There are a lot of things that the French do best (or at least, very well). Such things include, but are not limited to: butter, beauty products, bread, white wine, fine leather goods, hair, fragrance…the list continues. Many of these categories also make marvelous gifts. And despite my washed-up French skills, I completely adore France. So in the spirit of the season, I’ve compiled a smattering of my favorite French, or French-inspired, items to gift to the Francophile (or person with discriminating taste) in your life.
Please enjoy and know there’s plenty more where this came from (me not France, but maybe both.)
Chanel N°5 Eau De Parfum Refillable Purse Spray
As a total fragrancehead and someone who is always bopping around, I was so excited to receive this from Chanel last week (which tells me it’s an excellent gift). It’s currently jingle-jangling hanging from one of my Chanel bags as a charm, and I’m trying to transform it into a necklace.
Officine Universelle Buly Baume des Muses
I so appreciate a beautiful everyday object, a little luxury–if it’s something I’m going to be frequently looking at or using, I believe in making it as artful of an experience as possible. I adore this lip balm, and the ability to personalize it with your initials and colors of choice make it a thoughtful and useful gift.
Violette_FR Bisou Balm
French women always seem to have the perfect blotted, just-made-out-with-someone, stained lips. For this effect, I trust the master of the French red lip herself, makeup artist, Violette.
Chanel Umbrella and Case
Just hear me out.
Kule Cashmere Breton Sweater
Because nothing screams French quite like a Breton top, bonus points if it’s cashmere.
Gohar Baguette Candle
A baguette’s life span is shorter than that of a hydrangea, unfortunately, making it a tricky gift to give. Next best thing: this baguette candle for your holiday tablescape.
Hermès Clochette Long Necklace
Hermès gifted me one of these last Christmas, and I wear it so much more than I expected. Perhaps you already know my appreciation for a functional neckace, and this just adds such a chic touch to even the simplest of outfits.
Le Beurre Bordier Butter
At La Grande Épicerie in Paris, they can sous vide this butter to fly home with. And if you can, you should, because it’s really that good. (You can also order it online.)
Vintage Silver Shell Butter Dish
Because you’ll need something to put that butter in, and this is très chic.
Jane Birkin-Inspired Basket Bag
Jane may only have been an honorary French woman, but it’s hard to untangle my association with a wicker basket bag and France. It’s simple, classic, accessible, and undeniably chic.
Vintage Hermès Togo Birkin 35
….or just buy her the real thing. You love her, don’t you?
Martin-Pouret Extra Fine Cornichons
And if you’re not twerkin’ for a Birkin, how about twerkin’ for a Gherkin? Cornichons are one of my favorite little snacks–and an excellent hangover cure.
Astier de Villate Mon Prince Box
A ceramic treasure box handmade in Paris. What more could you possible need?
Sézane Trench Coat
Thanks to Catherine Deneuve, when I think of Paris I think of a trench coat. I love this one from French retailer, Sézane.
Ritz Paris Teddy Bear
I bought two of these for my young nephews and I’m not sure who loves them more: me, or them.
French Pharmacy Favorites
My idea of heaven is a French pharmacy, and even though it’s not the same experience, you can get most of the products Stateside (or wherever). I put together a selection of my favorites here.
Cartier Gold Plated Lighter
Listen, you just never know.
Café de Flore Cup
I go to Paris for work at least twice a year, and every time I do, I bring something home from Café de Flore. So far, I’ve acquired quite a few mugs and pitchers and an ashtray, and my collection is growing. Perhaps someday I’ll go ahead and buy the whole café table.
Alaïa Le Teckel Small Leather Shoulder Bag
I don’t know what it is about this bag, but it scratches an itch I didn’t even know I had. And it looks like a wiener dog, which I also love. Dachshunds aren’t French, but this bag is.
Officine Universelle Buly Large Classic Comb
This also falls into the category of everyday luxuries. It’s a beautiful comb as is, and you can have your name or initials engraved on the back. I have one and love it.
Trudon Madeleine Candle
Founded in 1643, on the threshold of the reign of Louis XIV, Trudon is the oldest Candlemaker in the world (and one of my personal favorites). You can’t go wrong, but Madeleine is a hit with people I know–Leather, Moss, Patchouli, Tobacco. Merci and you’re welcome!
Le Bristol Paris Signature Keychain
I’m a sucker for hotel merch, and this keychain chics up any bland set of keys (and takes me back to my stay at Le Bristol, where a beautiful, fluffy white cat named Socrates saunters through the halls).
Guerlain Rouge G Lipstick
Among the many things French women have mastered, a red lip is one of them. Enter Guerlain Rouge G in shade 510, otherwise known as one of my favorite lipsticks of all time. And there is something so undeniably chic about a bold red lip and a bare face–it’s both easy and put together. (And I also love that you can get it with this gold lipstick mirror case.)
Moutarde de Meaux Pommery Mustard
Nothing says Vive la France quite like this delicious grainy mustard that dates back to 1632! How about that!
La Bonne Brosse Small Universal Hair Brush
There are so few people I trust with my hair. Among them are French women (because duh). La Bonne Brosse was started by two French women, so I’m in luck (and now, so are you.) These brushes have quickly become my favorites over the past year or so, and come in a variety of sizes, fun colors, and bristles.
Christina x Aperçu ‘Deneuve’ Sunglasses
Shameless plug, but they’re named after the ultimate Parisian woman, and are pretty great (if I do say so myself).
Saint James Breton Top
Oh look! Another Breton top!
Astier de Villatte Palais de Tokyo Incense
Named after the Palais de Tokyo in Paris, this incense contains essences of Cedar Wood, Juniper, Gaïac Wood, Oak Moss and Cashemeran and is divine.
Chloé Aly Sunglasses
When I think of the chicest French women I know, I think of Chloé, and these oversize aviator sunglasses.
Timeless Pearly Bag Charm
And here’s another nod to the most beloved honorary French woman: a bag charm.
Deborah Pagani French Hair Pin
There is something so incredibly chic about a French roll, but they’re not easy to do. That said, I kind of prefer when they look a bit haphazard and messy, as though it’s been slept on. This sleek hair pin does the trick.
Chanel Le Crème Main
This is my favorite hand cream, and I can’t deny how much I adore the packaging. It looks like an egg, or excuse me, an oeuf.
Hermès Trinket Dish
If you don’t have various trinkets around your house, I don’t trust you. That’s just the way it is. But it’s also good to have somewhere to put them–and even better if that “somewhere” came from Hermès.
Croissant Ornament
Trim your tree with something flaky and buttery this fine holiday season (minus the crumbs).
Gohar Satin Baguette Pouch
Should you choose to gift a baguette, first of all, make sure it’s properly pointy. And then please present it in this satin pouch.
Personalized Veuve Clicquot
Obviously this banger of a list would not be complete without a little bubbly.
Amazing advices
Thank you !
You are my muse
i wish the person who gave me gifts have such good taste as yours!