Best Christmas & New Year’s Gifts for the whole family

Why Paris is the Ultimate Gift-Giving Destination This Holiday Season

Best Christmas & New Year’s Gifts you can find in Paris, the city where shopping is magical, especially during Christmas and New Year. Streets glow with festive lights, Christmas markets brim with artisanal treasures, and iconic stores unveil exclusive gift collections. Whether you’re searching for a keepsake for children, a statement piece for adults, or a sentimental present for grandparents, Paris offers an extraordinary range of gifts in 2025, all infused with authentic French charm.

This guide helps you find the city’s most thoughtful and unique gifts, and shows you exactly where to shop for each. Let’s explore the Parisian holiday spirit and the best gifts for every age.

Best Christmas & New Year’s Gifts for Kids: Sparking Joy and Keeping Them Entertained

Paris is a wonderland for children, offering gifts that are inventive, durable, and packed with fun.

1. Personalized Storybook from Mon Petit Livre

Mon Petit Livre, located near the Panthéon, crafts custom children’s stories where your child is the hero. Choose from Paris-themed adventures, space journeys, or fairy tales, and personalize with their name and photo.

• Why kids love it: They become the story’s star, making reading more exciting.
• Where to buy: in bookstores. You have more choice online. Only in French

2. Wooden Toy from Le Jouet Francais

Le Jouet Francais creates handmade wooden toys—mini Eiffel Towers, vintage cars, and Montessori puzzles—crafted sustainably in France.

• Why parents love it: Durable, eco-friendly, and supports local craftsmen.
• Where to buy: Le Jouet Francais store 11, rue de Rambouillet. 75012 Paris or shop online. Wooden toys by Janod.

3. Parisian Explorer Kit

Turn sightseeing into a game. Fill a tote bag (suggest Merci’s iconic version for Paris style, also recommended for gifts) with a child’s map from Gibert Jeune, a notebook and colored pencils, a mini Eiffel Tower keychain, and French chocolates from Patrick Roger or La Maison du Chocolat.

• Why it works: Interactive, educational, and memorable for kids who visit Paris.

4. Tickets to a Kid-Friendly Show or Workshop

The December calendar in Paris is overflowing with festive shows and workshops for children, such as:

• Le Petit Prince at Théâtre Mogador
• Christmas puppet shows at Guignol du Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
• Chocolate-making workshops at La Cuisine Paris

• Why it’s special: Experience-based gifts create lasting memories.
• Availability tip: Tickets sell out fast; book early.

5. French Comic Book (Bande Dessinée)

French comic books are beloved by all ages. Head to Album in the 3rd arrondissement for classics like Astérix, Tintin, or Le Petit Nicolas. Teens will love graphic novels such as Persépolis.

• Why they’re great: Introduces kids to French language and culture in a playful way.

Button: Book Théâtre Mogador Tickets : reservations@eventim.fr

Best Christmas & New Year’s Gifts for Adults: Luxury, Quirkiness, and Parisian Chic

Adults in Paris are spoiled for choice, from gourmet delights to artistic keepsakes, each radiating sophistication.

1. Bespoke Perfume from Nose Paris or Perfume Making Workshop at Fragonard Perfume Museum (with visit of the Museum)

• Nose Paris offers workshops where you custom-mix your own fragrance, guided by expert perfumers, and leave with a unique bottle. Why it’s perfect: Luxurious, memorable, and deeply ((20 rue Bachaumont, 75002 Paris (métro Sentier)
• Fragonard Perfume Making Workshop at the Fragonard Perfume Museum (9 Rue Scribe, 75009, Paris)

2. Gourmet Food Hamper from La Grande Épicerie

Fill a hamper with foie gras, truffle honey, Parisian macarons, and Champagne—each a culinary showstopper.

• Why it’s perfect: Classic French taste, beautifully packaged and practical.

Button: Shop Le Bon Marché (rive gauche 24 rue de sèvres 75007 Paris)

3. Vintage Map or Print from Le Rouge Gorge

Choose from a curated collection of vintage Paris maps, posters, and illustrations in the Marais.

Why it’s perfect: Artistic, nostalgic, and adds instant Parisian character.

4. Silk Scarf from Hermès or Affordable Alternatives

An Hermès silk scarf is the ultimate Parisian luxury. For budget-friendly picks, explore L’Exception, Comptoir des Cotonniers, or Uniqlo UT for artist collaborations.

• Why it’s universally loved: Stylish, lightweight, and instantly upgrades any look.

5. Cooking Class and Chocolat workshop

Gift classic French culinary skills with a macaron, croissant, or bistro cooking class at Le Foodist.

• Why it stands out: Delicious, interactive, and practical.

Button: Book Cooking Class

Button: Book Chocolate Workshop (Includes admission to the Chocolate Museum)

6. A magnificent XLL size collectible photo of Paris, a souvenir to decorate your living room

These high-definition photos of Paris are works by renowned artists that will serve as a souvenir of your stay in Paris. Their estimated longevity is 100 years. They will become vintage photos whose market value will increase with age. Certificate of guarantee by their authors.

Three sizes available as standard – and up to 1 m (3 ft) or more on request. Available in digital format or printed on rigid media.

• Why it’s smart: it’s a gift for your loved ones (or yourself) that will remain an unforgettable souvenir of your stay in Paris, always present in your living room for the next 100 years. These art photos will increase in value over time. Choose from 50 photos.

Button: Choose your HD photo of Paris

7. Leather Goods from Cuir & Sens

Handmade in Paris, choose from wallets, belts, or personalized keychains at reasonable prices.

• Why it impresses: Stylish, durable, and ages beautifully.

Best Christmas & New Year’s Gifts for Grandparents: Nostalgia, Comfort, and Timeless Elegance

Grandparents appreciate gifts that combine warmth, culture, and quality.

1. Personalized Carnet de Bal from Papier Tigre

Papier Tigre brings vintage Parisian flair back with customizable notebooks for notes, recipes, or memories.

• Why it’s perfect: Elegant, practical, and sentimental.

2. Fine Cognac or Armagnac

A bottle of French brandy such as Hennessy X.O, Rémy Martin Louis XIII, or D’arbanville Armagnac makes an indulgent, nostalgic gift.

• Where to buy: La Maison du Whisky or Nicolas.

3. Hand-Knit Scarf from Bonsoirs Paris

Luxurious cashmere and wool scarves in classic tones.

• Why it’s chosen: Cozy, timeless, and made to last.

4. Book on Parisian History or Art

Give grandparents a beautifully illustrated history or art book. For English, shop at Shakespeare and Company; for French, try Gibert Joseph.

Why it’s engaging: Combines culture with relaxation.

Button: Visit Shakespeare and Company

5. Classic French Board Game

Board games such as Le Jeu de l’Oie, Ticket to Ride: Europe, or Dixit are fun for all ages.

• Why they’re timeless: Spark family moments and joyful nostalgia.

6. Tea Set from Mariage Frères

Premium teas paired with elegant tea sets from Mariage Frères.

• Why it’s cherished: Refined, relaxing, and Parisian.

Button: Shop Mariage Frères Tea

7. Customized Family Tree Illustration

Commission a Parisian artist for a hand-drawn family tree via Etsy.

• Why it’s heartwarming: Unique, sentimental, and a celebration of family.

Best Christmas & New Year’s Gifts bonus: Last-Minute & Stocking Stuffer Ideas

If you’re short on time, these small gifts are easy to find and always bring a touch of Paris.

For Kids:

• French candy such as berlingots from À la Mère de Famille
• Mini Eiffel Tower Lego set at Lego Store Champs-Élysées
• Paris coloring book from Gibert Jeune

For Adults:

• Box of French soaps from Marius Fabre or Savon de Marseille
• Pocket French phrasebook
• Fleur de Sel gourmet sea salt from Guérande

For Grandparents:

• Vintage postcard from Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen
• Jar of confit de canard
• Parisian calendar with cityscape photos

Where to Shop: The Best Parisian Markets & Stores for Holiday Gifts

Paris is packed with festive markets and legendary stores, each offering a unique selection.

1. Christmas Markets (Marchés de Noël)

The most iconic Christmas markets for gifts include:

• Tuileries Garden Christmas Market: Dazzling and full of treats (until Jan 7, 2025)[2][3]
• La Défense Christmas Market: Modern setting, excellent handmade crafts[3][4]
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés Market: Charming, artsy atmosphere
• Notre-Dame Cathedral Market: Magical nativity scenes and ornaments[4]

Tip: Visit mornings or weekdays to avoid crowds.

Button: Explore Champs-Élysées Attractions

2. Le Marais: The Trendy Shopping Hub

Discover unique gifts and design finds in Le Marais:

• Merci (for local Parisian style)
• Fleux (quirky decor)
• L’Éclaireur (fashion and accessories)
• Kilo Shop (vintage clothing)

3. Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Luxury & Literature

This neighborhood is known for luxury shopping and books:

• Shakespeare and Company
• Le Bon Marché
• Cire Trudon (for luxury candles)

4. Montmartre: Artistic & Bohemian Finds

Shop handmade art and home decor in Montmartre’s markets and Place du Tertre, with local crafts and vintage finds.

5. Galeries Lafayette & Printemps: Department Store Magic

These grand department stores offer holiday window displays, luxury goods, and gourmet sections. Don’t miss Galeries Lafayette’s Christmas tree and rooftop views.

Button: Visit Galeries Lafayette (38-42 boulevard Haussmann – 75009) and Le Printemps (64-70 boulevard Haussmann – 75009)

Final Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Shopping in Paris

1. Avoid Sundays and Mondays—many boutiques close.
2. Bring a reusable tote—some stores charge for bags.
3. Ask for gift wrapping—most boutiques offer free, elegant holiday packaging.
4. Double-check return policies—Le Bon Marché has flexible options.
5. Take breaks—enjoy hot chocolate at Angelina or pause for a café pitstop.

Paris is ready to make your holidays sparkle. Delight your loved ones with the perfect gifts inspired by the city’s timeless spirit, and enjoy the festive magic all around you. Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année from Paris!