Souvenirs from Florence
It is very hard not to take a little bit of Florence away with you when you leave the city. So here is my collection of souvenirs from Florence.
People have probably always collected memorabilia during their travels. Italian museums abound with holy relics from the Middle East. Pottery from Egypt and Greece. Bits of rocks and sketches associated with specific places. It’s all part of the cultural and economic exchange.
Sometime during the 19th century the production and sale of travel mementos commercialized, and people started collecting souvenir spoons, snow domes, mugs and ashtrays to commemorate particular sights and places. A behaviour that must have become a universal habit judging from the number of souvenir stalls in central Florence in Tuscany.
Mass Produced Kitsch
Here you will find mass produced kitsch to your heart’s content. Hats, scarves and T-shirt declaring love or stupidity. Postcards, umbrellas, plates, key rings, mouse pads and refrigerator magnets representing Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio or the outline of the cathedral dome. And miniature figures of Pinocchio or David.
An assortment of souvenirs from Florence sold from various stalls throughout the city.
Made Especially for You Souvenirs
As an alternative there are also more original and ‘authentic’ souvenirs from Florence. It could be caricature drawings, romantic paintings of the Arno in water-colour and arts and craft items like wooden salad spoons in olive tree or the wire art bikes photographed above.
Not to mention the most collected travel souvenir of all times: photographs to remember all the fabulous sights and places. These were the only ones I brought home, and I cherish every one of them.
Other souvenirs from Florence could include edible treats such as wine, pasta or chocolate. Cook books or coffee table books. Museum posters and postcards. Jewellery bought on Ponte Vecchio, and anything fleur-de-lis.
Photos usually are my preferred souvenirs as well. Although those wire art bikes…
I know – but I try to control myself by recalling how little I like dusting…
I don’t buy much stuff anymore – maybe wine or olive oil but I also like those wire art bikes.
Edibles make great souvenirs. Until you discover 5 glasses of unopened souvenir pesto at the back of the cupboard.
I am a souvenir buyer and hoarder and I still have unopened colored pasta from Rome from over 2 years ago :) I love that souvenir collage photo. I haven’t been to Florence yet but would probably buy most of those especially the wire art bikes.
Photo’s are the best for me generally, but combined with the Firenze Card and you’ve got a winning combo.
You’re right. Tickets are unbeatable.
Had a spring clean and threw out a lot of souvenirs from Florence but kept a label from a red wine enjoyed in 1983 while studying there. It’s special as it carries my name: Valpolicella AMBRA. cheers
Labels make good collector items. They don’t attract too much dust.
I buy only useful things :) like notebooks or pencils … although I was tempted to buy a puzzle today at the Vatican Museums … other than that, books are a favourite souvenir (now that I am not moving as much as I used to ;)
I find it hard to define useful sometimes, but I’m sure a puzzle from the Vatican Museum would fit that description:)
Florence is my all-time favourite city in Italy. I love your souvenir photos!
Thanks – Collecting souvenirs is a kind of hobby – and the digitals don’t take up much space.
I love the soaps and candles from the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy, very much Florence for me and stunning shop as well.
Soaps and candles – Now those are great souvenirs. Thank you for the tip.
I like the miniature figures of Pinocchio…
Me too – I think I’ve got at least three of the spread around the house.
souvenirs = memories in french !
a few steps from the Arno in Florence, I could enjoy fantastic ravioli with truffles
unforgettable memories :-)
it’s the season now ! for those of you who are lucky enough to be there enjoy !
I bought a lot of nice souvenirs from Florence last time. It’s my favorite city in the world, so I love to remember it when I’m not there. For example, I bought wallets and Florentine paper from an artisan’s workshop, ceramic mug, and cream from the Santa Maria Novella pharmacy. It’s a great city for shopping.
Great ideas. I’d love some of the handmade Florentine paper, so I’m really going to look for it next time I’m in Florence.
Besides a lovely price of jewellery from Pont Vecchio, I like buying Italien products like shampoo, toothpaste, finger nail remover, polish, etc. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Florence!<3
I think, I can relate to that – even though there’s no jewellery on my souvenir budget:)
My favourite souvenir is a leather jacket I “accidentally” bought a few years ago! I adore it to this day. Had zero intentions of buying any such a major item, but got carried away…
Nice to think of a jacket as a souvenir. That way you are reminded of Florence every time you put it on.
There was an art shop across from Pitti Palace when I went in 2002. The artist made very affordable papier mâché half-masks of the face of David. They were the look and texture of worn leather. Complete with a little ribbon to hang.
What a lovely souvenir. I haven’t notice the shop, but I’ll definitely look out for it next time I’m in Florence. Thanks for the tip:)