by Michiel Van Kets

Found on the western coast of Italy is a little region known as Tuscany. The town is well known for its Renaissance art, religion, history and beautiful scenery. Explore towns and monasteries whilst sampling the wine from the vineyards of Chianti. By being one of the most popular destinations in Italy, Tuscany attracts tourists for its superb wines, protected sites and historical centers and of course for its gourmet foods.

Photo by Deror avi/Wikimedia

Italians are well known for designing and creating exceptionally beautiful products, and Tuscany is no exception with one-off designer shops and boutiques, antiques shops, galleries and Tuscan genuine handcrafted gifts. In Tuscany there are many workshops open to the public of local artisans demonstrating their methods and work. Unique and hand crafted items, from fine jewelry and leather shoes and bags, to individually hand painted watercolour cards and original paintings can be found here. If you are looking for a gift for a special occasion or a special friend, you will not have to look for long.

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.

Photo by Ceramicartcaruso/Wikimedia

If seeking a wooden sculpture as a centerpiece for your home then Italian woodcarving has some dramatic pieces including hand carved wooden reproductions. Local artists have continued this art form since it became popular during the Gothic and Renaissance periods, in areas including Pisa and Florence. 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 and contemporary Italian elegance, then choose a reproduction of a famous painting and take a look at the originals hanging in the Uffizzi gallery. Especially remarkable are Italian hand crafted mirrors that would be an attractive attribute to any home.

In Tuscany, the Pecchioli family has been designing and producing beautiful porcelain and glass items by using the same traditional techniques as Ginori himself had created. The family have been designing and producing these unique and delicate items since 1948, using traditional as well as their own unique original ideas. Vases, centerpieces, liqueur sets and table lamps are decorated in 24k gold and polychrome colours applied by hand. Another art form discovered in the region of Tuscany is the creation of silver items. Silversmiths design silver products using silver and other precious metals and stones to design jewelry, bowls, cutlery, and candlesticks that are an accolade to any artisan. It can be a difficult task to choose a suitable gift for a loved one or a member of your family.

Photo by Markus Bernet

However the quality and variety of Tuscan gifts available can make the decision very easy. To make it extra special there is always the option of having it engraved or inscribed with names and dates, or just a simple message. Wrought iron can be molded into almost any shape and popular items using this material are tables and chairs suitable for the garden. The process of forging and molding 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 crafted by the family themselves and then painted by hand. If you are looking for an item for the home, you’ll find an array of quality items such as photo frames, candelabras, lamps and decorative products.

Patterns using paper and marbling can be created to produce an effect similar to marble. The techniques used are ancient and still used today. It can be facilitated for calligraphy, book covers and endpapers in bookbinding and stationary. Each print is individual which makes it an appealing and attractive gift.

For a gift of a more practical nature you can always purchase leather shoes? They will be made by hand, from genuine leather. You will find them both comfortable and stylish and in all kinds of colours and designs. Providing comfort and style, the choices include slip-ons to leather flip flops and ankle boots.

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.

Search online today to discover personalized contemporary and traditional style gifts. There are some superb gift ideas that are certain to be appreciated and valued by the one that you love.

Michiel Van Kets provides article services for Minni Davis who works for Florence in a Box an online company specializing in artwork and handcrafted items from Tuscany. For information on decorative Tuscan gifts and personalized contemporary and traditional style gifts visit the website.