With Christmas approaching soon, I thought it’d be a good idea to create a list of Italy-related gift ideas. I decided to revisit my post on modern Italian cinema, while also adding adding American films that prominently feature Italy. I also have some book recommendations. If you’re looking for some Christmas gift ideas for an Italy-lover in your family, hopefully this will help!
Movies
Yes, I know some people don’t like this movie, but I think Under the Tuscan Sun
captures a lot of what people do like about Italy. The scenes in Tuscany are great, as are the ones on the Amalfi coast. This can definitely get someone in the mood for a trip to Italy.
The Talented Mr. Ripley
is pretty much the opposite of Under the Tuscan Sun, as far as storyline is concerned. This movie has violence and sexuality, so keep that in mind. But the settings are great (Amalfi coast, Rome, Venice, San Remo), and the acting is great (Matt Damon, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Cate Blanchett, Philip Seymour Hoffman).
I covered this film in my Guide to Modern Italian Cinema post, but Cinema Paradiso
is so good that I wanted to mention it here. Seriously, anyone would love this movie. It’s a classic coming-of-age story, but the setting in Sicily gives it something extra.
Books
If you’re looking for a gift idea for someone traveling to Italy soon, then look no further than Rick Steves and his Italy 2011 guidebook
. We used his guidebooks to make it through Italy, France, and Spain this past summer, and I think his books are simply the best available.
Most guidebooks take a generic approach to their audience, but not 100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go
. This is written specifically for women who want to fulfill their Italian travel fantasies, and it would make a great gift for any woman planning on visiting Italy or simply dreaming of Italy.
16, Hello there, I was entertained a great deal by your distinctive subject inside your weblog. In reality, I think about you as certainly one of my favorite blogger because you write articles with heart.