Christmas season gift guide à la Francaise

‘Tis the season! In honour of the fast approaching Christmas season, I’ve put together a list of my favourite French gifts for all of the stylish and wonderful women on your holiday shopping list.

Including yourself – because let’s face it, you deserve a little something special for the holidays to reward yourself for all of the selfless gift shopping you’ve done. And you undoubtedly have a least one party that will require a fabulous new dress.

For grandma

Kousmichoff Teahouse was founded in St. Petersburg in 1867 by Pavel Kousmichoff. Blending teas became the family business. After 0 years in Russia, the family opened their first workshop, Maison Kusmi-Thé, in Paris. When the Revolution broke out, the Kousmichoff family relocated to Paris permanently. They have been blending their delicious teas in French capital ever since. The Anastasia is my favourite, and now is the time to test the Christmas blend.

For your sister

This fall, Chanel Make-up debuted a new matte lipstick, ‘Rouge Allure Velvet‘. Made with Mother of Pearl particles, this lipstick is smooth and highly pigmented; the shades stay put for hours. ‘La Fascinante‘, a deep brick red, is my personal favourite, but with eight colours to choose from, there is one that is perfect for every woman!

For the hostess

The epicier Auguste Fauchon began his career as a humble street vendor, and then a wine merchant. He opened his first store on Place de la Madeleine in Paris in 1886. The quality of his products was so high that he quickly developed an international reputation for excellence. At Christmas time, you can find Fauchon chocolates, cookies and teas, packaged in pretty pink tins and heart-shaped boxes, at department stores all over the world.

For mom

With four turquoise-painted locations in Paris, Diwali is the best- and most accessible- place to buy beautiful and authentic pashminas. Imported from the Middle East, the scarves come in a wide variety of fabrics, from cashmere to silk, and positively endless array of colours. If you’re feeling generous, you can pick up a set of bangles or a pair of earrings to match- Diwali carries Middle Eastern jewelry, too!

For your best friend

Jewelry makes the perfect gift; it’s one-size-fits-all, and more personal than clothing. The right pair of earrings or bracelet can speak volumes about a woman’s personality and style. And show her just how much she means to you. I always rely on Bijoux Jacqueline Singh for unique, memorable gifts. Jacqueline started her line in 1980, and releases two collections every year. The pieces are 100 per cent made in France, from the clasps and drop hooks right down to the rhinestones. You can browse her creations freely in her charming boutique on Cour Commercial Saint-André in Paris, but they are also available in fine shops world-wide.

For you

The most indispensable piece of clothing in your holiday wardrobe is a little black dress – it will carry you from work straight to the office party to a night on the town with friends, straight through to the celebrations on New Year’s Eve. The Revanche dress from Sandro is the perfect choice – a classic black mini with three-quarter sleeves – with an unexpected twist; an adorable leopard print Peter Pan collar that’s sure to help you stand out from the holiday party crowd. Paired with red pumps, this dress is a true showstopper.

Even if you don’t plan to spend the Christmas season finding excuses to add new dresses to your wardrobe like I do, happy shopping – and happy holidays!

Do you have any other good gift ideas for this christmas season?