With Christmas just around the corner, the last minute scramble to find the right gifts for everyone in the family can be as stressful as the day itself. Use our handy guide to find the smaller items that can often go forgotten, but not unnoticed. Almost all of these stocking stuffer gift ideas can be sourced in Beijing-based store or near the center of the city, though a few of our recommendations are from Taobao. If you’re unfamiliar with how to use Taobao, there’s a guide here to help you get started, or try out these services to outsource the help.
Little ones
Socks:
Sure, this gift’s practicality may be lost on the kid, but in these cold winter months, who’s complaining? They’ll just be happy their toes aren’t frozen!
Price: RMB 59 at UNIQLO
Practice Chopsticks:
Start practicing this essential skill, and have some fun at the same time!
Price: RMB 45 on Taobao
PJ & Bib set:
It’s never too early to get into the Christmas spirit!
Price: 119 RMB at Zara
Books:
Why not treat your little one to the gift of knowledge?
We especially love the Ladybird’s I’m Ready…series. The I’m Ready… to Explore My World book features information about China!
Price: Approximately RMB 60 at a range of foreign language bookstores in Beijing, including the Wangfujing Xinhua Bookstore.
Teens, Tweens, and In-betweens:
Knits:
Stay warm and look good doing it.
Price: RMB 89 for the scarf, RMB 89 for the mittens, RMB 79 for the beanie, at Zara.
Purses:
Accessories from brand Kiitos has got everything the kids need to head back to school for the new semester.
Price: RMB 68 and 138 on Taobao.
The Gift of Chinese culture:
Give the kids a gentle nudge to practice their Chinese this holiday season! New Penguin’s Parallel Text series features classic Chinese short stories in English with the Mandarin on the other side. For older readers, we also recommend Mao’s Last Dancer, a true story of Li Cunxin, a poor peasant boy who grew to become a famous ballet dancer during the Cultural Revolution.
Price: Approximately RMB 70 and 80 at Wangfujing Xinhua Bookstore.
Something Sweet:
We wouldn’t advise stuffing these in a stocking but what could be better than soft, creamy cupcakes delivered right to your door? We can answer that one for you: not much. There are a range of options at your fingertips. We recommend the Lollipop Bakery for both taste and reliability.
Price: RMB 250 for a mix of a dozen chocolate, vanilla and red velvet
Fiddly bits and space fillers:
Finally we have Miniso; the one stop place for all your kids’ day to day needs, from stationary, to toiletries, to mid-range electronic goods. We love you, Miniso.
Price: from RMB 15 – 40.
