When someone you love is heading to Italy, it’s hard not to feel a little excited (and maybe just a tiny bit jealous). Whether it’s for a dream vacation, a study abroad trip, or a big life adventure, you probably want to send them off with something thoughtful — something that’s useful, meaningful, or just makes their journey even more special.
But finding the right gift can be tricky. Do you go practical? Sentimental? A little bit of both? Don’t worry — we’ve put together a list of great gift ideas for someone traveling to Italy, from must-have travel essentials to fun little touches that’ll make their Italian adventure even better.
Gifts for Someone Traveling to Italy
1. Travel Journal
Every trip to Italy is filled with stories — the sights, the flavors, the little unexpected moments you never want to forget. A beautiful travel journal is the perfect way to help your traveler capture it all. Whether it’s a quick note, a funny memory, or the start of something bigger, like a future travel blog or book, this gift makes space for every adventure to live on.
2. Italy Travel Guidebook
Whether it’s their first trip to Italy or their tenth, a good travel guidebook is a total game-changer. It’s packed with insider tips, must-see spots, and a little bit of history to help them truly appreciate what they’re seeing. It’s a thoughtful way to help your traveler plan, explore, and get even more excited about the adventure ahead.
3. Streetwise Rome Map
Sure, Google Maps is great — until you’re trying to save data or your signal drops in the middle of Rome. That’s where the Streetwise Rome map comes in. It’s easy to read, packed with helpful details, and it’s laminated (so no worries about a little rain or a wine spill). It’s the perfect backup for navigating the city with confidence, and honestly, there’s something special about holding a real map in your hands while exploring.
4. Italian Phrasebook
One of the best ways to truly experience Italy is to connect with the locals — and a good Italian phrasebook can make all the difference. It’s a simple, thoughtful gift that helps your traveler pick up useful phrases, ask for directions, order the best gelato, and feel just a little more at home while they’re exploring.
5. Italy Food Tours
If there’s one thing you have to experience in Italy, it’s the food. Gifting an Italy food tour is a delicious way to help your traveler dive into the local flavors, from fresh pasta to gelato to regional wines. It’s not just a meal — it’s a memory, a story, and a chance to taste Italy the way it’s meant to be enjoyed.
6. Passport Holder
Traveling feels just a little easier when everything is in its place. A sleek, comfortable passport holder helps keep their most important travel document safe and easy to grab — plus, it adds a nice touch of style. It’s a simple, thoughtful gift they’ll appreciate every step of the journey.
7. Portable Language Translator
Getting stuck in a conversation where you just can’t find the right words can be frustrating — especially in a foreign country. A portable language translator is a total game-changer. It helps your traveler communicate quickly and confidently, making everything from ordering food to asking for directions so much easier. It’s a super thoughtful gift that can save them from some seriously awkward moments.
8. Italian Cooking Class
What better way to experience Italy than by learning to cook like the locals? An Italian cooking class is a fun, hands-on gift that lets your traveler dive into the heart of Italian culture — whether they’re making fresh pasta in Rome or perfecting a classic sauce. It’s not just a class, it’s an unforgettable memory (and they’ll probably come home ready to show off their new skills, too).
9. Handy Camera
Sure, phone cameras are great — but nothing beats the quality and feel of a real camera when you’re capturing the magic of Italy. A lightweight, travel-friendly camera is perfect for snapping stunning photos without feeling like you’re lugging around a brick. It’s a thoughtful gift for someone who wants to truly savor the moment, frame the shot, and come home with memories they can treasure forever.
10. Incredible Airplane Reads
A long flight is the perfect time to dive into a good book — and what’s better than stories that bring Italy’s rich history to life? Books like Brunelleschi’s Dome, Michelangelo and the Pope’s Ceiling, and Leonardo and the Last Supper are packed with fascinating tales tied to some of Italy’s most iconic cities. It’s the perfect gift to keep your traveler entertained on the plane and inspired for all the adventures waiting on the ground.
11. Italian Wine
Why wait until they land in Italy to start savoring the experience? Gifting a bottle of Italian wine — whether it’s a smooth Chianti, a bold Barolo, or a sparkling Prosecco — is a perfect way to give them a little taste of what’s to come. It’s a thoughtful pre-trip treat that lets them start their Italian adventure one sip at a time.