10 Paris Souvenirs You’ll Either Love Or Hate

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Every place you visit has its fair share of tacky souvenirs, determined to part tourists with their money. Paris is no different, in fact it might be the worst of them all. Most tourist shops sell variations of the same things at slightly differing prices. So don’t you worry about being able to find any of the items here. But these are definitely the Paris souvenirs you will love to hate, or hate that you love.

Is Paris expensive?

Like any major city, Paris has can be expensive for some things. If you only stay in the tourist centric areas you’ll be gouged on hotel prices – stay a little off the beaten track and you’ll save a bit. The same goes for food and eating out.

When it comes to Paris souvenirs though, you’ll find many affordable options. You can often find little trinkets, cheap clothing and other items for a relatively low cost. You’ll also find them on every street corner and there’s no limit to the number of things you can find emblazoned with the city’s name.

Are souvenirs worth buying?

Every traveler probably has a drawer full of things they bought on a trip. It looked cool at the time, but once you got home it was never used. I’m a big fan of experiences when I travel. They create travel memories which are more important to me than more “stuff”.

However, I do also like the odd thing to remind me of being somewhere I particularly liked. I typically try to go for practical items like an item of clothing, a bag or a picture I can hang on the wall. And magnets are always fun for livening up the front of the fridge.

I tend to only buy souvenirs for myself now rather than for others. You can guarantee no-one is going to use that shot glass you bought them. Save your money and luggage allowance and only buy what you like and will use.

Popular Paris souvenirs

Just because they’re popular doesn’t mean they’re practical, but here are a few things you will easily find on your trip to Paris. Whether it’s to use while on your trip, or as a reminder of your travels once you return home, you can’t go wrong with some of these.

Eiffel Tower Keyring

You won’t even need to go to a shop to find these. Someone will be outside of every major tourist attraction jingling away with a bazillion Eiffel Tower keyrings hanging from their arm. Either that or splayed on a blanked in front of them where you can get 10 for a couple of Euros.

You might not want 10, but you’ll leave with 10 anyway. From classic gold, silver or bronze colored ones to vibrant pink or neon green. Or if you’re feeling particularly French today you could opt for the blue, white & red striped like the French flag. Paris souvenirs don’t come more classic than the cheap and cheerful Eiffel Tower keyring.

While everyone has a ton of keyrings I like the Paris ones as I use the colors to keep track of my sets of keys for the house and cars. Plus it always reminds me of my favorite city.

Beret

In just as many colors as your new favorite keyring, there isn’t a more synonymously French item as the beret. These round, flat hats are sold all over Paris and the biggest thing to consider is whether you think you can pull one off.

Of course, while a traditional hat in France, nowadays anyone you spot wearing one has a 95% chance of being a tourist. Ideal for your French inspired photo shoot around the classically pretty streets of Paris, this is one Paris souvenir that could make or break the perfect shot.

French scarf

Next to the beret, a light scarf might be the second most popular French accessory. Wear it loosely knotted around your neck, over your head with large sunglasses in a way only Audrey Hepburn would approve of, or like me covering your shoulders while sat in the park on a sunny day.

You could opt for a classic scarf, or go all out and pick up one with your favorite Parisian monument on it. When in Paris, right?! Scarves are everywhere and relatively inexpensive. Although you might look less touristy if you save you scarf for when you return home. Alongside a beret might be a bit overkill.

The Little Prince

If you haven’t read this magical book make sure you do. It’s the French children’s book and is a fantastically fun read. The story is actually probably more appreciated by adults, but on the surface it’s a story of travel, adventure and friendship.

Whatever your interpretation of Le Petit Prince you can find all manner of Paris souvenirs depicting it. Some of the best have beautiful phrases and sayings from the book alongside the famous illustrations.

Paris coasters

Perhaps one of the most practical Paris souvenirs are packs of coasters sold in tourist shops or even at the bouquinistes along the Seine. Many have popular artwork on them, or scenes of Paris as well as well-known monuments.

The good thing about picking up a pack of these coasters is that they are cheap, lightweight and will definitely be used when you get home. Perhaps more so than the beret you’ll likely throw into the back of your closet.

Vintage posters

Typically from some advertisement or another, you’ll see these designs all over Paris. Some advertise products such as soap, wine or other such items. Others advertise places or shows such as the Moulin Rouge cabaret.

These prints are often famous designs by well known artists but now sell as art prints for a couple of Euros or more each. They make for some nice wall art at home if you get the right vintage frame and are easily to pack and won’t take up space in your luggage.

French food

My favorite of all Paris souvenirs: anything food related. You’ll find French biscuits in decorative boxes, or be able to find delectable French macarons (although they won’t keep too long).

What I always go for though is some good French chocolate. Sure, it might not beat the Belgians or Swiss, but there are some really creative French chocolate shops in Paris. Saint Germain area has a few, but I always make a stop at Maison Georges Larnicol and buy as much as I can carry home.

Top Tip: Look out for their impressive chocolate sculptures on display in the shop.

Magnets

Whenever I visit a place I always seem to leave with a magnet. It’s the easiest of all souvenirs to get, and my fridge is full of them. Whatever design you like I’m sure you can find it in Paris, from smaller versions of those vintage posters to mini Eiffel Towers and other Parisian delights.

I ❤️ Paris souvenirs

A lot of major cities do the same designs: New York, London, Rome. But if Paris is your city then this is the place to get a t-shirt or other item emblazoned with the “I ❤️ Paris” phrase.

Not into the clothing items? I’m sure you can find a magnet, pen or something else like that. For practical items, I would go for a re-usable cloth bag. It’s good for the environment and for expressing your love of the City of Light.

Paris artwork

Sure, the Paris art prints are in every shop you come across, but the most unique of all Paris souvenirs has to be a painting by a local artist. You’ll find artists sitting alongside the Seine painting the most popular Paris scenes. Why not take home your favorite?

One of the best places to find freshly painted artwork to buy is the Place du Tertre in Montmartre. Located close to the Sacré Cœur the square is filled with local artists. Grab a crêpe and wander the square picking the perfect Parisian picture to remind you of your trip when you get home.

Why do we buy souvenirs?

Souvenirs are a great way to remind you of a much-loved trip somewhere. Even when you’re back home you can look at something you bought and remember how much fun you had there. However, I think there is value in searching out uniquely local items alongside the usual tourist keepsakes.

I like to balance the magnets and t-shirts with local art and handmade crafts. Supporting local is not just something you can do at home. Find independent stores while you travel and buy locally made and sourced items where possible. Admittedly this is more difficult in the tourist center of a big city like Paris, but it can be done.

Everyone likes to take a different memento from their trips, so don’t let others make you feel less like a traveler for wearing your “I Love Paris” shirt when you get home. I’m unapologetic about my love of buying things to remind me of my adventures – it’s just that now I am a bit more selective of what I choose and how much I bring back.

If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Which Paris souvenirs are you most likely to come home with?