Happy Holidays! Can you believe that it’s December already? On top of the craziness that’s been 2020, I know many of you are busy with work, finals, and getting ready for the holiday season so I updated last year’s holiday gift guide with some new ideas to help you do your shopping. Hope you enjoy and that it’s helpful!

1. French Classes. There are many places you can enroll your loved one in a French class. Try a local college, private tutor, your city’s Alliance Française, or online. I’ve previously mentioned one resource that I discovered through The Earful Tower podcast called French Today. It’s a unique way of learning French through audiobooks. (You can also read my post about The Earful Tower podcast here.)
2. Coffee Table Books. Give the gift of Paris each day with one of these inspiring coffee table books.
   • Paris in Color by Nichole Robertson.
   • Paris: An Inspiring Tour of the City’s Creative Heart (paperback) by Janelle McCulloch. 
3. **NEW to the list** A membership to the Friends of Shakespeare and Company. Four times a year, you’ll get “a bit of the bookshop” delivered from the famous Parisian independent bookstore to your inbox.
4. For your Fashionistas.
   • One of my favorite places to shop in France is Repetto. The world-renowned ballet shoe company also sells small leather goods. I included a video I took of their holiday window a few Christmases ago at the end of this post.
   • I also recommend Sézane for their delicate, high-quality, and on-trend pieces that will give you a classic French look.
   • Cashmere from Eric Bompard will make a splash, as well. 
   • **NEW to the list** Parisian influencer and model, Jeanne Damas, founded Rouje, a one-stop-shop for French style.
5. Avène and Embryolisse products. These beloved French pharmacy beauty staples are a must-try. If you’re new to these brands, the Avène TriXera Nutri-Fluid cleanser (recommended for dry or sensitive skin) and Embryolisse’s best-selling Lait-Crème Concentré are great products to start with.  
6. **NEW to the list** Speaking of beauty products, By Terry has beautiful gift sets. Looking for nail polish? You can’t go wrong with the iconic Chanel nail polishes.
7. **Updated** Handbags. Yes, if you’re in the market for a luxury gift, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Saint Laurent, are great ways to go. However, there are other French brands, like Lancel and Longchamp, that are popular and make stylish, well-designed bags. You can also pick up vintage or pre-loved classics on Fashionphile or Vestiaire Collective.
8. Subscriptions. French subscription boxes like OuiPlease and the subscription mailings from Carol Gillot of Paris Breakfasts will charm your Francophile for months. I have personally subscribed to Paris Breakfast (the title is singular on Etsy) on Etsy and loved receiving my package in the mail. 
9. Paris-Themed Graphic Knits. Did you know J. Crew usually has a French-themed graphic tee or sweatshirt? I own a few and they add a fun touch to jeans for a casual day or under a blazer. 
10. **Updated** Candles. The Diptyque Baies candle is a classic crowd-pleaser. Or try Astier de Villatte candles.
11. Bon Appétit!
    • When you go to France, savoring the bread is a must. Why not bring a little home? Poilâne is one of the most celebrated boulangeries in Paris. This bakery had been family-run since 1932. They have an online shop where you can purchase bread and other treats to be shipped internationally. A wonderful accompaniment: Apollonia Poilâne’s book: Poilâne: The Secrets of the World-Famous Bread Bakery. Poilâne’s 3rd generation owner published a book this year about the history of bread with recipes.
    • Got a sweet tooth? Ladurée has some of the best macarons in Paris. You can gift this delectable and colorful gift here or read my blog post about Ladurée here. 
12. For your TV-Viewers. TV5Monde is a French-language entertainment network that airs throughout France. They also have programming subtitled in English for those of us who are learning French still. If you live in the United States, it’s available as a premium channel. Click here to see if your provider carries TV5Monde as a special surprise for your Francophile. 
13. Magazine Subscriptions. I’m surveying the French magazines on my bookshelf and see the French editions of Elle, Glamour, and Vogue and that’s just scratching the surface. France Magazine is also a great read!
14. Jewelry. If the Eiffel Tower has a special place in your heart, why not keep it close with this beautiful Tiffany necklace? If you’re looking to spend more, splurging on a Cartier piece will make this holiday’s gift exchange very memorable!
15. A French-Themed Gift Basket. For my birthday, my friends gifted me with a beautiful French-themed gift basket filled with lavender spa essentials from France. If you don’t have the time to put together a basket yourself, check out the Williams-Sonoma Tour de France Gift Crate. 
16. Champagne. And I’m not talking just any sparkling wine. Real champagne from the Champagne region. Popular brands include Dom Pérignon, Krug, Veuve Clicquot, Bollinger, Cristal, and Perrier-Jouët. If you’d prefer a bottle of sparkling from another area, there are some fun alternatives! Many other regions in France produce excellent sparkling wines with a lower price tag. Try out a crémant (Trader Joe’s has a great Crémant de Bourgogne called La Burgondie at my local store for $9.99!) or a chardonnay-based blanc de blancs.
17. A Tablecloth from Provence. One of my favorite purchases ever! I bought mine in France. However, you can buy one online here.
18. Mariage Frères Tea. Founded in 1854, this well-known tea company makes gourmet tea that will invigorate one’s palate and soothe on a cold evening. 
19. A PSG Jersey. If your gift recipient likes “le football”, try a PSG jersey. Paris Saint-Germain is the soccer/football team of Paris and has fans all over the world. 
20. An Antique Skeleton Key. One of the best things about living in Paris in my opinion is having a skeleton key to your apartment. It is such a novelty that we don’t have here stateside that tickles me every time I unlock a door in France. You can score your own antique key at the antique markets in Paris or online. They look great on a bookshelf or desk to remind you of your travels.
21. Movies. You can’t go wrong with a movie. Cuddle up by the fire and enjoy a classic like Funny Face, French films like Amélie or The Intouchables, or the Woody Allen hit, Midnight in Paris. 
22. And finally, the grand finale! You haven’t visited France until you’ve zipped around on a scooter. You can prepare for your trip or get a taste of it at home with a Local Scooter Class.