French souvenirs
 

My husband is in Paris at a conference and has asked what should he bring back for me and our two daughters. Our daughters are 6 and 7 years old. Does anyone have any suggestions for any good deals or special items he could get? I have already asked him for a landscape painting but that is it. I would really appreciate any suggestions.

I found the best selection of souvenirs (nice things of all sorts, not the usual junk) at the best prices along the quai from the Tour Eiffel toward the Bir Hakeim metro stop. Saw the same items elsewhere in Paris at several times the prices. Even though they're "touristy", I treasure my miniature Tour Eiffel. Everyone on the plane coming back who didn't grab one wished they had. I also found a fabulous watercolor which I had framed and hangs in our living room. (I bought several, a few dollars each, and framed the one of the river, Pont Alexandre III and Tour Eiffel.) The nicer tee-shirts with beautiful embroidery of landmarks and scenes make excellent nightgowns (get size XXL whatever your size and extra large for the girls). The postcards there are awesome! No need for a camera! The Gault shop on rue de Rivoli has wonderful magnets (beautiful, made of ceramic). I picked up a bridge, hotel, and cafe. Every morning when I go to the fridge for cream for my coffee they remind me... They also have gorgeous cottages (a la Lilliput Lane, Thomas Kincaide...), but these are also available for much less at the duty free shops at the airport. And, if your husband isn't a shopper or doesn't find the time, there are wonderful bargains of all types at the duty free shops at the airport. I found a wonderful book of photos of Paris for about $6. However, here's hoping what your husband brings you from Paris is the overwhelming desire to return with you and your daughters!

My favorite thing from France (only one trip so far) is a beautiful tablecloth I bought in the South of France. Makes my whole kitchen look like a French cafe.

Try the gift shop at the Louvre and or the shop at the Bacarat Museum. I also like the touristy shops along the Rue Rivloi for small-change items. The Air France Terminal had the best Duty Free, I think.

Drats. Clicked before proof-read. Make that Rue Rivoli!

For the kiddles, The Louvre Museum store has a wonderful children's section. The department stores have toy departments with French toys, and the French version of American toys. Children's books (like ABC books) are fun (confuse the kid with "P as in Pomme" when the item in question is clearly an apple). There is a cartoon-like character (he and his dog are storybook characters), Tin-tin, that appears on children's dishes, lunchboxes, etc. There are stores with just his stuff in it (Blvd St Germaine near Boul' Mich?). Asterix is another character for children. <BR>Depending on how good a shopper your husband is, he can find you hair-doodads (barrettes, clips, combs) in the souvenir shops or department stores. Ditto on socks. If he is the intrepid sort, and can handle shopping, there are all sorts of jewelry and clothing stores where he can find you something truly French. Shoes are not a good idea, but there are certainly unique handbags by the armful (pun intended). <BR>

Thank you for your responses. With the strikes, the Louvre is closed. The hair doo dads is a great idea - they love that stuff. He got them both a watercolor of the Eiffel Tower and an ornate hand mirror from Notre Dame. He also told me he got me something "very special" for my birthday. I can't wait for him to get home and to find out what it is. Thanks again and happy travels.

In Paris last fall we bought our six-year-old granddaughter a long navy wool coat with matching hat with ribbon down the back. It is just like "Madeline's", one of her favorite characters. She and her parents loved them, and I bought a size large enough for her to wear it (I hope) several years. I also bought pretty children's books (in French,naturally) from the gift shop at Versailles. At the shops at CDG, we picked up the usual t-shirts and a cute tote bag (for ballet class).

Chocolates, chocolates, chocolates.

My husband and I just returned from Paris and were disappointed by the museum strikes. However, the Cluny Museum was open and 2 blocks from our hotel. We purchased the most beautiful tapestry pillows (unfilled, w/zippers, velvet backing). We purchased about six 9x9 pillows for family souvenirs and if I can read my receipt correctly, they were 120 f each. I purchased a larger one for myself (19x19) and again I think the cost was 280 f. They are absolutely beautiful replicas of portions of the Cluny tapestries. I am going to have mine framed. I felt they were very different from the usual souvenirs.

christinem - you registered and topped a 13 year old thread to advertise stickers as a good Paris souvenir?

I'm disappointed, I was hoping Tonja topped the thread to tell us what the very special gift was that her husband brought for her birthday.