Bringing Paris Home for the Holidays

Written by the Message Paris Volunteer Team

Living in Paris as an expat means the holidays often involve a big trek home—whether by train or plane, those long travel days are made worthwhile by the treasures we bring back. These aren't your typical tourist souvenirs. These are the treats, finds, and uniquely Parisian gifts that our team actually buys for their own loved ones. Here's what we're packing in our suitcases this season.

For the Food Lover: French Butter & Sel de Guérande

Recommended by Meg, VP of Events

For my relatives who love to cook, I always look forward to bringing back French butter and sel de Guérande (fleur de sel from the Brittany region). French butter is cultured and has a higher fat content than American butter, giving it that distinctive rich, tangy flavor that transforms everything from morning toast to holiday baking.

You can find excellent butter at your local fromagerie, neighborhood grocery stores, or splurge at Le Grand Épicerie at Bon Marché, who will vacuum seal your butter for free. Just make sure to keep it in the freezer before your trip so it stays cold during travel. Pair it with a small jar of sel de Guérande—those delicate salt crystals are a chef's secret weapon.

Pro tip: Bordier butter (the one with the wooden stamp) is the gold standard if you can find it!

For Little Ones: French Children's Books

Recommended by Amaris, VP of Information Technology

For my various nieces and nephews who range from a few months old to 3 years old, I'm bringing back Ceci n'est pas un livre (This is not a book) by French artist Jean Jullien. The English version is out of print, but the French version is still available at the famous children's bookstore Chantelivre in the 6th arrondissement.

I love this book because it encourages imagination—it's funny, full of possibilities, and celebrates play in the way only French children's books seem to do. Plus, it's by a celebrated French artist and unavailable in the States anymore, which makes it feel extra special. Even for non-French speakers, the visual storytelling is so strong that kids (and parents) will get it immediately.

For Tea & Chocolate Lovers: A Classic French Pairing

Recommended by Jun, Treasurer

My go-to gift is always Mariage Frères tea paired with dark chocolates from Patrick Roger or Michel Cluizel. Mariage Frères has been blending tea in Paris since 1854, and their black tins with exotic blends like Marco Polo or Thé des Lords feel like little pieces of Parisian elegance. The tea salon experience in the Marais is iconic, but you can pick up tins at their boutiques throughout the city.

Pair it with bean-to-bar chocolate from Patrick Roger (his sculptures are works of art) or Michel Cluizel's vintage chocolate bars for a sophisticated gift that any francophile will appreciate. It's always a treat—the kind of gift that turns an ordinary afternoon into something special.

For the Art & Design Enthusiast: Watercolors & Parisian Decor

Recommended by Amanda, VP of Membership

For a unique and custom gift that captures the essence of Paris, I love Marin Montagut in the Marais. This charming boutique features watercolor illustrations of Parisian scenes—think Jardin du Luxembourg, corner cafés, and iconic architecture—alongside curated home decor that feels both whimsical and sophisticated.

Marin Montagut himself is an artist and interior designer, and his shop reflects his aesthetic: a celebration of Parisian beauty with a nostalgic twist. Everything is painted in his distinctive watercolor style, from prints and notebooks to decorative objects. During the holidays, they have a lovely selection of hand-painted ornaments that make perfect keepsakes. His work captures that ineffable Parisian charm—the kind you can't find anywhere else.

The shop at 5 rue de Picardie feels like stepping into an artist's atelier, with every item telling a story about Paris past and present.

For Stocking Stuffers: Mustard & Jam

Recommended by Laura, Tech Lead

I always make a pilgrimage to the Maille boutique near Place de la Madeleine to pick up unique mustard gifts. Unlike the grocery store versions, the Maille shop offers exclusive flavors on tap—think black truffle, Chablis white wine, or cassis mustard—that you can't get anywhere else. They'll fill beautiful ceramic crocks or pump bottles for you, and the presentation alone makes it gift-worthy.

Along with mustard, people always appreciate a Bonne Maman jam sampler set. You can find these at local grocery stores like Monoprix or Franprix, but the selection in France is far more extensive than what makes it to the States. Flavors like chestnut spread, fig jam, or wild blueberry feel indulgent and quintessentially French.

More Paris Favorites Worth Exploring

Chocolate, Bonbons & Sweet Treats

La Mère de Famille – Paris's oldest chocolatier (since 1761) offers gorgeous box sets filled with pralines, candied fruits, and traditional French confections. Adults and children alike will be enchanted.

Jacques Genin – For very indulgent caramels with unique flavors like salted butter, passion fruit, or yuzu. His pâtes de fruits are also extraordinary.

La Maison du Chocolat – Elegant, refined chocolate perfect for gifting.

Pierre Hermé – The macaron master. His seasonal flavors and beautiful boxes are iconic.

Books, Prints & Art

Artazart – A design bookstore and concept shop along Canal Saint-Martin with tons of prints by local artists and an amazing selection of books on art, design, and architecture.

Museum shops – The Musée d'Orsay, Musée Rodin, and Palais de Tokyo all have excellent selections of art books and unique gifts.

Shakespeare and Company – The legendary English-language bookshop is always worth a visit. Pick up a book stamped with their iconic logo for any book lover.

Paris-Themed Gifts & Made in Europe

Messy Nessy's Shop – Located in the 2nd arrondissement, this vintage-inspired boutique is the brick-and-mortar extension of the cult favorite blog Messy Nessy Chic. Find quirky Paris-themed gifts, vintage finds, and carefully curated items that celebrate the hidden side of Paris. It's like shopping in a secret cabinet of curiosities.

Merci – This iconic concept store in the Marais is a must-visit for anyone seeking beautiful, thoughtfully sourced homewares and gifts. From French linens and ceramics to design books and vintage furniture, everything here is curated with impeccable taste. The café and flower shop make it a perfect afternoon stop.

Landline – A concept store dedicated to European-made goods, Landline is perfect for hosts, gardeners, and anyone who appreciates quality craftsmanship. Think elegant garden tools, hand-thrown pottery, artisanal soaps, and linens—all sourced from small European makers. It's the antithesis of mass production.

Astier de Villatte – For truly special ceramics and home fragrances, this Parisian institution handcrafts each piece in their Paris atelier. Their white pottery with its characteristic imperfect glaze and their unique candle scents (like Grand Chalet or Bois d'Orage) are unmistakably French.

Empreintes – This concept store in the Marais showcases the work of contemporary French and European designers and artists. From ceramic vases and jewelry to prints and textiles, everything is handmade by independent creators. It's the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind gifts that support the local creative community.

Monoprix Gourmet – Don't overlook this French staple! The gourmet section of Monoprix offers beautifully packaged French pantry items at reasonable prices—think olive oils, tinned fish, biscuits, and chocolates that make excellent gifts without breaking the bank.

Know someone navigating life in Paris? Gift them a Message Paris membership—access to a welcoming community of English-speaking families, events, resources, and the support that makes Paris feel like home. Visit HERE

Final Thoughts

The best Paris gifts aren't necessarily the most expensive or elaborate—they're the ones that capture a little piece of French life and bring it home. Whether it's butter that transforms your morning toast, a children's book that sparks imagination, or a tin of tea that makes an ordinary afternoon feel special, these are the gifts that remind us why we fell in love with Paris in the first place.

What are your favorite gifts to bring back from Paris? Share your recommendations in the comments below!