A legend says that it is impossible to leave the Paris Fair without having bought at least two or three things. Open since May 1, the famous Porte de Versailles Fair (15th arrondissement) celebrates its 120th anniversary this year. And as in all previous editions, it is teeming with products of all kinds. From jacuzzis to Vietnamese food, shoehorn, vacuum cleaner and glasses clip, it is arguably the most diverse shopping center in the world.
Problem, it is not uncommon to leave with this saver USB key which you only use once or twice before putting it at the bottom of the drawer, or this revolutionary pillow at 200 euros which, in addition, cost you a few sessions at the physiotherapist. So to avoid ruining yourself for nothing, 20 minutes has put together a small selection of gifts to give or to keep for yourself, accessible, and practical or reliable enough not to end up in the back of the cupboard.
Bergs Design: The 3-in-1 bag to deal with all situations
Who has never been tempted to do a last minute errand only to realize that their bag is too small? This has undoubtedly already happened to the creators of Bergs Design who invented a scalable bag. From a simple everyday bag, it is capable of transforming into a real shopping bag simply by unzipping its lower part, revealing a doubled volume. More volume means more weight, so if you want to spare your shoulders from that water pack you just bought, just open the last compartment which hides… wheels! They transform the case into a real shopping cart. Three bag options for 40 euros.
Micro Egg: One egg to cook them all, and in a microwave, master them
Casserole, meurette, soft-boiled, soft-boiled, hard-boiled… There are many ways to cook eggs. But many are sometimes long, difficult and therefore tedious. This is undoubtedly what Régis Guéret said to himself, who proposed the Micro Egg, his “magic egg cup”. Shaped like an egg (obviously), this egg cup allows you to try all types of cooking in a few tens of seconds in the microwave. The secret: the egg cup simply allows the egg to steam using its own humidity. Simple, effective, the demonstration and tasting delight onlookers astounded by the quality and the dozens of minutes saved. Available in multiple colors, it only costs 7 euros and makes cooking methods that are unthinkable for the least skilled of cooks accessible. Bonus: you can even cook something sweet.
The Extra-Ordinary: The woven linen bread bag
Because eggs are good, but with a good slice of fresh bread, it’s even better, the “Extra-ordinary” offer linen bread bags. Why linen? Because it’s the traditional method that keeps bread fresh a little longer. There are different models for baguettes, round breads, sourdough breads, etc. Some have a shoulder strap so you don’t have to hold it by hand when you go to the bakery by bike. Linen is grown in France, woven in Belgium and sewn in Angers. In addition, the bags, from 25 to 45 euros, offer a simple and modern aesthetic.
Neoca: Fed up with the helmet? Take both
Even if the bread bag allows you to keep both hands on the handlebars, it does not exempt the cyclist from wearing a helmet. But for those who are not fans of the “playmobil” style that these safety accessories adorn us with, there is Neoca. This Rennes company offers helmets topped with fabric and a visor which gives them the appearance of a cap. No ambiguity about that, if it is validated by the style police, it is above all certified “secure”. Available in several colors and several sizes, it is also customizable. And for those who would like to give themselves a more maritime look, it also exists in a beanie format. The helmet is sold for 100 euros and the cap for 50 euros, but for the purchase of both handsets, the brand offers a reduction which brings its total price to 120 euros.
Fire Design: stylish without igniting
Usually, we want to hide it, but the fire extinguisher is a precious tool, in your interior, your office or your car… even if it spoils your decor. A problem solved by Fire Design which proposes to make it a stylish accessory. Laughing Cow, Rolling Stones, The Simpsons, with Fire Design, it is possible to transform a fire extinguisher into a personality trait since the company even offers you to draw it as you wish. However, there is no question of compromising on safety since the fire extinguishers meet European standards and are guaranteed for ten years. Also, if used, the company will recharge it for free. Its price (80 euros) even includes a fixing support, reusable packaging, checks and return to the workshop. What more ?
Ears 360: The Q-Tip Killer
If you’re worried about not hearing the fire alarm, it’s time to take care of your ear hygiene. The cotton swab? Polluting and often harmful. The little finger ? Socially difficult and ineffective. Better to opt for the Ears 360. This silicone utensil allows you to clean your ears efficiently and flexibly. Thanks to its design, it inserts gently into the ear canal, and with a simple rotation (ah, that’s why the 360!), it delicately removes the earwax that was occupying the place. Proof of its effectiveness? It won the gold medal in the Lépine competition in 2021 and has been tested and approved by the ENT Union. It is available for 19.90 euros on the brand’s stand and online.
Lizia: Read with just one finger
Here is a tool that solves three existential problems of the reader: Numbness of the forearms from holding the book. The sighs of the +1 under the sheets complaining about the light. And the lost page after an evening of reading. Indeed, in a single object, Lizia suggests holding your book in one hand without the pages closing, while illuminating them, and it can be used as a bookmark once you have finished reading. Recharged by USB, this object will undoubtedly find its place on any large reader’s nightstand. Offered online at 24.95 euros, it is available for 22 euros on the brand’s stand at the Paris Fair.
Blink book: Transform your coloring pages into cartoons
Who has never dreamed of seeing their favorite coloring pages come to life? It is now possible with Blink book. Thanks to a free application, you can now scan your coloring pages to transform them into a pre-recorded or invented story, since it is possible to record your own voice. With a little digging, you can even embed your own selfies to further personalize your animations. From 20 to 22 euros.
MagPad: The unconnected tablet
In an increasingly connected world, it is important to know how to unplug. For kids, MagPad offers a magnetic drawing tablet. No Internet, selfie or social networks, just hundreds of marbles and a magnet pen that allows you to draw shapes or write as you wish without ever running out of battery. Enough to find creativity with ease, and for a price of between 25 and 30 euros.
Saint-Nectaire sausage
Or the feijoada from Brazil, or the Pho Cuon from Vietnam, or the complete pancake from Brittany… The best way to spend without wasting is still to eat on site. A good meal brings as much pleasure as an impulsive purchase but at least it is sure not to end up in the cupboard (6.90 euros).