In searching for ideas for my Paris Valentine’s Day Gift Wish List posts, I was surprised by the large number of anti-Valentine’s day blogs and websites there are out there. While I totally appreciate the darker side of some of the humor (like the “return my cd’s” candy hearts) a lot of it seemed to cross the line into a weird, bitter anger. Sure, I’ve been single on Valentine’s day, and yup, it did kind of stink. But I’ve been single on Arbor Day, too- should I start some sort of Anti-Tree Meet-Up group? I think not…
Most in the anti-Valentine’s Day camp seem to be more against the “gift-buying” aspect than the “day of recognition” aspect of the holiday, and I guess if I wasn’t such a lover-of-gifts, I’d probably agree 
. Before he met me, my hubby was most definitely in the “other” camp, but he’s known that I’m a lover of gifts since the day we met (I think I wrote it next to my phone number on the cocktail napkin that I slipped him that fateful night…) so, in solidarity to me, he’s sheepishly slipped on over to the other side.
Hubby also knows that I’m a sucker for a schmaltzy scenario- messages in a bottle, serenades, coins in a fountain and all that. So, this Sunday, in addition to exchanging les petits cadeaux de Saint Valentin, we’ll also take a romantic stroll through Paris, stopping on the Pont des Arts (hopefully at sunset) like so many hundreds of Parisian lovers before us, to attach a strong padlock engraved with our names and a few mots doux to the side of the bridge. After which we’ll throw the key into the Seine, and leave the lock behind as a symbol of the strength of of our everlasting love (awww….). Now if that isn’t the most perfect Valentine’s Day gift in Paris, I don’t know what is. Bonne Fête de Saint Valentin, tout le monde!
all photos © flickr: padlocks of the pont des arts paris pool
Well, I’m still putting together my Parisian Valentine’s Day Gift Wish List. I know I’m going to have to hand it over to My French Guy really soon if I plan on getting anything at all, but with all of the choices in Paris, it really is hard to narrow it down. Earlier in the week I was inspired by Avenue Montaigne and the couture boutiques in Le Triangle D’Or, and posted some of my favorite luxury Valentine’s Day gift items. This weekend I was hanging out with friends who live near Rue Oberkampf in the 11th Arrondissement and was inspired to put together a wish list based around this eclectic, artistic, funkier part of Paris. Take a look:
eclectic, artistic and funky parisian valentine's day gifts
Paris 2CV pillow by Graine d’Interieur, Rouge Baiser telephone by Bathroom Graffitti, Recuperated tin lantern, by Nature et Decouvertes Doggy Queen wall art, by Teo Jasmin, Keith Haring Chocolates, by Ligne Blanche, Heart photo collage frame by Maisons du Monde, Red kitchen clock, by Maisons du Monde, Aimer natural notepad set, by Thé des Ecrivains, PLAY high-tops, by Comme des Garçons for Converse, Home fragrance diffuser by Resonances, Magnetic Love Notes box, by La Plume de Louise, Baby Olive Tree by Cadeaux.com
One of the (many) perks of shopping for Valentine’s Day gifts in Paris is the sheer magnitude of options. All year long, in nearly every corner of every arrondissement, you’ll find little shops selling romantic goodies for les amoureux de Paris. So, whether you want to go “High” or “Low”, there’s something for every style and budget, if you just know where to look. I’ve put together a few shopping guides to help you sort through all of the V-Day loveliness. I was inspired by the sparkle of the Avenue Montaigne for this first one, with a bit of Saint-Honoré and Place Vendôme thrown in for good measure. So without further ado, here are a few luxury gift ideas for your Parisian Valentine’s Day Wish List:
- luxury parisian valentine’s day gifts
An assortment of his-n-hers valentine goodies, from Colette. Sequined, heart-shaped keychain/change purse by Miu-Miu. Silver with red Swarovski Crystal ring by Alexander McQueen. “Lady Claude” pumps by Christian Louboutin. Rose gold and diamond B pendant by Boucheron. Valentine Macarons by Pierre Hermé. Crystal and Diamond Dust “B in Love” pendant by Baccarat. Red matelassé wallet with heart charms, by Chanel. Metal and resin heart earrings by Chanel. Limited edition red Leica camera. Valentine’s dinner cruise on the Yachts de Paris. Mini heart pendant in crystal, by Baccarat.
