The Monaco Gift Guide: thoughtful tokens and treasures from the Principality

Looking for the perfect gift for a loved one this Christmas? You should find plenty of inspiration and ideas in Monaco Life‘s 2024 Gift Guide, which features a range of thoughtful and unique presents that capture the essence of the Principality. From luxurious gourmet treats to timeless jewellery and elegant home décor, you’ll be sure to find something that will make this festive season truly special for everyone on your shopping list.

With Christmas fast approaching, Monaco Life has toured the boutiques and shopping streets of the Principality in a bid to track down the finest gift options with a local link.

Gourmet Delights

Good food is high on everyone’s list at Christmas and you’ll find plenty of gourmet options at Classic Caspian Caviar, which offers a selection of premium caviar sourced from certified farms, such as Royal Beluga Caviar, the Asetra Caviar, or for a unique flavour profile, the Schenckii Royal Amur Caviar.

What Christmas table in Monaco could be without caviar? Photo source: Classic Caspian

La Chocolaterie de Monaco, a chocolate-maker established in 1920, is renowned for its handcrafted confections, with artisan chocolate boxes making an ideal festive gift.

A perfect pairing with chocolates would be tea, and Le Teashop offers fine teas and related accessories, perfect for tea enthusiasts. It offers over 130 varieties sourced from small producers in China, Japan, India, Taiwan and beyond. Their selection includes classic blends like Earl Grey and unique creations such as the Monaco black tea, inspired by the local fougasse biscuit.

Discover fine teas from around the world at Le Teashop. Photo source: Le Teashop

Spirited Gifts with a Monaco Twist

Monaco’s beverage industry also provides excellent gift options.

Monte Carlo Vermouth, crafted with rose petals from Monaco’s gardens and Moscato d’Asti grapes from Italy, makes a distinctive gift for cocktail lovers.

Meanwhile, Cave de Monaco, a well-known wine and spirits store on the Boulevard des Moulins, offers curated gift sets featuring rare and exclusive labels.

L’Orangerie de Monaco produces a premium bitter orange liqueur, L’Orangerie, crafted from hand-picked local oranges. This liqueur is best enjoyed chilled, over ice, or mixed with Prosecco for a refreshing Monaco Spritz. For gifting, they provide an elegant L’Orangerie Gift Box containing a large bottle.

The L’Orangerie’s bitter orange liqueur is a must-try. Photo source: L’Orangerie de Monaco

Then there’s La Distillerie de Monaco, which sells distinctive spirits reflecting the region’s essence. Their Gin Aux Agrumes is a London dry-style gin distilled with 11 locally sourced botanicals for a vibrant citrus bouquet. Another unique product is Carruba, a liqueur made from the carob fruit, Monaco’s national tree, featuring rich notes of chocolate, coffee and caramel.

For gin enthusiasts, a bottle of Prince Explorer Gin, inspired by Monaco’s maritime heritage, is a perfect choice, especially as a portion of the proceeds go to conservation projects.

Timeless Pieces

Jewellery and accessories are always a timeless option for holiday gifting.

APM Monaco is known for its modern jewellery designs that combine contemporary aesthetics with a touch of Monegasque elegance. The brand offers a range of necklaces, bracelets and earrings that appeal to those seeking stylish yet timeless pieces. This year, Charles Leclerc, Monaco’s very own Formula 1 star, became the face of APM Monaco, perfectly capturing the brand’s Monegasque heritage. For the holiday season, APM Monaco has unveiled its latest collection, Hiver, which includes bold yet elegant designs that are perfect for gifting or adding a festive sparkle to any outfit.

Charlotte B. Jewellery, founded by gemologist Charlotte Barbotin, offers bespoke designs that blend elegance with bold creativity. Christmas gift options include the timeless La Bague Romance (€4,210), the vibrant Explorer Bi-Color Ring (€2,600) and the Passion Ring in rose gold (€1,500).

See more: Behind the brand with Monaco-based jeweller Charlotte Barbotin

For those seeking something more vintage, Monte-Carlo Bijoux, established in 1968, specialises in vintage jewellery, offering a curated selection of unique pieces, each with its history. Their collection includes vintage-inspired designs, appealing to those seeking sophisticated accessories.

In the accessory section, Monoïkos 1297 sells heritage-inspired pieces crafted locally with eco-conscious practices. Gift options include the Les Monuments de la Principauté silk scarf, the Le Cirque pocket square celebrating Monaco’s circus tradition and the Le Jardin Exotique stole, inspired by the Exotic Garden. These items elegantly combine Monaco’s cultural heritage with modern design.

Les Monuments de la Principauté silk scarf from Monoïkos 1297. Photo source: Monoïkos 1297

For something more sportive, Akimba, a Monaco-based brand created by Serena Benedetti Roy, focuses on practical designs for active women. Its standout product, The Fresh Bra, is designed to prevent sweat and deodorant stains. Available exclusively online, this innovative piece combines functionality with simplicity, making it a useful gift option for the holiday season.

Elegant Essentials

For home gifts, the Segraeti Store in the Metropole Shopping Center presents a variety of luxurious home décor items, including linens and decorative accessories.

For a more souvenir-inspired gift, La Boutique du Rocher, established in 1966 by Princess Grace of Monaco, is located in Monaco’s Old Town. The shop offers a variety of handcrafted items, including baby clothing, household linens and decorative pieces, by some 150 different artisans. Proceeds support the Princess Grace Foundation, which aids children’s hospitals and cultural institutions. For holiday gifts, the boutique provides unique, locally made products that reflect Monegasque craftsmanship and heritage.

Read related:

Key dates for Christmas in Monaco: snow globes, Santa and seasonal cheer

 

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Main photo source: Cave de Monaco