Monoprix Gift Guide: 30 French Supermarket Souvenirs

This blog post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for any purchases made through these links. Click here for the disclosure statement.

If you’ve ever visited France, you’ve likely passed (or even perused) a local Monoprix. The popular French supermarket 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).

Here is my selection of the 30 best French supermarket souvenirs from Monoprix! Most of these picks 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.

30 Best French Supermarket Souvenirs from Monoprix

1. Net Shopping Bag

A colorful net bag is a practical Paris 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 affordable, but you can easily pack it in your luggage to take back home. You can usually find these bags in the kitchen section near food storage items, but they’re sometimes also stocked near the checkout.

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 cannelé 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.

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! I recently fell for their collection with Clare Vivier, the American fashion designer - it features homeware and clothes, all bursting with personality.

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.

5. Scented 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 and home fragrances with fun French motifs that will remind you of your time in France.

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 specialty cookbook. If 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 tourist 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 truly unique pieces that you’ll want to take back home. Their baby and kids clothes are also worth browsing!

8. Madeleines

After trying just one of France’s delectable pâtisseries, you’ll definitely want to take home something sweet. Monoprix has several classic French treats from cookies to cakes that make tasty gifts to share with family and friends. My favorite are madeleines! Monoprix offers a variety of options, from dark chocolate to pistachio and raspberry-filled. I’d highly recommend the madeleines from Maison Colibri. Not only are they incredibly soft and moist, but they’re individually wrapped, so they’ll last longer!

9. Butter Cookies

French butter cookies or sablés bretons are renowned for their crumbly texture and rich buttery flavor. Monoprix has a vast selection, from simple shortbreads to fancier varieties with jams, nuts, and chocolate drizzles. You can’t go wrong with the sablés pur beurre (butter shortbread cookies) from La Mère Poulard. Not only are they delicious, but they also come beautifully packaged in charming tins – perfect for storing keepsakes long after the cookies disappear.

Also not to miss is the iconic Lu Petit Écolier ("Little Schoolboy") cookies. Beloved by French children for generations, these simple yet delicious cookies are a nostalgic taste of France.

10. Crêpes Dentelle

One French treat that my American family loves is crêpes dentelle. These thin, crispy cookies, sometimes filled and covered in chocolate, are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Light and airy, crêpes dentelle are perfect to enjoy with coffee, tea, or even champagne! Monoprix has a variety of options including those from their own gourmet line. Their dark chocolate version are my favorite! But the most popular brand is undoubtedly Gavottes.

11. Michel et Augustin Cheese Crackers

The cheese crackers from Michel et Augustin are unlike anything I’ve tried before. Imagine an upgraded Cheez-It made with French cheeses like Comté, Beaufort and Roquefort. These savory biscuits are perfect to enjoy during a post-travel French apéritif, and you can easily find them at French grocery stores including Monoprix. Their playful packaging, often featuring humorous illustrations and messages, is also quite charming, making for a fun French souvenir.

12. Crêpes

Crêpes are one culinary specialty 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!

13. 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 are a bit 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.

14. Jam

€2.39 on Monoprix

One of my go-to gifts from France is jam. Monoprix has a decent selection of fruit jams and preserves at affordable prices. Classic flavors like raspberry, apricot, and fig are popular choices, but for something more unique, try mirabelle, a plum from the French region of Lorraine. Bonne Maman is a readily available brand known for its authentic French quality and charming gingham-patterned jars, but Monoprix's gourmet jams are also excellent. With beautiful packaging that can be repurposed later, jams make a thoughtful gift, perfect for enjoying a taste of France long after your trip.

Read More: The Art of French Breakfast

15. Honey

French honey is a delicious and versatile souvenir. Monoprix has a variety of honeys from different regions, each with its unique flavor profile. Most of them are quite affordable too! Lavender honey from Provence is a unique choice, offering a floral and fragrant taste. Chestnut honey (miel de châtaignier) is another standout option with woody and earthy flavors. If you prefer a more neutral flavor, Acacia honey is perfect for those who prefer a milder sweetness. Choosing French honey depends on your personal taste preference, but I’d avoid any kind of honey labeled “miel des fleurs”. It’s typically closer to your standard American honey with a blend of various nectar sources. It’s definitely still delicious but not as interesting.

16. Salted Butter Caramel

Salted butter caramel, or caramel au beurre salé, is a French favorite that upgrades your average caramel with a touch of salty Breton butter. It’s a must-try for any visitor to France, especially if you find yourself in Brittany. Monoprix has some tasty options that make gourmand gifts. Add a drizzle of this sweet sauce to crêpes, toast, ice cream and more.

17. Fleur de Sel

One of the cheapest things to buy in France also happens to make an excellent souvenir. Fleur de sel (which literally means “flower of salt”) is a delicate and flaky finishing salt that is best used as a finishing touch on dishes. Although many salts claim to be “fleur de sel,” only the variety from Guérande is guaranteed to be naturally harvested and unprocessed. Consider bringing back a small jar as a gourmet souvenir for any food lover.

18. Mustard

Mustard may not be the first thing you think to take home as a 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 mustard (notably Dijon mustard) in the US, you’ll pay a bit less if you buy it in France.

19. 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 confit to pair with it (like this spiced red onion confit).

20. Rillettes and Pâté

For another savory souvenir from Monoprix, consider picking up a jar of rillettes or pâté. Both are a lot cheaper than foie gras, and you can find them made from a variety of different meats. Rillettes is a slow-cooked spread made from shredded meat, traditionally pork or duck. It’s chunkier than pâté, which is a more mousse-like mixture of meat, herbs, and spices puréed together with added fat. Pair either with crusty bread and cornichons for a truly French appetizer.

21. 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.

22. Piment d’Esplette

Piment d’Espelette is a unique French pepper hailing from the Basque region. This slightly smoky pepper adds a subtle heat to a variety of dishes. You can find it at almost any French grocery store. I’ve even spotted this spicy mayo at my local Monoprix which would be an easy way to try this popular French pepper.

23. 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.

24. 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.

25. Syrups

Le sirop is a popular way to flavor your drink in France (my boyfriend always has a bottle in the fridge during the summer). 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.

26. 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.

27. 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 a larger parapharmacie where you can find most French pharmacy products from popular brands like Avene, La Roche Posay, Nuxe and more.

28. Savon de Marseille

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.

29. Le Petit Marseillais Shower Gel

Le Petit Marseillais is a popular brand of soaps, shower gels, and shampoos that has been a staple in French households for generations. Monoprix has an excellent variety of Le Petit Marseillais products, but their shower gels are truly the best. They have dozens of scents including this organic lilas shower gel that is my recent favorite!

30. French Makeup

French pharmacies are lauded for their high-quality beauty products, and Monoprix offers a dedicated section with a fantastic selection of French makeup brands. Bourjois is one popular French makeup brand that is readily available alongside more niche French brands. I recently came across this gorgeous rice powder from Bourjois for under €15.

Shop Monoprix Souvenirs on Amazon

Unfortunately, online shopping at Monoprix isn't available from the US. But, if you’re planning a visit to France, it's worth perusing their website and making your shopping list in advance. Not heading to France anytime soon? You can discover many Monoprix souvenirs on Amazon, although they tend to be pricier than in France. Nonetheless, they're perfect if you’re missing France or looking to bring a touch of France into your everyday routine.

With 30 unique ideas to choose from, your search for the perfect French souvenirs ends at Monoprix. Whether you’re looking for authentic French food to buy at the grocery store or quality beauty products, Monoprix offers an impressive selection of treasures to take home. Looking for more ideas on what to buy in France? Check out my recent blog post on the 16 best non-touristy French souvenirs.

What are your favorite French souvenirs to buy at Monoprix? Let me know in the comments below.