We are adding a day or two in Florence at the last minute and I'm curious as to how much some of you plan to spend there.<BR><BR>I realize we all have different tastes and budgets but I've never been to Florence and would like an idea of what to expect. I imagine &quot;bring as much as possible&quot; would cover it but I'd love some specific items and prices just to give me an idea.<BR><BR>Leave out designer stuff, gold, and wine. I'm thinking more like picture frames, small pottery items, specialty foods, olive oil, demitasse cup sets, tassles, etc.<BR><BR>Small things I would take with me.<BR><BR>Thanks. We leave next week!

Lynn<BR>the things you describe are mostly breakable. If you want to take them with you you will end up with large parcels to add to your belongings.<BR>If you want to ship, you will have to add on significant shipping charges, and customs charges as well. <BR><BR>All of the things you mention can vary from 5 euro each to 100 euro each (well,,maybe not the olive oil) depending on the quality and the shop. I found small pottery items that packed easily in my luggage, things like pretty spoon rests for about 5 euro each that made a couple of great gifts, but they were more souvenirs than serious ceramics. I would never pack oil in my luggage, no matter how well-wrapped it is. Give this some thought.

I'm thinking carry-on, not checked bags.<BR><BR>I've brought breakables home from Asia on 5 separate trips and haven't had anything break yet. We pack most of our stuff in a checked bag and then use clothing as padding for our carry-on. So far it's worked quite well.<BR><BR>I don't plan on buying alot but I do want to come home with a 2-3 nice things.<BR><BR>Thanks for your thoughts.

What exactly is your question? &quot;How much do souveniers cost in Florence?&quot; Exchange &quot;Florence&quot; with the name of your own town. What kind of answer could you possibly give if a stranger asked you that question?

Tassels? They shouldn't cost a lot and are very easy to pack. Shop around for the best styles - try them on and give them a twirl to make sure you like them before purchasing. Don't forget to save the receipts for VAT refund and IRS deduction if they are work-related articles.

I have some tassels from Passamaneria Toscana in Florence, it is a beautiful shop on Piazza San Lorenzo. <BR>They are not too expensive and you have the fun of shopping in Florence, but I have seen the same ones at Marshalls for much less after I returned.<BR>Remember you can bargain in the outdoor market around San Lorenzo too.

Thanks Nancy.<BR><BR>Bargaining is no problem. Markets in Southeast Asia are like a second home.<BR><BR>That's funny you mentioned seeing them at Marshalls. That can so often be the case after lugging something home only to find it 5 miles away for less!<BR><BR>As for you other two, if you don't have something constructive to say, button those lips!

Lynn, Florentine stationary is also very nice. A friend purchased a nice leather-cover address book with high-quality paper for about 7 Euros. (If it's something you yourself wouldn't like or need, it might be a nice present for someone.)<BR><BR>Buon Viaggio,<BR>BC

Dear Lynn,<BR><BR>I hate to say it but Florence ( like the rest of Italy) has fabulous shoe shops! I had many fabulous hours shopping for shoes there. There are 2 street markets where you can get inexpensive leather handbags for souvenirs - generally between 10 and 25 Euros. Near the Uffizzi - along the river - street artists sell water colors of varying quality. We picked up some very nice pieces for between 5 and 10 Euro. These made great souvenirs for both us and our friends. Now that Xmas is here I wish I had purchased more! As to pottery, I must confess there was nothing I could purchase as everything I loved was too expensive - over 500 Euros or too large. I think part of that problem is that I kept checking out clothes, handbags and shoes instead of actually trying to find inexpensive pottery items. Plus I had my heart set on glass in Murano.<BR>Florence is so much fun - can you possibly stay longer? It is easy to walk around and make sure you try the 'hot chocolate' which is as thick as pudding and quite lovely.<BR><BR>Have a great time.<BR>Buzzee

BC/Buzzee, thanks for input.<BR><BR>I certainly plan on hitting the markets and was hoping to find $10, $20, $30 items to take home. <BR><BR>I love shoes but after spending 2 weeks in Prague (crystal/garnets) and Venice (glass), I may be getting low on funds. I don't know if I'll be able to afford them by the time I get there! LOL!<BR><BR>We're only spending 1 night because I really want to spend 3 nights in Rome. My husband isn't fond of Rome and while we could do 2 and 2, I don't think 2 in Rome is enough. I figure Florence will be a place I can easily talk him into going back to. He didn't mind it the first time he went 15 years ago so I imagine after he sees all the shopping (he's a very big shopper) going back will probably happen pretty soon!<BR><BR>I'm already mapping out a Florence/Tuscany trip in my mind.<BR><BR>Thanks for all the suggestions.

I was there a few months ago and leather coats were all over the outdoor market. Also look for the Florentine paper picture frames in the outdoor market, they are light for packing. Just roam around the markets and you will find all you need, even the aprons covered with the torso of David for those fun-loving barbequer friends back home.

gift wrapping paper, often with gilt and lovely. small paper boxes. if you run into marons glaces (not the season but the larger candy stores may have them), they are wonderful as well.

I am writing this from Florenc where I have based myself for three weeks. My advice is bring a suitcase full of money, it is very expensive here now and probably you would find similar at home a lot less in price. The euro has made prices rise dramatically and is a local topic of conversation. Have a great time, there is so much to see here, even my three weeks will not be long enough I know

I only wish I had the name of the herbalist shop but any good guide book will list one of the oldest toiletry manufacturers in the world is still doing business in Florence. The hours were a little awkward I recall but we hit pay dirt when it came to imaginative souveniers at good prices. Soaps and perfumes and creams made from olive oil, local herbs, almonds and even wine-based toiletries (a big hit).<BR><BR><BR>Also purchased in the pottery stores nr the Straw Market, small olive oil &quot;saucers&quot;. <BR><BR>If you want to splurge check out the incredible mask maker on Via Faenzea.<BR><BR>If you are into good shoes, you can't beat Ferragamo's; 4 years later I am wearing a great pair of loafers that I bought for about $125 US, They look good and fit extremely comfortably due to the excellent service the store offers.<BR><BR>Also paper products, boxes, notepapers and &quot;endpapers&quot; if you have any bookbindsers in the family (I do).<BR><BR>Have a ball!<BR>

LJ-- I think the name of the shop you are thinking of is Officina Profuma Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella on via della Scala. It is worth a trip there. The only problem is I bought some wonderful body cream there which I cannot find sold anywhere here in the U.S. I guess I'll just need to go back to Florence!

Maria, I also went to Santa Maria Novella this summer and bought some wonderful soaps and perfume. There are US places that sell these products. They have a website with store locations. I live near NYC and found a great store in SoHo and restocked this fall. I love the milk soap!

Cindy --<BR> I've looked in Saks &amp; Neiman Marcus in Chicago (both of which carry some of SM Novella's products) but I am looking in particular for a body cream called Idrasol. It comes in a large jar-type container. Besides looking at the two stores, I've searched the internet, but cannot locate it anywhere. Could you post the name and/or number for the store in SoHo? Thanks.