skatterfly

Hi all,
We'll be in Paris in just a few short weeks and both girls have asked if we can find a place where they can each buy a couple articles of clothing to bring back from Paris. They want "something really unique" that came from Paris, that their friends won't have, that will remind them of Paris when they get home, that is fashionable and funky (for an 11 and 8 year old).

Perhaps something along the same price range and targeted style as maybe GapKids in the US. What I mean is, I am not looking for uber-expensive frilly dresses, but also not cheap gimmicky "Paris" t-shirts or something from a Monoprix/Target.

One girl would love an outfit that includes a cute skirt and a t-shirt, the other girl would love a couple interesting t-shirts.

Large store, Parisian chain, or small boutique... lend me your suggestions!

Thanks!

Tulips

I would go to the children's department of a large departments store (Printemps, Galleries Lafayette) and look for brands that are not available at home. Some French children's wear brands are Bonpoint, Lili Gaufrette, Catimini - maybe too frilly? Have a look at the websites.

Zadig & Voltaire children's collection is very Parisian. Lovely tshirts and cardigans.

Cathinjoetown

I've had good luck here:

https://www.sergent-major.com/

They have a store on rue de Seine, just off Blvd St. Germain, heading south.

Agree Printemps and Galeries Lafayette are a good idea--usually you can get 10% off if you have a non-EU passport (high end brands excluded) the TVA off on top if you spend more than 180€ in the store. I may have that mount wrong, it's been awhile since I could claim it.

Cathinjoetown

Here's the tax refund (détaxe) info for Printemps:

http://departmentstoreparis.printemp...rticleID=24835

Galeries Lafayette:

http://haussmann.galerieslafayette.com/detaxe/

If either store is doing the 10% discounts as well, the discount vouchers are available at the information desk and often at kiosks just inside the doors. Hotels often have maps provided by the stores which promote the offer.

Ackislander

BHV may be slightly less expensive, but the department store idea is a good one.

As Tulips suggests, what is fashionable to girls in France may or may not be fashionable to your girls and their friends, so don't be heartbroken if you go to a lot of trouble and they say or indicate, "Meh."

FrenchMystiqueTours

Pimkie, NafNaf, Kookai and are Jennyfer are just a few of the many chain clothing stores in Paris that cater to teen girls. I guarantee your teens will find something unique in these or any other number of clothes stores in Paris. You can also take them to the Forum des Halles (the underground mall at Châtelet-les-Halles) and I'm sure they'll find these and other stores.

surfmom

Okaidi.

We were there about 3 years ago and my girls loved their stuff. Very fun colors and designs - cotton, so soft, and unique designs. There is one in Forum des Halles. Only thing I will caution is that we found their sizing ran small, so my 11yo was in 14yo size (she is tall for her age).

skatterfly

Thanks everyone, great ideas!

grandmere

I love the stores that Tulip mentions above and have shopped there for my 4 grandchildren. I also like Du Pareil Au Meme (a chain familiarly known as DPAM--and lots of stores throughout Paris and all of France) for less expensive than the boutiques above but higher end than Monoprix, etc. I like the store on Blvd. St-Germain, just east of the Eglise in the same block. I would compare it more or less to GapKids. My granddaughter has been with me on two trips, and she always finds lots she likes at DPAM.

BKP

Zara Kids.

Here's the website for the French stores, girls dept.

http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/store...13/358080/Girl

There are some shops in the States so it might not be that exciting, but if there isn't one in your local mall it should do the trick.