Sure, the ultimate present for the Francophiles in your life would be a ticket to the City of Light … Short of that, any of these twelve buys will deliver a little Parisian cheer this festive season (and beyond).
Dior ‘Plan de Paris’ Collection: Find the gorgeous vintage-inspired map print — centred around Dior’s iconic Avenue Montaigne location — unfurled across scarves, bags, plates, and more.
Diptyque Candle: It’s the ultimate Parisian go-to brand for home fragrance, and its holiday collection has something for every lover of Paris and perfume.
Astier de Villatte Ceramics: This Parisian atelier, inspired by eighteenth-century artisanal techniques, creates ceramics that are both exquisite and eclectic. Its ‘Paris’ designs are particularly covetable.
Mariage Frères Tea: The story of Mariage Frères goes back to seventeenth-century Paris. These days, the teahouse has grown into an international phenomenon, but its tea canisters still seem to distil the essence of this historic salon de thé. The perfect pick: Paris Breakfast Tea.
A Miniature Sculpture: Many Paris museums sell souvenirs that double as take-home art. Case in point: this mini-version of Camile Claudel’s swoon-worthy masterpiece, The Waltz.
Paris Honey: Beehives can be found all over Paris, where the city’s parks are pesticide-free. Miel de l’Opéra bottles up the sweetness of Parisian flowers, thanks to the hardworking bees who live atop the legendary Palais Garnier opera house.
Qeeboo Eiffel Tower Lamp: The City of Light … as a light. This cute and quirky creation is available in white and black, and in three sizes.
Notre-Dame Lego: This recent addition to Lego’s Architecture range celebrates the Gothic splendour of the soon-to-be-reopened cathedral.
Anything from Marin Montagut: This Left Bank boutique is a treasure chest of whimsical delights, with an emphasis on designs inspired by the icons of Paris.
Baton Rouge Lipstick: The next time you’re in Paris, make sure to make an appointment at this couture beauty boutique, where a makeup artist will concoct your ultimate lipstick before your very eyes. In the meantime, some classic shades are available online.
Inside Paris by Ricardo Labougle: This glossy coffee table tome is a breathtaking tour of some of Paris’s most sumptuous homes.
Guerlain L’Heure Bleue: Jacques Guerlain, inspired by the misty moodiness of Parisian twilight, bottled this seductive perfume back in 1912; it’s a classic to this day, beloved for a powdery, musky sillage that is as enduring as the perfume’s cultural staying power.