rue sainte caro

Valentine’s Day is a few weeks away. I’ve memories of handing out heart-shaped candy or dressing up in red and pink for ballet class or getting flowers from a crush. I always liked Valentine’s Day.

It is sometimes seen as being forced or capitalistic, especially here in France. And I get it. But what’s the harm in a day dedicated to showing a little extra love to those near and dear to us? So if you’re in need of inspiration on what to gift your Valentine(s) this year, then I’ve got you covered below.

P.S. To make this Valentine’s extra fun, I’m also sending a Paris postcard to anyone who would like one! Simply follow me at @ruesaintecaro on Instagram and DM me your postal address.

For the homebody

You can never go wrong with a Diptyque candle, and they make the cutest jars for pens or make-up brushes once you’ve burned the candle.

Le Creuset Amour collection mugs: these hearts are precious!

For the bébé

Anything from Atelier Choux makes for a perfect gift. I love their cotton swaddles. They’ve free international shipping for orders over 100 euros.

This Je T’aime sign from Opal+Olive is adorable. They are currently sold out, but the next restock is February 1st. I’ve a reminder set on my Instagram because they go so quickly!

For the beauty guru

YSL lipstick is my favorite. I love the texture, which feels creamy and moisturizing. I’m not a fan of super matte lipsticks as they leave my lips dry. My mother-in-law has great taste in make-up and she got me my first YSL lipstick four or five years ago for Christmas. It seems to have become a tradition because I have, happily, been getting one every year since :)

For the trendy

A vintage Hermès scarf always makes for a special gift. I ordered my mom one for Christmas from Carré de Paris. The woman who runs the shop seems very sweet, too. After I placed my order, she sent me a personalized thank you message.

I love this chunky, vintage-vibes bracelet from Parisian jewellery line, Hypso.

This Liberty tee-shirt from French brand, Sézane, is not only cute but a feel-good gift. It’s part of Sézane’s “DEMAIN” collection, which means proceeds go to their charity initiative, supporting child education.

Note: “Demain” means tomorrow in French :)

For the men

Usually it’s the women that get the lingerie, but you can up your man’s underwear game with a little something from French undergarment brand, Le Slip Français.

Opinel knives are a classic. I think any man in your life would appreciate one. There’s also an option to engrave the handle and/or blade, too. The more personalized the gift, the better!

For the gourmande

There are so many excellent chocolateries across France, and La Maison du Chocolat is one of my favorites. Their Valentine’s collection is super sweet (pun intended)! They’re also one of the few chocolate houses that offer international shipping, which is free for orders over 95 euros.

Champagne isn’t all that original so far as gift ideas go, but so strong is my love for this bubbly that I could not in my right mind put together a gift guide without including it. If you pick up a bottle, make sure the words champagne are marked, otherwise it’s just sparkly wine, and it’s really not the same!

For the writer

A pen is like a piece of jewellery—arguably less seen but equally as sentimental. My husband got me this beautiful Mont Blanc stylo for Christmas last year. It was love at first sight.

For the budget conscious

A night in watching the classic movie Paris, Je T’Aime, chronicling love in all its forms across the 20 arrondissements of Paris.

For more French-inspired gifts, read my Mother’s Day gift guide.

French-inspired gifts for your Valentine