My favorite souvenir shop in Paris

Once, when our children were little and we were taking an extended trip away for the first time, we promised to bring them an entire suitcase full of treasures from Paris. This promise helped ease the anxiety of separation and gave them (and us!) something fun to anticipate together.

The place we found enough affordable treasures to fill an entire suitcase remains my favorite shop in Paris. Nope, we're not headed to the Champs Élysées, Bon Marché, La Grande Épicerie, or the Galeries Lafayette (although it's super fun to stroll through all of these to see the insane upscale displays). We're not even going into the basement section of BHV (but you should go to the very top floor of Le BHV Marais for the amazing cafeteria with stunning city views).

Behold, y'all: Monoprix, "the Target of France."

My love for Paris' Monoprix has only swelled with every visit.  These stores are everywhere—more than 300 across France. Inside you'll find everything from groceries and pantry items to pharmacy staples and makeup to clothes and kitchenware. And this is precisely what makes Monoprix my favorite shop in Paris. Here, you can buy an abundance of well-priced souvenirs: candy, body wash, notebooks, toys, pajamas, spoons, even holiday decor. It's the sheer fun of bringing home regular items, but make them French! Plus, I always love experiencing a bit of local neighborhood life.

What to buy at Monoprix

Every time we visit Paris, I always go to Monoprix to pick up gifts for others and myself. The true joy of Paris souvenirs from Monoprix is coming home with items that won’t just sit on a shelf. Every day we use our kitchen towels and spoons from Monoprix, and every day I get the tactile pleasure of connecting with a favorite memory.

Some of my favorites:

• Chocolate bars (try the Monoprix-branded ones or pick up some Côte d’Or or Poulain)

• French candy (Carambars! Dragées!)

• Tea and spice mixes (check the “épicerie fine” section for hidden gems; foodie gifts are far more affordable here than any of the grande dame groceries)

• Bon Maman jams in flavors you can’t always find at home

• Kitchen linens that are chic and indestructible (I still some some I bought more than 10 years ago)

• Kitchen utensils, cutlery, spoons, or ceramic ramekins (great for gifting)

• Makeup, fragrance, skincare, and body care products—look for French pharmacy brands like La Roche-Posay or Nuxe at much better prices than you'd pay abroad, without the influencer crowds are Citypharma

• Pajamas

• Toys—adorable and well-made

• Stationery, paintbrushes, and art supplies

• Seasonal decorations like Christmas ornaments

Tips for shopping at Monoprix:

• Bring a reusable shopping bag, or buy one there—they make cute totes!

• Check the weekly sales ("promotions") if you're stocking up on snacks or toiletries.

• Visit different locations—larger Monoprix stores in central Paris (like in the Marais or near Opéra) tend to have a wider selection, and they also have full-service delis on the bottom floors if you want to stock your rental or plan a picnic.

• Don’t skip the clothing section. The design and quality is excellent at a fraction of department store and boutique prices.

• Be aware that there are far fewer English-speaking employees at Monoprix versus the luxe department stores.

Go to the legendary department stores for the dazzling spectacle and indulgence. But if you want to bring home pretty, practical Paris—and maybe even fill a suitcase—I'll meet you at Monoprix.

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