GIFT GUIDE
Thoughtful French-themed holiday gifts for your francophile friends and family
There may be affiliate links within this post which provide me with a small commission, at no cost to you. More information at: Privacy & Disclosure.
We all know it’s the thought that counts with holiday gift giving, and these French-themed gifts are sure to be appreciated by your friends and family.
I love traveling to Paris, it’s my favorite city. And when I’m home, I love special reminders of the city of lights and the French focus on beauty and craft.
This curated French gift guide highlights some of my favorite things, and the items I’ve gifted to the special people in my life. I am also sharing a few gift ideas that are on my wish list this year.
More holiday gift guides to explore: Cyber Week Favorite Things, Gifts for Moms.
1. Kusmi Tea transports me to Paris with every 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. Under $60 shipping is $6.99
For a holiday gift, I like the Iconic Blend Gift Set— a sampler of 8 different black and herbal teas. Currently 30% off. I gifted my son this tea and he really enjoyed it.
For an herbal option, a favorite of mine is Happy Mind, (lemon, dragon fruit, ginger, turmeric and moringa). Be sure to select carefully as they sell tea bags and loose tea. The above links are all to tea bags.
French Striped Cotton Napkins $40
2. I gave my sister-in-law a set of 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. And then I bought some!
These are a thick cotton and come in sets of 4. Available from Sur La Table (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. Also great for frying an egg, or any other small frying task.
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. Nice stocking stuffer to accompany the gift of a pan. $15
L'eau Sézane Perfume $65
The Parisian brand, Sézane has a lovely perfume, L’eau Sézane, a mélange of floral and spice — Italian mandarin and lemon essence, jasmine, neroli, peony, and white musk. The decorative glass looks lovely on my vanity and the scent reminds me of Paris in early fall.
French Oil Cruet $50
6. My husband Sean was gifted a French oil cruet for Christmas a few years ago. It sits on our counter and is a charming addition to the kitchen. Plus the dark bottle keeps olive oil from spoiling.
A similar option to his is available from Le Creuset, a French brand dating to 1925. It comes in 10 lovely colors.
A Taste of Paris
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 usually bring them home with me from Paris 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 in either gold or silver 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 light and 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-Themed Gifts
Paris 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 (design is slightly different than pictured) and Bistro Tile Bonjour and a budget pic, 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.)
Parisian 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 since treated myself to them. 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. Or buy them duty free at the CDG Paris airport!
Clare V. French Sweatshirt
13. Dear Santa – This “Liberté Ègalité Maternité” sweatshirt is atop my wishlist. The logo is the French national motto: liberty, equality, fraternity, and 30% of all proceeds benefit the non-profit, Every Mother Counts (EMC). It 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 Wolcott Coupe Glasses with their etched scallop detail remind me of the vintage champagne coupes I bought at the Paris flea market, Les Puces de Saint-Ouen. I love that these coupes, sold by Crate & Barrel, are slightly larger than mine while still elegant. 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 French Tea Towels 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. $15
Subscribe
I hope these French-themed gift ideas have sparked some new ideas, whether it’s a gift for someone special, or a treat for yourself. Happy holidays!
More Gift Guides & French-Inspired Style
