Holiday Gift Guide: Francophile Gifts

Bonjour friends! With this year’s Francophile gift guide, I tried to feature a lot of smaller companies, include hard to find items, experiences with talented friends, and a lot of the French items and brands I use most. There are 4 main sections and at the very bottom, you can scroll through some more mainstream items such as my favorite French skincare. These are in no particular order + the 3rd group feels a lot like my own personal wish list. LOL. I have also listed any Black Friday sales that I found along with the codes. Hope you find some special gifts and items for yourself. It’s been a rough year, treat yourself when possible.

My friend Carrie Anne, founder of FRENCH IS BEAUTIFUL, teaches incredible online French language courses which you can learn from at your own pace. She has kindly offered 20% off any course from now until Dec 31st when you use the code: PARISAMOUR. Now is a great time to purchase a course for yourself or a friend. I am also a member of her ‘Paris Lessons,‘ a monthly membership that’s a must for any Francophiles.

Molly J Wilk Virtual Pastry Classes – Molly hosts weekly virtual pastry classes that have become a favorite during quarantine. Pre-covid, Molly planned Versailles market tours and macaron classes so be on the lookout in case she offers them again once it becomes safe to travel. 

La Cuisine Paris is a French cooking school that teaches a variety of French cooking courses in English.  Currently hosting virtual courses, you can learn to make classic French Sauces, breads and croissants, or pastries.  Sign up for their monthly newsletter to find out when in-person classes and market tours will resume.

France-Amerique Magazine – is written in both French and English so it’s not just full of great information to read but also a great resource for improving your French language skills.  Inside each issue, you’ll find a list of French culture events + exhibitions in North America, recipes, and features you’ll love to read.

My French Country Home Magazine – Sharon Santorini founded this beautiful magazine inspired by her life in Provence.  Subscribe to the print or digital issues which are filled with French interiors, culture, recipes and more.  Sharon’s curated French boxes are also an incredible gift. You can purchase a one time box or gift a subscription.  In the box, you’ll unveil products from iconic French brands, an antique item, fragrance and more.

Katie Rodgers X La Maison du Pastel 12 piece Petits Roche, “A harvest of Color” – These colors were inspired by artist Katie Rodgers’ summer on a farm in New Mexico and are a perfect gift for the artists in your life.  La Maison du Pastel was founded in 1720 and all of their pastels are still made by hand.  They sell a variety of sets like this 6 piece natural set, single pastels, beautiful wooden boxes to store them

P.O.S.H Chicago is one of my favorite small businesses in the US and I share it often. They curate a beautiful selection of gifts, home decor and kitchen items, French flea market finds, and one of the largest assortments of Mariage Freres teas sold in the US. Their holiday shop is full of adorable tree ornaments and more.

Harvey Nichols UK Department Store is a bit of an online gem as they do not charge duties to US customers and often offer Free Shipping.  So you can find European made products at around 30% less than purchasing from a US based site.  I have recently started buying my favorite French food brands like Maison de la Truffe, Confiture Parisienne Jams, Mariage Freres tea, and have also stocked up on Caudalie skincare. 

As a new small business, I wanted to also share my PARIS PRINT SHOP where I am selling Paris inspired prints of the illustrations that were in my book BRIGHT LIGHTS PARIS. You can shop directly on my SITE SHOP or on my ETSY SHOP. I am offering 20% off on both sites right now. On my site, use CODE: HOLIDAY20 and On Etsy, the discount should be automatic. You can see my favorite Paris print shops in my other gift guide!

The French Farm – If you have friends or family who love to cook, then this is a must to shop on.  You’ll find these adorable Paris sugars that I usually buy at Galeries Lafayette and one of my favorite brands of cooking oils, J Leblanc, made on a family farm in Burgandy, France.  They also just received new stock of my favorite Fleur de Sel salt. Receive 25% off Site Wide from now until Monday 11/30 with Code: MERCI2020.

French Wink  – Whether you’re looking for French skincare, grocery items, home décor or accessories, French Wink is where you can have the French Art de Vivre delivered right to your door!  They offer great skincare brands such as the best selection of Payot and a new and small female founded brand, Mademoiselle Provence, with some of my new favorite hand creams.   This Eiffel Tower Espresso cup is a great gift for coffee lovers, and find a variety of Sophie the Giraffe toys for new moms. Some of the items on the site are on-sale, including Payot Skincare.

Angelina – By far my favorite Hot Chocolate, Angelina Paris just opened their first tea salon in NYC along with an online store on Goldbelly. You’ll find their hot chocolate mix, delicious tea blends, and more. GoldBelly is having 20% off sitewide until Monday night!! Use Code: GoldsGiving

Maison Baluchon –  One of my favorite French brands that makes beautifully crafted bags in the most beautiful prints and leathers.  From jungle, floral and geometric they are all absolutely stunning.  Cross-body bags, totes, backpacks, ipad and air mac cases, card cases and more.  Someday the walls of my future home will be adorned with their wallpaper.   They are offering 15% off a selection of items so now is a great time to purchase your first Maison Baluchon piece. 

Ladurée – Have their delicious macarons, pretty candles and keychains shipped nationwide. Items sell out quickly but do get re-stocked so check back often.  (Goldbelly 20% off does not apply for Laduree)

Galison Puzzles – This Paris puzzle (and here) was sold out several times at the start of quarantine and I finally got my hands on one at the end of summer.  It is probably the nicest quality puzzle I have ever made and I highly recommend it for yourself or as a gift.  I will definitely be buying more Galison puzzles, just trying to decide which to buy next. Black Friday sale is 30% off the site using Code: THANKS$30. Ends 11/29.

Clare V Mask – Sure, this is more a realistic gift for covid times but just look how cute this mask is! And this one. They have a large amount of Francophile gifts on the site + Gifts that Give Back!

The New York Times Store – Most Francophiles have seen the French film, BREATHLESS, where Jean Seberg walks the streets of Paris selling copies of The New York Herald Tribune newspaper.  The New York Times sells two versions of her shirt, an almost identical knit and a less expensive tee shirt version.  I’ve purchased both for friends and they are fantastic quality. Get 25% off their Black Friday sale which has started now – use code BF2020

Maille Mustard – Maille is one of the few brands that I’ve included in all of my gift guides.  I genuinely love their mustard and you can purchase these special hand poured mustards which make a great gift from Paris.  Bring your empty jar with you when you travel back to Paris and they will refill it with fresh mustard.  Their Black Friday sale has begun and ends November 30th.

Leonor Greyl Scalp Massager – The brand is most known for their Beauty Oils + treatment products. This scalp massager is a new haircaire item that I have been using both in and out of the shower for the past couple of months and I LOVE it.  Actually more like obsessed with it.  It’s a must when dealing withstress and anxiety and it stimulates hair growth.

Boutique Musée – The e-com gift shop with products from the museums of Paris has an amazing selection of unique items and a range of price points.  Shop by museum and you can even shop by specific exhibition currently going on in Paris such as the MAN RAY exhibit or the BEARDSLEY exhibit currently going on at Musée D’Orsay.  I love the Marie-Antoinette Monogrammed brooch, Versailles Shoe Bag, Chagall Print Scarf, and Degas notebook.  Shop now for 20% off with the code: XMAS20

Provence Poiriers Boutique – Last fall we had the incredible pleasure of visiting the stunning Provence Poiriers near Avignon.  This summer, the family launched a small e-shop, selling some of their favorite items from Provence along with throw pillows and dresses made with gorgeous Pierre Frey fabrics.  You can find market baskets, Anduz flower pots, throw pillows and Luxe Provence dresses.  Follow their instagram to find out when new products are added. 

Fleuron Paris – During Quarantine, a new French handbag collection launched and has become my new obsession.   Designed in France and handmade in Italy, the collection is refined and beautiful.  Magnolia Shoulder bag, Mini Magnolia (Santa I love Almond Mint), the Swann, and Bamboo Tote are all stunning. Their Instagram is a chic transport to Paris.

Marin Montagut – A couple of years ago Marin Montagut had a pop-up at Le Bon Marche and It ended just a few days before my arrival back to Paris.  I was so bummed to miss it but ever since he opened his first boutique in Paris this summer I have been saving up.  His unique items are magical and while I can’t of course buy everything, I especially love the neighborhood pillows, dishes, and wall panel.  Now I just need to decide which neighborhood to choose. I think I’ll end up with a mix.  Isn’t this Chateau Amour Book of Secrets so cute too!

Madame de la Maison – Bring joy to your dinner table and kitchen with Aijiri’s curated collection of antique entertaining and kitchen ware.  In addition to buying specialty items like this adorable Le Petit Gourmet Jar (Hey Santa ;)), Set of 4 Champagne Coupes, and 19^th Century floral plates. You can also rent items for small dinner parties + special events (post covid ;).   The 100% linen items are also a beautiful addition to your tablescape.   Receive 20% off this weekend with the Code: BFCM20 + look for the sample linens that are currently 50% off.

Lindsey Tramuta – This year I have read more books than ever before due to the extra downtime in quarantine.  My favorite; which I find myself re-reading is Lindsey Tramuta’s 2^nd fantastic book, THE NEW PARISIENNE: The Women and Ideas Shaping Paris.  In Lindsey’s book, read about the many exceptional women of different cultures making a difference in Paris.  It’s inspiring and bonus, each person featured also shares a few of their favorite places in Paris.

French Face Co is a great multi-brand shop selling French brands and products to help you feel ‘Mentally in Paris.’  They offer such a nicely curated selection like Les Huilette Skincare, jewelry from several small French designers and a few styles of Chatelle’s Flats. I absolutely love this “Change the World” necklace by Shebam.

Argaux Wine – This Female founded and owned business curates an incredible selection of French wine from Burgandy, Bordeaux, Corsica plus more from all over the world.  Their Blind Tasting Kits are a fun way to host a virtual wine tasting party with friends and you can also order bottles as a gift which are packaged in gift boxes.

Shakespeare and Company – A beloved bookshop in Paris that is full of literary history. The shop has recently experienced a surge of support and has put their e-com site on hold to give them time to catch up with orders. They expect to be back up around Dec 1^st when you can then shop the books, signature totes, mugs and more.   You can also support the bookshop by gifting a ‘Friends of Shakespeare and Company Membership’ which are available at several different levels. 

La Porte Bonheur – American in Paris Landen has an e-shop selling beautiful and unique vintage French housewares.  Available to ship worldwide, you’ll find vintage holiday ornaments, glassware, linens and more. Landen is also one of my favorite Paris based ladies to follow on Instagram. She’s offering 20% off her shop now till Monday. Use Code: LUCKYBLACKFRIDAY at checkout.

Maman – One of my favorite bakeries and lunch locales in NYC is Maman.  With several locations, I love to stop in for a delicious lunch or coffee and sweet treat.  One of their most amazing treats is their chocolate chip cookie; which also happen to be one of Oprah’s favorite things.  They have a fantastic e-shop selling items from the cafes like candles, ceramic to-go cup, and their famous cookies.

Also, check out Oui Please, a beautifully curated French luxury subscription box. They are 40% off with the Code: OUIBF40. Bon Appetit Box is a subscription box curated with French gourmet items.

Here are a few more groupings with some of my favorite French products that also make great gifts. Starting with French Beauty Items – great sets to gift friends, some smaller stocking stuffers and special luxury perfume.

Caudalie is having a fantastic Black Friday Sale including a lot of the gift sets shown below. You can also shop their skincare on Anthropologie which is 30% off site wide this weekend.

My favorite French Candles. In addition to the below, Laduree candles can be found in their Goldbelly shop.

More Francophile Gifts – Most of these you will find on Anthropologie at 30% off this weekend.

I hope you enjoyed my Francophile Gift Guide! Happy Holidays

xx, Angie
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