12 French Gift Ideas

Got a loved one that’s head-over-heels for all things Parisian? Check them off your holiday shopping list with these classic gifts that are sure to please anyone dreaming of travel to France.

1. A Taste of France

french food gift basket
A Taste of France basket by Formaggio Kitchen.

French cuisine is world-renowned and while nothing can quite match the experience of a moonlit dinner on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, a gift basket of imported French foods, like these from Williams Sonoma or igourmet, can help set the mood for a candle-lit picnic at home. Just add an Edith Piaf record and you’re all set!

Looking for stocking stuffers instead? La Panier Francais has a wide variety.

2. A Book to Pass the Time

Whether they’re ready to dig into planning a trip or looking to take a walk down memory lane, a book can bring France to life right before their eyes.

3. Wine Club Membership

Encourage your Francophile friend to explore the incredible world of French wine with a bi-monthly Bordeaux subscription. Gifters have the option to send exclusively reds, or a red and a white, for up to 6 months. (And here’s hoping your friend is the sharing type…)

4. Savon de Marseille Soap

french soap

Give the gift of that effortless French beauty routine with these soaps that have been hand-crafted in the South of France for generations.

5. Anything from Diptyque

french perfume

This beloved brand has been doling out to-die-for candles and perfumes from Paris’ Boulevard Saint-Germain since the 1960s, and have become a cult favorite. One whiff, and they’ll be dreaming of la vie Parisienne.

6. Moleskine Notebook

black moleskine journal
Cahier Journal by Moleskine.

There’s nothing like a blank page to spur the creative mind—perhaps, like Parisian expats of the 20s, your loved one will be inspired to pen the next great American novel with this Moleskine notebook.

7. A Bottle of St. Germain

bottle of st. germain

This artisanal French liqueur, crafted from hand-picked elderflower blossoms, is the perfect addition to any home wet bar. The sweet, floral flavor goes wonderfully with champagne—santé!

8. Paris-Themed Glassware

rocks glass etched with paris map
Paris Map Rocks Glass from Well Told.

Etched with a Paris street map, these chic rocks glasses from Well Told will pair perfectly with that bottle of St. Germain.

9. Mariage Freres Tea

french tea

The delicious herbal concoctions from Mariage Frères are relatively easy to find in the U.S.—most high-end food shops will have them in stock—as well as online, where the gourmet tea brand ships worldwide.

10. Fleur de sel de Guerande

french sea salt

Fleur de sel (literally “flower of salt”) is practically a religion—it’s even become known as “the caviar of salts.” Traditionally harvested only in France, this special salt from the small Brittany town of Guerande will provide the perfect finishing touch for any budding chef.

11. Macarons

french cookies

We know, we know—no French gift guide is complete without the crème de la crème of French patisseries: the macaron. Macaron Café in New York City ships boxes of their deliciously fluffy cookies nationwide, so stock up! Pro-tip: these little guys make for excellent stocking stuffers.

12. Vintage French Travel Posters

vintage french poster

These adorable destination posters are the perfect combo of travel inspiration, vintage flair, and characteristic French charm.

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Since 1973, Moon has been guiding travelers to unique, authentic experiences in more than 200 destinations around the world. We believe in the power of travel to connect people and enrich their lives. Our authors are local experts who share our commitment to independent businesses, local culture, and ethical travel. Moon Travel Guides are published by Avalon Travel, an imprint of Perseus Books, a Hachette Book Group company, in Berkeley, California.

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