GIFT GUIDE
Thoughtful French-themed gifts for your francophile friends and family
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We all know it’s the thought that counts and these French gifts are sure to be appreciated by your friends and family who love all things France. I travel often to Paris, it’s one of my favorite places. And when I’m not there, I appreciate special reminders of the city of lights. This curated French gift guide is based on my own favorite things and the items I’ve gifted to the special people in my life. I am also sharing a couple of gift ideas that I don’t own, but are on my wish list this year.
More gift guides to explore: Gifts for Travel Lovers, Gifts for Moms.
1. Kusmi Tea takes me to Paris with each sip. This premium tea is made in France with carefully sourced teas and botanicals from around the world. You will find it at their colorful shops around Paris, and it’s available online with free delivery in the U.S. over $60.
For a holiday gift, I like the Iconic Blend Gift Set. For an herbal option, a favorite of mine is Happy Mind, (lemon, dragon fruit, ginger, turmeric and moringa). I gifted my son the Kusmi Essentials set last year which he really enjoyed; it’s a sampler of eight different teas. Be sure to select your preferred option; they sell tea bags and loose tea. The above links are all to tea bags.
There’s a separate website for Canadian shoppers: Kusmi.com/en-ca. $10-$25
French Striped Cotton Napkins $40
2. I gave my sister-in-law a set of these French Striped Cotton Napkins a couple of years ago for our family Secret Santa exchange. She liked this French gift so much that she purchased a second set. They are thick cotton and wash like a dream. Sets of 4 available from Pottery Barn in three colors (red stripe not pictured). All are reminiscent of an adorable French country farmhouse — they remind me of a beautiful place I once stayed at in the Loire Valley.
French de Buyer Crepe Pan $35
3. I’ve had this French crepe pan by de Buyer for more than 10 years and my lucky family has enjoyed countless delicious crepes. It’s made of blue carbon steel so is naturally non-stick, with none of the chemicals found on treated non-stick pans. Making individual crepes is a labor of love, and worth the effort. A French gift that will be appreciated for years to come.
4. I usually make my own crepe batter, but if you prefer a mix, this one by Sur La Table is supposed to be good. $15
French Scented Moisturizing Milk $65
5. Le Lait is a luxurious French body milk by the Parisian brand, Sézane. I have their perfume with the same scent; it’s a lovely mélange of floral and spice — Italian mandarin and lemon essence, jasmine, neroli, peony, and white musk. The decorative glass bottle would look lovely on a vanity or in a guest bath. Moisturize with this before bed and be guaranteed sweet dreams of Paris. Note: The perfume I have is not currently available; I will share it here when it’s back in stock.
French Oil Cruet $50
6. My husband Sean is getting this French oil cruet for Christmas this year (shh). Keep your favorite olive oil in this pretty bottle with a hand-glazed finish — a practical French gift that adds a charming accent to your kitchen counter. It is made in Burgundy, France by an artisan manufacturer which dates to 1875. Available in two sizes and three colors. A wonderful gift for the French foodie or cook in your life. Sold by Food52.
Laudurée Pates de Fruit $22
7. Founded in France in 1862, Ladurée Paris is possibly the most well-known pastry shop in the world and we have them to thank for inventing macarons. But I’ve chosen a box of Ladurée Pates de Fruit, candied jellies as a sweet French gift because 1. I love them and 2. I find macarons aren’t as good unless very fresh. These cost 18 euros in Paris, so a good deal deal on the U.S. food gift website, Goldbelly. Most of their listed food products ship free within the U.S.
French-themed jewelry - Croissant Ring $40
8. I own this adorable croissant ring and get compliments whenever I wear it; it looks much more expensive than it is. It was one of my favorite French gifts from last Christmas. It is made by the brand Quince and is Gold Vermeil, sterling silver coated with a thick layer of 18k gold, which is much higher quality than standard gold plating. Quince also stocks two styles of croissant-inspired earrings which are just as cute as the ring: Croissant Hoops and Thin Croissant Domed Hoops.
9. I use this Grape Water Mist by Caudalie whenever I need a little pick-me-up. The mist is so fine, it feels almost silky and the scent is lovely and very subtle. This product is rated as clean beauty by Sephora. The mini size for travel would make a cute stocking stuffer. If you are a fan of the French pharmacy brand Avène, their Thermal Spring Water Spray is similar. I would like to try it next. It would make a perfect petite French gift. $20
French Ceramic Butter Keeper $54
10. Ah, the French, when it comes to butter, they really know it all. This French Ceramic Butter Keeper uses a traditional method of keeping butter fresh at room temperature. By adding water to the base of a keeper and filling the other side with butter, an airtight seal is formed when it’s closed. Water has to be changed every few days. With rustic good looks, this French-inspired gift is attractive and practical. Made in California. Sold by Food52.
Paris-Inspired Mugs $10-$16
11. Several brands have a line of cute “travel mugs” designed to remind us of our favorite places as we sip our tea or coffee. This year’s offerings include Anthropologie’s Holiday in Paris and Bistro Tile Bonjour and Sur La Table’s Arc de Triomphe ($10), all adorable French gifts at nice price points.
I have the Holiday in Paris mug by Anthropologie from a previous year and it takes me to Paris with every café creme. (Note: the Anthropologie mugs are not microwave-safe, due to the metallic accent.)
French Candles by Diptyque $74
12. Luxury perfumer Diptyque began in 1961 at 34 Boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris; their scents and Diptyque Scented Candles are a special reminder of France and a wonderful gift for your favorite francophile. My first Diptyque candle was a gift from my son (pictured above). And I have treated myself as well. The candles burn very cleanly and the scents are marvelous. Some of my favorites are Figuier (Fig) Baies (Blackcurrant & Rose) and Feuille de Lavande (Lavender). On a trip to France, I suggest you pop into one of their stores and discover your own favorite.
Clare V. French Tote $65
13. Dear Santa – This Clare V Jumbo Tote is awfully cute and I’ve been awfully good. 🎅🏻 Yes, this is on my wishlist, and I equally love the sweatshirt with the same design. The “Liberté Ègalité Maternité” design is a collaboration with the non-profit, Every Mother Counts (EMC). The logo is a reference to the French national motto: liberty, equality, fraternity, and 30% of all proceeds benefit EMC which supports at-risk pregnant women. A French gift that gives back.
Clare V. was founded in Los Angeles but is Parisian in spirit. In fact the retailer now has a boutique in Paris, which I visited on my recent trip. There’s also a charming boutique in the Nolita area of New York where I picked up a cute French scarf that is one of my favorites
Champagne Coupe - $20 each
14. The Niels Etched Coupe Glasses with their etched scallop detail remind me of the vintage champagne coupes I bought at the famed Paris flea market, Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, on a recent trip to France. I love that these coupes, sold by Crate & Barrel, are deeper than mine — they hold a generous 10 ounces. Beyond the obvious reason for these, drinking champagne, they would add a French “Je ne sais quoi” to any cocktail.
15. I love the bright colors of the Bonjour Tea Towel, found on the gift website I Dream of France. They are U.S.-based and specialize in table and kitchen linens from the French region of Provence. This Bonjour tea towel is whimsical French fun, a great little gift or stocking stuffer. For something more neutral I love the Bon Appetit French Jacquard Made in France $15
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