I restrained myself from buying too much in Sicily (some wine, olive oil, a mosaic souvenir from Monreale, a Christmas ornament and 2 small watercolors), as I knew my favorite shopping city in the world was still to come.

I did go back to my favorite Rampini ceramic shop but they didn’t have the patterns I was looking for. It is mostly a showroom for custom orders, so if you’re looking for something in particular, it may be wise to call ahead. However, I did manage not to leave empty handed!

This trip I was impressed with Florentia Arte in Cermica shop on Via dell’ariento, 81r, near the Central Market. I found beautiful olive dishes for 15E that will make nice Christmas gifts. I will add this store to my Florence shopping notes.

The gold prices on the Ponte Vecchio were astronomical this year. I did find a more reasonable necklace for my daughter at Cellini’s just before the Ponte Vecchio.

Scarves and Pashminas continue to be a bargain at the Central market stalls, as does stationery.

The Madova glove shop is always worth a stop, good quality, fairly reasonable prices.

Watercolors from my favorite street artist Hiko Nagahama, the Japenese artist who displays his work near the Pitti Palace. When I told him I have 2 of his prints at home, he gave me a discount and his card. I really do have more space on the walls in my office!

I managed to get all the fragile items in my carry on which never ceases to amaze me but where there’s a will there’s a way! Most importantly, now that I’m home I am so happy with my purchases. Each and every one brings back the lovely experiences and memories of Italy which is exactly what I had in mind when I bought them.