Did you already buy all your Christmas gifts? This time of the year could be quite stressful with the long list of gifts for your parents, your kids, their teachers and who’s not. After the success of the Christmas markets post, I thought you might also need some help with you Christmas shopping in Bordeaux. So if you still have no idea what you’re going to buy, I want to help you with some ideas for gifts you can easily find in the center of Bordeaux. Most of my presents are related to Bordeaux because I think it can give your presents that special twist and make them stand out on Christmas day.

Little surprises

Are you invited to a Christmas dinner with plenty of kids? Or just need to buy presents to a big group of people? I have three shops to suggest with plenty of small, chic and amusing stuff, all at the center of Bordeaux. Flying tiger, on rue Sainte Catherine, is your go to place for cool gifts for kids, such as coloring books, funky room decoration and a lot of crafty games. In Hema, which is well known in France, you can find cute little chocolates in different forms (chocolate letters of the child’s name is always a pleasant gift). Another idea from Hema is their beautiful notebooks which is a very nice gift for those who love to write their new years resolution. The last one, is Søstrene Grene, a shop for those who prefer a more minimalist style. They have beautiful house and office utensils which can be a great gift for every age.

Discover the book stores of Bordeaux 

If you’re looking to buy something a bit more personal, a book is always a great idea that shows the other person that you have given it a thought. It’s also a good opportunity to discover the beautiful book stores of Bordeaux (a topic that probably requires a dedicated post). There are plenty of big and small bookshops in Bordeaux, but here I want to share just a few places located in the center and serve different audiences. If it’s French books you’re looking for, one of the best places to visits would be the Mollat librairie. This book store has a huge collection of books and at the entrance you’ll find stands with books recommended by the staff. If you need books in English, Bradly’s bookstore is the place for you. And if you need a gift for manga or comics geeks, Crazy Kat is a crazy store that will get you covered.

A bottle of wine from Bordeaux

Wine is always a winner, especially if your gift is not supposed to be too personal. As we live in the capital of wine, the options are endless and you may need some help to choose something good to represent our region. The best thing would be to visit some of the impressive wine shops of Bordeaux and consult the staff there. One option is l’Intendant wine shop with its selection of 15,000 bottles, it’s one of Bordeaux’s institutions. The range there is huge, from very affordable wines in the first floor to very expensive ones on the upper floors. Other good stores in the center of Bordeaux are Wine Corner, Cousin compagnie and Badie.

Chocolates

Bordeaux is a city of wine, but apparently it also produces great chocolate. The city center is full with brilliant chocolatiers which turned chocolate making into a real art. A box of yummy bonbons, especially when wrapped for Christmas, is a gift that never misses. One of the most popular chocolatiers in Bordeaux in recent years is Hasnaa, a winner of the French master chef. She offers a box of 10 pieces of her specialty chocolates for 12 euros, which I think is a beautiful present.  Other shops are David Capy, who is a Mof (the higher French honor for craftsmanship), Maison Darricau, on Place Gambetta and Saunion on Cours Georges Clemenceau.

Christmas markets

If you want to buy something made by a Bordelaise designer or craftsman go to one of the many Christmas markets around Bordeaux. While the main market is a traditional one, the other markets across the city have a lot of original stands with everything from bags to jewelry and designer ties for men. Check out my list of Christmas markets in Bordeaux, and follow my weekend list to find more options every weekend.

Buy a Ticket to an event or an activity in Bordeaux

If you want to buy something made by a Bordelaise designer or craftsman go to one of the many Christmas markets around Bordeaux. While the main market is a traditional one, the other markets across the city have a lot of original stands with everything from bags to jewelry and designer ties for men. Check out my list of Christmas markets in Bordeaux, and follow my weekend list to find more options every weekend.

Have no time to go shopping in the center of Bordeaux? Here’s an idea for you – buy French culture inspired books online

The Official Guide to the Most Beautiful Villages of France

This has been my travelling guide since I moved to France. The book includes all the most beautiful villages in France voted by an official organization. And let me tell you, they are beautiful!!! They cover all of France and it’s an amazing gift for people who love travelling and discovering new places.

The English version is a bit outdated (2016) so if you speak a bit of French I would suggest buying the French version.

The Bordeaux Kitchen: An Immersion into French Food and Wine, Inspired by Ancestral Traditions

Another book is more related to Bordeaux and includes wine and gastronomy, among Bordeaux’s most prominent symbols.

Enjoy your Christmas shopping!

Thanks for reading!!