Contents
- 1 Lillusory Oversized Pullover Sweater
- 2 Best Overall Gifts
- 3 Compagnie de Provence Extra Pure Liquid Soap
- 4 Best Clothing and Accessories Gifts
- 5 Eberjey Women's Gisele PJ Set
- 6 Merokeety Oversized Cardigan
- 7 Feversole Soft Cushion Extra Padded Mary Jane
- 8 Best Beauty Gifts
- 9 Manucurist Green Flash Premium LED Gel Nail Polish Kit
- 10 Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil
- 11 L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream
- 12 Junyuerly Letter Key Chains Accessories
- 13 Madewell The Essential Bucket Tote
- 14 Meisee 100% Pure Mulberry Silk Scarf
Conveniently, they’re all on Amazon.
The holiday spirit has officially landed in Paris. Not only are chunky snowflakes floating outside my window as I write this, but all of the shops—from the cozy independent ones to the grand department stores—are decked with garland, lights and glistening extras to lure in customers with their charm. In other words, it’s hard not to feel festive right now, and it’s also hard not to start thinking about the perfect gifts to buy for loved ones.
And that’s where I’m at right now—the brainstorm phase. When it comes to gift-giving, I aim to buy items my friends and family wouldn’t necessarily buy themselves, whether it’s because they’re more luxurious buys, or it’s something special I don’t think the recipient knows about. To help me make my selections this year, I’m seeking inspiration from the stylish Parisians around me to find gifts I think those on my list will appreciate.
Lillusory Oversized Pullover Sweater
$30 at Amazon
To my surprise, many items I’ve had my eye on that are from French brands or are simply French-inspired are available on Amazon. While I try to shop local and support small businesses when I can, it’s calming to know there are great finds just a few clicks (and a Prime membership) away. Here are 20 French-inspired gifts I’m looking at buying this holiday season.
Best Overall Gifts
- Editor’s Pick: Compagnie de Provence Savon de Marseille Extra Pure Liquid Soap, $28
- Seen in French Cafés: Marshall Emberton II Portable Bluetooth Speaker, $100 (Originally $120)
- For the Candle-Lover: Cire Trudon Abd El Kader Candle, $112 (Originally $125)
- French-Girl Style: Lillusory Oversized Pullover Sweater, $30
- Alcohol-Free Rosé: French Bloom Le Rosé, 0.0% Alcohol-Free Sparkling Organic Wine, $46
Here we have five Parisian-loved gifts anyone would appreciate. The person on your list with a penchant for creating an ambiance chaleureuse (a warm atmosphere) in their home would get excited about a Marshall portable speaker, which can be spotted in some of the coziest cafés in France. Or, they may prefer a lavish Cire Trudon candle, like the highly-rated scent Moroccan Mint Tea, which has warm wintry notes like apple, vanilla, mint, and cloves.
Compagnie de Provence Extra Pure Liquid Soap
$28 at Amazon
For the hostess? Give something that would add a touch of luxury to their duties, like Compagnie de Provence hand soap, which woos anyone with a single pump (just check out its reviews). The friend on your list who quit drinking (but previously adored) bubbly must be introduced to French Bloom’s alcohol-free sparkling organic wine. Founded by fashion model Constance Jablonski, it tastes just like the real deal. As for the person who loves classic French style? They’re sure to appreciate a traditional white and navy striped sweater to take them from cold winter days to brisk summer nights.
Best Clothing and Accessories Gifts
- Editor’s Pick: Eberjey Gisele PJ Set, $148
- Winter 2024 Trend: Madewell The Essential Bucket Tote, $107 (Originally $178)
- Under $10: Junyuerly Letter Purse Chain, $7 (Originally $8)
- Classic French-Girl Piece: TheMogan Lace Bralette, $20
- Looks Expensive: Feversole Padded Round Toe Mary Jane, $40,
- Bctex Coll Fuzzy Bedroom Slipper, $15 (Originally $25)
- Merokeety Open Front Oversized Cardigan, $37
- Veronica Beard Crosbie Wide Leg Jeans, $298
- Meisee 100% Pure Mulberry Silk Scarf, $16 (Originally $20)
- Lusofie Sheer Socks, $8
Interested in gifting Parisian-inspired clothing and accessories? I have a slew of picks that are sure to garner a few ooohs (and maybe an ooh la la). French girls love a carryall that they can throw anything into, and Madewell’s bucket tote is the perfect style. Other classic French-girl pieces include a sexy bralette to wear under semi-sheer shirts, a printed silk scarf to bring a hint of color to a look, and ’70s-inspired flares and bag charms that look like ones Jane Birkin used to own.
Eberjey Women's Gisele PJ Set
$148 at Amazon
I love gifting pajamas because they’re something most people (myself included) rarely treat themselves to—but a comfortable pair is always a pleasure to receive. One of my favorite PJ brands is Eberjey. Its classic Gisele Set is as fail-proof as gifts get. One Amazon reviewer said they bought a second pair after being gifted a first pair for Christmas, and is thrilled that the set “holds its shape.” Another one wrote, “The softness and quality make these PJs a must have in your nighttime wardrobe…I’m definitely getting two more pairs.” Tip: Buying this set for yourself? Wear it the French way by not wearing them as a set but as separates for a less contrived look.
Merokeety Oversized Cardigan
$37 at Amazon
Cardigans are one of those pieces that are guaranteed to get worn on repeat as soon as temperatures drop. Merokeety’s oversized cardi comes in 19 hues, and looks particularly Parisian when worn buttoned-up. Reviewers love both its silhouette and material, with one writing, “It’s incredibly soft and cozy, perfect for the fall season…The oversized fit is just right, giving it a relaxed and comfy feel while still looking stylish.” The most Parisian way to wear it? With relaxed jeans and nothing underneath.
Feversole Soft Cushion Extra Padded Mary Jane
$40 at Amazon
Comfortable footwear is a must when stomping around a city like Paris, and while sneakers certainly help get the job done, sometimes they don’t offer the level of polish you’re after. That’s where velvet Mary Janes, like this camel velvet padded pair from Feversole, come in. They remind me of the trendy Le Monde Beryl shoes that Parisian girls love, but are a fraction of the price. Not only that, but they may be just as comfortable, too. Reviewers are impressed with the support they offer, with one writing, “Truthfully, I was not expecting much, given the price point, but I was pleasantly surprised at the quality, color, and the fit…these shoes not only look good, they feel very comfortable as well.”
Best Beauty Gifts
- Editor’s Pick: Manucurist Green Flash Premium LED Gel Nail Polish Kit, $85
- French Pharmacy Favorite: Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil, $27 (Originally $39)
- Perfect Stocking Stuffer: L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream, $30
- French-Girl Red Lipstick: L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Original Satin Lipstick, $7 (Originally $10)
- For the Skin Care Lover: Caudalie Instant Detox Mask Pore Minimizing, $42
France may be known for having the best food, wine, and fashion, but others, particularly beauty lovers, would argue the country also has the best skin care products and cosmetics. In other words, French beauty products make failproof gifts. Not sure where to look? Consider L’Occitane’s Shea Butter Hand Cream, which is so popular that one sells every three seconds worldwide, per the brand. Or, what about a classic red lipstick with a satin finish? You truly can’t go wrong with L’Oréal Paris’s Colour Riche in Le Rouge Paris, which has over 28,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. Or maybe your person would like a face mask? Consider Caudalie’s Instant Detox Face Mask, which has won over customers as proven by the product’s glowing reviews.
Manucurist Green Flash Premium LED Gel Nail Polish Kit
$85 at Amazon
A French woman introduced me to Manucurist’s at-home gel polish kit last year, and I haven’t gotten a professional manicure since. I love it for a few reasons: It boasts a clean and mostly plant-based formula, it’s quick and easy to use, it lasts at least a week, and it’s super easy to remove (no sanding or acetone required). On Amazon, you can choose a kit that comes with one of three polish colors—pink, red, or burgundy—and you’ll also get a base coat, top coat, LED light, and tools for easy removal. Reviewers like it as much as I do. One wrote, “This does what it says it is going to do…it wears great, and is a breeze to remove.” They added: “I am sensitive to chemicals and my nails are having no negative reaction to it.”
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil
$30 at Amazon
Many, many moons ago, I read about this product on Goop, back when the site was just a newsletter—and it’s been one of my go-to products ever since. This ultra-hydrating oil nourishes dry hair and skin, transforming it to a healthier state, making it an essential product for anyone’s beauty cabinet. My favorite way to use it is on my legs in the summer, to give them a Barbie-like sheen, but Amazon reviewers love using it, particularly as a body moisturizer, a hair oil on dry ends and even as a perfume, thanks to its delicate, floral scent.
L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream
$39 at Amazon
Junyuerly Letter Key Chains Accessories
$8 at Amazon
Madewell The Essential Bucket Tote
$178 $107 at Amazon
Meisee 100% Pure Mulberry Silk Scarf
$20 at Amazon