Nearly one year later, and they’re still going on about Eva’s Goody bags: The Swarovski-encrusted ipod shuffles, the Baccarat bracelets, the $75 box of chocolates, and on and on… Those cherry-red Longchamp bags were brimming with everything a girl could possibly need for her destination wedding weekend in Paris. Except, of course, if the lucky BFF had children- in which only the $50 Madame Paulette Spot Cleaning Kit would’ve come in handy. Hmmm… so what do you do when the wife of your best man insists on making it a “family trip” and brings all 5 of their kids along to your hip-n-chic, Style Me Pretty-worthy Parisian weekend wedding (’cause let me tell you- it’s bound to happen!)? Your American Wedding Planner in Paris says: Kill them with kindness with the Ultimate Destination Wedding Goodie Bag for Kids: The Paris Version. Here’s all you need to keep the little bout’chou’s occupied so that you and the grown-ups can get a second of peace during your once in a lifetime event:
1) Paris Photocoloriage Activity Book: This bilingual English/French activity book is geared towards kids aged 5 - 12 and is filled with great images from around Paris. In it you’ll find word games, puzzles, and stories, as well as postcards and pages to color and cut out. Available through Parigramme Press and found in bookstores all over Paris and online at Amazon.fr, this book guarantees a full 10 minutes of calm and quiet.
2) Eiffel Tower Spinning Top: These metal spinning tops are durable and quiet and are great options for some old skewl fun. Available at Pylones boutiques through-out Paris.
3) Did you know that the Michelin Man has a name? It’s Bibendum (I know, huh?). You can get some really cute Michelin Man swag for kids, like toy cars, watches and school sets at their boutique at 14 av. de l’Opéra. They also have pretty cool grown-up toys as well.
4) For the smarty-pants or young thespian in the group: How about a Molière Memory Game? Yeah, you can file this one under “Only in France” but it is kind of a nice introduction to French theater. Each set is made up of 24 different characters from Molière’s well-known plays. Available from the Comédie Française boutique at 2, rue Richelieu in the 1st arrondissement
5) Another character that is pretty popular in France is named “Barbapapa” which, incidentally, is how you say cotton candy in French. Barbapapa is basically the French equivalent of “Shmoo” (which most people who read this blog have never even heard of. Sigh.) Anyway, there are tons of silly little Barbapapa toys available, one of which is this set of 3 wooden puzzles in a little box from Vilac. It’s small and compact and would fit nicely in a kids’ goodie bag.
6) Shhhh…this next one’s a secret that I use on my own kiddies all the time: Carambar! These famous French candies are super-chewy caramels that clamp to your teeth and take about 5 minutes to get unstuck! A handful of these doozie’s just before the ceremony is exactly what the wedding planner orders to ensure a tranquil walk down the aisle.
7) Lastly, tie it all together in this sporty Metro Ticket Backpack from the Paris Metro store.
Given as a part of a Welcome Basket at their hotel, or waiting at each chair at the children’s table during the reception, these Kiddie Goody Bags are a great way to occupy and entertain the youngest guests at any Parisian wedding.
weddings
Wedding Style
Paris, France
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Your blog has been very helpful!