Birthday Gifts For Francophiles

Happy Birthday Distant Francophile.

Yes today, Distant Francophile is celebrating its first birthday.

And to be honest, while I love our website to bits and pieces and happily work on it for creative expression, I’ve been both surprised and delighted by the amount of interest from others. It really is our great pleasure to add our little bit of French inspiration to the world.

I have to say a massive thank you to everyone who has supported Distant Francophile during the last year whether by subscribing, liking, sharing, following, comment or nominating us for awards – I can’t tell you how much we appreciate it (I’m thinking of you Barbie Beaton). And to the people who have contributed inspiration, effort or content over the year – Cal, Daniel, Tammy, Terry, Ann, Nicole, Megan, Stuart and Liz – Scott and I are incredibly grateful.

Anyhow, Distant Francophile’s birthday got me thinking about gifts for francophiles. So to celebrate, I thought I’d take a moment to share my top 10 gift suggestions – at as many price points as I could manage – for the francophile in your life.

• French scented candles. Personally, I don’t think you can go past Diptyque – all the scents are fabulous and throw so well. And the glass holders make great decorator items long after the wax is gone.
• French books – particularly those packed with fabulous photographs. Some of my favourites (and I have stacks) include The Light of Paris (Jean-Michel Berts & Pierre Assouline); Paris Tango (Carla Coulson); The French Cat (Rachael McKenna); My French Life & French Essence (Vicki Archer); A Food Lover’s Pilgrimage to France (Dee Nolan); Taschen’s Paris (Angelika Taschen).
• And while I am on books, notebooks and French inspired stationery are usually a good choice.
• A bottle of champagne, assuming they enjoy bubbles. Over the years I’ve been the lucky recipient of some beautiful champagne gifts, including a magnum and some excellent bottles of vintage champagne. Champagne accessories – glasses, buckets, stoppers and the like are also well received.
• Lagliole cutlery. This idea seems to work really well for boys. An excellent cook we know received a stunning Lagliole carving set from his wife. A cheese lover received a gorgeous cheese knife. And the Lagliole bottle opener/carving knife combos always seem to be appreciated.
• A voucher for a local French restaurant. Or tickets to a French movie, show or exhibition.
• French fragrance – perfume or cologne. Again, this one assumes you know what your recipient likes. If you don’t know what they like, a voucher to a bespoke perfumery could do the trick.
• French inspired jewellery for the ladies, particularly if they are celebrating a special milestone. Bracelets are a good choice. One of my favourites is a beautiful charm bracelet, which I am filling with French charms or check out this one for the champagne lover in your life.
• Anything from Chanel, Dior or Louis Vuitton. Earrings, cuff links, post cards, guide books, wallets, key chains, passport covers, bags – I’ve seen them all very gratefully accepted.
• Return flights to Paris (hee hee, I wish).

Until next time – au revoir.