The 5 Best Purchases to Make in Paris
If you’re looking for good purchases to make your everyday life better, read Communication Design student Ariel Ronayne’s list of favorite products, brands and stores that she discovered in Paris.
When moving to a new city, there’s often a lot of planning involved: where to live, what to bring, etc. But when it comes to the small, everyday essentials, we tend to not look for them until we need them. This can be inconvenient, costly, and we can end up with something that’s not quite right.
As a student on a budget, with less disposable income than I’d ideally like to have, my purchases are often boiled down to groceries and the essential items that assist my daily life. Now if you’re anything like me, you don’t like to settle for whatever you can find at the closest corner store; you want the things only those who have lived there for a while know about.
Today, I’d like to share with you some products that have made my life in Paris better. Ranging from items you’ll spot in your local grocery store to things you’ll want to track down, these are my top 5 best purchases I’ve made in Paris.
1. Baguettes From My Local Bakery
Le Moulin à Pain: 12 Rue du 8 Mai 1945, 75010 Paris
Something you’ll learn within the first month of living in Paris is that not all baguettes are created equal. While the 1 euro ones you can snag at your local Franprix are decent enough, it’s worth exploring your nearby bakeries for the cream of the crop.
2. .99 ct Tomato Boxes
Franprix (can be found anywhere in Paris)
Why buy tomato sauce when you can make your own for much less (and which will taste much better)? This has been the best grocery store find! They’re usually with all the other vegetables, often right next to a 4 euro box of tomatoes, go figure! Make sure to be picky with which box you pick up, as some can hide bad ones. Follow @pcacooks on Instagram for more food-related finds!
3. Nivea Moisturizing Cream
Pharmacie Parodi: 222 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin, 75010 Paris (but you can find drugstores all around Paris)
I picked this up sort of by accident, because I needed something to keep my skin alive during the colder months. Now, I basically take it everywhere with me. It’s a good product that you can find basically everywhere in many different sizes, and can be used for your whole body. It’s not crazy expensive, and considering how long one container lasts for me, I consider it a worthy investment that never disappoints.
4. A Really Nice Tote Bag
Shakespeare & Company: 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris
As students, we all know that there’s often something we’re forgetting to put in our bag. Whether it’s last night’s project or this morning’s breakfast, it’s likely our well-worn crossbody bag just doesn’t cut it anymore. Tote bags come in all shapes and sizes, but a good rule of thumb is to make sure it can easily fit your laptop. Also, do yourself a favor and make sure the handles are not only strong enough but also long enough to ensure the bag’s opening doesn’t rest right under your arm – it might get very uncomfortable when the warmer months come!
5. *That* Perfect Souvenir
Kilo Shop Kawaii: 65 Rue de la Verrerie, 75004 Paris
Living in Paris as an expat is often a combination of unforgettable memories and stacks of paperwork you wish you could forget. But as you slowly become part of this beautiful city, there will very likely be something you find and just know you have to have. Whether it’s the perfect leather jacket you stumble upon at the Kilo Store, or a gorgeous bracelet you’ve never seen anywhere else, make sure to have a little money saved for this treat. Snowglobes and keychains are perfect gifts for the family back home, but be on the look-out for something that’s just for you!