COUCOU HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2023: LIFESTYLE EDITION

Do you have that one person in your life who always knows how to make a statement, what’s in and what’s out, or where to find that one coveted item you saw on Instagram? For the one who is always on trend, we’ve curated a gift guide that is guaranteed to impress this holiday season.

By Alaina Schwartz

 

ASSOULINE COFFEE TABLE BOOKS

Just the covers of Assouline’s Insta-famous coffee table books are a work of art, and will brighten up any room in your home. For a slice of Provençal life–ocean air, centuries-old châteaux, lavender fields and cypress trees–we recommend Provence Glory, full of imagery inspired by this oasis in the South of France. If your recipient is more of a city-slicker, we love Paris Chic for its intimate portrayal of life in the capital.

• Coffee Table Book: $105

 

FLOWERS FROM ODE À LA ROSE

With their flower subscription, Ode à la Rose will bring luxurious and vibrant bouquets right to your loved one’s doorstep every month. You can select the date of your first delivery, so you can schedule for whichever special day you’re celebrating. Or, send a bouquet of preserved forever roses that will last the entire year–just in time for next Christmas!

• Flower Subscription: $68
• Petite Rosalie Preserved Roses Bouquet: $249

 

FRENCH FRAGRANCE

France is a global center for the art of perfumery, with Diptyque at its forefront. Famous for their candles and fragrances, every one of their creations will be beautifully packaged and expertly scented. Their pocket-sized solid perfumes are lovely stocking stuffers. Each scent comes in a reusable metal case with its own unique design–our favorite is their signature, 34 Boulevard Saint Germain! For home fragrance, Le Labo has transformed its cult-classic Santal 26 into a candle. For something refreshing and floral, this Place des Vosges diffuser by Kerzon is just the thing!

• Dyptique Refillable Solid Perfume: $75
• Kerzon Diffuser: $56

 

FRENCH WINK GIFT BOX

French Wink is your one-stop shop for all things French. Yes, all things. From specialty groceries to skincare products and kitchen accessories, they have what you need for the francophiles in your life. We love their curated gift boxes, especially the Pamper Yourself gift box, which comes with handmade soap, botanical bath salts, a scented candle with matchsticks and a lotion bar.

• Pamper Yourself Gift Box: $35
• French Beauty Box: $80

 

SÉZANE HANDBAG

Parisians are known for their classic sense of style, and Sézane is one of their holy-grail brands. To replicate French women’s famous style, we recommend one of the newer additions to Sézane’s collection of leather goods, the Claude bag. Need more inspiration? Shop their Parisian Gift Shop. Other go-tos are Rouje, known for their romantic, feminine prints, and APC for classic, clean silhouettes for both men and women.

• Sézane Claude Bag: $450

 

ANNE & VALENTIN GLASSES

Anne & Valentin have the chicest eyewear you’ll find for both kids and adults. Their glasses come in a variety of unique shapes and bright colors for those who like to stand out from a crowd. For opticals, we love their Minimalist collection. For sunglasses, you’ll find the coolest shapes in their wire-rimmed Ocean Drive collection.

 

FRENCH-GIRL BEAUTY

“French-girl beauty,” in all its femininity and simplicity, has been trending on social media for quite some time. Rouje is best known as a staple in French women’s closets, but did you know they just came out with a beauty line? Les filles en Rouje has makeup and skincare for an effortless look. For a bit of everything, we recommend their lip and cheek palette, La Palette Visage, which has glittery highlighters and saturated blushes. For the iconic red lip, Violette has a lightweight, long-lasting liquid lip.

• Rouje’s La Palette Visage: $66
• Violette’s Matte Liquid lipstick: $28

 

FRENCH SKINCARE

Oh My Cream is a self-described “concept store of alternative beauty” that applies the highest standards of clean beauty to curate a selection of skincare and makeup products from France. Discover their own skincare brand here, and find a product that will work with any skin type. They also carry Violette’s skincare line, including their 3-in-1 Boum-Boum Milk spray. For the face mask lover and something a bit luxurious, we recommend Caudalie’s Vinopure purifying face mask. If the person you’re shopping for has hopped on the “French pharmacy skincare” trend, La Rosée and La Roche Posay are two bestsellers.

• Violette’s 3-in-1 Boum-Boum Milk spray: $75
• La Rosée Hydrating Tonic Lotion Spray: $19

 

CLARE V. X MONOPRIX

With a selection of clothes and accessories that come in bright colors and prints, Clare Vivier, owner of her namesake brand, introduces Parisian chic to West Coast style. The brand also doesn’t shy away from infusing some humor into their collection, like with this trucker hat. And what could be more French than something from her collab with Monoprix? We love this combination of a bright green sweatshirt and striped tote bag.

• Striped Tote Bag: $15
• Trucker Hat: $49

 

HOME DECOR

Maison Balzac makes gorgeous, playful glassware that’s had a real moment on Instagram and TikTok. Their Pomponette Champagne Coupes have become their hero product, and make for an even more elegant vase. For mood lighting, mix and match their handmade glass candle holders! For the one who likes to be cozy (maybe even cozied up to you?), go for one of Sézane’s smooth velvet cushions, or this super soft quilt. From a brand with heart, we recommend this adorable mini-basket and succulent from La Basketry, where everything is handwoven by Senegalese artisans. For all your linen needs, Merci Paris has the highest quality fabrics. Our favorite is their simple and plush collection of 100% terry cotton bath towels.

• Pomponette Champagne Coupes: $139
• La Basketry’s Mini-Basket and Succulent: $13

 

PARIS BY NIGHT: THE COUCOU GUIDE

Paris by Night is the ultimate travel companion for those who want to dive into Parisian nightlife. With guides to the city’s best cocktail bars, liveliest neighborhoods and late-night eats, you’ll (re)discover Paris from dusk ‘til dawn. For the holiday season, Paris by Night will be bundled with our Paris for Foodies and Essential Paris guides.

• The Coucou Paris Guide Bundle: $40

 

LEARN FRENCH WITH COUCOU

If you know a francophile who’s always wanted to learn the language, give the gift of French! Get them started on their journey with a gift card for French classes at Coucou. If they’re already a student, our interactive and hand-illustrated Flashcards will introduce learners of all levels to over 320 vocabulary words, adjectives and verbs.

• Coucou Flashcards: $55 $44