I have a Husband who is a bit of a scrooge! He’s not THAT into Christmas although he enjoys the eating part!

He comes from a family not big on gifts, and Italians I find are much less commercial than the UK when it comes to this celebration. Italian Christmas traditions are much more about family and Italian food than gifts.

However my family are the opposite and there’s no getting away from the feeling that IT’S CHRISTMAS! I want to enjoy finding him some lovely things. The children like to give as well as receive so we need some balance.

There are also lots of men who don’t like the fuss and prefer one or two quality items that hold some meaning or a practical gift which they can use. No one really wants more socks!

If the man in your life is a bit like this! Here’s a little guide to some Italian inspired gifts and other great quality items to get them in the festive mood!

1. Attavanti Silk Ties

Italian online store Attavanti are well known for sourcing beautiful handbags and other accessories. You can now also choose a stunning Italian Silk Tie from their collection. These come directly from Como, a city famous for its silk production.

I love that they are big believers in the ‘Made in Italy’ brand and make sure that their products are all produced there from start to finish. It is a true lake Como inspired gift! These ties would make the perfect gift for those who love a quality item that can trace it’s provenance back to Italy and artisan producers. It can also be a great gift for an Italian teacher.

2. Escape Weekend Bag

These amazing bags are made by Forest Bound but I first discovered them on Instagram at the brilliant account Mandrawer! If you don’t already follow them go and take a look. They have a wonderful selection of cool, modern gifts. I’ve been lusting over these weekend bags for months and would actually like one for myself not just the other half! It’s the perfect gift idea for trips to Italy! And it gives him a reason to plan your next weekend travel to Italy!

3. Sporting artwork!

Do you have a cycling enthusiast at home?

I recently discovered Hommage au Vélo, an ethical brand devoted to providing cyclists with exceptional quality sports clothing all while donating 10% of their profits to World Bicycle Relief.

They have now launched a stunning selection of artwork featuring the leading actors of the Grand Tours such as the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France. They take the central characters of cycling history, and interpret them and their machines. This is a good gift if you want to surprise him; it is a rather unusual Italian gift!

Here you can see the famous Italian Marco Pantani, known as ‘il Pirata’ the pirate! Along with his bicycle ‘Bianchi’ which was the machine used to win the 1998 Tour de France!

Prints are available framed or unframed and can also be custom printed to any size you desire if you have a specific space to fill on your wall. The ultimate gift idea for any men with a love of sport!

Email: sales@hommageauvelo.com with any questions and they will be happy to help!

4. TOAD Designer Notebooks

TOAD create the most incredible custom diaries and notebooks. If you need training diaries, appointments, music composition journals.

If you just want a diary that starts NOW and not on January 1st? Or maybe you’d like to be able to decide if you have a week to view, a page per view, academic, fiscal, monthly. The options are literally endless!

You can also choose your cover; wire bound, flexible, hardback. City views, patterned or plain. Personalised with colours, titles, aspirational quotes or monogrammed. It’s impossible not to find the perfect diary for your man here! He will love managing his week with this diary!

5. MINT On Demand Gift Certificates

Would your man love to have certain grooming or wellbeing treatments but never has the time? Or does he dislike the idea of having to find the right place?

MINT is a new on demand grooming service exclusively for men. It operates 7 days a week (6am till 11pm) and allow users to book services directly to their home, office or hotel in London.

Treatments include haircuts, shaves, facials, massages, waxing, threading, manicures/pedicures and even makeup. All MINT professionals are qualified, experienced, insured and DBS checked.

To find the app look in the app store for: MINT On Demand Grooming. You can buy general gift card or choose a specific treatment for your man. MINT gift cards are also great for Italian secret Santa gift.

Order a GIFT CERTIFICATE here.

6. Italian Slogan T-Shirts

Here at Mammaprada we’ve recently set up our own SHOP selling Italian Slogan Tees for the whole family! These are Italian themed gifts.

Great slogans for men are:

Orso - Bear
Lupo - Wolf
Andiamo - Let’s go!

We also have family inspired t-shirts:

Nonno - Grandpa
Papa’ - Dad
Zio - Uncle

However we can actually create anything you’d like! So a nickname, a festive word, a different language; including English! Just get in touch!

So far our most popular orders are those where people have completely personalised their clothing and receive just what they would like.

There is no extra charge for personalisation. Email me your ideas and I will send you a mock-up to view. Ask! mammapradasales@gmail.com

7. Giant Pizza Lilo!

Every Italy lover needs one of these surely! The perfect amusing gift to add a little element of surprise. And… it has cup holders! Maybe the perfect Italian gift on amazon? Lost for words…