What should I bring home from Tuscany (we're headed there next week)? Something other than olive oil, olives, wine, cheese, etc.? What else is the region known for? I'd like tp bring home something lasting to remind me of our trip.

Where are you traveling? We just got back from our first Italy trip that included Tuscany...I bought a beautiful linen table runner in the museum shop in Cortona, that is my favorite souvenier. My other favorite is an smallish water color of one of our favorite locations. Beware, however, at stalls in the bigger cities you will see vendors with prints, holding little paint trays as if they are painting! The prints are also very cute, however, and cheap!! I didn't (and wish I did) buy some ceramic ware (like small decorative plates). Each small town has its own local pattern. Our weight/breakage/hassle quotient was too high by the time we got to Tuscany due to the obligatory Murano glass vase!

One thing I keep thinking (and I have never done it) is that the fabrics in Italy are so beautiful. My last visit to Florence my friend from Veneto and I spent an afternoon in fabric stores as she was thinking about getting new draperies made.

I have thought that buying fabric that could be made for throw pillows would be a very interesting and special reminder of Italy. If you do not sew (I don't) you could get a seamstress or upholstery to make the pillow covers for you. And of course table runners etc. would be perfect too. Easy to pack in luggage also.

Ceramic pottery, dishes, etc.

Stationary (sp?) and leather goods. I wish I had gotten a nice leather album to hold my pictures. You can find more on this topic by typing it into the search box at the top of the screen. I know it's been on here many times.

Balsamico traditionale