My friend who loves Italy is turning 60 in a few weeks. We are going to have an Italy themed party for her at work at lunchtime. I will be getting her personal gifts and would like to have Italy as a theme. Any creative ideas for an Italy gift basket? her favorite is Capri and I hope we will be taking a trip to the Capri and the Amalfi coast next spring. thanks for your ideas!

Hi Vicky, what is your price range?

She is a dear dear friend so I am willing to spend a fair amount - but would like to have multiple gifts rather than one large gift

Off the top of my head, and I am sure others will add to my list...

I have a favorite cd, it is called Italian Cafe and put out by Putumayo World Music (www.putumayo.com) Very, very fun (I also have their French cd, it is great)

A couple travel books, either pictorial or essay, or both.

Rather than a basket, perhaps wrap everything in a beautiful pottery piece with celophane warp and a lvoely fabric bow.

Yummy Italian treats - search at a local Itaian Market, Williams Sonoma or if all else fails, Cost Plus World Market ususally has items. (Williams Sonoma will also have lovely pottery pieces)

A fun Italian cookbook.

A leather journal from Italy.

Italian soaps and lotions.

Stationary from Italy (Barnes and Noble even used to have a nice selection)

Wine.

Limoncello.

Hey, I want this basket, I turn 40 next July, LOL.

I'll try to think of some more... how lovely of you to do this for your friend!

Heavenly days Vicky, I am sorry for all the typos, I should have proofread!
My little Sophie pup is on my lap and I am afraid it has affected my typing dramatically! lol

~Movies set in Italy, here is a good thread with many:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34573070

A bottle of limoncello

Piece of pottery (Deruta, Vietri, etc.) full of good quality biscotti

Pan forte

I don't know if you will be going anywhere other than Amalfi or Capri, but if she likes art, the Sister Wendy DVD's are a fantastic introduction to Italian Art.

Thank you, Tiff for all your suggestions. I am hoping to do a longish trip starting in Florence/Tuscany, ending up in Capri. I also have tucked away your trip report from Venice and the Locanda Orseolo - must get back to Venice too!

I just picked up a great new book, Biba's Italy: Favorite Recipes from the Splendid Cities-its a guidebook, cookbook and culinary reference all in one. I highly recommend it especially if she's a foodie!

How about a nice 1946 vintage Brunello? Or some 60 year aged balsamica vinegar? I shudder to think what either would cost but certainly a nice gift idea I'd welcome any day!

Italian cheeses from Zabar's and some good Italian wine? Prosciuto and/or some other dry salumi?

The Amalfi Coast is known for its ceramics and inlaid wood. If you can find some pieces here that are made in Italy, that'd be a very nice token of her favorite place.

Murano Glass;it is generally available at specialty stores in the US, I've even seen it at places like TJ Maxx maybe a small hand mirror or vase.

Also italian leather products, gloves, purse, wallet, etc.

I read a Fodors post before I went to Venice in July that said if you buy anything, buy leather goods, so I did, and I love them.