What to Buy in Paris? The Complete Souvenir Guide

Over 30 million people visit Paris every year, and most take home at least one souvenir. A fridge magnet, a miniature Eiffel Tower, a mug for morning coffee — everyone brings back their own piece of Paris. But with street vendors, tourist shops and specialty boutiques all competing for your attention, choosing the right souvenir can feel overwhelming.

At Souvenirs & Co, we have been selling Paris souvenirs since 1989. After 37 years in the business, millions of items sold and every trend imaginable, we know what makes a great souvenir — and what ends up forgotten in a drawer. Here is our honest guide, category by category, with real prices and the kind of detail only an industry insider can offer.

Miniature Eiffel Towers: the world’s most popular souvenir

The miniature Eiffel Tower remains the number one Paris souvenir, year after year. We stock dozens of models, and the right choice comes down to three things: material, size and intended use.

• Metal (zinc alloy) — The most common. Bronze, silver or gold finish, 5 to 25 cm tall. The 10–18 cm range is our bestseller: impressive enough for a shelf, compact enough for a suitcase. €3 to €12.
• Painted resin — More detailed, often mounted on a base with a Parisian scene. Great for home décor. €8 to €20.
• Crystal — The premium option. Some models include built-in LED lighting for a stunning evening display. €15 to €35.
• Genuine bronze — Heavy, noble, for serious collectors. Over €30.

Our pick: for gifts, go with metal in the 13–18 cm range. Best value for money, and the size our customers come back for most often.

Keychains and magnets: small souvenirs, big impact

Paris keychains

When you have got ten people to buy for and a limited budget, a souvenir keychain is your best friend. Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, “I Love Paris” heart, Moulin Rouge — the designs cover every landmark and every taste. Between €2 and €6 each.

A professional tip: enamel-coated metal keychains last far longer than plastic ones. Run your finger across the surface — quality enamel will not chip at the touch.

Magnets

A Paris magnet goes on your fridge and brings the trip back to you every morning. The 3D resin versions with raised landmarks are far more popular than flat printed ones. Lightweight, unbreakable, €2 to €5: the zero-risk souvenir. Perfect for kids, colleagues or your own growing collection.

Souvenirs you will actually use for years

Illustrated mugs

A Paris souvenir mug keeps you company at breakfast for years — it is the souvenir that earns its place. Our thick ceramic models feature the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, the Paris metro map or the city skyline. €8 to €15.

Packing tip: wrap the mug in a rolled-up t-shirt and place it in the centre of your suitcase. After 37 years, it is the most reliable method we have seen.

Jewellery and accessories

Eiffel Tower pendants, charm bracelets, engraved “Paris” rings: souvenir jewellery gets worn daily and brings the trip back with every glance. Silver-tone and gold-tone pendants appeal to teens and adults alike. Our charm bracelets — star, croissant, beret, little Parisian dog — consistently top our sales in this category.

To spot jewellery that will last: check the weight. If it feels too light, the finish will not hold up beyond a few weeks.

Made in France: for those who value authenticity

It is the strongest trend we have seen over the past five years. More and more customers specifically ask for souvenirs made in France, not just stamped with “Paris.” A Made in France souvenir carries a stronger story. Here is what we offer in this range:

• Wool berets — Crafted in South-West France, wearable and timeless. The real French beret, not a synthetic copy. €15 to €25.
• Scented soaps — Lavender, rose, orange blossom. A charming hostess gift that is both beautiful and useful. €5 to €12.
• Biscuits and sweets — In decorative metal tins with Paris motifs. The contents are made in France, not just the packaging. €8 to €18.
• Printed tea towels — French recipes, Paris map, landmarks. Decorative and practical. €8 to €15.

How to spot genuine Made in France? Look for the label on the product or packaging. Watch out for misleading wording: “French design” or “French-inspired” does not mean “manufactured in France.”

Tried-and-tested favourites: t-shirts, plush toys, snow globes

Paris t-shirts

The souvenir t-shirt has come a long way. Our current models use combed cotton with durable prints — nothing like the scratchy fabric of fifteen years ago. “I Love Paris,” “Paris is always a good idea,” stylised Eiffel Tower: designs range from classic to contemporary. €10 to €20.

Parisian plush toys

Teddy bears in berets, Parisian cats, dogs with tricolour scarves: souvenir plush toys are a hit with children. Soft, CE-certified, machine washable. A safe bet for under-10s — and for some adults who will not admit it. €8 to €18.

Snow globes

Give it a shake and watch the flakes swirl around the Eiffel Tower or Sacré-Cœur. The Paris snow globe is as popular today as it was thirty years ago. For quality, look for a detailed resin base and a glass globe rather than plastic. €5 to €15.

Our expert tips after 37 years in the business

How much should you spend?

• Under €5: magnets, keychains, postcards. Perfect for group gifts.
• €5 to €15: mugs, snow globes, jewellery, metal Eiffel Towers. The sweet spot — excellent gift-to-price value.
• Over €15: wool berets, crystal Eiffel Towers, Made in France gift boxes, premium plush toys.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Buying from unlicensed street vendors near the monuments. Prices are inflated, quality is often poor, and you have no recourse if something is wrong.
• Forgetting luggage rules. Snow globes contain liquid: in carry-on bags, they may be confiscated at security. Pack them in checked luggage.
• Skipping proper packaging. If it is glass or ceramic, ask for reinforced wrapping. A few extra seconds of care prevent disappointment at home.

Order online — before or after your trip

Many of our customers order online, either before their trip to prepare gifts in advance, or afterwards to complete what they did not pick up in Paris. Our online store ships to France and worldwide, with the same products as our physical shops, detailed photos and customer reviews.

A great Paris souvenir fits in your hand and holds the memory of a moment. We have been helping visitors from around the world find theirs since 1989 — in our shops and online.