I wanted to share my little 'gift guide for the Francophile' because a number of people have reached out to me recently asking for tips on what to get for the Francophiles in their own lives. The truth is there are already so many wonderful gift guides of this kind (Everday Parisian's, for example) and I hesitate to reinvent the wheel. So instead I have compiled a few things that are a bit more esoteric, perhaps slightly more adventurous and less brand name-y than one usually sees on a list of this type. So while I love a collection of Le Crueset or Staub enamelware, and could single-handedly keep Sézane, Angelina, and Diptyque in business with my love of their products, this is the list for that person in your life who is into all things French but also loves the independant makers, the artisans, and the small businesses of the world, as well as your friend who is super nerdy about the things they love, like a small batch olive oil, artisanal spirits, or dusting off their High School French skills to read Émile Zola in the original.
This is the the most fabulously buttery olive oil I've ever had. Ever since I tried it while working at Zingerman's Delicatessen during college, every other olive oil is compared to it (and they all fall flat!)
These have had some buzz of late as apparently Brad Pitt is a fan, and as such they started selling some of them at Boulud in NY, but there are still some smaller purveyors who have some in stock (and it's nice to support the little guys!) I love to support this Woman-run business and these jams are worth the hype (and the pricetag) to spoil the jam lover in your life!
These are the coolest baby books! They are in French but are for the pre-verbal set anyway - Paco learns about all different types of music (Disco! Hip hop! Opera! Rock and Roll!) with adorable, colorful illustrations and buttons that play several well-known songs from the genre being featured. I scoured the internet in search of a non-amazon source for them, et voila!
4. Savagnin white wine from the Jura region
France has so many more types of wine than those we are familiar with here in the US - for the wine connoisseurs in your life, one of my favorite lesser-known varietals, the Savagnin grape from the Jura region. I love exploring France through wine.
Lisa, proprietress of Ma Belle Provence is a Provence-born world traveler who currently resides in the USA and has compiled a gorgeous array of Provençal wares. From skincare, candles, tablewear, home decor, and delicious goodies from the South of France, support this woman-run small business here in the States that supports small producers back in France. This is not your typical souvenir shop type stuff, but really beautiful curated items chosen by Lisa herself.
6. Rouje
I love Sézane like crazy, but here is another French brand selling gorgeous dresses that are a bit less well known here in the States. The branding is a bit more overtly sexy at first glance, but the actual clothes are really lovely and wearable, much like Sézane's but with more of a red lipstick feel. I've been eyeing the iconic Gabin dress for ages now!
7. Etsy - Vintage French Canisters
I love French Antiques! I miss being able to wander the brocantes of Paris, but some of the same sellers have found their way to the USA via Etsy. I'm kind of obsessed with vintage French kitchen canisters. One of my French friends puts her dishwasher pods in one and I think it's a genius way to store those kinds of eyesores in a beautiful way!
A used French Novel is like miniature stroll to the bouquinistes along the Seine. Whether or not your Francophile is a Francophone, a beautiful copy of Madame Bovary in the original is a very thoughtful and inexpensive gift in itself or alongside another French-themed gift. The one I have linked here, Au Bonheur des Dames is really fun little novel by Zola that's very accessible for any student of French Language.
9. Men's Scarf
What is it about French men and their ability to effortlessly tie a scarf with such a beautiful result! These scarves by French boutique brand, Unio Paris, are perfect for the hyper chic men (or women!) in your life. They're also super soft and warm and most importantly available in the US through this gorgeous independent retailer, Maison Bergogne in the Catskills. I could get lost for hours in this beautiful shop!
10. Parfums D'Orsay
I have worn La Dandy by Parfums D'Orsay since I discovered it in a French Department Store in my late teens. It was (now) admittedly adult scent for a younger woman, but I've definitely grown into it. I alternate between that and the Eau Sézane (which is lighter and more green for Summer.) They now have ventured into a new realm with home fragrances and candles. A nice alternative to the Diptyque classic if you're looking for something more niche.
My favorite bras are Marie Jo - Flattering, comfortable, sexy, they last forever... And available in the US!
12. Fine Art Prints
There are so many amazing fine art photographs of France out there. I am self-servingly linking to my own travel photographs (shot on a vintage camera! on analogue film!) but I also love the ones by Rebecca Plotnik (her Paris calendar is a treasure!)
13. Handmade Tajine
Anyone who has spent extensive time in France has fallen in love with North African cuisine. A handmade Tajine is not only a useful kitchen tool for recreating the flavorful stews of the region, but also a gorgeous objet d'art when not in use. You can find much cheaper ones on Amazon and World Market, etc. but in the spirit of shopping small I have linked to this Etsy seller.
We all have that person in our life who feels they should speak French fluently but for whatever reason it never came to fruition due to family or work taking priority. My weekly lessons with Clara are the highlight of my week - I've been working with her for the past 2.5 years to get my French level up to snuff and keep it there through this extensive period at home. I cannot say enough great things about her. A gift certificate for a few French lessons is giving your Francophile the gift of communication in French and reconnecting with a lifelong dream of who they thought they would be.
15. Vieille Prune (Plum Brandy)
Last but not least, this iconic French plum brandy is on the shelf of every bar and available at every Nicolas wine shop (the ubiquitous Wine Store chain all throughout Paris.) It's a beautiful bottle and a lovely way to end a meal or a soirée à la francaise. The brandy has been produced by one family for generations with all of the old world techniques that made it iconic in the first place. A lovely gift for the spirits-loving francophile in your life!