My favorite gift ideas from Paris
Not your usual touristy stuff!
Summer is around the corner, and some of us may be travelling (or welcoming guests) to Paris this year. I can’t stand souvenir shops. They usually sell cheap stuff that’s mass-produced in a far-flung area — I’d much rather buy something that’s made in France. With that in mind, I’ve been cultivating some great gift sources that I wanted to share with you so that you’re not filling your carry-on with Eiffel Tower keychains.
Let’s get right into it:
Boutique RATP
RATP is the Paris transportation authority, and someone came up with the brilliant idea of turning some of its well-known symbols into really fun gifts. The brand is Boutique RATP and they have the cutest things for sale, from t-shirts to bags to notepads:
The Galeries Lafayette (Haussmann) department store has all of this stuff on the 4th floor where the main restaurant is located. You also check online at the Boutique RATP la ligne.
Élysée brand
The Élysée Palace is where the President sits, and Maison Élysée, located across the street at 88 rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré, is a free museum dedicated to its history.
In 2018, an initiative was started by the French President to offer the best artisanal products from around France to visitors. All items are Made in France and include food, cutlery, notebooks, bedroom slippers, watches, and clothing. One-third of their products are under 20 euros to make it accessible to most everyone who wants to buy something special.
Here is their shop website so you can see for yourself: Boutique officielle de l'Élysée You can also find Élysée brand goods at Galeries Lafayette where the RATP stuff is sold.
Savon de Marseille
This iconic cube-shaped soap is a great gift idea - everyone needs soap! Savon de Marseille is particularly well-known for being gentle on skin and has a history that goes back to the 14th century.
You can find it in most places that sell body wash and soap, including Monoprix, and at parapharmacies (which sell more than medicine and other practical items). A good place to look is Pharmacie Monge at Place Monge in the 5th arrondissement.
The iconic French kitchen towel
There are stores around Paris that sell sheets and towels and other items, so you can find these there. Or try your local quincaillerie, which sells all manner of kitchen and home supplies.
French torchons
A torchon is like a wall-hanging that is made of the similar fabric as a tea towel. If you soak it in cold water overnight, it can be used as a towel, but I think it’s much prettier hanging on a wall. This is one of my favorite gifts because it’s easy to pack in my luggage.
There’s a French company called Winkler that makes them in all kinds of cute designs made in France:
I know a special little shop that I go to every time I’m looking for this kind of gift: it’s called Les Toiles Filantes and it’s located on 85 rue Monge in the 5th arrondissement. The lady there sells the Winkler torchons in many designs and they only cost about 18 euros and they are a lovely gift.
Local jewelry
When I travel, I like to buy something small that serves as a good memory to take home with me. For years, it was jewelry. There are a number of terrific French brands such as Agatha and Zag that you can find on the ground floor at Galeries Lafayette.
If you’re looking for a more fun adventure than heading straight to the department store, my advice is to keep your eyes peeled while wandering around Paris. There are a number of little boutiques that sell small items that won’t break the bank. Here’s a link to a website recommends some local jewelry brands: 15 Affordable French Jewelry Brands to Shop
I hope this served as an informative little guide for you, dear Readers. Of course, you can always go the route of wine and macarons and tea because you can find that all over Paris. These also make great gifts. However, I like these other items because they’re so unique and symbolic of France.
Do any of you have other ideas and tips you’d like to share for buying nice gifts?
Great article Jenn.
I love Opinel knives. They come in all sizes from pocket to kitchen. The steel is not stainless so keep it dry and lightly oiled. But it easily takes and keeps a good edge. Best news is they are very inexpensive.
I take home small Laguiole cutlery.....so distinctive and so French. The handles are available in a variety of pretty colors or stainless steel.
You can find it in most kitchen supply stores, but La Joie de Vivre on Rue de Seine in the 6th Arrondissement has a terrific assortment and other lovely moderately priced houseware merchandise as well.
A butter or jam spreader, small cheese knife, or sugar spoon can be purchased for about 10 to 12 Euros.
It is a great gift, especially for entertaining, and definitely a sweet reminder of Paris.