The Paris Shopper’s Guide to Artisanal Christmas Gifts

archibald.

One reason I love discovering Paris’ open-air markets is because these explorations take me to distant corners and new-to-me neighborhoods in this ceaselessly charming city. Shopping in Paris is not a mere materialistic venture, it’s a veritable touristy adventure- for native Parisians and visitors alike.

Colibri & Co

While the pressure of Christmas shopping can be overwhelming, finding the perfect gift for the brother or bestie who has it all is infinitely more pleasurable when it involves perusing artisanal and French-made products in some of the city’s most charming and unique boutiques and neighborhoods. Here are some suggestions on where to find unique French gifts for everyone on your list.

Causses

Foodie friends and home chefs will be thrilled to find their stockings stuffed with traditional French cookware and ingredients. Find great gifts for both experienced and novice cooks at E. Dehillerin, which stocks French-made cookware and accessories that make perfect additions to the Francophile kitchen.

An oh-so French snail dish or traditional terrine make an easy gift option as do the store’s signature aprons. International shipping is also available for orders placed through their e-shop.

Causses

Causses

Artisanal ingredients such as honeys, oils, vinegars, conserves, herbs, and spices are available at a variety of speciality épiceries. Put together a Tour de France gift basket including ingredients from various regions of France for your friends and family. Mustard from Dijon, olive oil from the south, herbs from Provence, honey and jams from Picardy, and Piment d’Espelette from the Basque region can be found at local minded shops such as L’Epicerie du Verre Volé, L’Epicerie Générale, and Causses.

Causses & Épicerie Générale

archibald.

Handmade presents never fail to please and double an an easy way to support independent artisans in Paris. The city is home to an overwhelming number of talented creators, including Eléonore Lindroth the créatrice behind Archibald Bijoux. Eléonore’s handmade creations include rings, necklaces, and hair accessories that are made with care in her Montmartre studio and can be found in boutiques throughout Paris or ordered online (international shipping is available).

archibald.

Épicerie Générale

Feather your nest for holiday guests with Paris-made cushions and pillows from American designer Suzanne Flenard’s Square Modern. Flenard uses limited edition reclaimed fabrics to produce the captivating and colorful creations her brand is known for. You can find her designs at a selection of shops including Maison Nordik, a Scandanavian furniture shop located in the other side of Montmartre.

Caro et Zolie

A wide selection of handmade accessories are available online at the French Etsy, A Little Market. Check out darling Christmas cards and decorations by Paris-based Colibri & Co. As well as the cuddly plush creations for kids and adults by Caro et Zolie (contact vendors individually to enquire about international shipping options).

Brasserie de la Goutte d’Or (Dider Gauducheau)

Brasserie de la Goutte d’Or (Dider Gauducheau)

For the easy-to-please brother or buddy who is happy to receive gifts by the bottle, pop in to one of the city’s specialty wines shops or beer stores. For an ultra-local and extra delicious beer head to the Brasserie de la Goutte d’Or, the Paris based brewery that makes some of the finest craft brews in France. Other Ile-de-France beer options can be found at beer lover’s paradise La Cave à Bulles.

Causses

archibald. & Caro et Zolie

If you’re looking for a more typical expression of French terroir, visit one of the city’s caves à vins that specialize in natural wines. La Cave des Papilles, Le Vin en Tête, and Le Siffleur de Ballons, all come complete with super friendly staff that will help you pick out the perfect bottle to gift or pair with a family meal over the holidays.

Épicerie Générale

The artisanal coffee trend is continuing to grow in Paris, and this may be the first year that locally roasted coffee is a gift option for fans of both France and caffeine. Pick up some freshly ground beans at a number of brand new Paris coffee roasters such as L’Arbre à Café or  Belleville Brûlerie.

Épicerie Générale

Add an extra French touch to your Parisian coffee cadeau by picking up one of Café Lomi‘s recently introduced terroir blends, with a lighter roasted Burgundy blend and the stronger Bordeaux roast both available at their coffee shop in the 18^th arrondissement. Consider covering all your libation bases by pairing a bag of the Bordeaux beans with a bottle of 3Ter, the triple fermented blonde beer that is the result of a recent collaboration between Café Lomi and the Brasserie de la Goutte d’Or.

Square Modern

Written by Emily Dilling Poulain for the HiP Paris Blog. Looking for a fabulous vacation rental in Paris, London, Provence, or Tuscany? Check out Haven in Paris.