Monoprix Gift Guide: 20 French Supermarket Souvenirs

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If you’ve ever visited France, you’ve likely passed (or even perused) a local Monoprix. The popular French supermarket/department store is one of my favorite places to shop for everything from groceries to home goods. It is very similar to the American store Target, but Monoprix’s stores are usually smaller and offer a limited range of items. You can find Monoprix stores throughout France, and you certainly won’t miss one if you visit Paris.

Although many French people do their day-to-day shopping at Monoprix, it’s also the perfect place to purchase gifts and souvenirs. If you’re visiting France and don’t have time to discover every vintage market or concept store, visit a nearby Monoprix to find some nice souvenirs for your friends and family (or even just yourself).

My recommendations below include some of my favorite gifts from Monoprix. Most items are under €20, so they’re also an affordable way to share your trip to France. As someone who has lived in France for over 4 years, I’ve brought back gifts to the U.S. several times. My suggestions in this post are inspired by my finds, ideas from my French friends, and musings from my American family and friends about what they enjoyed receiving.

Whenever I’m buying gifts from Monoprix or similar stores, I always think of a few gift concepts beforehand. For example, instead of just gifting someone a chocolate bar, I might pair it with a quality hand towel or a box of Kusmi tea. By curating a small set of items, you’ll instantly elevate the quality of your gift.

Most Monoprix stores offer a decent selection of goods, but it’s worth looking for the largest one near you. You’ll find a wider range of gifts and won’t have to worry about missing any of my recommendations. Try to avoid shopping at monop’ — the mini version of Monoprix with an even smaller selection.

Finally, keep in mind your country’s souvenir restrictions, especially those related to food items. Many meat and dairy items can’t be brought back through U.S. customs, so some recommendations below should be disregarded.

1. Parisian Net Bag

A colorful net bag is a practical souvenir that you can find in most French grocery stores including Monoprix. It’s perfect for carrying your groceries like a true Parisian. Not only is it an affordable souvenir, but you can easily pack it in your luggage to take back home. You can usually find these bags in the kitchen section near the food storage products, but they’re sometimes also stocked near the checkout.

Shop Sac filet de course beige clair

2. Bakeware

One kitchen find that makes a special souvenir is any piece of bakeware. Although you can find some of the same items in the U.S., certain bakeware like madeleine pans and canelé molds are a little more difficult to come by. If you happen to stop by Monoprix, then pick up a unique piece of bakeware for yourself or the baking enthusiast in your life.

Shop Plaque à madeleines en acier revêtu

3. Home Decor

If you don’t want to sift through the French flea markets to find cool home decor, check out the selection at Monoprix. They have some surprisingly stylish items that will spruce up your space and remind you of your French travels. Don’t forget to check out the latest designer collaborations for even more unique pieces.

Shop Coussin tricolore noir

4. Dish Towels

A dish towel is another Monoprix souvenir that’s affordable and easy to pack. You can find a range of colors and patterns to choose from, but I personally love ones with blue and red stripes or French motifs. Add it to your kitchen for some French flair or pair it with a bottle of Savon de Marseille as a thoughtful gift for a loved one.

Shop Torchon en lin - J ai faim x Monoprix brun clair

5. Candles

Skip Diptyque and head to Monoprix for a great selection of affordable scented candles and diffusers. I love the Santal candle that reminds me of Le Labo’s Santal 33 (but way less expensive). You can also find candles with fun French motifs that will remind you of your time in France.

Shop Bougie en cire végétale dans pot en verre - Santal

6. Books and Magazines

Finding French reading content in the U.S. can be difficult and expensive. Thankfully, you can browse a nice selection of books and magazines at most Monoprix stores. Pick up a copy of Vogue France, a newly-released French novel, or even a speciality cookbook. If you reading is not your forte, then consider purchasing a beautiful book or magazine just to display on your bookshelf or coffee table. A book from Gallimard with their simple, yet iconic covers would make a lovely item to take back from France.

7. French Flag Socks

These adorable French flag socks are the perfect gift for the Francophile. While many tourists shops carry socks with French flags, I appreciate the elegant simplicity of this pair. Don’t forget to browse Monoprix’s full range of clothing and accessories as you can find some really unique pieces that you’ll want to take back home.

Shop Lot de 2 paires de chaussettes en laine denim

8. Cookies, Cakes & Other Treats

After trying just one of France’s pâtisseries, you’ll definitely want to take home something sweet. Monoprix has several classic French treats from cookies to cakes that are nice to share with family and friends. Try La Mère Poulard’s sablés pur beurre (butter shortbread cookies), Maison Colibri’s madeleines (they’re individually wrapped, so they’ll last longer!), or Lu’s Petit écolier cookies (a classic French cookie). You won’t go wrong with almost any of France’s grocery store treats.

Shop MAISON COLIBRI La madeleine coque chocolat moulée à la main

9. Crêpes

Crêpes are one culinary speciality that you shouldn’t miss in France (especially if you’re visiting the Brittany region!). If you want to make authentic Breton crêpes back home, pick up a pack of these pre-made crêpes at Monoprix. It’s much more convenient than preparing them yourself. Don’t forget to bring back a jar of French jam or spread to enjoy with them.

Shop ST MICHEL Crêpes bretonnes natures

10. Chocolate

Another sweet French souvenir that you can find at Monoprix is chocolate. Most stores carry a large variety of chocolates to choose from, but some of my favorites are from L’Éclair de Génie. Their chocolate bars on the pricier side, but they’re excellent quality (and the packaging is always lovely). Monoprix also has a great line of gourmet chocolate bars that are affordable and make thoughtful gifts.

Shop L'ECLAIR DE GÉNIE Chocolat blanc au praliné pistache d'Iran

11. Jam, Honey & Spreads

Some of my go-to gifts from France that you can find at Monoprix are jams, honeys and spreads. Crème de marrons (chestnut cream), a dark chocolate hazelnut spread or a local honey are great options to give your family and friends (or keep for yourself!). It’s a safe gift idea that anyone will appreciate.

Shop HÉDÈNE Miel montagne du Jura

12. Mustard

Mustard may not be the first thing you think of as a take home souvenir, but it’s a great idea if you enjoy high quality mustard from brands like Maille. You can find classic and unique flavors at Monoprix that make wonderful gifts. Although you can find French mustards (notably Dijon mustard) in the U.S., you’ll pay a bit less if you buy it in France.

Shop MAISON AROSTÉGUY Moutarde à l'ancienne au coulis de piment d'Espelette

13. Foie Gras

A jar of foie gras is a luxe souvenir that you can purchase at almost any supermarket in France, including Monoprix. It’s a great delicacy to share with your friends back home with a bottle of French wine. Also consider picking up a confiture to pair with it (like the spiced red onion confit below).

Shop MONOPRIX GOURMET Foie gras entier de canard du sud-ouest à l'armagnac

Shop MONOPRIX GOURMET Confit d'oignons au sucre de canne

14. Spices

Traditional French spices are the perfect gift for the gourmand in your life. Look for the brand Albert Ménès in the spice section at Monoprix. They have a wide range of spices and herbs blends in elegant glass jars that look expensive but are quite affordable. My favorite gift idea is to put together a small kit of spices from Provence including Herbes de Provence, rosemary (rosmarin), and thyme (thym). Any French foodie would love to have authentic French spices in their pantry.

Shop ALBERT MÉNÈS

15. Tea

Any tea lover will appreciate a beautiful box of Kusmi Tea, the popular French tea brands that you can find at their boutiques and French supermarkets like Monoprix. If you aren’t familiar with the brand’s range of teas, try their box of tea essentials, which features an assortment of their most popular flavors. This would also make a lovely gift for only 20€.

Shop KUSMI TEA Sachets enveloppés des 12 best sellers

16. Crème de Cassis

Crème de cassis is a sweet, dark red liqueur made from blackcurrants. Several cocktails are made with crème de cassis, including the popular French cocktail, kir. Pick up a bottle from Monoprix to enjoy French cocktails after your French travels. Grab a bottle of white wine or champagne to pair with it for a thoughtful gift.

Shop MONOPRIX GOURMET Crème de cassis de Bourgogne IGP

17. Syrups

Le sirop is a popular way to flavor your drink in France (my boyfriend always has a bottle in the fridge). You can find a range of syrups at Monoprix that make a unique souvenir to take home with you. Try one from the well-known syrup brand Teisseire.

Shop TEISSEIRE Sirop de grenadine

18. Wine

Wine is a no-brainer souvenir to bring back with you from France. You can pick up a bottle from a wine retailer like Nicolas or stop by Monoprix for a great selection of wine at an affordable price. Not sure which wine to buy? I always look for a bottle with a gold sticker on it. This usually means it’s won an award for being an exceptional wine.

Shop CHÂTEAU CAYLA Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux AOP, rouge

19. Pharmacy Products

If you haven’t made a trip to a French pharmacy, you might prefer stocking up on French skincare and haircare at Monoprix. My local Monoprix carried brands like Embryolisse and Erborian, but some stores have larger parapharmacie sections where you can find products from Avene, La Roche Posay, and more.

Shop NUXE Merveillance lift - le serum-en-huile activateur de fermete 30ml

20. French Soap

The French are known for fragrance, and they have perfected the art of making scented soaps. You can find several inexpensive soaps at Monoprix from iconic brands like Le Petit Marseillais and Roger & Gallet. Marseille soap or Savon de Marseille is a traditional soap made around Marseille, France that you can also pick up at Monoprix. Add a bar or bottle to your own home or give it to your family and friends. A French soap is the perfect gift that anyone will appreciate.

Shop SAVON LE NATUREL Savon extra pur de Marseille romarin basilic