What should I get from Italy? (crossposted on the other SF)

[truestorytravis]

My parents are going to Italy for a couple of weeks and I want them to bring me something nice. I don't want to impose on them, so I'll limit the item cost to around $100US. Are there any uniquely Italian items that you can suggest or something they do better than anyone else? Non-clothing items are valid options.

 

[EL72]

Originally Posted by truestorytravis

Are there any uniquely Italian items that you can suggest or something they do better than anyone else? Non-clothing items are valid options.

Though I doubt $100 will cut it, I would pick this very unique, non-clothed Italian: http://www.federicafontana.it/home.html

 

[texas_jack]

Sophia Loren

edit
or sopressata, which every you'd prefer. Keep in mind one of them is illegal to be brought into the country.

 

[tiger02]

Put that $100 towards a plane ticket for the trip you're going to take out there instead.

 

[dkzzzz]

Great chess boards with stone or metal figures. Sold at open markets (Florence).

 

[Tibo]

Get a couple of ties or a shirt and a tie from Boggi
or a tie from Marinella
or Federica's used thong you'll be able to buy for 100 USD

 

[grimslade]

If they're in Florence, they can pick up about 4 self-tipped, keepered ties from Ateseta for 20 euros each. they're terrific value imho.

 

[summej2]

Go out to a one or more of the Michelin Red Guide "Bib" rated restaurants. You won't have something to bring back, but that's where I'd put my $100.

Of course, you could do as one colleague of mine does and bring back the bill to use when describing the meals he ate to a drooling audience...not a tactic I recommend.