The Ultimate List of Non-Cringe Paris Souvenirs (Every Price Point)

By tedpartner, shared with permission – thank you Ted!

It always makes me a little sad to see people crowding tourist shops for low-quality souvenirs.

So over the past few months, I’ve been collecting off-the-beaten-path gift ideas that still carry that Parisian vibe. They are from Parisian / French Brands and most of them are manufactured here.

These picks come with a bit more storytelling and real use once you’re home.

To keep things easy, most of these can be found at BHV Le Marais or Merci. There goes:

2€ – Cachou Lajaunie (Supermarkets)
A classic French mint sold in Parisian pharmacies since 1880—retro and very local.

5€ – Le Chocolat des Français – Mini tablette (Shops)
Art-wrapped chocolate made in Paris

10€ – RATP – Metro station magnet (Galeries Lafayette, BHV, Online)
Your favorite Paris metro stop, immortalized on your fridge.

15€ – Gallimard – Notebook (BHV, Online)
Notebooks inspired the iconic Parisian publisher’s minimal covers.

30€ – Déjà Vu Paris – Soap dish (Papier Tigre, Online)
Designed and made in Paris, inspired by the Parisian metro tiles

40€ – Sabre Paris – Butter knife (Merci, Online)
Parisian tableware that makes breakfast feel like a bistro moment.

100€ – Peugeot – Coffee mill (La Bovida, Online)
Made-in-France Coffee grinder.

400€ – Moustache Paris – TGV Lamp (BHV, Online)
The iconic lamp present in the french high-speed trains, made in France.

700€ – Leclisse Paris – Rallye Bag (Online)
Handcrafted in Paris, worn by Emily, made with the same technic than the iconic bistro chairs

Source: La Pistacherie Paris

The following is a comprehensive list of additional souvenir ideas suggested by dozens of travelers.

Small and Affordable Souvenirs (Under 10€)

  • French Linen Dish Towels – Available at Monoprix and other home goods stores.
  • French Soap – Even cheap ones from supermarkets make great gifts.
  • Reusable Shopping Bags – Monoprix bags are cute, lightweight, and practical.
  • Lotus Menthol Eucalyptus Tissue Packs – A surprising hit as a lightweight, useful souvenir.
  • Tourist Attraction Keychains – Cheap Eiffel Tower keychains are a classic.
  • French Mints from Angelina – Small tins from Versailles, perfect for gifts.
  • Monument Coins – Collectible coins from various historic sites.
  • Mini Jars of Mustard – Small gourmet mustards are easy to pack.
  • Little Bagged Pastries (Maison Colibre) – Grocery store treats like madeleines.
  • Chocolate Bars – Tons of great options, even from Monoprix.
  • Fleur de Sel (Le Saunier de Camargue) – High-quality sea salt in a cork jar.

Mid-Range Souvenirs (10€ – 50€)

  • Merci Duffle Bag – A stylish, functional bag from a well-known Paris store.
  • Fragonard Decorative Glass Cloche – A hidden gem, not available online.
  • Shakespeare & Co Tote Bag + Book – The tote plus a used Agatha Christie novel stamped with the bookstore logo.
  • Christine Ferber Jam – High-end strawberry jam from La Grande Épicerie.
  • LANVIN Chocolates & Petit Lu Cookies – Classic French sweets.
  • Mariage Frères Tea – Famous Parisian tea brand.
  • Pâté (Reflets de France, other brands) – A popular gourmet souvenir.
  • Truffle Cashews from La Pistacherie – Expensive but delicious.
  • Louvre Gift Shop Prints – Small framed art prints from the museum.
  • Catacombs Gift Shop Items – Magnets, keyrings, and even skull-themed vodka.
  • Small Framed Prints from the Louvre – Classy and compact.
  • French Spices & Herbs – Unique seasonings for cooking, found in local markets.
  • Puzzles from Puzzles Michèle Wilson – Beautiful, hand-cut wooden puzzles.
  • Mini Bottles of French Liqueur – Great for gifting.

Higher-End Souvenirs (50€ – 150€)

  • Cork Coasters of Paris from Tombino – Stylish and practical.
  • Astier de Villatte Ceramics – Handmade, delicate Parisian pottery.
  • Nice Posters, Scarves, or Earrings – Available in many boutiques.
  • Peugeot Salt & Pepper Mills – High-quality, built to last.
  • A Hat from Saint James – Classic, high-quality French headwear.
  • Le Minor Shirts – Timeless, well-made French clothing.

Luxury & Specialty Souvenirs (150€ and up)

  • Wool St. James Sweater – Iconic, warm, and made in France.
  • L/Uniform Purse – Chic and well-made bags from a respected brand.
  • Goyard Wallet – A luxury Parisian leather good.
  • Longchamp Bags – A Paris staple, more affordable in-store.

Food & Drink Souvenirs

  • Paprika Pringles – Not easy to find outside France, a fun snack to bring home.
  • French Candy & Chips – Grocery store treats that aren’t available abroad.
  • French Butter (Bordier, Au Bon Beurre, La Grande Épicerie) – A top-tier choice, but needs to be vacuum-sealed.
  • Crème de Marron (Sugared Chestnut Spread) – Great for stirring into yogurt.
  • Tinned Fish & Preserves – Classic French delicacies.
  • Alcohol – Unique French drinks, including Skull Vodka from the Paris Catacombs Gift Shop
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