my christmas shopping lists

by Sharon Santoni

The lead up to the end of year holidays is always pretty hectic here.   Besides the blog and the box, which keep me busy  full time, I love to find a few  special moments to shop.  I always used to handle the gift purchasing on my own, but lucky me, since we are empty nesters, my husband likes to get involved , and we set aside occasional afternoons for shopping sprees!  Who knew he’d ever want to do that?!

So here are some ideas that I think would make great gifts, all either French made, or with a french twist.  Hope you find some inspiration among these mood boards – happy shopping!

For the one in your life, boy or girl, who loves to cook, and is general top chef in your kitchen, here are five presents to encourage them and thank them for all those delicious meals:

A red leather apron, for protection and true style;   inspiring French recipes from the kitchen of Susan Loomis;  a beautiful beech wood cutting board, because you can never have too many;  a bottle of divine olive oil, bottled at a chateau of course,  and a ruby red cooking pot from Le Creuset and to keep those cooking hands super clean, a liquid soap from Compagnie de Provence.

 

Girls, girls, girls, so easy to buy for , because we all like girly stuff, right?!   This pick includes a delicious bottle of perfume from Bastide, light and fresh, ideal for a busy day shopping;   some cute little notebooks for making the lists that we girls live by;  a pretty scarf tied loosely to look so French, accompanied by a lovely bracelet  that would work for any age and to round it off a blush pink handbag, big enough to hold everything a girl needs for lunch in Paris

For the men in our life who love practicality.  Who we like to see so chic, and smelling divine , we choose Vetiver, a classic and masculine fragrance from Guerlain; a beautiful boxed set of polishes for their shoe care;  a classic belt from Hermes, a chic black candle for their den by l’Artisan Parfumeur and  a rather special roll out tool pouch with leather clasps, and finally a leather grip from Paul Marius for a weekend away.

 

For the Paris-lover in your life, then it’s all about the senses:    a divine smelling candle reminiscent of the beautiful Jardin de Luxembourg;   Georgianna Lane’s wonderful book all about Paris in bloom;   Patricia Wells’ guide to the cafés and restaurants of the city;   a beautiful box of macarons from Pierre Hermé, and a calendar of photos of Paris from A Parisian Moment.

 

And finally for the four legged members of your family, and yes, I’m afraid to tell you that Gibson and Ghetto do get gifts, here is a suitably French selection to make them look chic, and keep them happy.     First of all this dog bed, (because could it be any cuter?!) by Dreamy Whites, made from French grain sacks;  a chic red and white collar, with a matching toy, and to call those naughty pups back when they run away on a country walk, a whistle  and to  keep them sweet smelling and dandy, a shampoo and perfume from Oh My Dog https://www.perigot.fr/fr/chiens-chats/491-collier

 

Hope your shopping is going well, less than two weeks to go!

 

14 comments

Madonna December 9, 2017 - 4:48 pm

Lovely choices all. I love that after all this time a husband can still surprise you. 🙂

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Judy Lambert December 9, 2017 - 5:28 pm

What lovely ideas,all of them. You just helped me with my husband’s stocking fillers! Thank you Sharon for all of your inspiration and ideas. Have a lovely Christmas. Perhaps you will make it to the way coast of Canada some day!

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Our French Oasis December 9, 2017 - 6:20 pm

I love leather cooking aprons, but most of all that salmon pink bag is just too gorgeous. You have put together a fabulous collection of gift ideas. Have a lovely weekend and hope you don’t get too battered by the storms the whole of France has forecast.

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Carole Shiles December 9, 2017 - 8:39 pm

Your ideas are so much help to me. Just what I needed to get out and finish my shopping on thiscold, snowy day. Thanks.

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Colleen Taylor December 9, 2017 - 10:06 pm

I adore your selections Sharon. The only other thing that’s missing is one of my dog paintings.X

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Dottie Monta December 10, 2017 - 12:12 am

Needed this, Sharon! Have two potentially new members of the family (young women)(fiancees, perhaps soon)to gift, and lo, who wouldn’t love that little bracelet or the pretty scarf! I’ve already picked up little Kate Spade “purse notebooks” and now can add your suggestions! Wishing you time for all the fun excursions, and of course, a Merry Christmas, Dottie

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Carolyn December 10, 2017 - 1:09 am

What a lovely selection of gifts Sharon. I’m so glad I came across your blog, and love the Novemer box, especially the candle . Merry Christmas to you and your family.

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Vicky from Athens December 10, 2017 - 1:43 am

Wonderful suggestions, all of them. You’ve given me some great ideas for that last minute shopping. Sharon, you have marvelous taste!

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Victoria Savu December 12, 2017 - 12:20 am

Thank you for these wonderful suggestions. I just ordered Susan Loomis’s book. I know I am suppose to be shopping for others. Lol I already own Georgianna Lane’s book Paris in Bloom and it is truly wonderful.

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stacey snacks December 15, 2017 - 1:40 am

This is a luscious array of treats…..quite dangerous when I am clicking on each link!

I just ordered the Susan Loomis book, and I am now looking for the Jardin du Luxembourg candle!

(Henry thanks you!).

PS no English fruitcake on your list? (don’t worry, the package is coming!).
xo

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This & That: December 15, 2017 – The Simply Luxurious Life® December 15, 2017 - 8:11 am

[…] ~Sharon Santoni’s Holiday Shopping Guide […]

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david terry December 20, 2017 - 11:17 pm

oh, Sharon……having shopped for years and gone through the various permutations of “vetiver”” (Guerlain, Fragonard, blahblahblah), I can assure you that the very best and purest (i.e., no gratuitous “floral” notes absurdly introduced) comes from Hove Parfeumiers in New Orleans. google them. They haven’t changed their formula in all the many decades since the shop was opened of Royal Street.

I’ve used their vetiver since I was in college. Inevitably, folks pause and say “What’s that?…..it’s wonderful….”

Advisedly your as ever,

David Terry
The Webb House
Hilslborough, NC

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Gayle January 5, 2018 - 2:43 pm

The New Paris, by Lindsey Tramuta is a great new book for your Paris gift list. A wonderful book with great reviews.

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Nettie July 30, 2020 - 8:57 pm

I just read this….I know, I know….it’s now 2020 but these boards are just as helpful now as they were in 2017. They give me fruit for thought and I’ll be keeping my eyes out for some wonderful items to put away for gifting for my favorite girls, guys and chef’s. Thanks so much!

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