Holiday Gifts for the France Lover
Here’s my yearly roundup of great gifts for Francophiles. Note that this list includes affiliate links. This means that if you purchase anything through one of the links on this website, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support of my work on this site!
Published just this past may: The paperback edition of my French cookbook.
The paperback edition of my cookbook, titled Everyday French Cooking: Modern French Cuisine Made Simple, was released just this year, and I’m so gratified by the reviews. You see, the earlier edition didn’t have photos—and this one does. And it makes all the difference. Find out more about this cookbook—it’s available on Amazon at a great price!
And if, by chance you want a signed copy, contact me for details (US addresses only). Yes! I’ll even gift-wrap it for a nominal expense.
2. French Tarts Baking Kit
New to this year’s list: A French Tarts Baking Kit!
What a great gift for someone who wants to try their hand a making French tarts like a master pastry chef! Currently priced at $49.99, this French Tarts Baking Kit includes all the utensils you need to make those cute little pastries you see in pastry-shop windows all over France (pie weights, a candy thermometer, perforated tart rings for perfectly crisp pastries, a piping bag and star tips, plus step-by-step instructions). I can imagine a year of great tart-pastry making with this kit. (Let’s just hope the recipient is a sharing kind of person.)
3. Jacquard Tea Towels from Garnier Thiebault
This is one of about 25 gorgeous designs of Garnier-Thiebault tea towels, made in France.
These richly colored jacquard tea towels from Garnier Thiebaut come in many splendid designs — from herbs (such as basil and mint) to fruits and vegetables (blueberries, lemons, blood oranges, garlic), and more. They're beautiful to display, very absorbent, and also incredibly useful. As of today, they range in price from $21 to $28 on Amazon.
By the way: Did you know that "jacquard" means the design is woven in, rather than printed? It's just that much lovelier (and lasting).
I can’t think of any reason a food and France lover wouldn’t love these!
4. The Le Creuset Braiser: A Worthy Splurge for a Lifetime of Great Meals
Anyone who cooks French food often needs a braiser! I’ve tested many braisers over the years, and the Le Creuset Braiser remains my all-time favorite.
I don't know how I ever lived without my enamel cast-iron braising pans from Le Creuset. Braising is a "low and slow" cooking method for transforming less-expensive cuts of meat into rich, succulent meals. Coq au Vin, Boeuf Bourguigon, Blanquette of Pork, Osso Bucco are all braises, as are a slew of great everyday recipes, like pot roast and beef stew. With its tight-fitting lid, wide base, and shallower-than-a-Dutch-oven sides, the braising pan is simply the best choice for this cooking method.
As I write this, they're currently priced around $319 for the 3 1/2-quart braiser, or $364 for the 5-quart braiser. Which one should you buy? If you usually cook for four to six people, get the 3 1/2-quart braiser. If you generally cook for six to eight, go for the 5-quart braiser.
Yes, it’s a splurge, but this pan will be used for a lifetime and passed down to future generations. What a legacy!
5. Opulent Hand Creams from France
Anyone who cooks will appreciate these gorgeous hand creams from France.
These opulent hand creams are made from organic shea butter and argon oil, and they're great for hydrating hands that have done a lot of dishes over the holidays! Your hosts, perhaps? The charming gift box is sweet, the tubes are durable (you can carry them around in your purse forever), and the fragrances are sheer delight.
Right now, the set is available on Amazon for $27. I can't imagine anyone who would not love these high-quality creams. P.S.: Check out other Chatelaine luxury beauty items from France, including soaps, hand-washing lotion, and hand sanitizers (and if anyone can make hand sanitizer chic and elegant, it’s the French, n’est-ce-pas?).
As always, thank you for your support of my work on this website! Cheers.
