Great gifts shouldn’t cost much. If you love someone who in turn loves France, I hope you will take a look at this list of possible presents under $25 $29. It’s not exactly best to last, but I do think an $8 monthlong gift subscription to MHz would be the highest value for cost. Below, a mix of icons (that vintage Larousse Gastronomique), curiosities (that Colette-inspired perfume oil), and a soupçon of personal sponsorship (what a lovely Paris map!!)
#1: This is 100% the best present on the list: For just $7.99, you can give someone a one-month gift subscription to MHz (seen above), with hundreds (thousands?) of hours of French TV crime shows, dramas, and Versailles investigations (plus loads more from other countries!) And if you want to splurge, they’re offering 40% off annual subscriptions (were $79, with discount $48). Highly, highly recommended!
#2: This is a 1967 edition of the classic Larousse Gastronomique, and I absolutely insist that someone on this newsletter grab it. $22! Already is someone else’s cart!
#3: Palais des Thés has a specific holiday collection, but I don’t like them as much as this Louvre-inspired “Garden of Venus” with vanilla, orange and carob. Available at Palais des Thés, $20.50
#4: I’d be remiss not to include this lovely turquoise and pink map of Paris, made from a hand-cut papercut map of Paris [by me lol]. $22 and up, depending on the size
#5: There’s a reason this personalized Eiffel Tower ring dish is currently in 17 carts. Available at Etsy, $19.50
#6: Full disclosure: I haven’t smelled this IRL, but I love the concept of a perfume oil inspired by Colette (with violet, French iris, and vanilla). Available at Etsy, $14.40
#7: Is there a French major who doesn’t own this book? Even better when bought used — Thriftbooks almost always has copies under $10.
#8: The iconic hand/body cream from Embryolisse is perfect for winter. Heavy enough to make a difference, light enough to go on easily. Available at Anthropologie ($18)
#9: Giving someone that “Parisian red” lipstick is the cheapest way to change a life. And this one, from Violette, is sheer, so even though the color is dramatic, the overall effect is more restrained. Violette Bisou Balm in coquelicot, available at Sephora ($29)
#10: A French pharmacy icon — so indispensable that I changed this whole story from “$25 and under” to “$28 and under”. I wear this all the time and I still have the same bottle I bought two years ago. Available at Ulta ($28)
#11: 🇫🇷 A vibey set of three lined notebooks from Papier Tigre (€15)
