Beijing Gift Ideas for the Holiday Season

Heading home for the holidays? Don't make that rookie expat mistake and fill your bag with Silk Market fakes, Chinese tchotkes, and counterfeit DVDs. Of course it’s not the gift that matters, it’s the thought that goes into it. Here’s a list of thoughtful gifts that can be purchased locally for everyone on your list.

Traditional
Beijing’s a city full of history, but finding the right “traditional” Chinese gift can be difficult. While shanshui paintings, calligraphy, and chopstick sets may be appreciated, there are other ways to go that move away from kitschy.

Beijing’s traditional cloth shoes from Neiliansheng (34 Dazhalan Jie, Xuanwu) would make unique slippers for around the house and even short jaunts out (without the old man/woman connotations they have here). While custom-made clothes are too risky, silk pajamas or a scarf from Ruifuxiang are a good way to go. If you go to their Wangfujing shop, you can also check out nearby Sheng xi fu for a cool hat for hipster friends or a warming winter lid for that hat loving uncle. For your little cousins, Bannerman Tang’s (38 Guozijian Jie, Dongcheng) unique crafts and toys are sure to bring a smile to their faces.

Women
Intimates or pajamas from Victoria's Secret will be on many lists, but get them something they can't get at home from Bla Bla Bra (The Village Sanlitun, lower level). Nearby, Nicolas Favard's handmade jewelry is sure to make that special someone's heart beat a little faster. For younger cousins or the young at heart, check out the cute (and über cheap) offerings from Fengguo Box, and while you're there, grab some Cultural Revolution stickers or Obam-mao items for your politically minded friends or relatives.

Men
Men tend not to accessorize well, so Christmas allows the chance for a woman’s influence. A colorful cashmere scarf from Woo (110-1 Nanluoguxiang) is sure to please anyone on your list and prices start at only a few hundred kuai. Plus, pick up a silk scarf for your mother or sister while there. Plastered and The Thing (Joy City, 131 Xidan Beidajie, Xicheng; and Sanlitun Village) offer unique Beijing/China-centric tees and tops for the guys on your list. Nanluogu Xiang is generally a great place to shop, but check out Bye Bye Disco for retro or retro inspired clothes and other items appropriate for hipster boys on your list.

Sports Fanatics
Have a sports fan in your life? A Beijing Guoan football scarf or jersey isn’t something you’ll find at home and is sure to be appreciated. For basketball fans, head to Nike's store at Wangfujing or Xidan or Adidas at Sanlitun for China-only or limited edition sneakers that have people lining up back home, but are easily purchased here. An alternative would be gear from Li Ning, allowing them to brag that they were the first to sport it when the brand goes global.

Food & Drink
Have a foodie on your list? If they're in Beijing, Black Sesame or the Hutong cooking lessons will do the trick. If you're thinking about someone back home, don't bring a dehydrated duck in a bag. Instead think of unique China only items. Starbucks South of the Clouds coffee or any of Shangri-la's blends are a good choice for those who start their morning with a cup of joe. A tea set and some quality tea from Maliandao will satisfy tea drinkers.

For something stronger, a bottle of Grace Vineyards (16 Xilou Hutong, Dongcheng) - especially their Deep Blue - will earn you big thanks from oenophile friends or family and win over those skeptical about Chinese wines. And for those who’ve been naughty instead of nice, replace the traditional pieces of coal in their stockings with a bottle of erguotou.

Artistic Types
If you’re the type to hang out at 798 all the time or head to shows every weekend (or you’re buying for friends/relatives who are that way), here are some ideas. For art lovers, expand their knowledge by dropping by Timezone 8 and picking up a Chinese art book. While you’re there you can drop by the gift shop at Ullens Center and browse the unique items on offer. Think Mom’s going to be running around too much during the holidays and needs to relax? Or maybe you need to simmer down a hotheaded relative? Pick up an FM3 Buddha Machine, a great relaxation tool.

If you want to give an art gift, but don’t have artistic talent, head to Panjiayuan with a family photo and have it reproduced. If you’re a shutterbug, head online or to one of the many Kodak shops around the city and have a photo book of your Beijing images printed for your relatives.

No matter what holiday you celebrate or where you’ll be, here’s wishing everyone a happy holidays.