Tuscany is a coastal town located on Italy's west coast. The town is a popular tourist destination attracting people with its religious and historical centres as well as delicious cuisine and fine wines and its stunning scenery. Mention vineyards of Chianti and Renaissance art and Tuscany will spring to mind.



The Italian people are famous all over the world for their creativity and designing abilities. Many exceptionally fine products are produced here and all over the country are unique designer shops, antiques, art galleries and genuine hand crafted gifts. Many workshops in Tuscany are open to the public where local artisans demonstrating their methods and products. You will see unique and hand crafted items, from fine jewellery hand painted watercolour cards and original paintings to leather shoes and bags. If you are looking for a gift for a special occasion or a special friend, you will find gifts of inspiration and originality.

For the local artists it is important to preserve traditional techniques and tools that have remained unchanged for centuries. Contemporary and traditional designs are available on a variety of striking and genuine gift items.

If you are on a hunt for a wooden sculpture as a centrepiece for your home then Italian woodcarving can provide spectacular pieces. This art form has been performed by local artists since it became popular during the Gothic and Renaissance periods. You can find some beautiful hand carved and painted boxes decorated with traditional Tuscan scenes and floral designs. If you are an admirer of art then choose a reproduction of a famous painting and take a look at the originals hanging in the Uffizzi gallery. Italian hand crafted mirrors are particularly remarkable and will be a charming ornamentation to any home.

The name Ginori is synonymous with excellence and porcelain and the Pecchioli family company produces high quality and elegant pieces using the same techniques. Elegant and precious, the created pieces are a mixture of traditional and the families own distinctive style. Objects are decorated by hand in 24k gold and polychrome colours and include liqueur sets, vases, centrepieces and table lamps. Another famous art form practiced in the region of Tuscany is the making of silver items. Craftsmen design silver products using silver and other valuable metals and stones to design jewellery, bowls and candlesticks that will be a great compliment to any home.

However the quality and variety of Tuscan gifts available can make the decision very easy. You will often have the option of having your gift engraved or inscribed with names and dates, or just a simple message of your choice. Wrought iron can be moulded into almost any shape and popular items using this material are tables and chairs suitable for the garden. The process of forging and moulding an item into shape can be viewed at the Certini families? workshop located in the heart of Tuscany. These original crafted items are suitable for the garden, including a range of garden furniture, and for the home. Everything here is handmade by the family themselves and then decorated by hand. Here you'll find a wide selection of quality items such as lamps, photo frames, candelabras and decorative products.

By using paper and marbling artists create patterns comparable to marble or other stones; it will provide a striking look when used to cover a surface. You will find these patterns cover a range of items for decoration in unusual ways. In Tuscany you are able to find photo albums covered in this material, along with stationary, diaries and books.

Leather shoes are a practical gift to give and made from the highest quality leather. Providing comfort and style, you can chose from leather flip flops to ankle boots and slip-ons.

To find original Tuscan handicrafts, try searching on the internet for quality and originality. These wonderful gift ideas are guaranteed to be a loved gift for that special person.