#13 Paris’ Coffee Table Books
→ This is the one I gifted my mother in law a couple of years ago
Coffee table books are always a pleasure to give and receive. They look beautiful on display, but the real magic is in the photos — they bring back memories or build anticipation for a future trip.
A simple, thoughtful gift for anyone who loves Paris and a good book.
→#14 Paris Travel Guides
→ See the full range of Paris Travel Guides here
Here’s a smoother, tighter version that stays true to your tone and avoids anything overly promotional:
Guides make some of the best gifts for anyone heading to Paris. They’re the classics for a reason. Paris is a city you understand best on foot, and a good walking guide helps you spot the details you’d otherwise miss.
One I really like is “Paris in Stride: An Insider’s Walking Guide.” It’s a nice addition to the usual list and a great companion for anyone who enjoys wandering, discovering small corners, and seeing Paris beyond the big sights.
#15 Upscale Paris Gifts: REAL French Knives
If you’re looking for a French gift for someone who loves to cook, an authentic French knife can be a real hit. I mentioned Laguiole earlier, and it’s still one of the most famous names — but you have to pay attention. The market is full of counterfeits.
Real Laguiole knives don’t have teeth, and they’re never cheap. Here’s the real store.
Knifes are another example of a beautiful gift for someone who appreciates craftsmanship and values solid French quality. It’s the kind of piece they’ll use for years, not just keep in a drawer.
#16 French Cooking Utensils
France takes food seriously, and you feel it in the quality of its cooking tools. If you’re looking for Paris-inspired gifts for someone who loves spending time in the kitchen, you’ll find plenty of great options.
Of course, there are countless French utensils out there — sturdy, well-made, and built to last.
Here are a few examples that make any hobby cook happy. They’re practical, thoughtful, and bring a small touch of French cooking into everyday meals.
Le Creuset – Cocotte
Premium Cheese Knife Set
→ My personal favorite is the pepper mill from Peugeot. It’s a staple in French kitchens and adds a little bistro feeling to any meal, no matter where you are.
#17 Paris-Themed Gifts for Men
→ click here to find more gift ideas for men
I know from my own experience that searching for French gifts for men can be tricky. I’m never sure why, but unless they have a very specific hobby, it’s hard to find something they truly enjoy and appreciate.
Still, I’ve gathered a few Paris-related ideas “for him” that tend to work every time.
If the man you’re looking to gift something to is into whiskey or rum, I can tell you that my husband likes Whiskey Glasses most, though.
Paris Whiskey Glasses
→#18 Paris Coloring Books – Relax and Dream
→ see all Paris coloring books for adults and children, click here
Coloring books for adults are surprisingly popular. From my own experience, they’re genuinely relaxing — something simple to focus on, lines and colors, and a nice break from everything else.
They make a thoughtful Paris- or France-themed gift for creative friends who enjoy a quiet moment.
Cats in Paris – A magical coloring book
→#19 Paris gifts for bookworms
→See here the full list of favorite books set in Paris:
One of the classic Paris novels is Ernest Hemingway’s “A Moveable Feast.” It still captures the city in a way few books do.
If your Paris-loving friend prefers a good crime story, I always recommend Fred Vargas. Her novel “Have Mercy on Us All” is the first in the series with Commissaire Adamsberg — smart, quirky, and set in the corners of Paris most visitors never see.
In any case, these two are my personal Paris book favorites:
Anna Gavalda: Hunting and Gathering
Tatiana de Rosnay: Sarah’s Key
#20 Fun Paris Gift Ideas for Everyone
I’ve shown you plenty of fancy and more upscale gift ideas, but Paris has a playful side too. Not every present needs to be serious. Here’s a small selection of fun Paris gifts that work well for light-hearted occasions.
LEGO Paris Skyline with the Eiffel Tower
Don’t be fooled — this isn’t just for kids. I love Lego and still buy it for myself. And honestly, I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t be happy with a Lego set.
The absolute best: Lego Collectible Minifigure “Connoisseur”
→ #21 Paris Gift Ideas for Kids
→ find more ideas for kids here
Paris has some wonderful toy brands that create pieces with real old-world charm. No plastic, no blinking lights — just tea sets, dollhouses, and solid wooden toys built to last. The quality is great, and even the roughest kid won’t manage to break them easily.
Two of my favorite brands are:
Les Parisiennes Tea Set
Les Parisiennes: Mademoiselle Eglantine
If you’re looking for a cadeau for a smaller child, I can strongly recommend livres sonores. They’re sound books with little buttons that play a noise when you press them — forests, instruments, animals, classical music, all sorts of themes.
Kids love them, and they’re a simple way to keep little hands busy. You find their selection here.
#22 Paris and France Travel Guides for Kids
Kid travel guides are a great way to help children enjoy a city trip. Many of the things we adults love in Paris are, at best, just “fine” for kids. If you’re planning a visit with your little ones, these guides make a lovely gift. They let kids browse on their own, spot what interests them, and feel part of the planning.
The most popular Paris Travel Guides for kids are:
#23 Paris Gifts for Foodies
→ click here to find more French food, perfect for gift baskets
And again, there’s no way around food when you’re searching for a gift for a Paris lover. Chances are high they also have a soft spot for French cuisine. A French cookbook may feel a bit old-fashioned in a world where you find every recipe on YouTube, but it still has its charm.
→ TIP: “My Paris Kitchen” from David Lebovitz is a perfect choice
French cooking is traditional, and learning from a cookbook feels much more classy than following a quick tutorial online. It’s a lovely idea if you’re looking for gifts for someone who loves France — or if you want to put together a French-themed gift basket.
Here are a few ideas:
#24 Paris Stationery and Scrapbooking
→ click here to find all Paris scrapbooking supplies
If you’re looking for a Paris-related gift for someone who loves scrapbooking or stationery, you’ll have plenty to choose from. Paris brands do paper goods really well. The items below are my personal favourites, and they also work if you need an inexpensive Paris-inspired gift.
#25 Macarons: Perfect Gifts for the Sweet Tooth
→ Find more gift ideas for people who love to bake — click here
If your friend loves baking as much as they love Paris, anything related to macarons is always a good pick. These little pastries are basically the French baking icon.
A book about macarons from Ladurée or Pierre Hermé makes a lovely gift — part inspiration, part decoration for the kitchen shelf.
→ My Tip: Or you just gift them a box of freshly made premium Macarons from La Maison du Chocolat.
# 26 A French Fift Basket
→ Click here to find more French food, perfect for your gift basket
If you don’t know what to offer your Paris-loving friend, you can’t go wrong with a Paris-themed gift basket. Never.
You can buy a ready-made one like this, or build your own from scratch. Here are a few essentials that always deserve a spot inside.
→ #27 Traditional French Candies
Like every country, France has its own candies that everyone knows and that bring back instant childhood memories.
For some it’s Les Anis De Flavigny, very classy and a bit old scool hard candies. They come in beautiful tin boxes and are certainly a keeper.
For many THE classic is Carambar — originally caramel, now in all sorts of flavours. The fun part isn’t only the candy itself but the little joke printed inside the wrapper.
It’s a sweet treat and a light way to freshen up your French at the same time.
Carambar!
Traditional French Mints
→ #28 Movies About Paris
A movie about Paris is a lovely way to get your friend into the right Paris mood. It works for anyone who loves the city or simply likes having a bit of Paris at home.
And yes, in the age of Netflix and Amazon Prime, giving a DVD or Blu-ray might feel a little old-school, but a Paris gift list wouldn’t be complete without the Paris movie of all Paris movies:
Midnight in Paris
→ Wrapping It Up
Paris offers so many gift ideas that it can feel hard to choose, but the fun part is that there’s no single “right” option. Whether you go for a French classic, something playful, or a small everyday item that brings a bit of Paris into someone’s home, it’s the feeling behind it that counts.
After almost two decades in this city, I’ve seen how these little gifts connect people to Paris — a scent, a book, a kitchen tool, even a box of candy. Pick something that fits the person, not the occasion, and you’ll be fine. And if you’re still torn, a Paris-themed gift basket always saves the day.
In the end, the best Paris gift is the one that makes someone smile and think of the city for a moment. That’s all it needs to do.
Parisienne since 2006 🩷
Expert in: Parisian Life &
French Culture, Travel
Planning, Crochet & Food and Drinks
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Must-Haves for Paris:
- eSim card to stay online while in Paris. I used GigSky for my travels.
- You likely need a travel adapter to plug your devices.
- Travel Insurance – if you don’t have one, VisitorsCoverage is a good option.
- If your flight is delayed or even canceled, use AirHelp to get compensation.
Tours & Attractions:
- I book tours & activities through Get Your Guide or Viator.
- Museum & Landmark tickets can be cheaper on the official page, but they are often sold out.
- I love the GoCity Travel Passes for easy planning
- I use Tiqets for Seine Cruises because with my code SALUT5 we get 5% off
Flights & Transportation:
Accomodation:
- Hotels in Europe I mostly book through Booking.com (check reviews carefully)
- Vacation Rentals through Airbnb or VRBO
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