Gifts from Paris, France

Last year when we visited Paris we brought back a number of gifts that were well received. Plus we made sure that the gifts travelled well and were within the guidelines of Customs. The gifts were: hand made chocolates, scarves with "Paris" on them, teaspoons decorated with cakes on the top, French milled soaps of various scents. The chocolates can be bought at any chocolate store, the scarves are found at the tourist stores outside of the Lourve on Rue de Rivoli, the soaps are found at any pharmacy store and the teaspoons were found at a store by the Louvre in the underground mall. I hope that this helps you.

I always find that searching for souvenirs is fun in a new place - it gives you a chance to explore!

Laduree macaroons (Laduree has several tea rooms around the city and you can also purchase them in Printemps department store).

The bouquinistes that have stalls along the Seine sell lots of small souvenirs. I bought some compact mirrors that had reproductions of vintage French advertising posters on the outside, and some small watercolor paintings and pen & ink drawings of Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, etc., that were matted and placed under glass. You have to check prices on some of the items - the vendors on the far outskirts of the Seine tend to be willing to bargain more if you are prepared to buy 2 or 3 of any particular item.

Best way to find gifts is to visit a few retail stores and search for appropriate gifts. You will find a much larger selection than you can buy.

Ask for nearby stores at your hotel or whoever you stay with or meet in your travels. You will want one nearby--not across town.

Cheryl, I found that when I had to bring gifts back for my boys that untill they were 13 or so..t-shirts fit the bill pretty well, ( after 13 my boys said they did not want to wear a t shirt that said "Paris " on it.. LOL ) That and some french candy and they were thrilled. We do not believe in going nuts with souvenirs, truly, most people just get rid of the stuff.. LOL
Scarves on the other hand were great for all female family and friends. They pack so easily, and there are so many to choose from. I got my mom a nicer one, and some cheaper ones for ladies at work etc.

Fridge magnents.

Oh, and there is one thing the French seem to have a great selection of,, and excellant quality. Table linens,, amazing towels, table cloths, napkins etc.

I think soaps and chocolates are ok too.

I kind of like buying calendars with scenes from the city, especially if they are old photos. These pack easy too. Visiting flea markets can give you some good ideas about what is typical for the area but will be different from America. For example, in Germany one can find these great bed warmers, or rug beaters or the pottery style that is typical for the area. Things like that, you won't be able to find in the department stores too often.

Cheryl,

I recieved a small crock/pottery jar filled with spices from France from a friend. I thought it was a very nice gift and I use it all the time. I just refill it with new spices.

We had some euros to burn before we flew home and bought cheeses and gourmet foodstuffs at the CDG airport just as we left. I imagine I paid a little more than somewhere else, but the prices weren't too crazy and I liked just tossing it into my shoulder bag and getting on the plane. It was well worth it to me. The folks for whom theses munchies were intended seemed to be very happy.

For my sons, I brought back Tour de France cycling jerseys and caps, for family members - boxes of Godiva chocolate with scenes of Paris on the front, for friends - scarves with Paris printed on them.

I also bought some baguettes and pastries (pain au chocolat and macaroons) at the patisserie before I took the shuttle to the airport, then I bought some cheese and a bottle of French wine from the Duty-Free shop to have for my evening meal back home.

Wow, where to begin. The out door markets have lovely scarves as well as neat little kitchen and bath items. There are40 -50 markets going on at any one time . We like the President Wilson Market and the Saxe Breteuil market for scarves and kitchen and bath things. If you send me a private message I will send you the metro stops and the hours . Market baskets are wonderful and you can put them in your suitcase and pack in them. I use mine here in the US and have quite a collection. Mine came from theMarket on Rue Mouffetard... about half way down there is a neat little hardware store with lots of baskets. Also, around the corner from the market on the way to the Censier Debentaun metro stop there is another hardware store with loads of baskets. There are 2 department stores we like. Oddly enough we have been going to Paris for 20 years and had not been to one of them. Bon Marche is upscale with a wonderful food building where we get out lunch to go eat in a nearby park. Years ago I purchased a wonderful blanket... camel hair... I was just walking through the store, reached our and felt this blanket and had to have it. This year we went to Galleries Lafayette... and in the main building.. I think there are three... we went to the fantastic cafeteria on the top floor and they have a wonderful selection of souvenirs for kids and adults. We got some wonderful CD's of French music and some kids stuff. Other things like coffee and teas and mustards are nice and cheap. We stay on Ave. Champ du Mars and there is a little grocery store where we get Grandmere's coffee for friends. It is just a cheap everyday coffee, but friends love it. Do not forget chocolates... Mmmmmmmm.

Go to the grocery store!

You can buy salt--fleur de sel, Camargue- in pretty little containers for a fraction of the cost in the US. Smal cans (to get through customs) of pate are great also and take up little room. The grocery store is a great place to get inexpensive items that everyone can use--like salt!

For your son, you might try BHV on Rue de Rivoli. They have a big toy store and might have something good. Also, street vendors and some stores will carry model cars (I buy SMART cars) that children love. T shirts and sweatshirts are available in the souvenir shops and can be fairly inexpensive.