xgapeach1

I would like to know the things you've found for souveniers, gifts, great finds while in Venice, Verona and/or Lake Como.

Fodor Forum Fans directed me last year ... can you help again?

I'm leaving Wednesday, Oct 8th (One week from today!).

Bert4545

I very rarely buy souvenirs when on holiday - I just take photographs. But last time in Venice I did buy a necklace for my wife consisting of a Murano glass pendant hanging from a thick black cord from a place at Cannaregio 2101, near the Maddalena Church. My wife liked it a lot. Most souvenirs (anywhere) seem to be junk that will take up space and need dusting. Why not buy an article that you need, that is functional and attractive? We bought a cocoa shaker (for cappuccinos) in Florence, that was just like the one we saw used in a cafe where we had several cups of coffee. It was just a cylinder in stainless steel, but (we think) really elegant.

mocha_dolce

Buy something characteristic but useful. NOTHING will be cheap, but in Venice you can get beautiful Murano glass, or go to the island of Burano and buy some expensive but beautiful lace. If you have a place to display them, the masks in Venice are nice. Less expensive, but nice: millefiori design watches, paperweights, etc and religious objects like rosaries made from glass. In places like Bellagio, you can get pottery/dishes/etc in lovely designs. I also like to get chunky magnets for my frig. They may be cheap junk, but I use them all the time to help keep us organized and am reminded of our travels when I do...

Venezia123

I really liked Belliago i bought a wine botttle that had been pressed flat and the artist had painted a view from the town it self on it.I found it very pretty and not jun and i wil always had it to remind me of and awsome place.

While your in Venice got to Brano for some lace i think the first shop you see after you get off the Ferri has the nicest lace.

I have bought god charms for my charm braclet in Venice.

I also bought some glass in Venice you can buy some small pieces of glass in Venice that aren't really exp.I bought some small pices of peopleand musicains,Also bought some larger pices that were alot more exp.If you have it shiped make sure i's insured i made the misake of buying a piece and thinking the ins was included when the shop keeperasked me if i wanted to shi it and it had a chip on the top when it arrrived in the states and the shop wouldn't even respone to emails are my phone call it was damaged when they packed it.Box was all inn perfect shape whenit arrived and no chip of glass was inbox so be ware if you have something shiped.
Have a greta time i leave for the boot of Italy the 22nd myself

Jean

In Bellagio, things made of olive wood or silk, fine jewelry. One year, I bought a wooden Pinocchio that I display every Christmas because he's dressed in red. He has interchangeable noses -- short or very long!

In Varenna, olive oil, wine, dried mushrooms, jewelry using semi-precious stones.

I collect bells, and I bought a beautiful Murano bell in Venice. The glass is in the colors of the Italian flag.

sarge56

You can find some good bargains on glass pieces in Venice. I bought some great glass bob earrings for about 10 dollars a pair. I also found some beautiful wine stoppers made with Murano glass and they were quite affordable, too. And some pretty glass beaded bracelets.

There is a very large shop with very unique items right on the north side of the Campo Sant'Aponal. Not far from the Rialto Bridge.

We found the prices away from St. Mark's to be 20-30% less than you'll pay in the immediate area.

Also, got some good pieces and good prices from Colombina at San Polo 1070 – Ruga Rialto.

Buon viaggio!