Last-minute Shopping Ideas for the Festive Season

by Caroline Prosser (staff) | Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009

Don’t panic as the big day gets closer, check out TRF’s shopping guide for ideas about what to buy this Christmas in Rome…

Beauty Products
Soapvillage – Natural olive oil soap with imaginative inlaid designs (€4-€4.50 per ‘etto’, ie, 100g). There is a vast selection of Christmas and more unusual shapes, soap greetings cards, advent calendars and fill-your-own tree baubles, with choice of mini bath products.
Via Santa Maria dell’Anima 53 (Piazza Navona) Tel. 063216511
Ai Monasteri – Old fashioned apothecary founded in Rome in 1874. Wines, liquors, beauty products, honey and jams made in-house and by Italian monks. Elixir of Love (€33) is a herbal aphrodisiac liquor made from a 16th century recipe.
Corso Rinascimento 72 (Piazza Navona) Tel. 0668802783

Fashion
Anteprima – Large, attractive store with colourful, striking designs for women from Spanish and international labels, including sweater dresses and evening wear.
Via delle Quattro Fontane 38-39-40 (M Repubblica ‘A’ line) Tel. 064828445
Gallo Sock Company – A pleaser for all ages, the Gallo luxury sock company sells boldly striped hats, scarves, tights, accessories, clothing and shoes for men and women in smart and contemporary colours. Piazza Eucide (Parioli – FS Piazza Euclide)
Poems – Distinctive and youthful Roman fashion label selling mid-range day and evening wear for women, inspired by London’s vintage markets. Another location in Via Priscilla (Villa Ada).
Via del Governo Vecchio 10 (Piazza Navona) Tel. 0668808005
Temporary Love – Perhaps ideal for teenagers, this shop attached to an art gallery sells hand-painted bags and T-shirts, all with an up-to-the-minute, contemporary feel.
Via di San Calisto 9 (Trastevere) Tel. 0658334772 www.temporarylove.net
Strategic Business Unit (SBU) – Cult high fashion men’s store with simple shirts and funky printed T-shirts. Via San Pantaleo 68-69 (Piazza Navona) Tel. 066882547 (outlet at Via Chiana 73-76, near Via Salaria/Villa Ada)
Ivy Oxford – Menswear at reasonable prices including bargain Italian-made cashmere sweaters.
Via Due Macelli (M Spagna ‘A’ line)

Miscellaneous
Too Much – Stocking fillers for (almost) all ages, including fun gifts as well those of a more ‘risque’ nature. Glittery and kitsch items and more useful houseware and computer accessories.
Via Santa Maria dell’Anima 29 (Piazza Navona) Tel. 0668301187
Polvere di tempo – Unusual shop specialising in timekeeping, eg, sundials and hourglasses. Prices may raise eyebrows but more affordable items include a candle clock at around €10.
Via del Moro 59 (Trastevere) Tel. 065880704

Houseware
House & Kitchen – Large homeware store with trendy kitchen accessories, Christmas decorations and selection of espresso cups in cute designs.
Via del Plebiscito 103 (Piazza Navona) Tel. 066794208
Il Giardino di Domenico Persiani – Handmade ancient Rome-inspired terracotta garden ornaments including masks, busts, flowerpots and vases.
Via Torino 92 (M Repubblica ‘A’ line) Tel. 064883886
Le IV Stagioni – Traditional Italian pottery from well-known manufacturers, including traditional Roman brown glazed pots and wall ornaments.
Via Via dell’Umiltà 30/b (M Barberini ‘A’ line) Tel. 0669941029
Le Terre di AT – Workshop specialising in reasonably-priced ceramic vases, cups and jewellery in ancient shapes with strong contrasting colours.
Via degli Ausoni 13 (San Lorenzo – M Termini) Tel. 06491748
Il Giardino del Te – Strainers, teacups and teapots plus more than 120 international teas and appetizing house blends.
Via del Boschetto 112 (Monti – M Cavour ‘B’ line) Tel 064746888
Candles Store – Brazilian shop selling candles in all shapes and sizes. Their speciality is bowl-shaped varieties which project their colours when used as containers for smaller candles.
Via dei Campani 18 (San Lorenzo) Tel. 0644703019