations are intended to last in customizable quality leathers. Choose an unforgettable and elegant bag in London G Papavero with JP Biscotto lining, complete with an adjustable shoulder strap and two pockets.
Printed
Plan ahead for a Florentine future with the new edition of Study Abroad in Florence from The Florentine Press. Edited by Marco Bracci and Marco De La Pierre, get the inside advice on where to study, how to adapt to life in Italy and much more. While you’re in our shop, pop a one-year subscription of The Florentine in your cart!
Cultured
Get a jumpstart on the arts for visitors with the gift of Firenzecard. For 85 euro, you acquire 72 hours to visit a swathe of Florence’s museums and monuments, including ongoing exhibitions.
Relaxed
Treat yourself or someone you love to a day, or even a weekend, of relaxation surrounded by Tuscan nature at Castelfalfi’s newly opened spa. It’s a place where time stands still, giving way to new sensations of harmony and connection. Traditional rituals and contemporary treatments are carried out by highly trained beauticians using a holistic approach to nurture both body and mind. The internationally renowned Thai RAKxa Wellness Spa introduces three packages to experience an authentic wellness experience.
Brewed
Order the Tuscan craft beers of your choice from Birrificio Oltrarno made from hops grown in the Marignolle hills near Florence. From American amber ale to Irish stout and IPA, or even the dark Belgian Xmas Craft Beer, there’s a bottle for all tastes.
For last-minute gifts, sashay down via Romana to Tuscan Taste and select from 70-plus types of beers, 90 percent of which are Italian. (Varinia and Edoardo reopen their doors on December 17.)
Preloved
Don’t buy new when you can get preloved. Head to one of Florence’s many vintage and secondhand clothing stores to pick up designer items at more affordable prices. Some of our favourites include Humana (via delle Belle Donne 4-6R + via Faenza 63R), Mercatino di Ninni (via dei Federighi 11R) and Boutique Nadine (lungarno Acciaiuoli 22R + via dei Benci 32R).
Check out our updated list of vintage clothing stores in Florence.
Fermented
What gift is greater than cheese? That’s a rhetorical question, which is why we will be indulging in a cheese box from Formaggioteca (via dei Renai 19 / 21 to 90 euro) to share with friends and family along with a few of their French wines. (Owners Rebecca and Pierre Gouttenoire just won Cheese Bar of the Year at the Italian Cheese Awards!)
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas with a bottle of fermented grape juice. Head up to Ruffino’s Poggio Casciano wine estate for discounted bottles ahead of the holidays, pass by Casa del Vino (via dell’Ariento 16R) for a curated selection of Italian favourites or Vino al Vino (borgo Ognissanti 70R) for a focus on natural wines.
