Shopping

A French Holiday Gift Guide

by Ali Postma

This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). Thanks for supporting HiP Paris in this way so we can continue to provide you with fabulous content.

Left: a range of products from L'Occitane on a fireplace mantel with a Christmas tree in the mirror. Right: L'Occitane products sitting on cut tree trunks surrounded by greenery.
Top: John Donohue Above: L’Occitane

The holidays are upon us and it’s time to get your gift shopping organized! Whether you’re going to shop the Black Friday sales or not, it’s best to start planning in advance so it’s not a mad scramble to the finish line on Christmas Eve.

The Yves Rocher Curious Garden advent calendar
Yves Rocher

Even if you’re not in Paris at the moment, you can still buy your favorite French brands online to share your love of all things French with your loved ones. Here are some ideas: 

Left: a red reusable advent calendar by Clarins sitting in the snow. Right: a pair of Chloe wavy slides sitting on sand.
Clarins / Chloé

Advent Calendars

First things first, let’s talk about advent calendars, the give-ahead gift for yourself, your colleagues, friends, or family to enjoy throughout December. French beauty brands make great advent calendars for adults, such as the Premium calendar by L’Occitane or the more affordable Curious Garden calendar by Yves Rocher. There’s also the 12-day calendar by Clarins.

Left: a man holding an A.P.C. tote bag. Right: a necklace by Atelier Paulin with a sky and clouds in the background.
A.P.C. / Atelier Paulin

Jewelry

Get that special someone a piece of jewelry that they’ll be sure to treasure. A pair of statement earrings are the perfect accessory for the holiday season, like the Onde Gourmette or Silène mother of pearl by Gas Bijoux. Get the Francophile in your life the Berthe necklace or this bracelet by Atelier Paulin. Or, if you know someone who’s into horoscopes (who isn’t?), there’s their Astro necklaces

Left: a woman walking wearing a leather and shearling bag by See by Chloe. Right: a woman walking wearing biker boots by Vanessa Bruno.
See by Chloé / Vanessa Bruno

Wallets & Handbags

Wallets and handbags make great gifts as you don’t have to worry about knowing someone’s size! I love this Hana square compact wallet or this leather and shearling Ana bag by See by Chloé. Phone pouches are all the rage at the moment, check out this one by Vanessa Bruno. For something practical (and unisex), there’s this denim Daniela shopping bag by A.P.C. I also like their Medium Maïko bag.

Left: a person holding the black leather Maiko shopping bag by A.P.C. Right: A man's legs and feet, wearing sneakers by Veja.
A.P.C. / Veja

Footwear

Help keep your nearest and dearest snug this winter with some shearling footwear. Get the slipper look with this pair of Wavy slides by Chloé. For something more sturdy, I like these Aure boots. Forego the shearling with these biker boots, or splash out on these Betty waterproof leather rain boots. For sneaker addicts, grab a pair of one of France’s most popular brands, Veja. For women, I like the Venturi in white and natural or Émir shiro, for men the V-12 in white and cyprus or the Marlin LT V-Knit.

Left: a man lying down wearing clothes by Isabel Marant. Right: three men wearing clothes by Isabel Marant.
Isabel Marant

Hats & Scarves

Hats and scarves are another great idea for keeping your loved ones warm this winter. This Haley bucket hat by Isabel Marant is super cute, while their Firna scarf looks really cozy. For men, Isabel Marant also have the Denjih bucket hat and Dash scarf, or check out the New Billie scarf and matching beanie by A.P.C.

Left: a magazine cover with a man on the front wearing clothes by Isabel Marant. Right: a green ceramic kettle and sugar bowl by Le Creuset.
Isabel Marant / Le Creuset

Kitchenware

Make the home chef in your life happy with this set of four mini cocottes plus cookbook by Le Creuset. Coffee and tea lovers will adore their ceramic French press, demi whistling kettle and mugs set, and cream and sugar set. I also love their honey pot with silicone dipper.

Left: two blue mugs, a sugar bowl, and a red casserole dish by Le Creuset sitting on a table with a glass bottle of milk and a vase of flowers. Right: a black ceramic French press and mug by Le Creuset sitting on a breakfast tray with a croissant, jam and yoghurt on a bed.
Le Creuset

Art

John Donohue is a former New Yorker magazine editor turned self-taught artist. His signed limited-edition prints are a unique gift for travelling food lovers and those with good memories of past trips to Paris, or with dreams of a future one! What’s more, his prints of Paris restaurants also help support hospitality workers across the U.S.

Left: a drawing of the front of Le Jules Verne restaurants at the Eiffel Tower in Paris by John Donohue. Right: a drawing of La Fontaine de Mars restaurant in Paris by John Donohue.
John Donohue

Related Links

Written by Ali Postma for HiP Paris. Looking to travel? Check out Plum Guide and our Marketplace for fabulous vacation rentals in Paris, France or Italy. Looking to rent long or short term, or buy in France? Ask us! We can connect you to our trusted providers for amazing service and rates or click here. Looking to bring France home to you or to learn online or in person? Check out our marketplace shop and experiences.

Written By

Ali Postma

Ali is from Melbourne, Australia, where she studied Art History and Art Curatorship at university and worked in various art galleries. Passionate about all things arts and culture, she loves French film, Nordic noir, photography, street art and architecture. Addicted to pain au chocolat, Ali is fulfilling her dream of living in Paris. View Ali Postma's Website

Related Articles

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe without commenting

Join the HiP Paris Community
Receive our exclusive newsletter w/special offers, deals, giveaways, unique recipes from published authors plus insider travel tips and insights only for HiP readers.