Whether the occasion is a birthday, an anniversary gift or souvenirs for loved ones back home, I often find myself wondering “What should I buy for my friend?” So I’ve compiled a list below of gifts for adults, teenagers and kids.
For women, going with something classic and elegant, like a purse or wallet. Pearls are also good, as they’re elegant and can be worn daily. Yashow Market sells pearl earrings, necklaces and bracelets on the fourth floor. Bargain hard and pay no more than RMB 50. Also, be aware that they may not be real. Bone up on your skills differentiating real from fake pearls beforehand. Read about some tests here. Silk Market has pearls too, but the storekeepers tend to be more aggressive and less lenient about prices.
Perfume also makes a great gift and Sephora has a wide selection and offers nicely wrapped gift packages. When selecting perfume, remember that choosing a scent for someone is very personal. Sasa also carries perfume, often at a lower price.
For adult men, functional gifts that can be used daily are best, such as a watch, briefcase or even laptop case. Or consider a tie – something every man needs. These can also be found at Yashow Market for around RMB 35.
For teenagers, the best gift is either a CD or money. For girls, an alternative is accessories. Personally, I like Twice, which sells hats, necklaces, bracelets, rings, purses, scarves, and almost everything a girl needs! While clothes are a popular gift for girls, I wouldn’t recommend it – unless you’re certain it’s something she’ll like. For the younger set, a dollhouse, doll, or diary with a lock are good options. Look for them at Yashow Market or Hongqiao Market. Pinnacle Plaza also has a store that sells a variety of board games, and a variety of that are appropriate for elementary students. Here you’ll also find great gifts for boys, such as toy trucks and cars along with interesting, educational board games. For teenage boys, electronics appeal to them the most. Opt for video games to go with their Xbox 360 or Wii. These games are available in the markets, but be sure its compatible with his game console.
Other locales that may have the perfect gift include Amazon.cn (they have English books, but you do have to navigate the Chinese language website) and the Chinese Ebay, Taobao.com (also in Chinese).
And two stores worth perusing are Page One for books and Emu, which sells unique items, like a Lego digital camera and big telephone headphones.
Happy shopping!
