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Byways of Italy is a young Italian company specialized in creating unconventional travel itineraries off the beaten paths.
Whether you are running short of ideas or simply looking for an original present for your best friend, Byways of Italy has carefully selected 10 Italian brands for Christmas gifts or any other special event that calls for a small gesture of gratitude.
Explore historic, irreverent, and ingenious Italian brands offering iconic and practical gifts to use during your travels and those of your friends, carefully selected items born to have a positive impact!
Enjoy the reading!
*Please note that our suggestions are free and based solely on our experience and preferences. We do not have any agreements or receive any commissions from the brands mentioned in this article.
1. WATER BOTTLE: An essential item for traveling, particularly in Italy, where free fountains make it easy to refill. Explore the iconic and well-designed water bottles at 24bottles.com, a successful Italian brand founded in Bologna in 2013, dedicated to reducing the impact of disposable bottles on the planet and promoting the use of reusable bottles and thermoses. Also, check out the appealing LUNCH BOXES to pack and carry meals in a protected and organized way.
2. JOURNALS AND SKETCHBOOKS: Everyone needs a piece of paper while traveling, whether it's for writing, taking notes about the characteristic shop in Palermo, or capturing the ambiance of that amazing wine bar in Montepulciano. Fabriano is a historic Italian paper company founded by Pietro Milani in 1782. During the Industrial Revolution, he brought numerous paper artisans together, making it the most important company in the sector. Every Italian has drawn in a Fabriano album at school or at home, representing a piece of Italian history. Fabriano still produces and sells high-quality agendas, sketchbooks, and diaries worldwide. For an Italian souvenir, don't miss the elegant Venezia book, featuring a refined pattern on the cover inspired by the modern mosaics in Venice's San Marco district. It's ideal for drawing and tempera landscapes.
3. DOCUMENT HOLDER: For your friends, relatives, or travel companions who tend to be a bit more disorganized, a practical A5 document holder could be the perfect gift. This useful item is particularly handy while traveling, keeping all essential papers—air/train tickets, passport, hotel/house reservations—neatly organized in one place. Here is a prestigious holder from Campo Marzio, an Italian company founded in the Campo Marzio district of Rome, dedicated to creating bags, accessories, and stationery since 1933.
4. TRAVEL LUGGAGE AND ORGANIZED SUITCASE KIT: The innovative Italian company CRASH BAGGAGE designs uniquely crafted luggage. Have you ever experienced the frustration of finding your luggage dented after a flight or cruise, risking to spoil the mood of your vacation? Now, there's a solution, opt for a suitcase that departs already with a stylish dent. It’s the perfect gift for travelers who appreciate design and need a reliable bag =). Explore The Easy Life Kit for a more organized suitcase.
5. LAPTOP COVER AND CHARGER WITH POWER BANK: A stylish laptop cover and a reliable charger for electronic devices are essential for smart and remote workers who frequently travel worldwide. Tucano, founded in 1985 by Franco Luini, is an Italian company specializing in bags, backpacks, and accessories tailored for a life on the move. The principles of innovation and research on materials inspire all items in their extensive catalog. Explore their captivating designs here!
6. CRUMPLED MAP: A lightweight, soft, indestructible, and waterproof map that can be crumpled and squashed without losing its purpose. It's a contemporary and fun reinvention of the most basic travel tool: a map. PALOMAR's website offers a variety of cities and amusing maps designed for kids and careless travelers.
7. SOLID SHAMPOOS AND SOAPS: A practical and eco-friendly option for personal hygiene while traveling. The Italian brand from Bergamo, R5, which stands for RETHINK, REFILL, REUSE, RECYCLE, RELAX, is committed to providing customers with high-quality goods while respecting the environment and society. Their shampoos and soaps are vegan-friendly, 100% plastic-free, and zero waste. They are also nickel-tested and dermatologically tested. Take a look at the "Box and Save" section for interesting gift ideas.
8. HATS AND SCARVES are essential when traveling to colder destinations. The brand RIFO’, inspired by the Tuscan term for "redo," narrates the story of the Cenciaioli, skilled artisans who pioneered the recycling method for old clothes. Based in Prato, Tuscany, this Italian clothing brand provides ethical and sustainable solutions through the use of recycled fibers. Consider gifting your friend recycled cashmere hats and scarves to ensure warmth while exploring colder places.
9. A TREE: Relationships, like a tree, need to be cultivated. Gifting a tree is an original idea that leaves a powerful and positive impact on the planet. Founded in Florence in 2010, TREEDOM has planted over 4,000,000 trees directly by local farmers in Africa, South America, and Italy, bringing environmental, social, and financial benefits to their communities. In their gift ideas section, you can choose which tree to gift for a meaningful gesture and original present.
10. BYWAYS OF ITALY GIFT CARD: For those who prefer giving experiences rather than things, a voucher for an Italian escape awaits. Ideal for sharing with your best friend, partner, or family, this card can be used for a multi-day itinerary or as a day trip add-on during your Italian vacation. Voucher value starting from €200. READ MORE
Can’t wait to discover Italy through unconventional lenses? Contact us to unlock the full potential of Byways of Italy Gift Card and start planning your Italian trip.
At Byways of Italy, we design and plan customised travel itineraries off-the-beaten- path with passion and care for individual travelers, couples, families and very small groups. We are a local tour operator and DMC, contact us at info@bywaysofitaly.com to design your bespoke itinerary or get inspired by our all-inclusive holiday tours.
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Byways of Italy is a young Italian company specialized in creating unconventional travel itineraries off the beaten paths.