Buying gifts for expats is never an easy task, especially if that expat lives in a country, like Italy, for example, where mail is often lost, stolen or held hostage in customs. Confusion arises about what presents relatives can send, where to send them and most of all, what to buy.

While I can’t speak for every expat … not even all of those here in Italy … I can say there are a few things I never mind receiving. So, family members and friends, here are five gift ideas for expats in Italy.

Photo: Wysz on Flickr

1. Amazon Gift Cards

Or to be more exact, Amazon.UK gift cards because well, they ship to Italy. Amazon.UK has quickly become my best friend in Italy and with their wide selection of items, European plugs and English-language site, you really can’t go wrong. They even refund your money if the Magic Bullet you ordered never arrives.

What?

It was just an example!

2. Food and Toiletries

While it may be the least fancy gift on your list, most expats in Italy I know are still attached to food and toiletries from back home. If your favorite expat usually stocks up on Ziploc bags, Velveeta Cheese and Lady Mitchum deodorant (Hi, Mom!) then go ahead and fill her stocking-or a box-with her favorite goodies.

3. Books Galore!

English-language literature is expensive and hard to find, especially in southern Italy, so if your expat is a bookworm, ask her for a list of books and help her stock up. Keep in mind that paperback books are easier for you to ship and lighter for her to carry if she is traveling.

4. GCs and More GCs

If the expat on your list is traveling home for the holidays, then help them with their hometown shopping by getting them a gift certificate to their favorite clothing store. Other gift certificate ideas for home-bound expats include cards to their favorite restaurants or cafes, the movies or theater or the ever-popular Walmart.

5. Online Classes

One of my favorite-and most useful gifts-I ever received was an online writing class my mother found for my birthday. If you are shopping for an expat who loves to learn, then consider offering him a online course or even offering to pay for continuing education classes in his new town.

What other gift ideas do you think expats would like?

Cherrye Moore is a freelance writer and B&B owner living in Calabria, Italy. In addition to Affordable Calling Cards, she writes about living and traveling in Calabria at her website, My Bella Vita.

Tags: Calabria, expat in italy, expat life

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I completely agree with you on all of these. I would love an online class. That’s a great idea!

November 30, 2009    Rate Comment

Thanks, Marla! I loved the online class idea, too!

January 5, 2010    Rate Comment

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