The French are notoriously chic and Parisians are the epitome of this flattering stereotype. So it stands to reason that the shops in Paris are just slightly more fabulous than anywhere else. We’ve trawled the capital to uncover the best boutiques and shops for buying unique and quirky gifts this year.
You know that unbelievably stylish friend who seems to have everything? Well you’ll find something for them at Merci. This concept store is a delightful shopping experience with everything, from men and women’s clothes and accessories to homeware. There are chic ornaments, leather handbags, beauty products, books and pretty much anything else you could want as a gift. Be sure to get a photo of the Fiat 500 outside. They dress it up depending on the season.
Source: A Little Find
There’s nothing like a new notebook or pen to make you feel like you’ve got your life in order. And Papier Tigre is a one-stop-shop for all your stationary. How about buying them a calendar or agenda for the year ahead, that way they’ll think of you every day.
Source: La Boutique
During the 20th century, Deyrolle was an institute of natural sciences but it has since turned into a shop and cabinet of curiosities full of taxidermy and art inspired by nature. While you probably won’t leave the store with a fully stuffed zebra or life-size polar bear (although they are available), there are other things that are more practical for purchase. Have a look through the collection of shells and fossils or indulge someone with a top-of-the-range gardening tool.
Source: Deyrolle
It’s a tricky gift to buy for people because it’s so personal, but no list of Paris shops would be complete without mentioning Pour Vos Beaux Yeux. This iconic store is the place to look for vintage spectacles and sunglasses from 1900 to 1980. We recommend buying a classic pair of vintage sunglasses for a stylish friend. They’ll wear them for years.
Source: Pour Vos Beaux Yeux
This might just be the prettiest store in Paris. And as you might expect from the name, its smells great too. Purveyors of scent, the shop is full of gorgeous perfumes, candles, soaps and creams. The staff here are real experts so you can tell them what you’re looking for and they’ll be happy to make recommendations. There’s also an online store if you can’t make it to the real thing.
Source: Suitcase Magazine
Tombées du Camion literally translates as ‘goods that have fallen off the back of a truck’ and you know that they say… one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. This tiny unassuming shop is brimming with quirky gifts and presents for creative types. The stock mainly consists of cast-offs that the founder and interior Designer, Charles Was has rescued from disused factories, so expect to find some real one-offs. There’s nowhere else quite like it.
Source: Atlas Obscura
Books, magazines and anything else you can read, line the shops of this Paris institution. Ofr. also has a small publishing house attached to it which prints an annual guide to Paris crammed full of all the things only a local would know. The perfect gift for a keen explorer.
Source: LA Vie Locale
If there’s a new addition to the family, head to Atelier Pascaline Delcourt / Les Petits Bla-Blas to discover clothes, toys and accessories for children up to the age of 6. Everything that they sell is proudly made in France so you’ll be buying local. These aren’t just ordinary kid’s clothes either… in typical Parisian style, they’re whimsical, charming and sure to attract lots of oohs and aaahs.
Source: Facebook
While candles might seem like a bit of a cliche gift, the ones from Cire Trudon are anything but. Founded in 1643, this is the oldest candlemaker still active in the world. So you’ll also be buying someone a little piece of history. Working with world-class perfumers, they have developed candles of every scent that will fill your loved ones home with light and smell.
Source: The National
Monoprix - for French foodies
OK, so it’s really just a supermarket. But like everything in Paris, this supermarket is way more upmarket than your average. Head here for French cheeses and wines at half the price you’d find at home. The prices are reflective of a supermarket, so it’s a great place to go for a cheap but thoughtful gift.
Source: 1 Paris
Excitable children will be enchanted by the painted exterior of Les Cousins D’Alice and parents will love looking through the mountains of books to find one for little readers. It’s not just books though, you’ll also find a carefully curated selection of thoughtful toys that will encourage learning AND playing. Win, win. ]
Source: Facebook
Connected to Paris’s oldest department store – Le Bon Marché, La Grande Epicerie is the place to go for presents for real foodies. The mouth-watering pastry section will leave you wishing you could take everything home. For something a little easier to get in your suitcase head to the chocolate section or stock up on gourmet preserves like jam and honey.
Source: La Grande Epicerie
We should all try and be a little more mindful of what we consume, that’s why a second-hand gift is a brilliant way to cut back on what we buy. We don’t mean rummaging around in your cupboard for something you don’t want, but instead head to Paris’s chicest second-hand shop, Bis Boutique Solidaire. It has a gorgeous edit of clothing for men and women and the people working there are receiving vocational rehabilitation. So you’ll be doing your bit for the community as well as the environment.
Source: Time Out
