Authentic & Handmade: 20 Timeless Venice Souvenirs You’ll Love
When you first think about Venice, what probably comes to mind are the canals, St Mark’s Square, and its incredible Basilica and Ducal Palace. However, you would be remiss if you didn’t realize what an incredible artisanal heritage the city is built on. Centuries-old traditions still thrive in the hands of skilled craftspeople. Unlike mass-produced trinkets flooding tourist shops, authentic Venice souvenirs are crafted with dedication, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to heritage if you know where to look.
The city’s artisans, often from families who have passed down their trades for generations, continue to create unique pieces that embody Venice’s cultural and artistic legacy. Whether working with Murano glass, hand-stitched lace, or intricate mask-making, these craftspeople uphold traditions that have made Venetian goods world-renowned.
Best Venice Souvenirs- Affordable Luxury Artisanal Goods
For travelers who appreciate affordable luxury, investing in handcrafted souvenirs is the perfect way to bring home a piece of Venice without breaking the bank. Affordable luxury doesn’t necessarily mean cheap—it signifies high-quality, artisanal goods that offer exceptional value.
When you purchase a handmade Venice souvenir, you’re not just buying an item; you’re supporting local artisans, preserving ancient crafts, and owning a one-of-a-kind piece imbued with history and artistry.
If you’re looking for the perfect Venice souvenirs, come along with Spritzience as we stroll the canals exploring shops with handmade goods that truly capture the spirit of La Serenissima. From exquisite Venice glass to beautifully crafted Venetian Carnival masks, here are 20 of the best spots for Venice souvenirs you can find while shopping in Venice Italy.
1. Ofer Antica Legatoria – Handmade Marbled Journals
For lovers of fine stationery, Ofer Antica Legatoria is a hidden gem. This historic bookbinding workshop creates exquisitely marbled journals using traditional methods. Whether you want a beautiful notebook for your Venice travel memories or a handcrafted diary, this is a piece of Venetian artistry to treasure.
Each journal is made from high-quality hand-marbled paper and hand-stitched to ensure durability. The paper inside is designed for smooth writing, making it an excellent gift for writers, artists, or those who love documenting their journeys. If you’re looking to make your office mates jealous, you can pick up items for a full desk set.
2. La Bottega dei Mascareri – Venice Souvenirs, Carnival Masks
No visit to Venice is complete without admiring its famous Venetian Carnival masks. At La Bottega dei Mascareri, the Boldrin brothers continue the tradition of hand-painting and crafting masks from paper-mâché, just as Venetian artisans have done for centuries.
Their masks are not just souvenirs but pieces of art, perfect for collectors or those wanting to bring a touch of Venetian mystery home. Masks are decorated with gold leaf, intricate patterns, and rich colors that showcase the essence of the city’s famed carnival.
3. Rigattieri Ceramics – Giardino Impero
For stunning Venice souvenirs, head to Rigattieri Ceramics, where hand-painted ceramics feature traditional Venetian designs. One of their standout collections is the Giardino Impero (Imperial Garden), inspired by classic Italian gardens and imperial motifs. You can start a simple collection with just a couple of pieces, i.e. 2 boxwood plants and a divider, or 2 lemon trees, and build it over time.
The details on these handcrafted and handpainted tiny trees are amazing, they create a pop if you display them in a crystal cabinet. And of course, they can transport you to a majestic world, one where dukes and duchesses roamed royal gardens for a bit of fun.
4. Antica Murano – Murano Glass at Its Finest
The island of Murano, just a short boat ride from Venice, is world-famous for its glass. Antica Murano is a must-visit for those who appreciate authentic craftsmanship. This workshop carries on the centuries-old tradition of Venice glass making. Each glass piece is handcrafted using techniques passed down through generations, ensuring that every item is a work of art.
They have an amazing collection of modern glasses and pitchers in a wide range of colors – everything from pastels to deep jewel colors. What I love about them is that these glass tumblers make the perfect accent pieces for a garden party or spring dinner table. They carry a bit of weight; however, their unique shape lightens them up. They pack easily in a box, to fit in your carry-on suitcase- well that’s if you take a set of 6. You may just be tempted to get a few different colors.
5. Sofia Sarria Masks – Intricately Designed Carnival Masks
If you’re looking for a Venetian Carnival mask that doubles as a piece of art, Sofia Sarria Masks is the place to go. Each hand-painted mask is crafted with a unique design, rich in detail and history, and made using traditional paper-mâché methods.
Sofia’s creations include a range of more classical Venetian masks and more whimsical ones – think fairytales and animals. You can see her at work in her atelier, forming the masks and painting them. It gives you a real appreciation for the artistry involved in creating a real Venetian mask.
6. La Candela – Handmade Candles make great Venice Souvenirs
Bring the glow of Venice home with artisan candles from La Candela Store. These handcrafted candles are inspired by the city’s colors and traditions, featuring unique shapes that capture the essence of Venetian elegance.
7. Le Papu Shoes – Traditional Venetian Footwear
For something truly unique, check out Le Papu Shoes, a boutique selling traditional Venetian slippers called “Furlane,” once worn by gondoliers for their soft yet sturdy soles. These handmade shoes are stylish, comfortable, and a great example of sustainable fashion. They come in a wide range of colors, with comfortable velvet uppers, and they are easily packed in a travel suitcase.
8. Piedaterre – Elegant Handmade Venetian Slippers
Another spot for handmade shoes, Piedaterre offers exquisite, colorful Furlane shoes that are comfortable, stylish, and deeply rooted in Venetian history.
These shoes use high-end fabrics, making for a fashionable and functional souvenir that reflects the timeless elegance of Venice.
9. Paola Zuin – Handcrafted Venetian Jewelry
If you love artisan jewelry, Paola Zuin designs stunning pieces inspired by Venice, using materials like Murano glass and gold leaf. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, reflecting the beauty of Venice’s canals and architecture.
10. Emy Venezia – Venice Souvenir Jewelry
Emy Venezia specializes in exquisite costume jewelry and beaded jewelry, handcrafted in the traditional Venetian style. These delicate accessories are a wonderful way to wear a piece of Venice’s artistry.
11. Artigianato Veneziano – Handmade Lamp Shades
For those looking to bring a warm and artistic glow into their homes, Artigianato Veneziano specializes in handcrafted Venetian lamp shades. Using traditional techniques, artisans create exquisite lampshades adorned with intricate patterns and luxurious fabrics, often inspired by historical Venetian palaces.
These lampshades are not just functional pieces but also works of art, showcasing a blend of delicate craftsmanship and timeless elegance. Whether you prefer a classic floral design or a more contemporary touch, each lampshade reflects the rich artistic heritage of Venice.
12. Lunardelli Venezia – Wooden Creations Inspired by Venice
Venetian woodworking has a deep-rooted history, and Lunardelli Venezia continues this legacy by crafting stunning wooden decor and furniture. Using high-quality materials such as walnut, cherry, and oak, artisans create beautifully carved pieces that capture the essence of Venetian architecture and gondolas.
From intricately designed home accessories to functional yet stylish furniture, each handcrafted item tells a story of Venice’s maritime and artistic heritage. These wooden pieces make for unique and sustainable souvenirs that can elevate any living space with a touch of Venetian charm.
13. La Gabbianella – Handcrafted Ceramics and Pottery
For those who love the beauty of Italian ceramics, La Gabbianella is a must-visit. This shop is renowned for its stunning hand-painted pottery, which ranges from vibrant plates and bowls to elegant vases and home decor.
Inspired by Venetian history and Mediterranean aesthetics, each ceramic piece is meticulously painted with intricate designs, often featuring floral and marine motifs. The rich colors and high-quality craftsmanship make these ceramics an exquisite addition to any collection, providing a lasting memory of your time in Venice.
14. Kerer Lace & Linen – Exquisite Burano Lace
The delicate art of lace-making has been a part of Venice’s history for centuries, with the island of Burano being particularly famous for this craft. Kerer Lace & Linen continues to uphold this tradition, offering handmade lace pieces that range from intricate tablecloths and napkins to beautifully crafted carnival masks.
Each piece is a result of painstaking handwork, often taking weeks or even months to complete. The intricate lace patterns are a testament to the skill and dedication of Burano’s artisans, making these items a true collector’s piece and a cherished heirloom. Kerer also stalks a small range of home decor items including paper mache hot air balloons.
15. Nason Moretti – Elegant Murano Glassware
For those who appreciate fine glassware, Nason Moretti is one of the most prestigious names in Murano glass. This family-run company has been creating high-end, handcrafted glassware since 1923, specializing in elegant drinking glasses, vases, and tableware.
Known for its modern interpretations of classic Murano techniques, Nason Moretti’s glassware is often seen in luxury hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants around the world. Each piece is skillfully blown and shaped, showcasing delicate color gradients and sophisticated designs that make every sip of wine or cocktail a luxurious experience.
16. Paperoowl – Handmade Paper Crafts
Venice has a long-standing tradition of paper craftsmanship, and Paperoowl brings a fresh, contemporary take to this age-old art. Specializing in handcrafted earrings and necklaces, each piece is crafted with premium-quality paper.
If you’re looking for an artistic and functional Venice souvenir, Paperoowl’s handmade paper goods make a perfect gift for writers, artists, and stationery enthusiasts.
17. Ca Del Sol – Authentic Venetian Masks
Ca Del Sol is one of the most respected mask-making workshops in Venice. Unlike mass-produced replicas, each mask is meticulously crafted using traditional paper-mâché techniques and hand-painted with stunning details. A range of materials such as leather, ceramic, stiff brocades, and ancient varnishes topped with Swarovski crystals are used to create stunning effects.
Ca Del Sol is also unique in that you can take a 15-hour mask-making course . Where you’ll create your own super unique Venice souvenir. They also have a great range of costume rentals in case you’re going to a Carnival parade or dinner ball.
18. Bottega del Tintoretto – Artisan Prints and Calligraphy
For those who appreciate the beauty of handcrafted prints and calligraphy, Bottega del Tintoretto is a must-visit. This artisan studio usually has a show running. They show exquisite prints using centuries-old techniques, including woodblock printing and copperplate engraving.
Their calligraphy pieces are inspired by Venice’s rich literary and artistic history. They feature meticulously written letters and illustrations on high-quality parchment paper. What’s more, they offer water painting, calligraphy and other courses– a great way to make the perfect Venice souvenir.
19. Vetreria Colonna – Magnificent Handblown Chandeliers
If you’re looking for a statement piece, Vetreria Colonna is renowned for its breathtaking Murano glass chandeliers. These grand, handblown masterpieces are created by skilled artisans who follow the traditional techniques passed down for generations.
Each chandelier is a dazzling display of intricate glasswork. They have elegant curves, floral embellishments, and vibrant colors that reflect the opulence of Venetian palaces. Chandeliers can be customized. So if you have a low ceiling or a high one sizes can be adjusted for the perfect fit. Whether you’re looking for a modern glass design or a classic Baroque-style chandelier, a piece from Vetreria Colonna is a remarkable way to bring Venetian elegance into your home.
20. Poli Venezia 1888 – Venetian Liqueurs Make Great Giftable Venice Souvenirs
For a taste of Venice that you can savor long after your trip, Poli Venezia 1888 offers an exceptional selection of handcrafted spirits, including their renowned limone liquor. Poli has been distilling fine liqueurs and grappas for over a century. They use traditional copper stills to extract rich, natural flavors.
Their limone liquor is one of my favorites. It’s a refreshing and aromatic digestif, made from the finest Italian lemons and aged to perfection. Packaged in beautifully designed bottles. This artisanal liqueur makes for a sophisticated and delicious Venice souvenir to bring home or gift to a loved one. I’ve found the thickness of the glass bottles to help ensure easy transit home. Although I usually keep a little spare bubble wrap in my suitcase just in case.
Visiting the Poli Museo Del Grappa – A Day Trip From Venice
If you’re a grappa lover, consider taking a day trip to the beautiful town of Bassano Del Grappa. It’s a little over an hour by train. Nestled in the picturesque Veneto region of Italy, Bassano del Grappa is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors like Venice and Verona. But trust me, once you set foot on its cobbled streets, you’ll understand why it’s like that unexpected gem. It’s full of surprises and stories waiting to be uncovered.
In Bassano del Grappa you can visit the Poli Museo del Grappa. This place is more than just a distillery; it’s like stepping into a time capsule where history and flavor collide. You’ll get to learn about the fascinating process of how this potent spirit is made.
These 20 Venice souvenirs go beyond the usual tourist trinkets, offering truly authentic, handmade keepsakes that reflect the city’s rich artistic heritage. Whether you’re indulging in exquisite Venice glass, investing in intricate Venetian Carnival masks, or savoring locally distilled liqueurs, each of these items carries the soul of Venice with it.
As you wander through the enchanting streets and canals of this timeless city, take a moment to appreciate the artisans who keep these traditions alive—and bring home a piece of their artistry to cherish forever. Do you have a favorite souvenir from Venice? Tell us about it in the comments.
