First time in Rome and would appreciate some ideas about what to bring back for family and friends.<BR><BR>Thanks

Any help???<BR><BR>Thanks

You shouldn't decide until you get there and see what interests you. If they are religious, buy some items at the vatican or on the streets nearby. Go into museum shops and buy stuff there, or just what catches your eye as you are walking along. Go into a supermarket and get something unusual.

Just hope that you don't come home with a new wallet because some Italian pickpocket got your old one!<BR><BR>My wife picks up coaster sets from different areas if she finds one of high quality. That way it is something you actually use and remember the place you bought them. They also pack flat.

Most of the things I've brought home, in the past, for family and friends were specific to the individual...<BR><BR>Silk ties for the "cool tie collector." A dagger for the "knife collector." A painted tile for the "ceramic tile collector." A jar of olives for the "olive lover." A Ferrari hat from the Ferrari store for the "car lover" (complete with a tag that said 'Made in China'--I think it was China--anyway, that still cracks me up). A leather journal and stationary for "the writer." Cross necklaces for the Christians (rosaries from the Vatican might be good for Catholics). A bottle of wine in a black velveteen bag embroidered with "Il Vino dei Poeti" for myself. And I even brought back Kit Kat candy (the wrapper is slightly different) for a friend who loves anything Kit Kat. <BR><BR>Gosh, that list makes it sound like all I do in Italy is shop. But really, I hate to shop. I just keep my eyes open wherever I go for little things I know my loved ones would like. It makes for an odd assortment of gifts, but perhaps the list will spark an idea for you.

What interests you?<BR>Some of my greatest "take homes" were postcards that I put into my photoalbum. From Paris, it was watercolors from people on the Seine. You have to decide what interests you the most and then decide what you want. My husband wanted a "pope outfit", which he could have easily gotten, but I talked him out of. Now I wish I didn't. If you want vatican "crap" there is plenty of that.

In Rome we found that the local grocery store was a great place to pick up some items to bring home such as different pasta's, candy, wine or whatever else catches your eye. It's even better when the person you give the pasta or wine to invites you back for dinner to share.

a sexy single roman would work for me...

I found some great ties in Roma. In fact, I bought a tie at Nordstroms for the trip we were on. Paid $80 for it in US. Found the same tie, same lining, in Roma for $35. Bought another one in different colors plus a few more. Still wear em. It was on the street that runs into the Spanish Steps. Great shops, better shoes. Italians know shoes!<BR><BR>Gifts for others? Why?

As far as souvenir shops go, you will find plenty. Particularly good ones were at the Capitoline Museum, Vatican Museum and at the San Callisto Catacombs. Everything from the cheesy to the sublime. I bought a little of everything as I had a long list of folks to buy for. My only requirement was that it be easy to pack to get it home. So I opted for small and/or flat.<BR><BR>Some of my favorites were rosaries from the Vatican Museum shop, little calendars from the Capitoline Museum, and Murano glass crosses from the San Callisto Catacombs. Have fun.

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