Last Minute Gift Ideas for Paris Lovers

I know Christmas is just around the corner, but you still have this weekend to pick up a last-minute gift for that Paris lover that you know, whether that person is a Francophile or simply a patriotic Frenchman (or woman)!  Here's my list of 10 easy, last minute gift ideas for this season. 

10 :: Cheeseboard & cheese knives.  Nothing says I Love France like a good wooden cheeseboard and a high-quality set of cheese knives.  A complete set would ideally include a soft cheese knife (recognisable with its two-prong point, often with holes throughout the blade), a hard cheese knife (with a larger rectangular solid blade), a round-edged cheese spreader, and the lesser-known cheese plane - but there are many different combinations available out there!

9 :: Fondue set.  The caquelon (fondue pot) is the most important piece of equipment in this set, and can ideally be shared by 4 people.  There are different types of caquelons for cheese, chocolate and broth.  For the more modern gifter, you can look into getting an electric fondue set for convenience.

8 :: Crêpe pan.  Whether you wrap them around sweet or savoury fillings, crêpes can transform breakfast into a special occasion.  I think a 28cm crêpe pan makes the perfect size.

7 :: Hot chocolate from Angelina.  For hot chocolate lovers, Angelina is the ultimate Parisian paradise.  Luckily for us who can't make it to this maison du chocolat every day, they sell their famous hot chocolate to go!  You can get it in either powder or liquid form. 

6 :: Tea from Mariages Frères or Dammann Frères.  Mariages Frères is perhaps the best known tea house in Paris, but Dammann Frères also has a wonderful selection of parfums.  Check out a previous post I've written noting some of my favourite teas from this little haven.

5 :: Macarons from Pierre Hermé or Carette.  Oh, what could be more French than a delectable box of amazing macarons?!  I especially love the artisanal flavours that Pierre Hermé dreams up (in particular, the heavy-weight Mogador and the graceful Ispahan!) and the excellent quality of the classic flavours in a Carette box.  Read more about which flavours won the First Macaron Smackdown earlier this year!

4 :: Mustards from Maille. The magasin Maille at Place de la Madeleine may be the mecca of mustard, but luckily for those of you outside of Paris, it distributes to many stores in France and internationally, and also has an online boutique.  Don't be afraid to be adventurous with its flavours!  This year's edition limitée Noël is mixed with Chablis and truffle.  Could mustard be any more decadent?!

3 :: Luxurious French lingerie from Aubade, Chantelle, or Simone Pérèle.  Every smart man knows that this is as much a present for him as it is for the woman he gives it to!  :)  Personally I think some of the best French lingerie comes from Aubade, Chantelle, and Simone Pérèle.  They're incredibly beautiful, well-made, and sensual.

2 :: Candles from Diptyque.  Gorgeously scented gifts from the legendary French parfumeur and maker of luxury candles, Diptyque, is the perfect way to make a home instantly cosier during the winter holidays!  My personal favourites include Baies and Figuier.  Diptyque also has fantastic seasonal scents on offer at the moment.

1 :: A book or movie set in Paris.  There are countless of excellent books and movies set in Paris out there!  Some of my recent favourites in the reading category include Paris vs. New York, Paris in Color, La Séduction, and From Paris to the Moon.  There is also such a wide selection of amazing classics by Emile Zola, Victor Hugo, Ernest Hermingway, and more!  As for the movie category, you can never go wrong with Amélie, Hugo, Midnight in Paris, Paris Je T'Aime, or The Artist.  For a more complete list, check out the films mentioned in a recent post by Paris in Four Mouths.

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That's all for now, but I hope this gives you some inspiration for last-minute gift ideas this weekend!  If you have any other ideas in mind, please share them with us by leaving a comment below.  Joyeux Noël !!