🇭🇰 WHERE TO BUY HONG KONG-THEMED GIFTS FOR ADULTS…
…IF WE HAVEN’T GOT WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR! 😜
I have either bought these things for myself or others, have had them bought for me, or have them on my wishlist for Christmas- and upcoming birthday (friends and husband take note!).
HOMEWARE
Was there ever a more gorgeous addition to your home than the heavenly limited-edition lamps from Ginger Jar Lamp Company? I virtually moved house ONLY to be able to have enough room to fit one on either side of my bed. I have the vintage Fat Lady base and my husband has the Warrior (eye roll please) but we do at least have matching divine mustard-coloured Ikat shades. I’ve chipped in for a friend as a housewarming gift, for a buddy’s 40th, and a pair of their signature Double Happiness lamps for a wedding- what a special gift to be treasured for a lifetime! They’ve just today launched a mix and match tool on their website so I will no doubt be losing hours of my life to that! Get on their IG account for unadulterated home decor design porn.
I’m absolutely mad about tea towels… everyone needs them, right? I would actually love to make them at The Lion Rock Press if it wasn’t for the fact that other people have done such a brilliant job already! My favourites are from ByMamaLaterre (HK postboxes), eco-friendly Paper Roses (Dumplings), Zest of Asia (Chinese Thermos Flasks), Liz Fry Design (High Rise which is also a wicked cushion cover) and Pinyin Press (Noodles and Chicken Feet). Pinyin Press also do brilliant Lucky Cat oven gloves– I’ve got one red and one blue! I am constantly buying tea towels for hostess gifts, and they’re great because they’re completely ageless… you need them whether you’re 28 or 88! I can’t seem to leave Thorn & Burrow (fave shop for gifts in Sai Ying Pun AND stockist of myriad HK-themed gifts including LRP) without another of the wretched things! I’m addicted!
JEWELLERY
There was a time when every male in my life connected with the 852 got a pair of cufflinks for their birthdays. There’s something about those gorgeous frilly Elizabeth II twenty cent coins from Patinova that I just could not resist, but I’m actually recently favouring their Qing Dynasty styles- check out their Longevity Cufflinks. I’m a long-term fan of Carey Ip at Dee Gogh too- SO creative and can be made completely custom with the year of their birth or to mark a wedding year, for example. Everyone who wears them say what a great talking point they are- especially for old HK friends and family who are now living overseas. Perfect leavers gifts too.
I wear my Simon Robin Hong Kong Heartbeat necklace almost every day- it goes with pretty much everything. My bestie bought it for me at a fair knowing I’d love it, but selflessly passed it to my hubby for him to give it to me as an anniversary gift. Clearly I smelt a rat straight away! Ha! Since then, I’ve bought several of them for friends and they all love them- the rose gold version is on my Christmas list!
Another of my obsessions is old Chinese doors, so I was thrilled to see China ABCs incredible collage of them which I have been coveting this year- I need to make some wall space for that beauty or her “Natural Circles” collage. I must say though, if I was leaving HK, I would for sure ask my buddies for “TEAM YATES” in her Alphabet Art to have in my kitchen- I know it would make me smile every time I looked at it.
Another lovely addition would be one of the collages from Nitty Gritty Images. I love the pink and rose gold one featuring ginger from the wet market and nostalgic vintage floor tiles.
I’m a sucker for “daan tarts” and Tai O… so this piece from Wander With Nicole would be the perfect addition to my much-admired guest bathroom collection! Check out her Dim Sum 3D frame too- delightful!
I bought this print from Ciaolink from the Conrad Fair a couple of years ago and it hangs in my bathroom. I look at it closely every day without fail because I just adore it and, coming from a family besotted by paper, I’m crazy about the Japanese “Pachika” it’s printed on. It shows the steps between Bridges Street and Man Mo Temple from Hollywood Road- which is my daily commute- and I am constantly inspired by that area. I know I will treasure it forever, so I recently bought their Percival Street one to hang next to it.
Do you love maps? I do. I found this cool little shop in Sheung Wan called Tiny Island Maps near my office and they make the most awesome presents! The prints are 70x50cm (13 districts to choose from including Happy Valley and and Discovery Bay) and if you order online you also get free delivery. Paired with a good-old Ikea frame in black or natural wood, they are a cracking, reasonably priced gift. Check them out!
I cannot be the only one obsessed with King & Country. Founded in the early 80s by two Scottish expats, their solid metal miniatures are a guaranteed winner in the gift stakes. Of course my favourites are their best-selling range “Streets of Old Hong Kong”- a colourful and dynamic series of Chinese figurines and buildings depicting street life in-turn-of-the century Colonial Hong Kong. Go and take a look- you’ll be spoilt for choice!
If you’re still reading, THANK YOU for taking the time to hopefully learn about some local independent companies who rely on your patronage- especially during these uncertain times. We have SO much talent, and SO many passionate and creative people right here on our doorstep- let’s show them our support!
