Are you looking for the best Rome gifts for the Eternal City Aficionado in your life? Or are you that aficionado yourself, and are you looking for authentic souvenirs from Rome to bring home for you? Don’t worry, we won’t judge, we’ve been there too😉.
And that’s why you came to the right place. We’ve scoured the cobbled streets and hidden alleys to uncover the quirkiest, jaw-dropping, and downright amazing Rome souvenirs and gifts and souvenirs you don’t want to miss. From gifts for history buffs obsessed with the Roman Empire to home decor ideas, there is something for every Rome enthusiast on this list.
So, grab your gelato, and let’s dive into Rome’s souvenir wonderland!
Are you short on time? Check out the editor’s top three Rome souvenirs and gifts by budget.
- Large budget: 3D colosseum puzzle (#1)
- Mid budget: Fall of the Empire board game (#10)
- Small budget: Vintage travel poster (#19)
Save these Rome souvenirs
Don’t forget to save these gifts and souvenirs from Rome on Pinterest!
Rome gifts for large budgets
#1 Colosseum 3D puzzle
Whether you’re looking for unique Rome gifts and souvenirs for kids or adults, this 3D miniature Colosseum puzzle will score with both!
I selected the Colosseum set designed by National Geographic because the LEGO version is no longer in production, unfortunately. You can find a secondhand version on eBay though, if you (or the recipient) prefer LEGO. Or check out LEGO’s Trevi fountain set.
Though if you ask me, this 131-piece set from National Geographic is just as awesome as the LEGO set!
#2 Eatwith gift card
I love Eat With! It’s an organization that matches visitors with local hosts around the world who then prepare a traditional meal for them. What I love about the organization is that it’s all small-scale and not meant for mass tourists. It’s an opportunity for visitors to truly get to know the country, and for locals to share their culture.
Eatwith operates around the world, including Rome. And with a gift card, you give the recipient the opportunity to book a dinner with a local whenever it suits them (within a year, because that’s how long the gift card is valid).
#3 Rome-inspired chessboard
This unique chess set is the perfect Rome gift for the chess-obsessed person in your life.
I selected two options for different budgets. The first option is by far the most beautiful, with a glass board over the Colosseum and bronze and silver-colored Roman figurines. But obviously, this comes with a price tag.
So if you’re looking for a cheaper, but still cool alternative, check out the vinyl and plastic version.
#4 Cookbook
What better way to experience Rome than through its food? This cookbook is the perfect Rome souvenir for yourself or for that friend who loves the Italian kitchen.
And what’s even cooler about this particular cookbook is that it includes forgotten recipes from the people of Rome from all sides, such as the Sephardic Jewish community and Libyan immigrants.
#5 Ancient Roman collectibles
For the true Roman history buff, Mini Museum is the place to shop.
They offer collectibles of small specimens from the Roman empire, such as this brick of the Roman bath hypocaust (the thing that used to warm Roman baths).
It’s a truly unique Rome gift idea for those obsessed with history. Alternatively, you can also check out this necklace made from a real Roman arrowhead!
#6 Rome experience gifts
I’m a big fan of experience gifts, and besides the fact that I love them (I mean, that’s not at all relevant to you), studies have actually shown that experience gifts create stronger bonds and a longer-lasting feeling of joy than regular gifts!
Plus they also make the ultimate souvenir from Rome, because the memories will last forever.
So if you are looking for gifts for someone traveling to Rome soon, one of 300+ experience gifts from Tinggly is perfect. And what’s even better is that they allow you to book the experience with a flexible date, so the recipients can schedule the activity themselves.
And if you’re not sure what experience to go for, you can also go for a gift card and give the recipient the option to choose an activity of their liking.
#7 Ancient Roman coin
This is another great Rome gift for history buffs; authentic ancient Roman coins! Dating back to around 340 AD, they’ve weathered centuries of history. And don’t worry, each one has been carefully inspected by numismatic professionals, ensuring you’re giving an authentic piece of Rome’s past.
And to make it even better, they come in a glass and leather display case, adding a touch of elegance to their historical treasure and making it into a gorgeous Roman-inspired display.
#8 Map of Rome
This beautiful 1588 map of Rome is another great gift for history buffs (there is just is much history in the eternal city, that many of the gifts work perfectly for those who love history).
It’s also great for anyone who’s head over heels for Rome – it’s like giving them a piece of the city to hang at home.
It’s a stylish way to show off their Roman obsession, but for more modern designs, check out Etsy.
#9 Sweatshirts
Etsy’s Rome-inspired shirts are awesome gift ideas for those Rome aficionados who want to wear their love for the Eternal City on their sleeves (literally). Plus, it’s the closest thing to teleportation. They put it on, and suddenly they’re strolling down the Spanish Steps or tossing coins in the Trevi Fountain (if they dream hard enough).
If you love these Rome gifts and souvenirs, you will certainly love these Italian gift ideas too! With 40+ awesome keepsakes and treasures inspired by Italy, I am sure you will find something for every Italy-aficionado on your shopping list!
Rome gifts for mid-budget
#10 Fall of Rome board game
As a big board game lover myself, this is probably one of my favorite Rome gift ideas on the list.
It comes with a beautiful board of Europe during the Roman Empire and the aim is to stop the fall of Rome, but instead of playing against each other, you actually need to cooperate in order to win.
#11 Books about Rome
SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome
Whether you’re looking for Rome gift ideas for true history buffs or someone who is just mildly interested in history, with Mary Beard’s witty and accessible writing, SPQR is a fun gift idea for both. It’s not your typical dry history book; it’s more like a lively chat with a knowledgeable friend who spills all the juicy details about Rome’s rise to power.
Clash of Civilizations Over an Elevator in Piazza Vittorio
“Tenants of Piazza Vittorio” is a hilarious, murder-mystery satire set in a diverse immigrant community in Rome. The colorful characters provide uproarious, skewed accounts to the police, revealing the drama of racial identity and life on society’s margins. This book is a fantastic Rome-inspired gift for anyone who loves a good laugh and a dose of Rome’s vibrant diversity.
Four Seasons in Rome: On Twins, Insomnia, and the Biggest Funeral in the History of the World
“Four Seasons in Rome” is Anthony Doerr’s memoir that takes the reader on a journey through the charming and historic streets of Rome. It combines humor, parenthood, and the magic of this ancient city all in one, making it a great Rome-inspired gift for anyone who needs a Roman holiday without leaving their comfy chair.
#12 Photo frame
This is a beautiful Rome gift for couples who just returned from their trip to Rome. Whether it was for their honeymoon or just a regular vacation, with this personalized photo frame they can eternalize their memories forever!
#13 Deck of cards
With 52 original drawings of iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and more, this deck of cards is the ultimate Rome gift for the card shark in your life!
They can simply close their eyes and pretend to play a game of poker in their favorite Roman café, sipping espresso.
#14 Wine from the region
Whether you’re looking for Rome souvenirs and gifts for yourself or for a friend, a bottle of wine is always a good idea.
It’s the symbol of Italy and wraps all the deliciousness of the city in one bottle. It’s made in the Lazio region (which is where Rome is located), and it’s a great way to reminisce about your last trip to Rome while sipping a delicious fruity white.
#15 Rome 2024 calendar
Do you need Rome-themed gifts for someone who is itching to explore the Eternal City, or who daydreams about it all the time?
Then this 2024 calendar is perfect!
It’s like a sneak peek into Rome’s stunning landmarks, without the jetlag or pasta-induced food coma.
#16 Candle
This cute candle is like the bottled and wax form of the Eternal City’s essence. It’s the perfect gift for Rome lovers, setting the mood for a romantic Roman evening or a solo pasta binge in their PJs. When it’s lit, they’ll feel like they’re sipping vino near the Colosseum (minus the plane ticket).
#17 Travel guides
Fodor’s Travel Rome
Are you looking for gifts for someone traveling to Rome soon? Then a travel guide is a great and practical gift. For first-time visitors who love to know about all the ins and outs, history, culture, and highlights of the city, the recently updated version of Fodor is perfect!
DK Eyewitness Top 10 Rome
This is a great guidebook for travelers who prefer to have a quick overview of the top things to see, do, eat, and more. Eyewitness’ Top 10 is a great book for those with a short time and who want to make the most out of that time.
Glam Italia! 101 Fabulous Things to Do in Rome
The last guidebook on the list is perfect for those who’ve visited Rome a couple of times already. With The Fabulous things to do, they will get to see the real Rome, beyond the Colosseum and Vatican!
#18 Coasters
These ceramic coasters are like little pieces of Roman art for the recipient’s table. You can pick your four favorite designs, and add a touch of the Eternal City to their coffee table.
They come with cork backing, and won’t fade or peel, so they’ll keep their table free of scratches and stylish for years. Plus they can easily be cleaned with a wet wipe (the colors won’t fade
Rome gifts for small budgets
#19 Wall art
Do you need Rome-related gifts for someone who can’t travel to Rome right now?
Then bring the city to them with these beautiful Rome-inspired wall art ideas. From stunning cityscapes to iconic landmarks, these pieces add a dash of Roman flair to any room, such as this vintage travel poster.
#20 Rosary blessed by the pope
If you’re looking for religious gifts and souvenirs from Rome, the Vatican is the place to be. And one great gift idea is a rosary blessed by Pope Francis.
Made in Italy, this rosary isn’t just a piece of jewelry; it’s a spiritual keepsake. Plus, it comes with a blessing card and a photo of the Pope, so you can show off your divine connection to your friends.
#21 Ancient Rome coloring book
This Ancient Rome-themed coloring book is not just a great Rome gift for kids but for adults too. John Green’s artistry brings the Roman Empire’s glory to life, from epic battles to Nero jamming while Rome burns (literally). They get to color their way through history while learning about Roman culture, landmarks, and wild events like Caesar’s untimely demise.
Whether you need Rome gifts for a history buff or just want to brighten up their next coloring session, this book has got them covered.
#22 Pop-up art card
Designed and made in Italy, this pop-up card is like a mini masterpiece from the heart of Rome, that that fits in their mailbox!
These aren’t your average cards; they’re like architectural paper sculptures. They fold flat into an envelope, making it the perfect surprise to send someone a Roman-style hug.
#23 Tote bags
A tote bag is a great Rome souvenir and gift for yourself and for others. It’s small, eco-friendly, and practical to use anywhere. Whether you’re grocery shopping, heading to the gym, or the beach, with a Rome-inspired tote bag from Zazzle, Rome is always close at hand.
#24 Rome-inspired travel journal
Journals are my favorite gifts for travelers who are about to embark on a journey. That’s why this Rome-inspired journal is a great gift for those who are traveling to the ancient city.
They can keep track of all their adventures, and when they return, they will have a travel memoir in a beautifully decorated book!
#25 Mugs
A Rome-themed mug is like a morning espresso in the Eternal City without the jetlag (and the craze of trying to order coffee in Italian).
It’s a fantastic gift for Rome lovers because it combines their two great loves: coffee and Rome. Sipping from this mug will feel like having a cappuccino at a quaint Roman café, even if they’re in their PJs at home. It’s a mug full of memories and caffeine, and that’s a win-win for anyone with a Roman heart.
Save these Rome souvenirs
Did you save these Rome-themed gifts on Pinterest yet?
Final notes on gifts from Rome
From Rome-related gifts to ancient-inspired keepsakes, the Eternal City has it all. We hope you’ve enjoyed this eye-opening journey through Rome’s treasure trove of trinkets. Don’t forget to pack a little piece of Rome on your next adventure, and let the memories linger long after you’ve bid arrivederci to this enchanting city.
- Large budget: 3D colosseum puzzle (#1)
- Mid budget: Fall of the Empire board game (#10)
- Small budget: Vintage travel poster (#19)
