PSG tee or sweatshirt- I know there's a store on the Champs Elysees, but do the department stores carry them?

Barbapapa- I assume it wouldn't be hard to find the books (either French or English), how about something like cups or plastic figures suitable for young children to play with? Any particular shop I should look for?

Same as above for Asterix stuff, hoping to get something fun and suitable for young kids, not "collector" items. I think I read that les Drapeaux de France carries Asterix merchandise, but would they have items good for kids?

And lastly- being lazy here- any recommended shops for linens, like tablecloths or runners? Are the department stores good, or is it better to seek out a speciality shop? I'm not looking for anything high-end, more medium range, decent quality and nice.

Hate to top my own post, but would love your suggestions. Thanks a bunch.

I can't help with the Asterix items, but I bought some gorgeous table linens at BHV. They have a wide selection of both formal and casual tablecloths, runners, and napkins. My favorites are by Jacquard Francais/Primrose Bordier. We also got a fun set of kitchen towels, apron, and hot pads with food and cooking related words all over in a design(in French, of course).
Barb

I've never shopped for linens, so don't know about that. I would probably just go to a dept store like GL (which has a large home store, Lafayette Maison) or Printemps Maison( or one of the midlevel home specialty store chains, but have no personal knowledge (like Conran or Habitat). Try Bouchara near the dept stores.

You can buy children's books in any regular bookstore, of course (like FNAC, etc.), and you can buy routine children's things in any dept store, also, even the "discount" dept store like Monoprix. Of course there ar elots of children's specialty shops.

I'm speculating on the PSG, usually franchise merchandise like that is not sold in other stores when they have their own, but I don't remember what I've seen. YOu can easily buy their stuff from their online store, though
http://psg.madeinsport.com

I used to know some kid's book and toy stores in the Latin Qtr, but it's been a while so don't even know if they are still there and hate to steer you wrong. Au Nain Bleu is a wellknown children's toy store near Madeleine, and Le Monde en Marche on rue Dauphine.
http://www.aunainbleu.com/

BHV is a great place for Asterix stuff as well as a must visit.
Any bookstore has the books but there was a whole section devoted to books, DVD, etc.

google BHV paris for locations

For tabletop items, go the Diners en Ville on Rue du Bac just down from Bon Marche.

I don't remember whether it is Adidas or Nike that outfits the PSG, but in any case all 3 stores are on the Champs Elysées.

kerouac
PSG is nike, French national team is Adidas.

There is a toy store on Ile St. Louis on the main street. I think it has 'noel' in the name ? They had some cute Barbapapa things - I got my kids cups, plates, (all melamine so get used daily), etc. Be forewarned though... I tried to carry on kids forks and security made me get rid of them. Those d*&n kids forks...

ooh. I just googled it and found:

L'Arche de Nôël - Charming children's toystore. Great selection of Paris related children's postcards, and french toys. The small music boxes that play French children's tunes, such as Frere Jacques, for 5 euros are a steal.

For books: I've always liked FNAC Jr. There are locations all around Paris now - where are you staying ? FNAC Jr. also had a nice selection of toys too.

Finally, for neat things for kids - try the bookstores at the museums. In particular, in the underground shopping area of the Louvre, there is a kids store with neat books, fun things based on art.

Huge thanks to everyone, I'm making note of all your suggestions.