5 Souvenirs from Milan!

It's Christmas time or time to go home after Erasmus, so, it is normal that the demand for souvenirs to take for the family and friends increases. It is not always easy to choose, have creative ideas and stay within the budget, especially in a city that is a capital of fashion. I came across this question here a few days back before going back to Lisbon for Christmas. Here are some ideas I had - some of them I put into practice, others not - and they all seem good solutions to me on this subject.

Attention: I am not a big fan of bauble, so, I will not suggest cheap and common souvenirs that are useless for those who receive them and then they all just get dusty. On the opposite, I recommend things that can require some 'post-production' but I am sure that they will make the eyes of those who receive them shine and will represent in a good way the magic of the city of Milan.

So, here come 5 ideas:

1 – Panettone

This is the most obvious one! Panettone is a traditional cake from Milan at this time of the year. However, it is also produced during the whole year and it will not be difficult to find it in any bakery even if in August. Panettone is a dry cake with nuts inside - it reminds me a bit of a 'Bolo Rei' - but, if of good quality, can be really delicious and it might be difficult to stop eating.

Now by this time of the year, it is very easy to find cheap options in the supermarket. To opt, opt for brands whose quality is already known, such as Motta, Baci and similar. It is a gift that is cheap and can be for the whole family. Usually, they already come in nice packages and there's no need to wrap it. There are also small versions, much more portable, for travellers with reduced luggage. I also know that at some airports there is panettone for sale and if it is bought inside the airport, it does not count as extra luggage and can be carried free along with the carry-on luggage.

2 – Postcards

Maybe this idea is one of the cheapest ones that I will suggest but it doesn't mean that it is less beautiful and nice for those who receive it. Requires only some organising for those who come near the Christmas Eve, so it is necessary to send it in advance.

It is enough to go to the city center and look for the most beautiful and cheap postcards. Then, all you have to do is to write some nice message and customize to your liking. You need to send it with about a week, a week and a half in advance, to guarantee its arrival. The choice is extremely diverse and is advisable a visit to the different souvenir shops in the city to find the best photographs. For the most gifted in capturing good times, original photos can also be a good choice and it is easy to print them out on a photo paper at any computer shop in the city.

3 - Risotto Rice

This is an idea for a DIY gift. Ideal for the whole family! In Milan, the Risotto of Saffron is a traditional dish and, therefore you just need to practice to control the recipe and then offer delicious dinner. This is a cheap gift, that does not require great planning: just buy the rice, bring it in a bag and cook it upon your arrival.

For those who have a special person, this can also be a really good idea for a romantic dinner, a gift in form of an experience. Great way to bring some of the best Italian gastronomy to our best people! Do not forget to use a good saffron and in generous amounts, of course.

This idea also extends to another whole series of Milanese recipes that can be a great option and a great way to share the Italian culture with those who are closest to us. Another idea is, for example, Cotoletta alla Milanese, which is also not very difficult to reproduce and equally tasty.

4 - One piece of luxury

This is the most expensive idea, but ideal for that fashionista friend or for those who are very dear to us and we know them to be lovers of fashion. Prada, Gucci and similar, it's worth everything as long as you keep a budget. After all, Milan is one of the four world capitals of fashion and the two weeks of Fashion bring importance and excitement to the city.

For those who like the idea but do not have a very large budget, why not try some second hand options. Some stores sell these iconic brands for a much more affordable and acceptable price and for the budget of ordinary people. For that, the vintage shops on the sides of Navigli are recommended, where you can find original pieces and different prices for 30, 40 or 50 €.

5 - Travel Guide

Milan is the capital of Lombardy, but there is much more to see in this region. Bergamo, Pavia, Mantua and the lake area, for example. A good travel guide with lots of suggestions can bring a future visit or a beautiful trip.

Travels or travel suggestions are always a complete gift, an enriching experience to offer. For the most creative ones, it is also possible to make our own travel guide in order to suggest in a more personal way the places that we liked during the semester and that we would like our loved ones also to visit.