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Everything at Spazio Artigiano is made by hand. Owner Cristina Venezia has a loom set up in the shop where she hand weaves scarves and accessories. And there's an enormous variety of gifts of all kinds to choose from, magnificent shawls, handworked throw pillows, amusing jewelry, fun hats, glass ware, unusual ceramics, traditional handcrafted holiday decorations...
Spazio Artigiano, vicolo dei Serpenti 13, in the Monti district. (from Via Nazionale with Piazza Venezia at your back, turn right towards via dei Serpenti, then immediately turn left onto vicolo dei Serpenti).
tel 06 478 24860

We never miss a holiday season without a stop at Roma Store, in Trastevere, a luxurious shop chock full of rare perfumes, including many Italian labels you won't find elsewhere. We pick up Made-in-Italy fragrances, gift packages, and smaller items, such as soaps, lotions, incense and aromas for the home.

Roma Store
Via della Lungaretta
(Trastevere)
tel 06 581 8789
www.romastoreprofumi.com

Simonetta Zucconi's shop is crowded with delightful gift options, from stocking stuffers to important items, and all the products are 100 percent natural. The shop carries the full line of L'Erbolario products, including shampoos, body lotions, sachets and perfumes, as well as products by Helan, Guam and Locherber. You'll find a wide selection of organic teas, tea cups, cushions with cherry stones inside that can be heated up, aromatic oils, salt lamps and tabletop fountains. Coming soon: Simonetta has personally created a delicious aromatherapy fragrance, "Acqua di Monti," for the 20th anniversary of the shop, using a selection of essential oils from the reaches of the Roman empire. Open from 10 to 8 pm everyday until Christmas.

Le Erbe del Boschetto, via del Boschetto
(Monti, near Via Nazionale)
tel 06 4820816

Bomba is a Concept Store carrying the work of Italian designers, made especially for the shop. Cristina Bomba also stocks her own line of clothing, made in Italy using traditional techniques. On the top floor, an art gallery hosts exhibits, and they offer a tailoring service, so you can order a garment crafted just for you. Look for evening bags like this one, jewelry, scarves, or a unique garment.

Bomba Concept Store
Via del Oca 39
(near Piazza del Popolo)

We found this shop for a friend who loves bow ties, but they make all sorts of neckwear. What could be more luxurious than choosing a wonderful piece of silk and having a tie specially hand made for the man in your life? Ready in about a week. You can also find exquisite ready-made ties, worn by Rome's most elegant men, at €49.

La Cravatta
via di Santa Cecilia 12
(Trastevere)
tel 06 8901 6941
www.cravattasumisura.it

The obvious gift, from the country with the best food in the world, we like to send foods that are not usually exported, especially regional favorites. An easy gift to slip into an envelope or a suitcase is a bag or box of mixed herbs, prepared to season traditional dishes like Pasta alla Putanesca. Be advised that the rules have become stricter when it comes to flying with fresh foods in your bag. Avoid problems by sticking with dried items. And don't forget that liquids need to be packed in checked baggage only.

We've been told on good authority that the best pasta in Italy is made by Bendetto Cavalieri, creating artiginal products since 1918. Once you've tasted them, you're ruined for the ordinary stuff. The production is in Puglia, in Lecce, so imagine our joy when we discovered we could order it online at:
www.deliziando.it
Or send the best pasta directly to friends in the USA at:
www.igourmet.com

GIFTS WITH A HEART

Most of the friends and relatives on our list have more than enough "stuff". So we always spend at least a part of our holiday budget on gifts that help the less fortunate, and in shops where at least some of the receipts go to a worthy cause.

Emergency is an ONLUS organization providing shelter and medical care to civilians caught in war-torn regions. Their Christmas market, selling a wide variety of items is open in Piazza Mastai, Trastevere from December 6 through December 17, 10 am - 8 pm. Or shop online for items such at these candles, which can hung o the tree. www.emergency.it

Most of us are familiar with the UNICEF collection of Christmas cards, but did you know that they offer an entire gift catalogue? Go to www.prodottiunicef.it Or visit the UNICEF store in Via Torino 70 (off Via Nazionale near Piazza della Repubblica)

GIFTS UNDER €30

Pupa, which means doll, is an Italian makeup line specializing in kits packaged in whimsical ways. We picked up this little compact, a complete set of eyeshadows, lipstick and blush, available in three color palates. Fun for any female, at about €26. Find them at Beauty Point stores.
Piazza di Spagna, 12
Via Barberini, 10/12
Via Belsiana, 67
Via del Corso, 312/313/314
Via della Croce, 23
Via Nazionale, 50

Remember Elio Fiorucci, the ecletic designer who made a splash with rollicking superstores in Rome and Milano in the early 1990s? He now has a new label, Baby Angel, and mini-boutiques within Oviesse stores. We loved these super soft suede gloves lined in wool pile for only €24, 90
Viale Trastevere 62
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele 108/112
Via Appia Nuova 181/183/185
Corso Francia 124
Corso Trieste 200/226
P.le della Radio 74

It's easy to make a foamy cappuccino at home with this nifty little gadget. Just pour milk into the beaker, pump on the handle, and top your coffee with a creamy froth. €26 at Bodum stores.

Bodum in Rome
Trastevere:
Via di San Francesco a Ripa, 141
Historic Center:
Via di Campo Marzio 46 a

Send a little bit of Italy back home with a few clicks of the keyboard.
"Italian Rustic," Rome resident Elizabeth Minchilli's latest book, gives you ideas for redoing your own house in the Italian rustic style, with chapters devoted to wood beamed ceilings, frescoed walls, terra cota tiles, garden pergolas. Written with her architect husband, Domenico Minchilli, with 300 photographs by Simon McBride.
www.amazon.com

In Joie Davidow's wise and funny novel "I Wouldn't Leave Rome to Go to Heaven" three single women, all expatriates living in Rome, face middle age: Margaret walked out on her husband as soon as her son was old enough to leave home, and she's never regretted it. Katja, a former model, still believes that Mr. Right will come along. Francesca wants to slink into a cozy old age alone, but the dark-eyed men of Rome are impossible to ignore.
www.amazon.com

Ari's Nails
Via Del Sudario, 39
(near Largo Argentina)
email: Arinails@yahoo.com
tel 06 682 12190

English speakers in Rome flock to the Noi salon run by two former Californians. The atmosphere is completely relaxed and the results are great. They offer cuts, color, a whole new look if you want one.

Their gift certificates in pretty envelopes are perfect for the man or woman who doesn't want any more "stuff," can't fit another thing in the suitcase, or just needs a lift.

Noi Salon
Piazza del Popolo 3
tel 06 3600 6284
www.noisalon.com

			HOME + WEATHER + FOOD & DRINK + SHOPPING + ARTS & CULTURE + MOVIES +FUN + SERVICES + BEAUTY + HEALTH & FITNESS + KIDS + SURVIVAL GUIDE + BLOG +HOTELS & LODGING + EXCHANGE RATES + WEEKEND GETAWAYS + LANGUAGE SCHOOLS + ABOUT US + INTERACTIVE ROME MAP
+ Rare Finds + Food Gifts + Gifts with a Heart +Gifts under €30 + Gifts of Pampering	IN ROME NOW	+ Rare Finds + Food Gifts + Gifts with a Heart +Gifts under €30 + Gifts of Pampering
	RARE FINDS
	Everything at Spazio Artigiano is made by hand. Owner Cristina Venezia has a loom set up in the shop where she hand weaves scarves and accessories. And there's an enormous variety of gifts of all kinds to choose from, magnificent shawls, handworked throw pillows, amusing jewelry, fun hats, glass ware, unusual ceramics, traditional handcrafted holiday decorations... Spazio Artigiano, vicolo dei Serpenti 13, in the Monti district. (from Via Nazionale with Piazza Venezia at your back, turn right towards via dei Serpenti, then immediately turn left onto vicolo dei Serpenti). tel 06 478 24860
	We never miss a holiday season without a stop at Roma Store, in Trastevere, a luxurious shop chock full of rare perfumes, including many Italian labels you won't find elsewhere. We pick up Made-in-Italy fragrances, gift packages, and smaller items, such as soaps, lotions, incense and aromas for the home. Roma Store Via della Lungaretta (Trastevere) tel 06 581 8789 www.romastoreprofumi.com
	We love exploring Trastevere's ancient shopping streets. The Via della Scala is lined with interesting little boutiques, and among our favorites, Milledonne stocks contemporary lines from both Italy and Spain. The store is a wonderful riot of pattern and color, from artistic t-shirts to dresses, handbags, jackets and accessories. Pick up a special item for a special friend, or splurge and by yourself this amazing patchwork coat. Milledonne Via della Scala 65 (Trastevere) tel 06 58 33 5703
	Simonetta Zucconi's shop is crowded with delightful gift options, from stocking stuffers to important items, and all the products are 100 percent natural. The shop carries the full line of L'Erbolario products, including shampoos, body lotions, sachets and perfumes, as well as products by Helan, Guam and Locherber. You'll find a wide selection of organic teas, tea cups, cushions with cherry stones inside that can be heated up, aromatic oils, salt lamps and tabletop fountains. Coming soon: Simonetta has personally created a delicious aromatherapy fragrance, "Acqua di Monti," for the 20th anniversary of the shop, using a selection of essential oils from the reaches of the Roman empire. Open from 10 to 8 pm everyday until Christmas. Le Erbe del Boschetto, via del Boschetto (Monti, near Via Nazionale) tel 06 4820816
Bomba is a Concept Store carrying the work of Italian designers, made especially for the shop. Cristina Bomba also stocks her own line of clothing, made in Italy using traditional techniques. On the top floor, an art gallery hosts exhibits, and they offer a tailoring service, so you can order a garment crafted just for you. Look for evening bags like this one, jewelry, scarves, or a unique garment.		Bomba Concept Store Via del Oca 39 (near Piazza del Popolo)
	We found this shop for a friend who loves bow ties, but they make all sorts of neckwear. What could be more luxurious than choosing a wonderful piece of silk and having a tie specially hand made for the man in your life? Ready in about a week. You can also find exquisite ready-made ties, worn by Rome's most elegant men, at €49.	La Cravatta via di Santa Cecilia 12 (Trastevere) tel 06 8901 6941 www.cravattasumisura.it
	GIFTS YOU CAN EAT
Where to buy regional Italian food gifts: Spanish Steps: La Peonia Cosa di Sardegna Via delle Carrozze 85 Monti: Delizie di Calabria via dei Serpenti 20A They will deliver gift baskets throughout Rome. Prati: Franchi Via Cola di Rienzo 200	The obvious gift, from the country with the best food in the world, we like to send foods that are not usually exported, especially regional favorites. An easy gift to slip into an envelope or a suitcase is a bag or box of mixed herbs, prepared to season traditional dishes like Pasta alla Putanesca. Be advised that the rules have become stricter when it comes to flying with fresh foods in your bag. Avoid problems by sticking with dried items. And don't forget that liquids need to be packed in checked baggage only.	Trastevere: Innocenzi, Piazza San Cosimato, corner of Via Natale del Grande Salaria: Specialità d'Abruzzo via Tagliamento 72 Pantheon: Enoteca di Sardegna via della Pigna 3a Testaccio: Emilio Volpetti Via Marmorato 4	Via della Scala 34 (Trastevere) tel 06 583 33868 Open Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day
If you ask us, the chocolates at Moriondo & Gariglio are the best in Rome, if not the world, hand-crafted by the firm that served the King of Italy, they come in festive red boxes. They are not cheap, but they're worth it. Pick up a small box for a hostess gift, a large one for that significant other in your life. Near the Pantheon at via dei Piè di Marmo 21		More great chocolate shops in Rome: Trastevere: Dolce Idea, via San Francesco a Ripa 7 Valzani, via del Moro Navona: Chocolat Via di Dogano Vecchio 12 Spanish Steps: Quetzalcoatl via delle Carrozze 26
Those of us with friends and family in the USA find it difficult to send gifts, especially gifts of food. So we make it easy for ourselves by doing it all online. www.gustiamo.com imports quantities of the best in Italy to their warehouse in New Jersey, then ships it out directly across America. We like to keep our friends supplied with extra-virgin first- pressed Italian olive oil.	We've been told on good authority that the best pasta in Italy is made by Bendetto Cavalieri, creating artiginal products since 1918. Once you've tasted them, you're ruined for the ordinary stuff. The production is in Puglia, in Lecce, so imagine our joy when we discovered we could order it online at: www.deliziando.it Or send the best pasta directly to friends in the USA at: www.igourmet.com
	GIFTS WITH A HEART
Our family has a tradition of choosing an farm animal to donate to a family in need each year. The gift of a goat, only €30 can mean the difference between a comfortable life and starvation. www.savethechildren.it www.savethechildren.org tel 06.48.07.00.34	Most of the friends and relatives on our list have more than enough "stuff". So we always spend at least a part of our holiday budget on gifts that help the less fortunate, and in shops where at least some of the receipts go to a worthy cause.	Emergency is an ONLUS organization providing shelter and medical care to civilians caught in war-torn regions. Their Christmas market, selling a wide variety of items is open in Piazza Mastai, Trastevere from December 6 through December 17, 10 am - 8 pm. Or shop online for items such at these candles, which can hung o the tree. www.emergency.it
Most of us are familiar with the UNICEF collection of Christmas cards, but did you know that they offer an entire gift catalogue? Go to www.prodottiunicef.it Or visit the UNICEF store in Via Torino 70 (off Via Nazionale near Piazza della Repubblica)	We can't think of a worthier charity than Doctors without Borders, an international organization of medical professionals who put their lives at risk to bring help to those who need it most. In Italy, the Medici senza Frontiere offer a selection of holiday gifts, including t-shirts. www.medicisenzafrontiere.it	Commercio Equo promotes products, produced with fair employment practices. We're supporting them this Christmas by shopping their catalogue, full of products from Bangladesh, Ecuador, the Congo, Mexico, like these silver earrings from Indonesia? About €35. Shop online or visit one of their Rome stores for a better selection. www.commercioequo.org via Reno, 2d (Corso Trieste) via Arezzo, 16 (Piazza Bologna) via Cinigiano, 75/77 (Prati Fiscali) via Tripolitania, 78 (Viale Libia)
	GIFTS UNDER €30
Pupa, which means doll, is an Italian makeup line specializing in kits packaged in whimsical ways. We picked up this little compact, a complete set of eyeshadows, lipstick and blush, available in three color palates. Fun for any female, at about €26. Find them at Beauty Point stores. Piazza di Spagna, 12 Via Barberini, 10/12 Via Belsiana, 67 Via del Corso, 312/313/314 Via della Croce, 23 Via Nazionale, 50	Remember Elio Fiorucci, the ecletic designer who made a splash with rollicking superstores in Rome and Milano in the early 1990s? He now has a new label, Baby Angel, and mini-boutiques within Oviesse stores. We loved these super soft suede gloves lined in wool pile for only €24, 90 Viale Trastevere 62 Piazza Vittorio Emanuele 108/112 Via Appia Nuova 181/183/185 Corso Francia 124 Corso Trieste 200/226 P.le della Radio 74	It's easy to make a foamy cappuccino at home with this nifty little gadget. Just pour milk into the beaker, pump on the handle, and top your coffee with a creamy froth. €26 at Bodum stores. Bodum in Rome Trastevere: Via di San Francesco a Ripa, 141 Historic Center: Via di Campo Marzio 46 a
	Send a little bit of Italy back home with a few clicks of the keyboard. "Italian Rustic," Rome resident Elizabeth Minchilli's latest book, gives you ideas for redoing your own house in the Italian rustic style, with chapters devoted to wood beamed ceilings, frescoed walls, terra cota tiles, garden pergolas. Written with her architect husband, Domenico Minchilli, with 300 photographs by Simon McBride. www.amazon.com In Joie Davidow's wise and funny novel "I Wouldn't Leave Rome to Go to Heaven" three single women, all expatriates living in Rome, face middle age: Margaret walked out on her husband as soon as her son was old enough to leave home, and she's never regretted it. Katja, a former model, still believes that Mr. Right will come along. Francesca wants to slink into a cozy old age alone, but the dark-eyed men of Rome are impossible to ignore. www.amazon.com
	GIFTS OF PAMPERING
	A friend recently told us that it was almost worth a trip to Rome just to get her nails done at Ari's. Owner Stephanie is a Miami transplant. She uses the best products and she knows what she's doing. Her pedicure chair is a relaxation in itself. Sink in for a full body massage while your feet are being pampered. In addition to manicures and pedicures, she features massage, waxing and other services. Purchase a gift certificate for a manicure/pedicure, and check out the gift baskets. They're a great way to present a gift certificate tucked inside.	Ari's Nails Via Del Sudario, 39 (near Largo Argentina) email: Arinails@yahoo.com tel 06 682 12190
English speakers in Rome flock to the Noi salon run by two former Californians. The atmosphere is completely relaxed and the results are great. They offer cuts, color, a whole new look if you want one. Their gift certificates in pretty envelopes are perfect for the man or woman who doesn't want any more "stuff," can't fit another thing in the suitcase, or just needs a lift.		Noi Salon Piazza del Popolo 3 tel 06 3600 6284 www.noisalon.com