🎁 What’s a Good Gift to Bring Back from Venice? The Local’s Guide to Authentic Souvenirs
Venice isn’t the kind of city you forget. It stays with you — in your heart, in your camera roll, and, if you choose wisely, in your suitcase. This is a place where art, history, and beauty literally float through the air. And when your trip comes to an end, it’s only natural to want to bring a piece of that magic home.
But let’s be honest — between the souvenir stalls by the Rialto Bridge and the glittering windows of artisan studios, it’s easy to get lost. What’s authentic? What’s just imported plastic? And which Venetian gifts actually carry meaning (and make it through airport security)?
In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through the best souvenirs to buy in Venice, where to find them, how to spot genuine craftsmanship, and which local artisans still carry on centuries-old traditions. Think of this as your insider shopping list — curated by locals who know La Serenissima inside and out.
💎 1. Murano Glass — A Shimmering Venetian Legacy
Let’s start with the icon. Murano glass is more than a souvenir — it’s living history. For over 700 years, the glassblowers of Murano have transformed sand and fire into shimmering beauty, creating everything from delicate jewelry to elaborate chandeliers.
Today, you’ll find authentic glassmakers still using the same furnaces their ancestors did — each piece shaped by hand, never mass-produced. Whether you buy a colorful pendant, a set of elegant tumblers, or a custom sculpture, you’re taking home a piece of Venice’s most luminous art form.
Pro Tip: Beware of cheap fakes. Look for the official Vetro Artistico® Murano trademark and ask for a certificate of authenticity.
Where to Buy: The best way to experience Murano glass is to visit the island itself and meet the artisans in person. You can even join a Murano glass workshop or try your hand at creating your own glass bead with our hands-on lampworking experience.
🪡 2. Burano Lace — A Thread of Elegance
Hop over to colorful Burano Island and you’ll discover another timeless craft: lace-making. Burano lace dates back to the 15th century and is still created entirely by hand — stitch by stitch — by patient, skilled women who keep this delicate art alive.
Authentic Burano lace makes a beautiful and meaningful gift. From handkerchiefs and table runners to framed artworks, every piece is a small masterpiece.
Pro Tip: Handmade lace is expensive for a reason — it takes days or even weeks to create. Machine-made versions are cheaper and faster but lack the soul (and quality) of the real thing.
Where to Buy: Visit the Museo del Merletto (Lace Museum) on Burano and browse shops where you can actually see artisans working. Look for signs that say “Merletto di Burano fatto a mano.”
🎭 3. Venetian Masks — The Spirit of the City
Few objects capture Venice’s mystery like the Venetian mask. Originally used during Carnival to allow citizens to mingle without revealing their identity, masks became symbols of freedom, anonymity, and artistry.
Today, authentic mask makers (mascareri) still handcraft masks from papier-mâché, gold leaf, and paint — turning them into wearable art or collectible decor. Each mask tells a story, from the mischievous Arlecchino to the elegant Colombina.
Pro Tip: Skip plastic “made in China” masks. Buy from an authentic workshop like our Venetian mask workshop, where you can design and decorate your own creation under a real artisan’s guidance.
📜 4. Marbled Paper — Swirls of Venetian History
If you love stationery, marbled paper is your hidden gem. This centuries-old Venetian craft involves floating pigments on water and swirling them into hypnotic patterns — each sheet unique and impossible to replicate.
Used for journals, notebooks, book covers, and even framed art, marbled paper makes an elegant, affordable souvenir that’s light to pack and rich in history.
Pro Tip: Visit an authentic artisan studio where marbling is still done by hand. You can even learn the process yourself in our traditional marbled paper workshop.
👒 5. Gondolier Hats and Striped Shirts — Playful Venetian Style
Venetian gondoliers are icons of the city — with their straw boater hats, striped shirts, and confident smiles. Bringing home a gondolier outfit is a fun, lighthearted way to remember your time on the canals (and a guaranteed conversation starter).
Pro Tip: Look for items labeled “Made in Italy.” High-quality cotton shirts last longer and feel far better than polyester knock-offs.
Where to Buy: Shops near Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square carry them, but for better quality, explore boutiques in Dorsoduro or Cannaregio — or buy one after your private gondola ride for the full experience.
🎨 6. Art Prints and Watercolors — Venice on Canvas
Venice is an artist’s dream. Around every corner, you’ll find painters capturing reflections on the water or the glow of sunset over domes. Buying a watercolor or sketch from a local artist is one of the most authentic and personal souvenirs you can take home.
Pro Tip: Talk to the artist — many will personalize the piece or even paint a scene from your favorite spot in Venice while you watch.
Where to Buy: Along the Riva degli Schiavoni, near the Accademia Bridge, or in small galleries throughout Dorsoduro and Castello. Combine your art hunt with our off-the-beaten-path walking tour to discover hidden creative corners.
🍷 7. Venetian Flavors — Tastes of La Serenissima
When in doubt, bring home edible memories. Venice and the Veneto region are full of delicious gifts: crisp Baicoli biscuits, Venetian polenta flour, artisanal chocolates, or a bottle of Prosecco from the hills north of Treviso. And yes — a ready-made Bellini mix (white peach puree and Prosecco) is always a hit back home.
Pro Tip: Buy vacuum-sealed packages or sturdy bottles if you’re flying. Check your country’s import limits for alcohol and food.
Where to Buy: Historic shops like Drogheria Mascari near Rialto, or visit local wine bars on our Cicchetti & Wine Tour for insider foodie picks.
👜 8. Handmade Leather Goods — Italian Craftsmanship, Venetian Style
Venice might not rival Florence in sheer volume, but it has its share of excellent leather artisans. You’ll find bespoke belts, bags, and wallets handmade in small workshops, often using centuries-old techniques.
Pro Tip: Real leather smells natural, not chemical. Always ask if the product is made locally, and avoid suspiciously cheap “designer” labels.
Where to Buy: Boutiques like Il Grifone or Il Graffio in the San Polo and Dorsoduro areas specialize in quality, locally made items.
💍 9. Venetian Jewelry — Wearable Memories
From shimmering Murano beads to fine gold filigree, Venetian jewelry is both elegant and symbolic. Many designs draw inspiration from the lagoon, the city’s mosaics, or its romantic history.
Pro Tip: For glass jewelry, buy directly from Murano workshops. For gold or gemstone pieces, choose certified boutiques and request an authenticity guarantee.
Where to Buy: Nardi in Piazza San Marco is a classic, but you’ll also find wonderful artisan jewelers near Campo Santo Stefano — or even design your own at our Venetian jewelry workshop.
🕊️ Final Tips for Authentic Venetian Shopping
- 👐 Support local artisans whenever possible. Every purchase from a real craftsperson helps keep Venice’s culture alive.
- 🚫 Be wary of “Made in China” souvenirs — authenticity always costs a little more, but it lasts forever.
- 📜 Ask for certificates for glass, lace, and jewelry.
- ✈️ If buying fragile items, pack them carefully — or let the shop ship them home for you.
💫 Conclusion: The Best Souvenirs from Venice Carry a Story
At the end of the day, the best Venetian gifts aren’t just beautiful — they’re meaningful. Maybe it’s a glass pendant that catches the light just like the lagoon did, a hand-painted mask that recalls Carnival nights, or a marbled notebook where you’ll jot down memories of getting lost in Venice’s alleys.
When you shop thoughtfully and choose authentic pieces, you’re not just buying souvenirs — you’re preserving the spirit of Venice itself.
Ready to meet the artisans behind these treasures? Join us for one of our Venetian hands-on workshops — from glassmaking to marbled paper — and create a piece of Venice you’ll treasure forever.
