Image credit: G.O.D.Souvenirs are the best way to tell your loved ones that they were in your thoughts while you were away. You may have been too busy filling your tummy with exquisite local fare but they don’t have to know that. Spare your friends and family the trouble of giving fake smiles and forced thanks with this guide to 10 Hong Kong souvenirs that are way better than a fridge magnet.
Image credit: Asian Art MuseumCheongsam, or Chinese traditional dress, emerged in Hong Kong in the 1920s. This is a great souvenir for ladies because while it does boast Chinese culture, it is an elegant, stylish piece of clothing that can be worn on different occasions. It doesn’t hurt either that the cheongsam’s cut is figure-flattering, too.
Its male counterpart, the changshan, might be a little too costumey to wear on most days, but its modern version, the mao suit, is a lot more casual yet is still of historical significance.
BEST GIFTS FOR: Your friends and family that are equal parts fashionista and culture geek
PORTABLE LEVEL: Easy to manage
PRICE RANGE: 350 to 450 HKD ($45 – $58)
WHERE TO BUY:
Chinese art has always been deemed to be of high aesthetic value because of the distinct intricacy of its pattern and design. What makes Chinese art stand out is that it has shown relentless continuity across several eras.
A piece of Chinese art is always a welcome addition to any home, especially to an art collector’s home.
Pieces of Chinese art that you can get in Hong Kong come in different forms, including painting, sculpture, porcelain, and pottery. Keep an eye out for vintage Chinese art at flea markets – perfect souvenir for that one friend who is always difficult to shop for.
BEST GIFTS FOR: Artsy friends and co-workers
PORTABLE LEVEL: Hard to manage
PRICING: From 30 HKD ($4)
WHERE TO BUY:
Image credit: Agnes LeungGiven the long history of Chinese art and culture, oriental antiques are a hugely sought-after souvenir item in Hong Kong. Hong Kong markets are a treasure trove of Chinese antiques and whether authentic or replica, they still make for cool mementos to bring back home.
One area in Hong Kong, Upper Lascar Row, is an antique collector’s playground. It is a 200-meter street that is lined with antique stores selling coins, jade artifacts, historical toys, and other items. What’s great about shopping on Upper Lascar Row is that antiques come really cheap although there are also a few stores that sell “legit” antiques – those that cost an arm and a leg.
BEST GIFTS FOR: Your difficult-to-impress bosses and in-laws; friends and co-workers who are collectors
PORTABLE LEVEL: From easy to hard to manage
PRICING: From 15 HKD ($2)
WHERE TO BUY:
Image credit: G.O.D.Goods of Desire has become a cult favorite among frequent Hong Kong travelers for the tongue-in-cheek humor that is added to traditional Chinese items. Make sure to not be in a rush when you enter G.O.D. as it is a treasure chest of cool kitsch you can bring home to your loved ones and keep for yourself.
The assortment of products includes travel items, clothes, bags, gift products, and stationery. Silk ties with vibrant colors and funky prints? Check! Hong Kong pop-culture patches? Check! “I Love HK” memorabilia? They have tons!
BEST GIFTS FOR: Young-ish friends and colleagues, and teenage children
PORTABLE LEVEL: Easy to manage
PRICE RANGE: 50 to 350 HKD ($7 – $45)
WHERE TO BUY:
Image credit: Kee Wah BakeryFood as souvenir is always a smart choice to bring home to loved ones because it’s practically impossible to find someone who doesn’t appreciate edible goodies. In Hong Kong, tourists are spoiled for choice when it comes to food souvenirs, with a wide array of sweet and savory snacks to drool over.
Examples of classic Hong Kong snacks are egg rolls (sweet and flaky egg roll biscuits), pineapple shortcake (comes in different flavors such as walnut, yolk, mango, and honeydew; and usually packed in pretty gift boxes), Pretz shark’s fin flavor, dragon’s beard candy (Chinese cotton candy made of peanut, sesame, and sugar taffy), and Ma Jai (rice krispies with fried batter).
BEST GIFTS FOR: Practically everyone
PORTABLE LEVEL: Easy to manage
PRICE RANGE: 15 to 80 HKD ($2 – $11)
WHERE TO BUY:
Image credit: MingchaThe Chineses love their tea, and they actually make a good job of it. Tea is the second most consumed drink across the globe because of its calming properties and unprecedented health benefits. It is packed with antioxidants, stimulates weight loss, soothes the digestive system, and boosts the immune system.
Chinese tea in Hong Kong comes in an array of flavors; most popular of which are green tea, black tea, oolong, white tea, and pu’er tea (fermented tea). For people back home that you really like, you might consider buying a dainty Chinese tea set to complete your tea souvenir.
BEST GIFTS FOR: Friends, co-workers, and family who don’t drink coffee but take tea, my dear
PORTABLE LEVEL: Easy to manage
PRICE RANGE: 25 to 150 HKD ($4 – $20)
WHERE TO BUY:
When it comes to porcelain products in Hong Kong, blue-and-white wares are still the most sought-after. The art of decorating porcelain in blue and white goes as far back as the 9th century and it is a tradition that is still alive among ceramic artists.
Porcelain products can be bought cheap in Hong Kong markets but if you’re looking to buy really fine stuff with intricate hand-painted details, it will be a good idea to check out established ceramic stores. Logically, these will be more expensive but are definitely worth the money especially if you’re gifting it to a die-hard china collector.
BEST GIFTS FOR: Mother, aunt, and anyone who loves dainty things
PORTABLE LEVEL: Hard to manage
PRICE RANGE: 15 to 60 HKD ($2 – $8)
WHERE TO BUY:
Image credit: Charles ChanIn Chinese culture, jade symbolizes beauty and purity and is believed to bring good health, fortune, and prosperity. This is why jade is a big deal in Hong Kong, so much so that there’s a whole business dedicated to this gemstone.
The jade that you will find in Hong Kong comes in different colors and forms such as jewelry, lucky charms, and figurines. You will also find synthetic (fake) and real jade. If you’re looking to get real and expensive jade, it’s best to hire a professional.
BEST GIFTS FOR: Friends and family who are into feng shui
PORTABLE LEVEL: Moderate-hard to manage
PRICE RANGE: 10 to 100 HKD ($1.30 – $13) for trinkets and figurines
WHERE TO BUY:
Image credit: On Kee Dried SeafoodDrying seafood is an age-old Chinese tradition. Dried seafood is made by drying out seafood under the sun. This process not only preserves food without the aid of refrigeration but also intensifies its flavor, nutrients, and texture.
The assortment of dried seafood in Hong Kong is as rich as the South China Sea. You can find abalone, oysters, scallop, sea cucumber, squid, and many different kinds of fish. No idea how to cook dried seafood? They are excellent braised, in soup and stir-fry, and as congee toppings.
BEST GIFTS FOR: Foodie friends, co-workers and family
PORTABLE LEVEL: Moderate-hard to manage
PRICE RANGE: 70 to 200 HKD ($9 – $26)
WHERE TO BUY:
Image credit: krisontanName seals are very much part of Chinese history and a trendy memento at the same time. The use of name seals, or chops as it was historically called, traces its origins to 1600 B.C. under the rule of the Shang Dynasty. This tradition carried on over the centuries and name seals are as legally legitimate as conventional name signature.
Customized name seals (with the receivers’ name translated into Chinese) are a brilliant souvenir to bring home to your loved ones because 1) they’re made of cool materials like soapstone, jade, marble, wood, ivory, plastic, and an assortment of metals; 2) they’re of cultural significance; and 3) they’re personalized and people appreciate souvenirs with a personal touch.
BEST GIFTS FOR: Anyone and everyone (especially the teenagers)
PORTABLE LEVEL: Easy to manage
PRICING: From 50 HKD ($6.43)
WHERE TO BUY:
