Holiday Gift Guide: The Francophile
📍Paris, France
French Cookbook || Skincare Set || Classic Perfume || Ritz Baseball Hat || Herbs de Provence || Nautical Shirt || Framed Matchbook Print || Iconic Tea Cup Set || French Earl Gray Tea || French Oven || It-Girl Sneakers || Tote Bag
Dress (Similar) || Topcoat || Heels ($50 off with SARAHFLINT-BAKATIE) || Headband || Similar Handbag || Earrings || Lip Color
Earlier this year, I had the absolute pleasure of spending nearly two weeks in France. With one week in Paris and one week exploring the Provence region, it’s easy to say that I fell in love with the country! It truly is so magical, and I cannot recommend visiting it enough. I would love to book another trip in the year 2023, but if I can’t, I’ve been thinking of ways to add a healthy dash of French to my life. Here are 12 ideas for the Francophile in your life with my latest gift guide.
French Cookbook
I have such a love for French cuisine. The simple ingredients and the right amount of spices (and butter) make for such incredible flavors. I’ve been growing my French cookbook collection recently. Mastering the Art of French Cooking from Julia Childs is a must, but I also like to pull recipes from Dinner in French. The next on my list is Plat Du Jour: French Dinners Made Easy. This book includes 352 pages of new recipes to try in the new year, and I can’t wait!
Skincare Set
France is known the world over for their beauty products, with many making annual trips to Paris to stock up on supplies! It only makes sense since French women are renowned for their beauty and youthful glow. After researching and trying a few different brands, I really love the products from Sisley Paris. This Velvet Nourishing set is perfect for cold winter days when my dry skin is at its worst.
Classic Perfume
While in Paris, I made sure to visit the iconic Officine Universelle Buly. This perfume boutique is absolutely incredible! There are countless perfume and skin care options, and it’s tempting to spend all of your souvenir budget here. I came home with a bottle of their orange blossom eau de perfume. The scent is light and citrus-inspired, perfect to be used as a daily favorite or for special occasions.
Ritz Baseball Hat
There is nothing more luxurious than visiting the Ritz in Paris. Even if you don’t stay there, it’s still worth a visit. You can feel the history as you walk through its hallways. Recently, FRAME collaborated with the Ritz Paris, and I love every single item. The baseball hat is the most versatile pick that can be worn year-round and is the perfect gift for the Jetsetter on your shopping list.
Herbs de Provence
After traveling through the South of France this year, I quickly learned to love this French kitchen essential. Ever since, I’ve been adding herbs de Provence to nearly every recipe. From soups, salads, omelettes, it really elevates an already delicious meal. There’s just something about the blend of thyme, tarragon, rosemary, and even lavender. This blend from William-Sonoma comes in a cute ceramic jar for the chef or foodie.
Nautical Shirt
France has a long history with striped Breton shirts, and Saint James has always been at the center. Not only is it a French essential, historically worn by the Navy, but it’s also an incredibly versatile piece that belongs in every closet. There’s a rainbow of colors and styles, but the most classic pick would have to be navy and white stripes. Think of this as the ultimate symbol of Parisian chic.
Framed Matchbook Print
One of my most cherished memories from Paris includes drinking and socializing at Harry’s New York Bar until 2 in the morning. Claiming to be the oldest cocktail bar in Europe, this place is a favorite amongst locals and tourists. This framed print from Charles Ryan Clarke is a constant reminder of an unforgettable evening. With hundreds of options to choose from, I think a matchbook print always makes for a great gift.
Iconic Tea Cup Set
For me, a perfect Parisian morning starts with a coffee and croissant at Café de Flore. Watch the world pass on Boulevard de Saint Germain as you enjoy your breakfast and attempt to read the local paper. If only every morning can be spent here. Since that’s probably not a reality right now, gifting a tea cup set from Café de Flore may be the next best thing. Pick up a croissant from your local bakery and you can add a touch of French to your morning routine.
French Earl Gray Tea
Although the Brits are most often associated with tea, the French may have perfected it. On my most recent trip, we had tea time at Laduree’s, and it was heavenly! One of the most beloved tea brands in France is Mariage Freres. Founded in 1854, it was developed by two brothers who imported tea from Asia and India. Gift a slice of France and history with this tin of Earl Gray Imperial tea. At Under $35 each, you can even mix and match to create a custom set.
French Oven
With the colder season here, I have a long list of soup and stew recipes that I’m dying to try. Many of them recommend having a French oven in your kitchen just for the task. This enameled French oven by Le Creuset is dishwasher safe, meaning it moves from prep to cooking to cleanup without a hitch. They come in a rainbow of colors and are seriously a work of art. You’ll want to keep it out on display long after the dishes have been put away.
It-Girl Sneakers
Parisian women are notorious for having effortless and functional style. It’s extremely common to see one rocking an incredibly chic outfit with white sneakers. A favorite brand amongst the French set is Veja, especially their white sneakers. I’ve been wearing mine for several years and I can attest how seamlessly they can pull together almost any outfit. They’re also incredibly comfortable too!
Tote Bag
Not only are Longchamps the perfect travel tote bag, but they are also a quintessential French accessory. While in Paris, you see countless locals carrying as they hurry around the city. Longchamp created this particular tote bag to celebrate Bastille Day, France’s national holiday. You really can’t get any more Parisian than that!
Et Voilà! These 12 Francophile gift ideas are sure to please and dazzle. Even simply shopping for them is enough to inspire a 2023 voyage to France. Maybe I’ll see you there!
Love from Paris,
Katie
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