My husband and I are not hobby-shoppers and try to avoid shopping as a pastime if we can help it. However, some friends of ours are expecting their first baby the day before we leave for Rome. We would like to get them something unique while we are there. They are expecting a girl.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I am making them a baby quilt that I will give them at the shower, but we thought a nice little baby trinket might be nice.

FYI - We are arriving on Dec 23 and leaving Jan 1 - so we will be hitting Christmas markets while we are there.

If they are Roman Catholic you could consider something special from the Vatican shops. Crucifix for the bedroom, a medal (John Paul II?), Rosary beads are all popular, as are small plaques with prayers.

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I LOVE shopping in Rome - and you'll be there at a great time.... I would buy the baby a beautiful handmade Christmas ornament. The quilt you are making (which is THE best gift) will be the big gift, but the ornaments in Rome are really quite beautiful - and it's something they can use every year - and think about y'all as they put it on the tree!!!

There is a beautiful little clock shop on the street that connects the Pantheon to the Trevi Fountain - cannot remember the name of that street, maybe other Rome experts will help on that. It is just adjacent to the Pinocchio store. I bought my new granddaughter a really sweet little wall clock with/pendulum there.

I was going to suggest the infamous wooden toy store-can't think of the name at the moment. They make everything from wooden horses to ride to music boxes on the wall. I bought one for a neighbor's daughter last year and it was about 24 euros. They have different painted scenes on them and can also put the child's name on it too.Its an old store that now has other stores in Florence and Milan? Can anyone think of the name? Its on the left side of the main street as you walk from the Pantheon to Piazza Navona.Have I mentioned that its horrible to lose your memory? Maybe its too much red wine everyweek in Rome?If I don't come up with the name-I am flying to Rome again next Tuesday and I will try and get you the name.

Thanks for all of the wonderful information! I love the idea of the wooden toy store and would love to have the name. Feel free to email me if you stumble upon the place.

Thanks again!

Good question re: are your friends Catholic? Because, if they are, they are probably going to Baptize their daughter. A baptismal gift from the Papal museum, or anything blessed, would be very traditional and appreciated gifts for many Catholics.

Best idea I have is a baptismal gown from Vatican City, if your friends will need one. There's no place like the Vatican to get a special and unique white lace/linen baptismal gown. They are baptismal tradition for boys and girls alike, so your friends could keep it as an heirloom and use for any future children.
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hi, eva,

before we went to Rome, i picked up a little book calld "the civilised shoppers guide to Rome" by Pamela Keech and Margaret Brucia, pub. by the little bookroom, of NY. I think I got it through amazon.

it's got loads of ideas for walks around the various areas of rome and the little shops in each one. also cafes and restaurants along the way.

you might find it useful anyway.

regards, ann

Barb -- I can't believe it! I bought a wall clock there too! They have lovely things -- my clock says "Love Conquers All" in Latin, of course. It's hanging in our hall right next to the front door and never a day goes by when it doesn't give me not only the time of day, but a lovely memory to boot!

I am taking you at your word that you are seeking a trinket as a "go with" gift...try a confectioners for some imaginatively wrapped (Sulmona) sugared almonds. They are the traditional Italian baby-greeting "go with" gift and come in amazingly beautiful tulle, chiffon "bouquets" and hand-painted or ceramic boxes.

One is a lapsed Catholic and one is Presbyterian. I am not even sure they are going to Baptize the baby, and I would rather stay away from something used for the purpose - it seems like something family should get.

I like many of these ideas and you all gave me some interesting things to look out for. Like I said, I am making them a quilt, so this would be a little something I would give them after the baby is actually here.

I will also look for that book in my local library.

Fodorites are super-helpful once again! Thanks for all the great suggestions.

Eva

The wooden toy stores is Bortolucci at Via dei Pastini 98. Website www.bartolucci.com. They have adoreable things for kids there - and grown-ups too!

Eva,
do check out that clock store. If I remember correctly, the had clocks suitable for all occasions -- even for babies. They weren't very expensive and it would be a lovely keepsake to hand down in the family. They packed it well too and ours got home in perfect condition.

Thanks Big Blue Marble-its been driving me nuts trying to remember the store!