Moving abroad is certainly an adventure, exciting, beautiful but yet it can feel overwhelming all at the same time. Whether someone is relocating for retirement, work, or a new chapter of life, here are a few simple gifts that can make the transition feel smoother and more welcoming. In this first part of the series I have listed five practical affordable gifts that I found were invaluable when I moved to France, not only were they practical but they made my new place feel homier. Even though I am in France and referencing French stores, these gifts are good for expats living in any country. I have included the French translations in parentheses. I hope you enjoy my 10 essential gifts for expats!
1, An Electric Kettle (Bouilloire)
Most French apartments come with the basics, but not always with a kettle. A compact, quick boiling model I found is a comforting everyday essential for tea, coffee and instant soups. One can find them at most hardware stores.
2. A Multi-Port Charging Station (Une station de recharge multiport)
With different plug styles and often limited outlets (particularly in the older apartments), a charging station keeps everything organized, such as phone, tablet, kindle, earbuds without needing five separate adapters. These can be found at FNAC which carries many types of electronic equipment, as well as an Electro Depot.
3. A Set of Measuring Cups with European Metrics (Tasses a Mesurer) – 10 Essential Gifts for Expats
French recipes and all of the dry goods such as soups, rice etc use grams, liters, and milliliters.
A measuring set that includes metric conversions is so helpful avoiding googling, “ How many grams is in a cup?” Most of the grocery stores will carry these types of cooking supplies, such as Monoprix and Bio Fraise.
4. A Reusable French Style Shopping Tote (Un Sac de Courses)
Sustainability is very important in France, supermarkets rarely give free plastic bags. Bringing some type of shopping tote is a way of life here, whether going to the farmer’s market or to the grocery store, or just shopping. There are so many different styles and sizes available, foldable, bamboo bags, and the classic shopping chariot which has wheels. It’s all about personal taste and can be found in many places.
5. A Universal Travel Adapter (Un Adaptateur de Voyage Universal)
Even after moving , expats often have chargers or small electronics from home. A universal adapter saves the day and keeps old devices useful, which can be found at FNAC or Electro Depot.
10 Essential Gifts for Expats – Cozy and Thoughtful Ideas
Once the practical essentials are covered, it’s the comforting and creative items that help an expat settle into French life. Along with cozy home touches, one incredibly thoughtful gift is a gift certificate to italki, where expats can take affordable one-to-one language lessons online. It’s a wonderful way to build confidence and practice conversation and feel more at home in everyday interactions. Here are the final gift ideas.
6. A French Cookbook (Un Livre de Cuisine Français)
Cooking is a huge part of French Culture, and learning local recipes can help an expat feel more connected. The Farmer’s market offers such an array of fresh vegetables and fruits on a weekly basis that one can usually find any required ingredient.
7. A Reusable Water Bottle (Une Bouteille D’eau) – 10 Essential Gifts for Expats
Between long walks, city sightseeing, and hot summers a good water bottle always comes in handy, it’s both environmentally friendly and practical.
8. A Houseplant (Une Plante d’Intérieur)
A plant adds so much warmth to a new environment and instantly makes the space feel more like “yours.” Ikea always has a large variety of plants, also there are many flower shops that sell plants of all sizes as well. When I settled into my apartment I found some great plants at Ikea!
9. A Gift card to a grocery or home store (Une Carte-Cadeau pour un magasin D’ameublement Francais)
Grocery tores like Monoprix, or Carrefour or a gift card to a French Home Store like Maisons du Monde offer everything from basic groceries to home décor.
10. A Set of Cozy Mugs or Tea Towels (Un ensemble de Tasses douillettes or de Torchons)– 10 Essential Gifts for Expats
Small kitchen touches can make a new place feel more comforting. France is full of charming options. There are many stores that carry beautiful selections of linen tea towels, ceramic mugs and anything one would want to add to their home decor.
I hope that these ideas make the settling in process a little easier. Each gift is both thoughtful and genuinely useful for anyone starting their new life in France. I hope these 10 Essential Gifts for Expats has given you some inspiration for the expat or traveler in your life!
Thanks for being here,
Soraya
Expat Life in France – 5 Daily Adjustments