tea
Oronero
tea, infusions, a small but well-chosen gift
Piazza de' Pitti 1r, Firenze
20–22 min walk
A shop devoted to tea, on the corner of Piazza Pitti: selected blends, cast-iron teapots, small tastings.
- what to buy
- loose-leaf teas, infusions, small accessories, a light gift that doesn't look bought at the airport
- getting there
- On foot, via the Ponte Vecchio. A car is pointless: historic centre, better on foot or by taxi.
host's note
A must for anyone who wants to take home something good, not yet another fridge magnet.
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books
Todo Modo
books, magazines, clever design
Via dei Fossi 15r, Firenze
18–20 min walkrainy day
An independent bookshop with a café and bistro: over twenty thousand titles, an English section, talks and book launches.
- what to buy
- well-chosen books, notebooks, magazines, small desk objects
- getting there
- On foot, via Santa Maria Novella. No car: limited traffic zone and parking.
host's note
Perfect for anyone who says 'I'm not buying anything' and then leaves with three books and a pen.
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games
Città del Sole
toys, board games, things for serious kids
Via dello Studio 23r, Firenze
8–10 min walkwith kidsrainy day
Toys chosen for what they get children doing, not for the brand: wood, science, building sets, board games for grown-ups too, sorted by age.
- what to buy
- wooden toys, puzzles, board games, books, small gifts for kids or grown-ups who never quite grew up
- getting there
- On foot, behind the Duomo, on the same street as Pegna.
host's note
A real shop, not a souvenir window. You go in to browse and lose half an hour.
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no stereotypes
LìLà Toys
wooden, sustainable toys, for everyone
Via delle Belle Donne 41r, Firenze
15–17 min walkwith kidsrainy day
A toy shop that breaks the mould: no boys' and girls' aisles, lots of wood, materials whose origin is known.
- what to buy
- wooden toys, educational games, gifts for children that don't have to be pink or blue
- getting there
- On foot, towards Santa Maria Novella. No car: historic centre.
host's note
There's also a second shop in the Oltrarno, on Via Maggio: handy if you're already over there.
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market
Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio
food, stalls, neighbourhood shopping
Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti, Firenze
12–15 min walkbudget
The Florentines' neighbourhood market: outdoor stalls and a covered market, real grocery prices.
- best time
- in the morning, not at 5 pm
- what to buy
- fruit, cheese, bread, cured meats, flowers and things for an aperitivo at home
- getting there
- On foot. No car: the centre and the market only get along on foot.
- hours
- mornings, closed on Sundays
host's note
The most genuine choice if someone wants to 'shop like a Florentine' for an evening.
Map
gourmet
Pegna dal 1860
a historic grocer's, a beautiful pantry
Via dello Studio 8, Firenze
8–10 min walk
A historic grocer's a stone's throw from the Duomo: selected food, wines, cheeses and even small household items.
- what to buy
- biscuits, preserves, chocolate, pasta, spices and Italian products that are easy to carry
- getting there
- On foot, from the Duomo. No car: you're right in the centre.
host's note
Historic without being a leather shop. Good for small, elegant, edible gifts.
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shopping centre
I Gigli
a big shopping centre, chains, tech, sneakers
Via San Quirico 165, Campi Bisenzio
rainy day
One of the largest shopping centres in Italy, just outside Florence.
- what to buy
- chains, cosmetics, tech, sneakers, practical things when you really need to go shopping
- getting there
- By car about 25–35 minutes, large car park. By public transport 45–60 minutes with tram and bus.
host's note
It's not poetic, but it's very useful. Recommend it to anyone who forgot half their wardrobe.
MapWebsite
outlet
Barberino Designer Outlet
outlet, a shopping day, brands
Via Antonio Meucci, Barberino di Mugello
An open-air outlet with over 120 shops, in the Mugello.
- what to buy
- clothing, sport, homeware, cosmetics and real discounts if you go with patience
- getting there
- By car about 35–45 minutes on the A1, free parking. Direct shuttle from Santa Maria Novella station, about 30–45 minutes.
host's note
One to do when the mission is to buy, not to wander around the centre.
Map
luxury
The Mall Firenze
luxury, outlet, Leccio
Via Europa 8, Leccio (Reggello)
A luxury-brand outlet in the Valdarno, half an hour from Florence.
- what to buy
- luxury brands, accessories, fashion and pieces to hunt for without hurrying
- getting there
- By car about 40–50 minutes, A1 exit Incisa-Reggello. Direct bus from Piazzale Montelungo, near Santa Maria Novella station.
host's note
The crowd is touristy, the idea isn't: if you're after top brands, it makes sense and it works.
MapWebsite