Christmas time is the time to shop for gifts and it is best to start early in Paris to avoid the last minute rush in shops. However, Paris has lots of ideas for finding the perfect presents: fashion, toys, books … here are a few addresses to get you started.
The perfect gift if you want to offer someone a cultural visit of the capital. The Paris Tourist Office’s gift vouchers can be redeemed at any time of the year – they are valid for several months – and you don’t have to book the date when you buy the voucher. Offer a wine- or champagne-tasting experience, a visit of the Palais Garnier Opera house, a drive round Paris in an iconic 2CV, a visit to the châteaux of Île-de-France – or choose from a range of other options!
More information on the Paris Tourist Office’s gift vouchers
The mascots of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games are original and mark a difference with the mascots of previous editions of the Games, as they do not represent animals, but Phrygian caps! These two red mascots - called the Phryges - symbolise freedom and revolution and will accompany the public to the Paris 2024 Games. The two Phryges, one Olympic and the other Paralympic, with different but complementary characters, have a common mission: to encourage and embody sport in a French and inclusive spirit. With the Phryges of Paris 2024, the revolution through sport is underway!
Buy now the Olympic Phryge (25 cm high) for Christmas
- Cocarde in the colours of France
- Olympic mascot plush
- To offer from birth
Buy now the Paralympic Phryge (28 cm high) for Christmas
- Conveys joy and confidence
- Ideal souvenir gift
- 'Paris 2024' in braille under the sole
This year, why not offer someone an opportunity to perfect their culinary skills? Many Parisian chefs are happy to unveil their secrets, and now propose online as well as face-to-face workshops. Take a pastry-making class or learn how to cook a delicious and unusual dish with Cook'n with Class Paris and many others. Like making things? Brew your own beer, or choose from a range of handicrafts using leather, plants, ceramics or textiles, as well as cookery or jewellery-making. You’ll find plenty of ideas on WeCanDoo and workshops can be booked for up to two years ahead.
And for a truly amazing experience, how about a virtual reality tour? Discover Paris from a new perspective with FlyView, climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower or onto the roof of the Grand Palais, or admire all the details of the Sainte Chapelle – all in VR.
Paris is full of delicatessens, caterers, chocolatiers and other confectioners! So as the festive season approaches, you can go shopping at the Lafayette Maison & Gourmet grocery shop for a meal with a good taste of the local produce, accompanied by a wine found during a visit to the Caves du Louvre.
For gourmets, the choice is rich: taste Alain Ducasse's homemade chocolate, taste the delicious praline brioche from the master chocolate maker Pralus or let yourself be tempted by a pastry from Foucade. The Christmas logs, eagerly awaited each year, compete in originality! The pastry chefs of the Parisian palaces including the Hôtel de Crillon, the Prince of Wales, the Molitor Paris by MGallery, the great houses such as Lenôtre and Ladurée as well as the Café de la Paix sign refined creations full of flavour. Genuine works of art inspired by nature, childhood memories and traditions and customs from here and elsewhere.
Avoid the crowds by ordering gourmandises online
For fashion and lifestyle, the big department stores have everything : Galeries Lafayette, Printemps Haussmann, the BHV... Some of the most decorated brands and spaces in the capital. For more shopping, go to Vallée Village or Beaugrenelle.
The Fabriqué à Paris label promotes, rewards and labels 100% Parisian craftsmen and products. This is the case of the Eva Koshka fashion boutique, ideally located between Saint-Lazare, the department stores and the Trinité church. Behind the pretty Art Nouveau window, in a quiet courtyard, you will find clothes and accessories - bibs, cushions, dummy clips - for babies and children from 3 months to 8 years old and some items for mothers. Ideal for a useful and responsible Christmas gift.
Lastly, enjoy a stroll through Paris’s charming side-streets while seeking out independent shops such as Laulhere, famous for their French berets, or l'Habit Français, which sells exclusively French brands. Amazing Christmas decorations and special events all make Christmas shopping in Paris a fabulous festive experience. And you are certain to find gifts to delight everyone in the family.
The French Address online shop allows you to do your Christmas shopping from the comfort of your own home. French Address is dedicated to the French art of living (decoration, tableware, fashion...) and offers a whole range of typically French gifts. French Address is a responsible, sustainable and local brand: all products - and packaging - are made in France, in limited editions, without overproduction.
For a wider choice of gifts, check out the websites of the department stores and other shops, where you can click to buy from the comfort of your own home!
What could be better than finding the latest playground fad or the perfect board game to bring the whole family together for a fun-filled game this winter? Children always take the time to write a long list to Father Christmas and there is nothing more heart-warming than seeing their joy and amazement when they open their presents. To be sure to find something to delight the kids, head for La Grande Récré or their websites. The Nain Bleu, Paris’s most famous toy store, still going strong since it was founded in 1836, is THE place to go for beautifully-made dolls, wooden toys, early learning games and more – children and adults alike will be wowed!
For clothes and accessories - from 3 months to 8 years old - 100% Parisian and eco-responsible, go to the Eva Koshka boutique near the Saint-Lazare train station: pyjamas, dungarees, hats, plush toys...
More info about Shopping for kids
For followers of trends and new concepts, there is nothing better than concept stores for finding an original present. The latest fashion trends, all kinds of decorative items or other innovative products. Find the latest fashions, all kinds of home decorations, other innovative products and gift ideas at Merci, Fleux, Les Fleurs, La Trésorerie or Bonton children’s shop. Visit the stores or check out their websites for online purchases.
For an eco-responsible Christmas, go to Second Lieu at 58 rue du Château d'Eau in the 10th arrondissement, near the Gare de l'Est. In this shop committed to responsible consumption and zero waste, nothing new, only second hand! You can find gifts for the home, for your wardrobe, for your hobbies, for babies... and cosmetics.
There are also lots of original gift ideas made in France in the official Elysée shop: Cocorico charentaises from Chausse Mouton, a men's jumper embroidered "French Republic" from Saint James, pétanque balls from Obut with a jack in the colours of the French flag and many other surprises!
More info about concept stores
There are some presents that will always be welcome, and none more so than a good book to read by the fire, while listening to the latest must-have album. Choosing one is always a nice experience in one of Paris’s many bookshops, thanks to the atmosphere and the sound advice of the staff. Get to know Paris with a book – Paris’s independent bookshops present their top recommendations.
Fans of Harry Potter and the world of Poulard in general will gather in the Marais district at the Wizard's Shop. This temporary shop - open until 31 December 2022 - 100% dedicated to J.K. Rowling's saga is located at 130 rue de Turenne. More than 900 items. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 7pm and Sunday from noon to 6pm.
And you can’t go far wrong with digital technology, Internet devices and other similar gifts that can be found at the Fnac and other multimedia shops.
Finally, our selection of Christmas offers, promotions and good deals is to be discovered every year.
