France Today Holiday Gift Guide 2020

It’s been quite a year. Following the grim impact of the coronavirus pandemic around the world, we’re counting down the days until 2021 (and feeling optimistic about the potential vaccine). But first: Christmas! Even if you can’t make it France to revel in the yuletide season, you can still give the gift of France to those on your holiday shopping list. Naughty or nice, they’ll appreciate a dose of French-style joie de vivre. In the countdown to Christmas, we’ve polled our staff on their favourite finds of the year. Here we present our picks of the year’s best goodies. All that’s left is the wrapping. Francophiles, this one’s for you.

Fashionable layers

There’s a reason France is hailed as a global fashion capital. From undergarments to stylish hats and all the layers in between, French artisans know a thing or two about dressing. Why not gift that special someone with French fashion? Breton striped shirts by Armor-lux, scarves by Hermès, boots by Isabel Marant… The choices are endless. The ultimate stocking stuffer? Why caleçons, of course, from Le Slip Français— all made in France.

Tasty tipples

After a year like 2020, we think we could all use a drink. France has a rich wine culture that dates back millennia, with infinite appellations and bottles guaranteed to please the oenophiles on your list, whether they prefer Pécharmant or Pouilly-Fuissé. Need a little guidance? Colombier Wines in the UK offers a dazzling array, as does Amanda’s Wines, Carringtons, and Joie de Vin. Or why not surprise them with a a membership to wine-of-the-month club SomMailier? They’ll be introduced to extraordinary and exclusive wines produced from French vineyards.

Looking for something a little stronger? We recommend Cognac Raby, Rétha Gin (or their Vodka option), and Calvados Pierre Huet. For Armagnac fans, there’s Château Garreau and Armagnac Castarede.

Keen to learn more about Cognac? Give the gift of learning with a VSOP Masterclass courtesy of Cognac Tasting Tours.

Hearth and home

We’re spending a lot of time at home these days, meaning home fragrances, candles, and luxury soaps are the perfect pandemic gift. One of our favourites is the lavender soap gift set from Chateau du Savon, featuring classic savon de Marseille enriched with organic shea butter. We also love Une Pincée de Provence, which curates luxury gift ideas from the finest artisans in the south of France.

Gourmet gifts

It wouldn’t be Christmas without fine chocolate. Roy Paris presents exceptional boxed assortments made by talented French craftsmen. All the ingredients are of the highest quality, from the cacao to the praline, and there are never any added preservatives or vegetable fats. Chouchoute Chocolaterie takes its name from the French verb meaning “to pamper, treat, indulge.” The Prestige Collection is a luscious melange of 25 dark, milk and white chocolates.

Calling all fromage fans. What could be more fun than a cheese subscription with Fromages.com? You’ll get a seasonal selection of 4-6 cheeses delivered right to your doorstep for your tasting pleasure. Or choose from the various themed cheese boards perfect for a holiday meal or evening in. Tour de France winter selection, anyone? It even comes with gingerbread.

Travel dreamin’ 

It’s been awhile since many of us have enjoyed a holiday, but there are sunnier days ahead. With excitement and anticipation, we’re looking forward to the moment when we can book our next trip (call us biased, but we’d suggest France). Suffering from a serious case of wanderlust? Why not treat your loved one with a spa, restaurant, or hotel gift certificate? The Relais & Châteaux collection offers gift certificates that can be redeemed at member properties. Another pick sure to wow Paris fans: a Paris Museum Pass, which allows cut-the-line access to more than 50 museums and landmarks in the City of Light and the surrounding region. Plus, we have a host of travel gear recommendations to accompany you on your voyage– just click here for some inspiration.

For more inspiration visit our newly launched, dedicated website: www.gifts-from-france.com.