Maybe you know someone who just missed out on travelling to France this year, or perhaps you are just looking for some unique gifts fit for a queen! In our previous post all about the court of Versaille’s Christmas traditions, we talked a lot about how to celebrate in style. But what about the gifts? Here are 11 memorable gifts, all inspired by the pastel princess herself, Marie Antoinette.

#1 Hot Chocolate

Maire Antoinette would start every morning with a fresh pastry and a cup of hot chocolate. Chocolate was one of the most trendy inventions in Versaille’s court. Everyone drank it like it was the ambrosia of the gods. While a cup of hot cocoa was considered a luxury in 18th century France, instant hot chocolate mixes make for the perfect stocking stuffer!

For something exceptional, try the luxury brand from Christopher Elbow which has a variety of exclusive drinking chocolate. Drinking chocolate is made from melting a bar of chocolate and it much more rich and thick than instant powdered versions. My favourite is the spiced gourmet blend made with Valrhona dark chocolate and blended ancho and chipotle chilli-cinnamon for a spicy little kick!

If you’d prefer to provide the ingredients for a make-your-own kit, buy premium dark chocolate and add in some orange blossom water. Orange blossom hot chocolate was the invention of Marie Antoinette’s court chocolatier and her personal favourite flavour.

#2 Marie Antoinette’s Tea

To taste a little bit of history, you should pick up an adorable tin of Marie Antoinette’s tea blend. Nina’s is a tea house that dates back to 1672. The founder Pierre Diaz, worked as a perfumer to the Court of Versaille. He was so well-loved and successful that years after serving inside the palace, he opened his own tea and patisseries company. Marie loved his creations and had them brought to her room almost daily.

The very same company still produces the Queen’s tea blend to this day. This blend is made with apples, and rose petals picked from the King’s Garden at Versailles! While the tea is a real splurge, the beautiful tin that it comes in makes for a lovely little decoration. Even long after contents have all been drunk.

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#3 Black Jade Perfume

Perhaps the most intimate gift is the Queen’s own fragrance; Black Jade Perfume. This perfume, made by Lubin, was designed to replicate the aroma made by royal perfumer Jean-Louis Fargeon. Fargeon had this perfume developed solely for the Queen of Versaille herself. Jean-Louis Fargeon was inspired by all the flowers which grew in Marie’s beloved Trianon garden. It contains the heady aromas of rose, jasmine, and bergamot.

The name Black Jade comes from the legend that Marie would carry the perfume around with her everywhere she went. She kept it on her person at all times, inside a black jade bottle. Apparently, this bottle of perfume was one of the few items she was allowed to keep while imprisoned before her eventual beheading. The sense of smell is closely linked with memory, probably more so than any of our other senses. It can bring back memories long forgotten, and perhaps with this scent, you can even try to imagine the memories of the great Queen herself.

#4 Baroque-Inspired Shoes

Marie Antoinette was something of a clothes horse. Her yearly clothing allowance in modern figures works out to be around $3.6 million a year! She was known to change her clothes at least three times a day. And you’d have to in order to wear all those clothes! Recently, one of the Queen’s shoes, which had been in the same family for over 227 years, went up for auction. It sold for a whopping $50,000. And not even for the pair!

Luckily for us, we don’t have to fork up $50,000 for something quite similar. So many modern clothing and shoe designers have been inspired by the pastel princess. Brands like Hot Chocolate Designs and Irregular Choice have long been inspired by Versaille’s frills and extravagant fashions. These shoes are a wonderful gift for someone who longs to feel like she belongs in an 18th-century palace! While inspired by vintage trends and forms, they still feel modern enough to wear every day or on fancy occasions. Perfect for Christmas!

#5 Bath Time Luxuries

Marie Antoinette was famous for having baths. In the 18th century, it was very uncommon to bathe, especially as frequently as she did. Marie would have a bath every morning. Famously, she would bring pastries and tea into the tub to enjoy while relaxing in the water. As such a public figure, I imagine this private time she had to herself would have been quite essential for her sanity. As is my own bathtime routine, is the best part of my day too

Marie would put various perfumes, essential oils, herbs and even flowers into her bath to make it as luxurious as possible. Modern-day Marie Anoitnette’s would love a gift set from LUSH. Their Winter Wonderland gift set contains rose and other floral scented products that will make bathtime a dream.

#6 Night Gowns

Seeing as Marie Antoinette was a fan of dressing, even her nighttime routine was sumptuous. She would wear a beautiful nightdress every evening and was known to bathe in her nightgowns as well. These fancy nightdresses have been starting to make a come back. Perhaps with the explosion of popularity of Schitt’s Creek and Moira’s stylish pyjamas. More and more companies like Sleeper have been designing trendy night clothes that could also be worn out and about during the day. Their Atlanta dress is truly one of the most spectacular nightgowns, and thrown on with a belt, you’d swear it wasn’t loungewear at all! Suppose you are looking for something a little less pricey. In that case, even Amazon has a wide selection of vintage-inspired nightgowns, giving you that old fashioned baroque feeling.

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#7 Hair Accessories

As is evident from the incredibly elaborate paintings of Maire Antoinette, her hair was just as lavishly done up as any other part of her body. Her hair would often be so tall that she would have to kneel while riding in her carriage. Her court hair stylish Leonard Autie would decorate her hairdos with additional wigs, jewels, and even figurines. To give yourself a bit of the Marie Antoinette look without kneeling on the floor to get around, you should check out places like Etsy, which carry vintage hairpins or bejewelled clips. These are easy to add to any kind of hairdo and really bring a touch of elegance to your look.

#8 Blush Palette

One of Marie Antoinette’s lasting impressions was her makeup. She was responsible for the crazy of painting the face with white lead-based paints and decorating this now blank canvas with beauty marks, red lips and the iconic round rosy blush. To give someone those perfectly, peachy pink cheeks, this charming blush palette is just the trick. With the name Champagne & Macarons, how much more Marie Antoinette can you get?

#9 Seeds for the Garden 

Marie Antoinette loved to play pretend in the gardens of Versaille. There she would tend to her little plants and animals, imagining what it would have been like to be a peasant. Perhaps the imagined simplicity of their was something she was jealous of. An experience away from the rigours and rules of the court. Her little Trianon’s lifestyle of ease brought great comfort to the Queen even while it was miles away from the real struggles of the citizens of France. To create your own version of Marie’s Petite Trianon garden, buy some seeds ready to plant in the springtime. In times like these, growing and caring for your own plants is something of great pride and enjoyment to have in the confines of your own home.

If you’re lucky enough to live in a warmer climate, you can get started right away! Seeds like squash, cucumbers, lettuce and chard are very simple to grow. They are a great starter vegetable for anyone wanting to learn how to get a green thumb. If you are looking for seeds for a flower garden, consider the Versaille cosmos as a flower plucked right from Versaille. It is resilient and easy to grow and full of colour and life, just like Marie herself.

#10 Orange Blossom Water

The Orangerie in Versaille was one of Marie’s favourite places to escape. She loved the grove and the scents emitted from the trees. So much so that she asked everyone from her bakers, perfumers and chefs to incorporate orange blossom water into a myriad of her favourite things. The Queen was known to drink orange blossom water in her hot chocolate as a way to cure her nerves. But orange blossom water is good for more than just nerves. You can use it to tone the skin just as you would rose water. Or throw some into your bath for soft, glowing skin. It is such an inexpensive yet versatile gift.

#11 Macarons

While Macarons may not have been eaten in the palace of Versaille, a myth perpetuated by Sofia Copolla‘s film Marie Antoinette, they are nonetheless something that feels iconic of the great French Queen. Although the macaron dates back to 1533, that version of the macarons was much more straightforward. It was made with almond paste, not almond flour, and was filled with a simple ganache. There were no pastel colours or delicious fillings.

It wasn’t until 1930 when Ernest Laudurée (founder of the Laudurée pastry shops) brought new life to this traditional classic. From then on, macarons have been one of the most popular desserts in France. They have almost become an iconic symbol of the city. So even though Marie Antonette wouldn’t have eaten them, there is no doubt they feel like she would have if she lived today. So I say go on and enjoy a few macarons no matter the historical accuracy. They are too delicious to pass up. And if you can find some with red and green colours they look amazing on your Christmas table. Laudurée even offers gift boxes of their iconic macaroons online. So as long as there is a Laudurée near you, you can have a package of macarons delivered right to your door this Christmas.

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I hope these ideas give you some inspiration for gifting this year. Even in the confines of your own home, these treasures will perhaps soothe that inflamed wanderlust. And with them, your giftee will be able to feel like they are travelling to the halls of Versaille. Let me know in the comments what you’re planning on gifting this year and if any of your ideas are inspired by places you’ve travelled or are dreaming of one day visiting.

Happy Travels, Adventurers

The post 11 Unique Holiday Gifts Inspired by Marie Antoinette first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. Mercado De Artesanias La Ciudadela
2. Peletería Continental
3. Velas Cerería de Jesús
4. Xinú Perfumeria
5. Dulcería de Celaya
6. La Casa Del Coleccionista
7. Mexican Coffee Beans
8. Mole Paste
9. Happening Store
10. Cafebrería El Péndulo

Mercado De Artesanias La Ciudadela

The Mercado De Artesanias La Ciudadela, located near the historic city centre, was my favourite market to shop for Mexican crafts and souvenirs. I’ve never felt so overwhelmed by colourful trinkets and found it almost impossible not to buy absolutely everything I saw here. The market is pretty big, so big in fact that we had to come back twice and even then, felt like there was so much we didn’t see. Unlike other Mexican markets I’ve been to in places like Nogales and Punta Cana, I didn’t feel like there was anyone chasing me down the hall for a sale or even hassling people to come in a visit their story.

Address: Emilio Donde S/n, Colonia Centro, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06000 Centro, CDMX, Mexico

It was oddly calm and civilized, and that’s something I didn’t expect. People were willing to haggle, but I think there is definitely a tourist markup price you’ll get here. That being said, the prices are so cheap it almost feels bad to ask them to lower it any more than it already is priced. Sometimes, we paid exactly what they asked because it seemed fair. In other cases, we would attempt to haggle for a lower price, especially if we were buying multiples. I want to post just about this market and my favourite shops. But if I had to make a shortlist and pick a few highlights, it would be the tin sacred hearts, the brightly coloured pom-poms and tassels and the richly embroidered tablecloths.

Peletería Continental

Peletería Continental is one of those places which I feel almost hesitant to talk about since I truly think it’s my the best place I found in my time in Mexico City. There is something about keeping it to myself that felt like I held a precious secret, but it’s truly too cool to keep to myself. On paper, if you look up Peletería Continental you’ll find that it’s a just leather wholesaler. So why would a tourist want to go there? Well, it’s not just leather they sell, and it’s not just wholesale. In large display cases on the outside of the store are beautiful pieces of embroidery and jeweled patched. There are dozens of other fabric embellishments like bows, rhinestones and more! These are meant to sold for wholesale, perhaps for clothing manufacturers and fashion designers but if you want to just buy one, that’s totally ok!

Experience Inside

I was lucky enough to have someone in the store who explained the process in English to me, but in case you don’t find an English speaker here is what you do. Write down the letter and number code of the item you’re interested in. There is a huge tv sized iPad near the doors where you can input the item # and it will tell you the price in pesos per item.

Then once you have the list of items you want and the number of each, just take that list to the counter and someone will go to find your pieces. They’ll give you a total for all your items (which I think if you were buying in bulk you could probably haggle down) and you can then excitedly watch as the items are sent down in an antique style elevator from the stock room above. There were people buying thousands of items all around me and it was so exciting to be a part of. This shop has been open for years and remnants of the old world trading still remain. It’s like shopping with a side of history.

Address: José María Pino Suárez 28, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06060 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Velas Cerería de Jesús

Just down the street from Peletería Continental is Velas Cerería de Jesús. This seemingly small and unassuming candle shop is amazing. As soon as you walk in the doors you’ll see tall candles hanging from the ceiling. Each one fantastically decorated with flower petals and blooms made from wax. There are some which are almost 2 feet tall and are a rainbow of colours. Some look more like flower arrangements than candles. I purchased a few of the smaller versions which ranged from $2-$5! They packaged these up in boxes for me and I didn’t have any issues travelling home with them. I also purchased some of their tall stick candles since I’ve never seen so many different colours at such a good price! 35cm candles were only 20 pesos, which is about $1 USD.

Address: Calle de Venustiano Carranza 122-C, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06010 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Xinú Perfumeria

Xinú Perfumeria is located in the high-end district of Polanco. When we first visited we thought it was closed but turns out you just need to ring the doorbell to unlock the front door. This store is mind-blowing and visiting is an experience all to itself. When we first entered the entry room, there were framed pieces of tobacco on every wall. The smell of this gently roasted tobaccos filled the room and beckoned you in further.

From there you enter another room, so dark you can barely see. Xinú means ‘nose’ in Otomi. Otomi is a beautiful tonal language still present in various regions of Mexico. In so many ways your nose is what guides you to your destination here. On one wall sits a set of beautifully designed olfactory devices. You then climb a never-ending set of stairs until you reach the top where you find the store itself. Inside the main room is a naturalist’s table. A naturalist’s table is used to observes, gather and collect elements from their natural surroundings. Here it is being used to display all the pieces of flora, natural to Mexico City, which are used in developing these unique scents.

Xinú’s Philosophy

Xinú’s philosophy is that it appeals to our individual olfactory memory. Their perfumes were all unlike anything I had smelled before and so rich, even a small whiff transcended me into another realm. Xinú is also very passionate about saving the environment from which so many of these natural elements grow, and without whom, these perfumes could not be produced. Their innovative bottle designs can be re-purposed into vases or incense holders once the perfume has run out. My favourite scent was the UMMO. It was their newest scent containing absolute tobacco, jasmine tobacco flower, liquid amber resin and cedar essence. It was incredible but unfortunately, it was the one scent they had sold out of! I was pretty heartbroken but gives me another reason to return to Mexico City as they aren’t available online just yet!

Address: Alejandro Dumas 161, Polanco, Polanco IV Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11560 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Dulcería de Celaya

Dulcería de Celaya, located in the heart of the historic district, is a tiny, old shop which has been selling traditional Mexican candies and sweets since 1874. Walking into the shop it feels like nothing has changed in over 100 years. When the family-run shop first started selling candy it was all made in a small, improvised factory using wooden shovels, copper saucepans and a minature oven. They could only produce so much per day, often only one tray of candy. But the candy was so popular that they would sell out day after day and as the demand rose, they managed to expand their production.

Even today they produce candy in much the same way as it was made in that tiny kitchen. You walk in the door and the smell of fresh pineapples, strawberries, guavas and coconut fill the air. The candy is very well priced so even if you don’t’ recognize anything just let the smells guide you can just try whatever your eye is drawn to.

Address: Av. 5 de Mayo 39, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Cuauhtémoc, 06000 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

La Casa Del Coleccionista

La Casa Del Coleccionista in Coyoacan is a tiny antique store located right near Centenario Garden. This store houses precious treasures from years past and if you’re looking for something for your home to bring back with you this is the place to go. There were so many old paintings, candlesticks and wall hangings which were incredibly charming and held within the memories of the past. While it’s nice to buy something new, an antique is a wonderful way of experiencing the Mexico City of year’s past and something you can’t just buy in any store. Each antique collection is unique to that one location and pilfering through their collections offers up singular treasures.

Address: Av Francisco Sosa 1, Santa Catarina, Coyoacán, 04100 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Mexican Coffee Beans

Mexico is one of the world’s best producers of coffee beans and while the coffee beans might not be grown in Mexico City, Mexico City is one of their best roasters. Coffee culture is a huge part of this city! In areas like La Condesa and Roma there are chic coffee shops on every corner. Coffee is a very personal choice to many people, some like a darker roast, other like ones with more subtle flavours.

Instead of just going to the grocery store to buy some beans, I would explore the local cafes, almost every coffee shop offers bulk purchases of their own unique roast of beans. I would recommend exploring all the coffee shops in your area and when you find your favourite, ask to purchase a few pounds to return home with you. When you get home you’ll be able to brew a little bit of Mexico City in your home. We loved ‘Cardinal’ in La Condesa who serves up Cosautlan de Carvajal from Veracruz, which has notes of orange and chocolate. Absolutely delicious!

Address: Córdoba 132, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06100 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Mole Paste

Mole is a traditional sauce used in Mexican cuisine made from fruit, chili pepper, nut, and such spices as black pepper, cinnamon, cumin, and chocolate. It’s a very unique flavour and although it might not be for everyone, if you love it, you LOVE it! You’ll see (and hopefully you’ll also taste) this sauce on street corners and fancy restaurants all over the city! While the mixture might seem like an overwhelming recipe you can actually buy the dried paste in various markets across the city. The best stuff is made from scratch but if you’re not an aficionado or have access to all those local ingredients at home, this will do just fine. The Coyoacan Market has an incredible section of different mole flavours and was my favourite place to shop for these rich flavours of Mexico City.

Address: Ignacio Allende s/n, Del Carmen, Coyoacán, 04100 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Happening Store

Happening Store has two locations in Mexico City. They sell a variety of different goods made by local Mexican designers. They have everything from footwear, to jewellery to houseware and soaps. There is definitely a hipster quality to the products sold here but if you’re a fan of that kind of stuff then you’ll be in heaven! It’s always nice when visiting a city to try and support local, small business and shopping here you’ll find you’re able to explore a variety of designers right in one place!

Address: Tabasco 210, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

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Cafebrería El Péndulo

Cafebrería El Péndulo is a magical little place where you can explore all different literary fantasies. The bookshop was established in 1993, and as the name states, it is a combination of Cafeteria and Bookshop. On the first level is where you’ll find hundreds of shelves of books and on the second floor you can sit and enjoy a cup of coffee or a lazy, mid-morning brunch. There are six different locations across Mexico City, each with the same open and luminous architecture and eclectic decoration. If you can’t read Spanish it’s still worth browsing the store and seeing all the different amazing books, music and art on sale. I loved the selection of notebooks and journals from local artists with that same stunning Mexican colours and design which make this city so enchanting.

Address: Mario Pani 200, Lomas de Santa Fe, Contadero, Cuajimalpa de Morelos, 01219 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

There is truly something for everyone in this magical city! Let me know what your favourite places are to shop in Mexico City and hopefully I can add them to my list the next time I’m visiting this amazing place.

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