Last trip I bought a great Waterman fountain pen for a penance.
What items are unique and will afford me the opportunity to say when asked repeatedly, "Oh I got it in Paris."

argh it's early--pittance not penance!

Paris seem to have the most striking scarves (and Parisians wear them so well).

We got a terrific poster from Les Egouts. It's a architect's drawing looking down the length of one sewer. Framed, it proudly hangs in our boys' bathroom.

Hey, a fountain pen bought for penance is ok with me

If you like handbags Paris has the latest styles, great quality, and moderate prices.

And, perfume, of course !

You'll find fantastic socks for both men and women. For the best selection, head to any of the big department stores and look for the JPP, Achille, and Kenzo brands. You won't find anything like it in North America, and they take up almost no room in your luggage.

Soap is another great item to brink back (although you can certainly find imported French soap in N America). I like the Roger & Galett soaps -- you'll find dozens of different fragrances. Again, the department stores are a good place to shop and compare.

Anything that strikes your fancy that you think is unique!! I bought a pair of costume jewelry earings there years ago (in a boutique near the Picasso museum). They're big and unusual and "make" an outfit, especially if it's a plain black something. Every time I wear them people compliment me and ask "where".

Sunglasses are another idea if you wear them. I agree on the handbag. A wallet is also an idea.

My wife and daughter got scarves; I got a corkscrew. My corkscrew will outlast their scarves. Alas, when I got home and opened the package, I found it was made in England, but it still reminds me of Paris.

Perfume, mustard, olive oil, Tepenade and finally art from a local.

I second the art suggestion... even if it's just some nice arty postcards to frame when you get home.
Of course I love to buy perfume, soaps, an article of lingrie, etc.!!
But I just got a couple of beautiful photo cards from our last trip framed and hung them in the dining room. I get such a nice feeling when I look around my home and see on the walls all the lovely souvenirs of our trips.

Leonora-

Here is a thread "What's the best thing you bought in Paris?" with 169 responses.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...mp;tid=1326667

Tea from Mariage Frères and/or Hediard.

A set of Laguiole (http://www.laguiole.com/) table knives. I use them every day.

Clevelandbrown: The next time your in Paris get a Laguiole Tire-bouchon. It's the one favored by sommeliers. Warning, they don't exactly give them away.

One of those little berets with PARIS written on it that they sell at so many shops in town. I figure ALL the locals wear them because you see them in all the best shops. (BTW, you can ALWAYS tell a good store by the breadth and depth of their snowglobe selection.)

One must not forget a miniature Eiffel Tower statuette!

I bought one of those lead crystal Eiffel Towers with a clock on the face. I love to look at the time and think of Paris. Sigh.

Bourjois lipstick, which you can buy at either Sephora or Monoprix. Made at the same factory as Chanel cosmetics!

I bought tons of scarfes, perfumes, the little Eiffel tower, prints and Bourjouis bath products from their grocery stores. And of course, wines and champagne.

Raincoats for dogs as gifts for my friends with 'em! And I looked but never did find the navy-blue pillow with PARIS embroidered in gold...