Mother's Day for Francophiles - Last Minute Gifts

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Days are getting longer, the sun is shining, and Mother’s Day is just around the corner – May 11 in the US and May 25 in France to be precise. If you’re in search of a last minute gift, we’ve got you covered. What better way to show your appreciation than the very best France has to offer? If you’re like me and need a little extra help finding the perfect gift, hopefully this guide will spark the inspiration you’ve been looking for.

A collage of Mother's Day gifts including: Maman et Moi (Nicole Jarecz), a Dyptique candle, The Eater Guide to Paris (Lindsey Tramuta), Peugeot Saveurs salt and pepper mills, a Le Creuset signature round dutch oven, Flowers of Provence (Jamie Beck), a Longcham Le Pliage travel bag, Thinking in Watercolor (Jessie Kanelos Weiner), Joie (Ajiri Aki), Maisom du Chocolat chocolate boxes, L'Occitane Nourishing Body and Hand duo, French at Heart (The Cook's Atelier), and Embroylisse Lait Concentre.

Maman et Moi, Nicole Jarecz

Maman et Moi is a wonderful read for moms and children alike! With her wonderful illustrations and a rhyming narrative, Jarecz brings the streets of Paris to life. Whether you’re fulfilling your dream of living in Paris or fantasizing about an idyllic Parisian adventure from afar, this book is for you.

2. Peugeot Saveurs salt and pepper mills

Peugeot Saveurs has built up its reputation for one-of-a-kind products since 1855, and Top Chef superfans may know that the show partnered with Peugeot in Season 15! These innovatively-designed mills are a popular choice in all the best restaurants because they smoothly grind all grain sizes to suit any dish and come with an impressive lifetime guarantee. If your passion is cooking, Peugeot Saveurs salt and pepper mills are a must-buy!

3. Joie, Ajiri Aki

Written by the founder of Madame de la Maison, Joie: A Parisian’s Guide to Celebrating the Good Life encapsulates Ajiri Aki’s French outlook on life and her appreciation for joie de vivre. By sharing the lessons she has learned since moving to Paris, the author encourages her readers to embrace life’s simple pleasures – the French way!

4. La Maison du Chocolat chocolate boxes

This artisanal chocolaterie prides itself on its high-quality goods based on tried and true recipes while striving to maintain a modern and innovative approach as well. What better way to spend the holiday than by indulging in these exceptional treats?

5. The Flowers of Provence, Jamie Beck

Travelling through the French countryside, Jamie Beck’s The Flowers of Provence captures spectacular and rare images of the nature she encounters, as well as advice for preserving flowers. Fans of flowers, photography, and travel won’t want to miss out!

Left: The flowers of Provence, Right: Jamie Beck self-portrait

6. L’Occitane Nourishing Body and Hand Duo

Environmentally friendly and made with all natural ingredients, L’Occitane products are simply luxurious. Their best-selling shea butter hand and body creams soothe and nourish dry skin. Treat your mom to the gift of ultra-soft skin!

7. French At Heart, The Cook’s Atelier

Craving your favorite dishes from your time in France? The Cook’s Atelier brings the best of French cooking right into your home with over a hundred recipes and top tips in French at Heart: Recipes That Bring France Home. Written by a mother and daughter, this book focuses on the importance of food in creating connections, memories, and warmth.

The exterior of Cooks Atelier with the owners and their families out front an a basket of flowers on the right.

8. Longchamp Le Pliage travel ba g

If you’re always on the go, you need this bag! Sustainably produced, stylish, and long-lasting, this is a go-to accessory for everyday errands, a night out on the town, or travelling the world. Available in a variety of colors, the Longchamp travel bag is ideal for any elegant woman.

9. The Eater Guide to Paris, Lindsey Tramuta

For hardcore French cuisine enthusiasts, The Eater Guide to Paris offers so much more than your typical restaurant guide. Beyond discovering excellent establishments all around the city and outside of Paris (with helpful maps!), readers gain a local’s invaluable understanding of Paris’ restaurant culture and its culinary scene.

10. Dyptique Candle

Every element of a Dyptique candle—wax, fragrance, glass, and all— is expertly crafted by artisans to complement each aroma and elevate customer satisfaction. Each signature scented candle exudes a delicate elegance which is so charmingly French. No matter where you are, Dyptique transports you to the heart of Paris!

11. Thinking in Watercolor, Jessie Kanelos Weiner

If you know someone with a creative side, Jessie Kanelos Weiner’s Thinking in Watercolor: A Daily Practice to Unlock Your Creativity and Discover Your Inner Artist might be the perfect gift. With a step by step guide to watercolor painting for experienced artists and amateurs alike and anecdotes from the author’s life as an expat in Paris, this book will inspire readers to get in touch with their own creativity and empower them to share their experiences through art.

Jessie Kanelos Weiner on a sunny winter day in a Paris park.

12. L e Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven

People rave about Le Creuset for a reason! Both amateur cooks and professional chefs laud this cookware for its original design, eye-catching colors, and incredible craftsmanship. Celebrating 100 years of excellence, Le Creuset unveils their Golden Flame collection, and the striking orange hue is to die for!

13. Embroylisse Lait Concentre

Embroylisse Lait Concentre face and body cream is the best moisturizer, hands-down! Combining shea butter, beeswax, aloe vera, and soy proteins, this multitasker moisturizes, soothes, protects, and nourishes. And this product goes above and beyond, acting as a moisturizer, after-shave, moisturizing mask, makeup base, and after-sun care all for under $30! With this marvellous product, self care has never been easier!

For parents considering travelling to Paris with young children, Peek-a-Boo: Travelling to Paris with Kids offers an insightful glimpse into one mother’s experience returning to Paris with her daughter.
Wondering how to take full advantage of Paris this month? Delve into Paris in May: Things to Do, Weather, Culture, Sports & More for exhibitions, concerts, family activities and more that you won’t want to miss!
Visiting Paris? Head to rue de Lévis, our favorite market street, off the tourist trail.

Written by Caroline Camp for HiP Paris. Dreaming of buying property in France but don’t know where to start? Looking for off market-deals? Intimidated by searching in a foreign language? Found an apartment you’re dying to view? We’re excited to announce our new property search service. Our expert team helps you secure the perfect home. We connect you with top professionals for every step of the process—from search to purchase. Contact us at info@hipparis.com to get started.

WRITTEN BY

Caroline Camp

Caroline Camp studies Global Communications at the American University of Paris. With a passion for storytelling, she particularly enjoys immersing herself in new cultures and finds Paris to be a source of constant inspiration. She loves reading, writing, listening to music, and traveling.