Jing-ify Your Christmas: 15 Beijing Gift Ideas for Stocking Stuffing
Merry Christmas, you filthy animals. Well, almost. Nevertheless, no matter how "just around the corner" it is, 'tis the season of gift-giving. Your friends who are your chosen family, your actual relatives, your boo, your Secret Santa: What in the ever-loving ‘Jing are you going to get them for Christmas?
Here’s the perfect gift guide! Shop small and 100 percent made in Beijing, right here.
1. Nugget
Beijing-based music label and creative DIY studio nugget records is offering a uniquely cool holiday gift pack: the ultimate nugget “Happy Meal.” Priced at RMB 186, it contains two cassette tapes, one nugget beanie, one nugget zine, one limited edition “Happy Meal” sticker pack, one nugget badge, and one limited edition “Happy Meal” postcard. Hear it from Queen Baozi – nugget's iconic mascot – herself: “You can’t 外卖 wàimài this kind of happiness!”
2. Grateful Veg
Robert and Haley launched Grateful Veg to veganize the world, one bite at a time. Their swoon-worthy menu features hummus, pesto, salsa, hot sauce, chocolates, cookies, and brownie cookies – aka brookies. All of their products are 100 percent vegan and they strive to use recycled glass, paper, and cardboard for all containers. Contact them on WeChat using IDs rjfry1987 or HaleyCrane.
3. Kiyani
Miranda Mullett has vowed to save 100,000 plastic bottles from entering our landfills by ditching single-use plastic and providing eco-friendly, plant-based products that are also biodegradable. Her brand Kiyani is a must for items such as skincare, soap berries, candles, lip balm, natural deodorants, and shampoo. From the flora to you — that’s what Kiyani is all about. (WeChat ID: Mirandamullett)
4. FeedHer
Taz and Jamie are the yumtastic FeedHer duo! Their homemade meal kits will have you cooking everything from convenient curries, biryani rice, vegan mac and cheese, pakoras... Too lazy? Then simply indulge in their delicious ready-made snacks like marinated olives. They also have lovely scented candles and customizable fridge magnets. Add their WeChat ID foodfromscratch to get a Christmas gift pack.
5. Kuang’s Pottery
Kuang, of "Beijing Lights" fame, is an experienced potter operating from her quiet studio near Lama Temple. You could shop her one-of-a-kind pieces, or sign up for one of her workshops. Kuang’s passion for pottery stems from her college days in Jingdezhen, the capital of Chinese porcelain. Join her to regain some appreciation for daily life aesthetics. (WeChat ID: MelodyPan0316)
6. FEIsLINOCUT
FEIsLINOCUT is a one-woman print studio located in Dongcheng District, producing small-batch, high quality hand-printed cards and prints. FEI also runs a weekend blockprint workshop. Seats are limited, so why not book with friends and enjoy 10 percent off? Enjoy tons of crafty fun that you can take home after. (WeChat ID: israelipalmist)
7. INSIDEOUT Workshops
Annette Golden is artfully guiding the INSIDEOUT monthly Sunday workshop series, focused on intuitive painting as a tool to discover your creative self through artistic exploration. Workshops avoid waste by recycling materials, setting you up for self-growth — learn more via WeChat (AfromtheW).
8. Button Bakes
Katie Coy’s brand Button Bakes will tempt you with their range of traditional English pastries: cakes, tarts, quiche, brownies, biscuits and scones, oh my! Also, just in time for Christmas she’ll be whipping up fruit mince pies, shortbread, and chocolate tiffin. Contact her on WeChat: khcoy1.
9. HuTong’er Pie
As easy as pie! HuTong’r Pie is a small team lovingly serving the city sweet and savory pies: pecan, turkey, keylime... Their brand name honors their location and the city's history all while keeping a chill profile. Contact them via phone (13001198860) or through WeChat at Hutongerpie2017.
10. Beijing Postcards
Beijing Postcards is a company specializing in historical souvenirs and weekly walking tours. All the visuals on the gift items are from Beijing Postcards’ own archive collection. Check out their WeChat (ID: beijingpostcards) for upcoming public walking tours and to shop their online store.
11. Caicifang Porcelain
Caicifang (采瓷坊) is salvaging precious shards of historic porcelain to use in their tasteful contemporary jewelry and other pieces, featuring collaborations with museums since 2007. Head over to 35 Yangmeizhuxie Byway and take home a piece of ancient Chinese history you can wear or display. Open daily, 10.30am to 6.30pm, tele: 63135597
12. Velveteen's Secret Potions (VSP)
Velveteen's Secret Potions – aka VSP – delivers customized potions hand-crafted to turn your daily body care into a multi-sensorial, velvety experience. They’ve got seasonal gift packs and even gift certificates, perfect for every need. Visit them at their 143-1 Dongsishitiao showroom or via WeChat (13439735306).
13. Májiàng (麻酱儿)
Májiàng is a knitwear brand aspiring to offer timeless heirloom pieces that will brighten your closet and life. They are firm believers in slow fashion, developing a unique brand identity with affordable, high-quality materials such as cashmere, silk, linen, cotton and yak, all replete with exquisite details. Vibe with their fashion philosophy via WeChat: themajiang.
14. The Hutong
Nestled in the heart of the Dongcheng hutongs near Beixinqiao, The Hutong offers a variety of spice sets, cooking classes, accessories, and guided tours designed to immerse guests in their China stay. While their classes cover all of Chinese cuisine, a few focus on Beijing specifically, like Jianbing Making and an upcoming Tastes of Beijing class on Dec 17. Follow The Hutong on WeChat to find out more (TheHutongBeijing).
15. Peking Pugs
Kids’ gifts are covered with Scottish educator and author Janice Stewart-Yates and her lovely Peking Pugs, a tale inspired by her pups Toby and Princess and the separation they experienced during the initial coronavirus outbreak. This pug-tastic adventure was illustrated by mother-daughter artist duo Nataliya and Nina Vota with Chinese-style watercolors. Companion stuffed toys are also available. You can reach Janice via WeChat at janouski.
READ: More Shindigs & Deals to Ring in Christmas
Images courtesy of the venues and makers
