A leather bag is one of those gifts that gets used every day and remembered for years. But how do you choose one without guessing? This guide helps you pick an Italian leather bag as a Christmas or Epiphany gift: which shape, which colour, how to tell real leather from faux leather, and when to order so it arrives on time.
Which bag should you give her?
The key is not the prettiest bag in the shop but the one that fits her day. Before you choose, think about three things:
- Does she work with a laptop? A structured tote will be the gift she uses most.
- Are her hands always full? A top-handle bag with a removable strap gives her freedom.
- Has she got weddings, dinners or parties coming up? A small, elegant bag will be just right.
For the office: the Maxima Croco
The Maxima Croco Tote is our bestselling work bag. In croc-embossed Italian leather with a suede lining and gold-tone hardware, it measures 48 × 30 × 14 cm and holds a 15.6" laptop, a notebook and the whole day. It comes in black, grey, red, camel and white. More in our Italian leather laptop and work bags.
For every day: the Navona Classic
The Navona Classic is a structured top-handle bag in smooth black full-grain leather with the gold AF logo. It measures 25 × 26 × 11 cm, has two compartments and a zipped pocket, and its adjustable, removable strap lets her wear it on the shoulder or crossbody. See more top-handle bags.
For the party season: the Alita
The Alita is a compact shoulder bag in white quilted Italian leather, 26 × 20 × 5 cm, with two zip compartments and a card slot. Light and elegant, it is made for office parties, New Year's Eve and weddings. More in our quilted leather bags.
Which colour if you do not know her wardrobe?
If in doubt, black never fails: it goes with everything and works all year. Camel is the warm neutral that suits almost everyone, and grey is a modern alternative. Red and white are for someone who already owns a black bag and wants one that lifts an outfit. See our black leather bags.
Leather or faux leather: how to know what you are giving
Faux leather (often called PU or vegan leather) is a synthetic material, usually a fabric coated with polyurethane, made to look like leather. To tell them apart:
- Look at the cut edge: leather has a fibrous structure; faux leather often shows a fabric backing or a plastic layer.
- Look at the grain: leather is slightly irregular; faux leather is usually perfectly uniform.
- Touch it: leather warms in your hand and has a distinctive smell.
- Read the product details: look for the exact material and the country of manufacture.
Our bags are handmade in Florence, Italy, and every product page states the material and origin. More in how to tell real Italian leather.
When to order so it arrives on time
Delivery to Europe, the UK and the USA is free. Delivery takes 1–3 business days in Europe, 2–5 in the UK and 3–7 in the USA. For Christmas or Epiphany (6 January), we recommend ordering at least three weeks ahead. Code BAG15 gives you 15% off bags.
A finishing touch: a silk scarf
To complete the gift, a twilly or silk scarf tied to the handle changes the look of the bag entirely. See our silk scarves and twillies and all our gifts for her.
Frequently asked questions
What bag do you give a woman who has everything?
A bag from a label she does not own yet, in a colour she does not have. If she already carries black, try camel, red or white.
How do you care for a leather bag?
Wipe it with a soft, dry cloth, apply a colourless conditioner a few times a year and store it filled with paper, away from heat and direct sun. More in our leather care guide.
What are your bestselling bags?
The Maxima Croco Tote, the Navona Classic and the Alita. Find them in our bestselling bags and in all women's leather bags.