Local Hong Kong Gifts for Foreign Friends
Babette Radclyffe – The Fabulous Fashionista
After stocking up on Hong Kong’s signature souvenirs to send back home, where do you go to find a more elusive and stylish gift? We highlight our top picks for local Hong Kong gifts with a twist.
Goods of Desire
Image courtesy of Good of Desire
A must-see store for any Hong Kong tourist, Goods of Desire, AKA G.O.D is also a perfect place to pick up local gifts at wallet-friendly prices. For nearly 20 years, G.O.D. has been adding a humorous and quirky edge to apparel, accessories and housewares. The local brand frequently takes 1960s everyday classic local graphics and adds a contemporary touch such as newspaper print bedding and neon signage photo frames. Constantly playing on double entendre that reference cheeky Cantonese curse words, G.O.D’s graphic tees, tea towels and even boxer shorts, make great gifts for witty friends. After checking out the Hollywood Road store, go grab a refreshing Starbucks coffee in Central at the G.O.D. collaboration outlet that resembles a 1960s Hong Kong bing sutt (snack house).
Shanghai Tang
Image Courtesy of Shanghai Tang
For 20 years Shanghai Tang has been the go-to destination for sending stylish wares to overseas friends. Founded by the larger than life and iconic local Sir David Tang, Shanghai Tang offers clothing for the whole family as well as an aesthetically pleasing assortment of homewares and accessories. The Hong Kong flagship store on Duddell Street spans three fashionable floors and is topped off with cultural hub and restaurant Duddell’s on the top floor – perfect to try some reinvented dimsum or a cocktail after burning the credit card downstairs. Whether it’s a classic Chinese cheongsam, glistening jade jewellery or ginger lily scented candles, there’s something for everyone here.
Tang Tang Tang Tang
Image Courtesy of Tang Tang Tang Tang
Another much-welcomed Hong Kong hotspot from Sir David Tang is his newest lifestyle label, Tang Tang Tang Tang. Named after the famous notes of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, Tang Tang Tang Tang is a stunning store located in Wan Chai home to a wide array of tasteful and fun products. The store stocks classic Hong Kong homewares with a stylish update such as sleek silver and yellow rice cookers. Everything in store is available to purchase, from the one-off antique housewares from Sir David’s personal collection to even the silver roast duck chopstick rests – so shop away to your heart’s content.
So when looking for a gift that screams stylish rather than tacky tourist, check out our top picks for retro inspired and sleek Chinese wares.
Fashion and lifestyle journalist Babette Radclyffe-Thomas is based in the concrete jungle of creativity, Hong Kong. Having spent her formative teenage years in Hong Kong, after a MA in Fashion Journalism from the London College of Fashion, the city’s charms lured her back and she has made it her mission to discover the latest creative hotspots and trend setters.