If you're wandering the streets of Rome of search for some decent leather-made gifts and finding…read morenothing but tourist-centered shops flinging the same mediocre bags and tchotchkes, find your way to Campo Marzio! I basically spent my entire souvenir budget and more in this one modest shop on Via Campo Marzio, originally founded in this very location 90 years ago, in 1933.
I was instantly drawn in by the vivid bright colors, and the quality of the work is immediately noticeable while also very reasonably priced. You can tell they take pride in what they produce, the attention to detail to the bags, notebooks, pens - everything is thoughtfully and delightfully designed. One thing I definitely appreciate with their bags is the high quality of their zippers and tags which are smooth and sturdy. These things are clearly meant to last.
Giulia was incredibly helpful and patient with me (she also speaks great English). She helped me ship my bags back to California and got all my VAT tax forms together for my refund (the Tax Refund office is conveniently about 2 blocks away). Next time I'm in Rome, if I can save up enough in advance, I'll have a "Campo Marzio" line in my vacation budget.