The Dutch calendar is a familiar object in countless Italian homes, offices and businesses—even for Italians living abroad. You may have seen one or even own one without knowing what it’s called or why. These calendars feature Italian-language text and are particularly designed for Italian communities overseas.

The Dutch calendar is a wall calendar consisting of 12 monthly sheets. It presents a three-month view: the main sheet displays the current month in the centre, with smaller previews of the previous and following months on the sides. The days of the main month are laid out in a vertical column, leaving generous space for notes or appointments. The top section is customisable, allowing businesses to print their logo, name, or themed graphics—while all the calendar content remains in Italian, preserving cultural familiarity for Italians abroad.

This layout ensures that important dates and deadlines are always visible, making it extremely practical for day-to-day planning.

It’s one of the most in-demand promotional items among Italian businesses abroad, because it combines utility with brand visibility: it stays on display all year round, supports everyday life, and serves as a strong visual marketing tool. Its Italian language content makes it especially appealing to Italian-speaking clients living outside of Italy.

Origins of the Dutch calendar

Why is it called “Dutch”? The name reflects its popularity in the Netherlands, where this format is commonly used. From there, it spread to Italy and other countries. The design has no cultural ties to the Netherlands—it’s just a geographical reference to its design origin. Despite its international use, the calendars sold here remain entirely in Italian, specifically for Italian businesses and families abroad.

Italian-language Dutch calendar with three-month layout and customisable header, ideal for Italian businesses abroad.

Why it remains popular—even in a digital world

Despite the rise of digital planning tools, the Dutch calendar remains highly valued. Seeing dates in front of you on paper helps with memory and organisation. This is particularly meaningful for Italians abroad who want to stay connected to their cultural habits—all calendar texts are in Italian.

It’s an everyday essential in Italian-run shops, artisan studios, medical practices, and even home kitchens abroad.

The Silhouette model: a narrow version for compact spaces

The Silhouette Dutch calendar is the most compact, vertical format available. It keeps the same three-month layout in a smaller 14×47 cm size. Slim and lightweight, it’s ideal for narrow areas like door frames, shelving gaps, or cabinet sides. Like all other models, the entire calendar remains in Italian—making it a perfect fit for Italian families and businesses abroad.

  • Compact design—ideal for limited spaces
  • Glossy paper and heat-sealed top for a premium finish
  • Customisable upper section for logo or branding
  • Backside notes section available on many models

Who should use the Dutch calendar?

This calendar is ideal for Italian cafés, bakeries, hardware stores, stationery shops, fashion retailers, beauty salons, as well as professionals such as dentists, accountants, craftsmen and local entrepreneurs—all operating in Italian communities abroad. It’s a tool made for Italian speakers, often gifted to clients between years as a practical and visible reminder of the business.

Recipients are happy to hang it up because it’s useful, elegant and always readable. Most importantly, it keeps a piece of Italian culture and language alive every day.

Where to buy a personalised Dutch calendar in Italian

At Shop for Shop you’ll find a wide selection of personalised Dutch calendars—all printed in Italian—for any kind of Italian-run business abroad. Upload your logo, choose your preferred header design and printing options, and receive a professional, elegant calendar that proudly reflects your brand and your cultural roots.

Even businesses without an in-house design team can easily customise their calendar thanks to our intuitive tools. With quality printing and multiple formats, these Italian-language calendars are a standout promotional item for any Italian business operating abroad.

Many companies come back to reorder year after year. Join them—and tell your clients: “We are with you, every day. In Italian.”