Some of the best gifts from The Hill can’t be shipped: a warm loaf from the bakery, a sandwich wrapped at the deli counter, an afternoon of bocce. But if you’re shopping for someone who grew up here, moved away, or simply loves the neighborhood, there are good ways to send a little of The Hill home. Here are our picks, grouped by the kind of person on your list.
Shop on The Hill first
Before you order anything online, walk the neighborhood. Our directory lists the Italian markets and groceries, bakeries and delis and gift and specialty shops where you can pick up imported pasta, olive oil, cookies and gifts in person. The neighborhood’s holiday events, including Christmas on The Hill and the Christmas Night Market, are good chances to shop local vendors.
For the history buff
Three books tell the neighborhood’s story from different angles: a photo history by community leader Rio Vitale, a walking-tour book you can carry down Marconi Avenue, and Gary Mormino’s scholarly history of the immigrants who built The Hill. Meatballs and Memories, from the Hill Neighborhood Center, pairs family stories with family recipes.
For the baseball fan
Yogi Berra and Joe Garagiola grew up across the street from each other on Elizabeth Avenue, a story we tell in our Hall of Fame Place article. These picks cover both catchers.
For the cook
Toasted ravioli is easier to make at home than most people think: roll thin pasta, stamp and fill it, then bread and fry it in oil held near 350°F. Our guide to where to get toasted ravioli on The Hill covers the real thing. For the home version, these tools do the job.
For the baker
Pizzelle and cannoli are holiday staples in many Italian-American kitchens. A pizzelle iron and a set of cannoli forms make a good pair, especially for someone who misses the pastry case at a Hill bakery.
For the table
Volpi Foods began on The Hill in 1902, when John Volpi started curing salami for his neighbors (read the story). A Volpi gift set travels well, and a panettone is the classic Italian Christmas bread.
For Christmas Eve and the kids
The Feast of the Seven Fishes is the Italian-American Christmas Eve seafood dinner. These books cover the feast, holiday cooking through the year, and a Christmas story for grandchildren from Lidia Bastianich.
For the backyard
Bocce has deep roots on The Hill, from club courts to backyard games. A starter set is an easy gift for anyone with a lawn.
Prices and availability change often, so check the current details on Amazon before you buy.
For more on the neighborhood’s past, see our History of The Hill timeline.
