That's the problem. Most things that you cannot get here and that therefore would be interesting are prohibited to import. The other stuff you can get here anyway.

I mean even rare Italian wines can be obtained. Not that this would be a co-worker present. I'd go with some sepia (black) or multi-colored pasta from a local shop. Can't be had in the US (from a local, artisanal shop), is cheap and easy to transport with no restrictions.

There is only one thing that you can easily and cheaply buy in Italy and that is practically impossible to get in the USA: Martini Bianco by Martini & Rossi.

The same brand imports the dry version of their Vermouth to the US. It says Extra Dry on the bottle. The sweet version just says Martini Bianco. This stuff is much better than the dry version and makes the more delicious Martinis. But Americans have been so brain-washed by the "dry martini" slogan that they would probably not buy the sweet vermouth and thus it's not worth it for the company to export it. How sad, really.

You can get a similar effect with Lillet from France but I still prefer the Martini Bianco. It is super popular in Italy and can be bought in any supermarket for 10-15$ a bottle.

Ok, one more thing: Gianduiotti from Torino (close to Milan). Those are little hazelnut chocolates individually wrapped in gold paper. It's like Nutella as a chocolate but infinitely more delicious. A real sin. If you can find those, that would be a great gift. Send me some, too. The only problem is that you will cause all the giftees to become addicts and you'll have to get them more "drugs".

Till