Candle «Winter Woods»
Soy wax, cotton wick, notes of pine, cedar and amber. Burns for 45 hours.
Signed objects, hand-picked and carefully wrapped for that special person, or for the occasion you want to remember. Every piece carries our signature and a thought that lasts.
A gift is never just an object:
it is a thought that takes shape.
We believe in small gestures and thoughtful craftsmanship. We carefully select pieces from independent artisans, small workshops and studios across Italy, so each one reaches you with a story and a purpose.
Atelier Sonia was born from a simple idea: the best gift is not the most expensive one, but the one that feels just right. That is why we offer a carefully curated selection of small pieces signed by their makers, each with a story and a reason to exist.
We look for pieces made in Italy from quality materials and with refined finishes. Each one is then wrapped by hand in our atelier with rice paper, cotton ribbons and a handwritten card.
Sonia Bernardi Founder and Curator
In 2009, Sonia Bernardi opened a small space in a Milanese courtyard, with a wooden counter and a selection of objects sourced from across Italy. The idea was simple: to offer something different from the usual gifts, with a maker's signature and a story.
Today, Atelier Sonia occupies three rooms on Via della Spiga and works with more than forty independent artisans. The selection has changed, but the method remains the same: handle every object, learn where it comes from and choose only what we would be happy to receive ourselves.
Every object we sell carries its maker's name. No anonymous products, no industrial production: only recognisable, traceable pieces.
The wrapping is part of the gift. We use rice paper, cotton ribbons, sealing wax and handwritten cards, so that unwrapping the gift becomes a special moment in itself.
We choose objects that last and age well. We prefer natural materials and finishes that improve over time, instead of wearing out.
Soy wax, cotton wick, notes of pine, cedar and amber. Burns for 45 hours.
Hand-thrown, milky glaze, height 18 cm. Signed by the maker on the base.
Brushed brass and clear glass, sized for 10×15 cm photographs. Hand-engraved on request.
Ten sheets of cotton paper, ten envelopes, a wax seal and a brass pen.
Hand-dyed velvet with a silk lining and brass clasp. Measures 12×9 cm.
Hand-printed silk twill from Como, measuring 90×90 cm, with a hand-rolled hem.
Rattan sticks, hand-blown glass base, notes of jasmine and sandalwood.
Hand-hammered 925 silver, engraved with a word of your choice. Gift-boxed.
A rigid, lined box with rice paper, a cotton ribbon and a handwritten card.
Hand-decorated white porcelain, gold rim. Capacity 300 ml.
Beeswax, rose and geranium essential oils. In a decorated tin.
Hand binding, 100 g ivory paper, canvas cover. 160 pages.
Every order is wrapped by hand with rice paper and a cotton ribbon, and includes a handwritten card. You can provide the card's message when placing your order.
We ship across Italy within 2–4 working days. Shipping is free on orders over €90. You can collect your order from the atelier at Via della Spiga 42 by appointment.
Many objects can be engraved or personalised with a date, a name or a short phrase. Write to us before ordering: we will confirm timing and costs.
A small, carefully chosen gift for someone celebrating a birthday.
A lasting reminder of time spent together, engraved with a date that matters.
Small gifts for wedding guests, wrapped with as much care as the day itself.
A keepsake to welcome a new arrival.
A thoughtful way to thank someone who has done something important.
A winter selection of comforting gifts to place under the tree or share with someone special.
We never buy an object without first holding it in our hands. We source from small Italian workshops, learn the makers' names and choose only pieces we would be happy to receive ourselves.
We wrap every order by hand in our atelier using rice paper, cotton ribbon and sealing wax, and add a handwritten card. Unwrapping is part of the gift.
Dates, names, short phrases: many of our objects can be engraved or personalised. We help you find the right words for the person you are thinking of.
Tell us who the gift is for, the occasion and the budget. We will suggest a shortlist of suitable objects, with no obligation.
You can see the pieces in person at the atelier, or receive photos and details by email or message. No pressure; take your time.
We wrap your order by hand and add a card with the message you provide. If you prefer, we can write the message for you.
We ship across Italy within 2–4 days, or you can collect your order from the atelier by appointment. If you need it by a specific date, let us know.
The entrance opens onto a light-wood display area, with objects arranged by category and occasion. You can touch, open and try them: no display cases or "do not touch" signs.
At the centre of the atelier is a large table where we prepare the parcels. If you wish, you can watch your gift being wrapped and choose paper, ribbon and seal.
A small writing desk with pens, ink and stationery. This is where we write the cards that accompany each gift, taking our time.
“A well-chosen object— Atelier Sonia
lasts long after the moment it was given.”
At the atelier, you can browse the collection, ask for advice and have your gift wrapped while you are there. We set aside half an hour just for you.
Tell us who the gift is for, the occasion and your budget. We will prepare a proposal before your appointment.
We will confirm your appointment within a few hours. At the atelier, the pieces will be ready for you to browse, handle and compare.
Choose the paper, ribbon and card. If you wish, we can write the message while you are here. Your gift will be ready to take away and give.