gifts and home Archive

Everybody has something to save for. Whether it is the new Prada bag in the window on Via Montenapoleone, or if it’s an exotic beach vacation with your companion of choice! No matter how big or small, there is a way to afford your secret wishes. But it’s a recession as they say, and to waste money on an overpriced bag may not be the smartest of things. But thanks to the Euro, your extra change adds up and adds up fast. Putting aside your spare coins each day can accumulate to thousands by a year’s time so that trip to the Seychelles may not be as far fetched as you may imagine.

Where do you put this money if it’s not under the mattress or so that you are not tempted to “borrow” from the stash every once in a while? There are piggy banks sold all around Milano including the big gold piggy at High Tech, in piazza 25. But the most fun and unique ones are sold at livellara on the Naviglio Grande. They are painted in fun colors and designs, and some even with quirky phrases on her belly. These will liven up your shelf and are so damn cute that you may even want to give her a name. But if nothing else, they will make you smile as you temporarily part with your money.

These piggy banks made by Ritzenhoff will run you about 35 euro for the big size and 13 euro for the small one, but they double as decoration and are also perfect for a gift. Because everyone can use a reason to save… especially if it reaps rewards in the end!

High Tech

You must have seen the products made by Saletti in one of your favorite stores here in Milano or at least have heard of the Italian company who have store locations all over the world, Saletti products are not a local find per say, but they do have products that are unique and fun- especially for gift giving to non Italians. The Italian Dinner maps are perfect for friends or family who live abroad and have children or just for people who would like to revisit one of the great cities in Italy.

The Italian dinner maps come in a set of 50 and are an assortment of Milano, Venezia, Roma and Firenze. But the Milano map in particular is what makes this a great gift, because the receiver can then have dinner on top of the city in which you live and it will make you all a little closer.

Don’t worry if you can’t think if anyone to give it to, because if you want to improve your geography, daydream about other cities or just spice up dinner, then get a copy of these placemats for yourself. If nothing else, they make for an easy clean up once dinner is over.

http://www.seletti.it/index3.html
They also have world dinner maps available for the real daydreamertraveler (but they don’t include Milano)!
Here in Milano, you can get a set at Riniscente department store(http://www.rinascente.it) next to the duomo 11.50 Euro, but you can find them at numerousr sites online.