Lola
- Dec 1, 2021
- 5 min read

Gift Ideas : Offer local, like Toulouse

Updated: Mar 20

That’s it we are finally in December, soon the entry into a new year! But first of all, let’s not forget Christmas, it’s time to think about gifts.

Personally, I love to think ahead of time about what will satisfy my people but I’m sure there are some of you who are part of the team that does everything at the last moment. After all, why not! It can create nice surprises!

However, I will still reveal my list of original gift ideas. For this year, we are targeting local! Here are 100% Toulouse ideas to offer a present in the image of our beautiful city.

And in the second part of the article, find also the best souvenir shops in Toulouse where to find the ideal gift.

Some thematic ideas for a local gift

Classic souvenirs and stationery

Not very inspired this year? Don’t panic, the souvenir shops offer a whole bunch of objects with the effigy of Toulouse. For this, TLS is the ideal place where you can find everything, brands pages, keyrings, postcards etc... The pretty Toulouse posters of Les Mots à l'affiche are also a great 100% local gift idea! Want more originality? No worries! Have you ever thought about offering a brick to someone close to you? I’m sure not. It is with a touch of humour and a touch of chauvinism that you can offer a personalized brick or not. Indeed, the Brique Mon Païs is certainly the most representative memory of Toulouse thanks to its bright color that gave rise to the famous Ville Rose.

Embellish her wardrobe and interior

Are you proud of your city? So what better way than to carry it on you! The 2 emblematic boutiques of Toulouse are Pompon sur la Garonne and From Toulouse With Love. If you are looking to highlight your favorite expression, you will surely find your happiness. Nice and comfortable clothes await you.

Then embellish your outfit with the pretty jewels of Mademoiselle Nuage handmade in downtown Toulouse. It’s hard to be more local!

Any decorating lovers around here?

For an artistic and artisanal side, go to meet the artisans glassmakers of Tipii. You will find sublime creations of blown glass that will embellish your interior. The craftsmen even offer you initiation workshops, nice right?

Christmas is also an opportunity for you to support local artisans.

Visit La Parenthèse , Creative Pink or also to the shop Haut les Mains. They are all three associations that bring together the creators of our beautiful Occitan region. It is through many exhibitions that these offer you a wide choice of decoration, clothing and other accessories.

Cosmetic, take care of us

In Toulouse in terms of cosmetics there are two must-haves. If you opt for one of them, you will be sure to aim fair and local.

First, the Violet is the flagship product, the flower symbol of the Pink City. Visit the Péniche baptized La Maison de la Violette where you will find a variety of cosmetics made from this flower.

But also and especially the Pastel, extracted from a plant linked to the city of Toulouse since the eleventh century. Thanks to its many virtues, you will be happy for sure. You can find a whole bunch of variations based on this product in the Boutique Terre de Pastel in Labège but also and especially thanks to the Graine de Pastel brand.

Did you know that there is even a spa around the benefits of this plant?

A bit of reading doesn’t hurt

Whether you’re a reader or not, a book at Christmas is always a sure bet. You will have no trouble finding a book on the theme of our beautiful city of Toulouse, however I still send you my Top 3.

The discover book, Toulouse Secret et Insolite from Corinne Clément and Sonia Ruiz.
The photo book, Toulouse entre Ciel et Terre from Philippe Poux.

Let's be playful

To make Toulouse known or to prove that one is incollable on his city, nothing better than a good board game. With family or friends, here are two games featuring the beautiful Occitan city that will punctuate wild games.

The Jeu Officiel du Parfait Toulousain from Fred Menuet.
The Quizz Toulouse from Patrice Teisseire-Dufour.

Fans of the oval ball ?

A rugby fan in your entourage? Yes? I’m not surprised.

So, nothing more logical than a visit to one of the two shops of the Stade toulousain for a successful gift. You will find a wide range of products including ready-to-wear, accessories and decorative items.

Thought for the greedy

This is the theme that works and that everyone likes: gastronomy. Everyone loves to eat and we are fortunate to have a gastronomic heritage rich in flavours. Many gift possibilities are available to you, here is my selection.

Classic, a dinner in one of the Toulouse restaurants, the choice is wide.
Original, a meal on the Canal du midi aboard the Occitania, the barge restaurant.
Personalized, a gift box Comtesse du Barry, composed by delicious local products.

Discover Toulouse for real

If you want to make someone discover or just rediscover our beautiful city of Toulouse, opt for a guided tours proposed by the Tourist Office. There are for all ages and covering many diverse and varied themes.

Try to surprise by attending an event in the metropolis! Toulouse is full of activities, it’s a city that moves.

To keep up to date with these news, you can consult now our monthly section on Toulouse events !