Gift shopping suggestions
What are some good gift ideas to bring back for family based on shopping opportunities along this tour?
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What are some good gift ideas to bring back for family based on shopping opportunities along this tour?
Comments
There are endless good quality choices, I don’t know where to start…. Pottery, paper, laquerware, yukatas, art, Kokeshi dolls, handkerchiefs……
We stopped at a family owned knife making shop with demonstration and brought back chef knives for the adult children. They had beautiful Sake' gift sets as well. There are many unique snacks and candies we also brought back along with Kirby and Nintendo stuffed plush toys. Hope that gives you a few ideas.
You can't go wrong shopping in Japan. It just depends what you are looking for. I have cotton yukatas that I purchased in a department store and not at the outdoor market stalls. The floral patterns are beautiful and I also have one with cranes. The lacquerware is beautiful too. My suitcase wasn't big enough to bring back what I wanted to purchase.
I bought a number of things in Japan but the ones I've used the most are small bowls, probably intended for miso soup, and maybe rice bowls. I like the way they're decorated in the glaze, and they're the right size for certain things I serve. I realize taking ceramic bowls back in your luggage is risky but that's how I got them home. It's been a lot of years and I've broken several using them since then.
Here's a picture of some of the small bowls. Most were a set of 5 - I only put one in the picture (odd numbers are considered lucky in Japan, and four is unlucky.)
I have yukatas and never wear them. Others may find them useful.
I love Japanese pottery. The good thing is that there are places in the US that you can find them too. I brought back as many as I could.
Shopping in the big department stores in Japan is an interesting experience. Lots of interesting things and the service is excellent. After you purchase they wrap up the goods in a very attractive package (they don't just put stuff in a bag). Even if you're not into shopping, go purchase something at a large department store just for the experience.
I bought a beautiful eye glass case and you are right Mike, the packaging was so nice I didn't open it for a while.
Mike, the department store experience was indeed excellent. Don’t bother trying clothes on, the Japanese people are more petite than we are. Look at the ceramics, art, etc. everything is very orderly. There is also a desk to assist foreign travelers with the VAT if spending over a certain amount.
Yes, a Japanese friend (woman) came to visit me and went shopping at a big, well known shopping center in this area (South Coast Plaza - she had heard of it in Japan). In American sizes, she wore size zero. But we have a big Asian population here so they actually had clothes in her size.
Another fun and small item in the ceramics category are chopstick rests. They come in loads of designs.
Thanks everyone for your helpful info!